Page 53 of Georgiana
Brittle leaves covered the walkway which lined the edge of a lake near the front of Pemberley. Georgiana and Lizzy, arm in arm enjoyed a slow walk along its path. Given the advance state of Lizzy’s condition, this was the only place Fitz allowed Lizzy to take her daily constitution because, although close to her time, she refused to stay abed.
“Have you given any more thought of the Duke’s intentions to attend Pemberley?” Lizzy queried between short breaths.
“I have thought of nothing else since Fitz received his letter.”
They came to a stop and Lizzy placed one hand against her side and grimaced.
“This child is moving so much I can barely catch my breath.”
“We are almost at the bench Fitz installed for you. Give me your arm and we’ll rest for a bit before going back into the house.”
With a soft thank you, Lizzy took Georgiana’s arm, placing much of her weight against it and they moved at a snail’s pace towards a bench. Without warning, Lizzy stumbled and even though Georgiana held tight to her arm to soften the fall, she dropped heavily to her knees.
“Lizzy!” Georgiana cried out and helped her move into a sitting position, uncaring if both their skirts became embedded with mud and snow. “Oh, dear Lizzy. Are you all right?”
“No… Ooooooo.” Elizabeth sucked in a sharp breath and clutched her belly. “Not now, not now, not now…” she whispered and drew in another deep breath.
“What must I do? Can you stand?” Georgiana looked around to see if anyone had noticed them from the house, but she and her sister were obscured from sight by a clump of coniferous trees.
“The child is coming, Georgiana.” Lizzy bit her lip and closed her eyes. “Find Mrs. Reynolds and have her send for the midwife and also a few footmen to carry me to the house.”
“I cannot leave you alone−”
“We have no time for this.” Lizzy’s voice brooked no argument. “I twisted my ankle and am unable move on my own. You have no choice.”
“I shall see if I can find Fitzwilliam−”
“He has gone with his steward to assess one of the tenant’s cottages. He will not get back in time.”
Georgiana gripped Lizzy’s elbow and tried to help her stand. Lizzy moaned softly and before Georgiana could move, a large hand reached between them. Surprised, she glanced up and saw Maxwell leaning over them, his face grim. Where had he come from? She hadn’t heard a carriage, or horses.
“Lend me your hand, Mrs. Darcy. I shall carry you to the house.”
“I’m far too heavy for you to carry.”
“Nonsense.” In deft, efficient moves he gathered her up and cradled her effortlessly in his arms. Lizzy wrapped hers around his neck and shoulders. “You are still as light as a feather.”
“Careful with your words, your Grace. I know I’m a heavy load to carry over treacherous ground.”
“I said light as a feather, Mrs. Darcy. I didn’t specify which bird.”
Lizzy started to laugh and then caught her bottom lip between her teeth, another moan escaping in place.
“If you intend to take me indoors before this child makes an entrance, I suggest we move now.”
“As you wish.”
Max began covering the ground with sure strides. Before he reached the front steps, the door opened and Mrs. Reynolds hurried out to greet them, two footmen following close behind.
“Oh, Mrs. Darcy. What happened?”
“Mrs. Darcy requires a doctor, or midwife, if that is the arrangement she’s made.” Max answered for Lizzy who’d begun to pant from the contractions.
Mrs. Reynolds stopped and gaped at Maxwell, torn between anger at his treatment of her girl, Miss Darcy and admiration that he was taking care of her beloved mistress.
“The midwife is but a few miles from here, I’ll have a footman bring her right away.”
“And have Stephens send out a rider for my brother,” Georgiana ordered, finally rousing herself from the shock of seeing Max. “Fitzwilliam will want to be advised as soon as possible.”
