Page 46 of Losing Lizzy
She glanced back to where the upper storeys of Rosings Park could be viewed over the tree tops. “It shall all feel odd,” she admitted. “All I have ever known—”
“Fitzwilliam and I will protect you.”
“Do you think I might have an allowance also, Darcy? I would enjoy making a purchase that does not require my mother’s prior permission.”
He caught her to him for a quick embrace. “We will set up a proper allowance when we meet your new men of business, who will aid in your transition to heiress.”
“As long as Georgiana permits me to hold her son, I shall be happy. Her ladyship always thought I was too frail to be around children.”
Darcy swallowed his sigh of resignation: His cousin would have a long road ahead, one where she would finally experience a life of normalcy. “Until this evening then.” He turned to assist Elizabeth into his coach, and Sheffield lifted Lizzy Anne inside.
“If you hold no objections, I believe I will return to Brighton, sir,” his former servant said with customary decorum.
“Absolutely not,” Elizabeth declared before Darcy could open his mouth to express the same sentiments. “We began this journey together. William has promised me that we would be to Hertfordshire tomorrow. I want my whole family to have your acquaintance. They owe you so much. Neither Lizzy nor I would have survived without you.”
Sheffield shrugged in obvious defeat. “I have never had a female purposely make me feel guilty with as much skill and excellence as you, Elizabeth. You should beware of her arts, sir.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Trust me, I learned from the best. You will understand when you take Mrs. Bennet’s acquaintance.”
“Very well,” Sheffield said. “I suppose it would be pleasant to speak to Mrs. Guthrie and the others again.”
“William,” Elizabeth pointed her finger at first him and then at Sheffield, “do not permit Albert to sleep in the servants’ quarters. Both of you hear what I say.”
“Yes, Elizabeth,” he and Sheffield said together.
“I am warning you, Albert Sheffield, I will drag you from the servants’ quarters by the lobe of your ear and deposit you in a proper room if you do not follow my request. I will not relent on this matter.”
Sheffield nodded his understanding and stepped back to permit Darcy to climb into his coach. When Jasper closed the door and climbed up on the box, Darcy said with a grin, “You were very forceful, Mrs. Darcy.”
“Why you call Mama Bisses Barcy?” Lizzy Anne asked.
Darcy lifted the child to his lap. “Because our last name isDarcy. You are Elizabeth Anne Rachel Darcy.” He had learned his child’s full name when he had viewed her baptismal records.
His child looked to Elizabeth for confirmation. “Your papais correct. We are Darcys.”
Lizzy frowned, but she did not dwell long on the idea. Instead she asked, “You have castle bigger than that one?” She pointed to Rosings Park, which grew smaller as they departed the main road of the estate. His daughter craned her neck for one last look at the manor house.
“Ask your mama,” he suggested.
“Your papa has one of the largest and finest houses in all of England,” Elizabeth said with a smile.
“Bigger than the King?” Lizzy asked in awe.
Darcy laughed, “Not quite that large, but large enough for you to have plenty of places to play.” He adjusted his hold on her. “We are going to our house in London. The King also lives in London, but not in our house.”
“We see baby?” she asked.
“Yes, you will see your new cousin,” he responded with a grin.
Lizzy told Elizabeth. “Baby’s a boy.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “You have told her of the Fitzwilliams’ son.”
“The child is her cousin,” he said with a smile. “Lizzy will have a family.”
“I like famee,” his daughter concurred. She yawned loudly.
“Papa will hold you,” he said softly. “You nap, and soon we will be at Darcy House.”
