The Heir and Spare (Jane Austen Adaptations)

25. Arthur

Chapter 25

Arthur

A rthur paced in frustration outside Elizabeth’s room.

The doctor had come and gone, and all he’d heard was that she was fine. She would be fine. She just needed rest. He would have to wait before she was able to receive visitors. They were about to give her some laudanum for some much-needed sleep.

All her sisters were in there right now, saying goodnight. His sister was in there. The maids were in there. His housekeeper too, even the dog had been given entrance. All except for Darcy were with Elizabeth.

He paced again.

Fitz came around the corner. “Banned from the room?”

“Abominably.”

“Brother. Since when are you commanded about by a bunch of servants?”

“Since…now.” He stood taller. “You are most correct, Fitz. I think it is high time I exerted my position in this house.”

“Absolutely.”

They stood together a moment, Fitz watching Arthur with narrowed eyes. “You love her?”

“I do.”

“I don’t. I could have, mind you. I could have loved that woman.”

“I hope you do.”

When Fitz widened his eyes, Arthur laughed. “As a sister. If she will have me, I plan to never be parted from her again from this day on.”

He nodded. “I approve. I will heartily welcome her to Pemberley.”

After a moment more, Arthur gripped his shoulder. “I think we will be making our way to Rosewood House.”

Fitz eyed him a moment and then nodded. “I won’t do everything the same way you do it.”

“I expect not.”

“You going to be able to let it go?”

“It’s time. I’m most anxious to. Lizzie helps. We have our own estate to create, to grow, to work on side by side.”

“Can you also relax and throw a ball or two?”

“Ball! That’s for you at Pemberley. If we ever clear out the neighborhood from our great room, you can hold our engagement ball.”

“I suppose I shall alert the staff.”

“Wait. I haven’t proposed.”

“You don’t think she’ll say no, do you?”

“I think we are much aligned in our thinking. I hope nothing has changed that in the few hours we have been parted. Much of what she admitted was under the influence of a head injury while stuck at the bottom of a pit.”

Fitz laughed. “Well, that’s one way.” He raised an eyebrow. “Everyone would keep it quiet. You do this of your own will, I gather?”

“I do. She is the one of my choice, my heart.”

He nodded. “Then I wish you the happiest of times. Now, come. They are crowding her. It is high time you had your moment.” He stepped to the door, opening it wide. “Time to leave Miss Elizabeth be.” He lifted a hand.

They stood in surprise but nodded. “You are so right, Mr. Darcy.” Miss Mary winked at him, eyeing Arthur.

They filed out of the room. The housekeeper glared. But Fitz shooed Arthur in and left the door open a crack.

He stepped closer to the bed. She was covered to her neck in blankets. The room felt cozy and warm. She was rosy and washed. And watching him approach.

“Are you well?” He moved to stand beside her, suddenly insecure. The security of the dark, the feeling of her in his arms were not emboldening as they had been before.

She scooted over and made room for him so he sat beside her at the edge of the bed. “Miss Elizabeth…”

Her eyes twinkled a moment and then she whispered, “Lizzie.”

The smile spread across the whole bottom part of his face. He felt it tight and happy. “Lizzie.”

She nodded. “I’m about to feel very drowsy, they tell me, so this should be quick. Because I also might start saying and admitting things again that are completely unfair for you to know.”

“But they might be things that I love most about you.”

Her eyes shone in response. She watched him. “Love?”

“I do, Lizzie. I love you. There is much more to say and many more dreams of mine to express. But for now, sleep well in the knowledge that I love you. I think I always will.”

“I love you, too.” She closed her eyes. “Like the clouds and the junipers and the flowers on the way…” She stopped talking.

He smiled and ran a hand along her forehead. “Sleep well, my Lizzie.”

As soon as he exited, their maid entered. “Thank you for caring for her. Treat her as you would a Darcy.”

She nodded and curtseyed. Then she paused. “She says your name in her sleep.” Her smile slipped out.

He laughed.

But Fitz shook his head at the maid. “That will be forgiven once, but that’s her business. We don’t share the private things with others, do we?”

She dipped her head. “No, we don’t. Forgive me. I thought Mr. Darcy would be happy to hear it. And it’s a night that’s needing much cheer.”

Arthur smiled. “Mr. Darcy is correct, but thank you.”

She bobbed another curtsey and then hurried in.

“Well-spoken Fitz. You really will be the best heir of Pemberley.”

“You good with that?”

“I am at last satisfied with being the spare.”

Fitz pulled him close. “Thank you. I am at last ready to be the heir.”

“I’m missing our parents.” He glanced back over his shoulder at Lizzie’s door.

“They would have loved her.”

“I think you’re right. Mother would have enjoyed her strength and fiery personality.”

“Fiery?”

Arthur laughed at his brother’s confused expression. “You really don’t know her at all, do you?”

He shrugged.

“Well, yes. She has a strong personality and a soft one and a perfectly lovely one.” With an arm across Fitz’s shoulders, they walked down the hall toward the study.

“And now I have to see about whether or not I can get a special license.”

“And perhaps you should write her parents?”

“Oh, yes. You’ve met them. What am I to think?”

Fitz hesitated but a moment and then smiled. “You will love them.”