Page 40 of Attempted Compromises
Darcy gave a brief nod to the maid, who hurried back up the stairs. The others exchanged curious glances, but no one said a word.
Moments later, the sound of small, excited footsteps echoed down the staircase. Andrew appeared, toddling into the foyer with Rebecca close behind him. His face lit up when he saw Elizabeth, and he let out a delighted squeal.
“Nice lady!” he exclaimed, running toward her with his arms outstretched.
Elizabeth knelt without hesitation, catching him as he flung himself into her embrace. She laughed softly, holding him close as he buried his small face against her shoulder.
Elizabeth knelt to Andrew’s level, her warm smile softening as she cradled his small hands in hers. “Andrew, you’re such a sweet boy, but I’m not just the ‘nice lady.’ My name is Miss Elizabeth,” she said gently. “Can you say that? Miss Elizabeth.”
Andrew’s brows furrowed in concentration as he considered her words. “Mizz… Ehz-beh-iz?” he tried, his little voice stumbling adorably over the syllables.
Elizabeth laughed, her heart melting at his earnest attempt. “Close, very close! Let’s try again—Miss Eliz-a-beth.”
“Miss ‘iz-bef!” he exclaimed proudly, looking up at her with wide, excited eyes.
Elizabeth clapped her hands lightly. “Oh, that was very good! One more time—Miss Eliz-a-beth.”
Andrew tilted his head and grinned, his attempt this time blending into a charming, “Miss ‘iz-bet!”
“That’s much better,” Elizabeth praised, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “But if it’s too hard, you can just call me Miss Lizzy.”
Andrew’s face brightened, and he nodded eagerly. “Miss Wizzy!” he repeated, the word coming out nearly perfect this time.
She laughed again, wrapping him in a quick hug. “Perfect, young man. I think you’ve got it!”
Andrew beamed at her triumphantly. Then, as he looked up at her again, his face softened into a look of pure affection. “Miss Lizzy, nice lady,” he said, his small voice filled with trust and warmth.
Elizabeth’s heart squeezed as she held his gaze. “That’s just fine, Master Andrew. I’ll always be your nice lady.”
“Nice lady, Miss Liz-bet.”
“Well, Master Andrew,” she said gently, brushing a hand through his dark curls. “It seems I’ll have quite the story to tell about the brave young man who bid me farewell.”
Andrew lifted his head, his wide eyes brimming with emotion. “Go?” he asked, his little voice quivering plaintively.
Elizabeth’s heart ached at the sight of his sorrow. “Yes, Andrew, I must go home with my sister. But I promise I will think of you often.”
Andrew frowned, his lower lip trembling. “No go.”
Rebecca stepped forward, crouching beside them. “Come now, Master Andrew,” she said kindly. “You must say goodbye like a big boy. We’ll see Miss Elizabeth again one day.”
Andrew sniffled but nodded, his small hand reaching out to clutch Elizabeth’s. She smiled at him warmly, her heart swelling with a mixture of affection and sadness.
Darcy, who had been watching the scene silently, stepped closer. His expression, usually so composed, softened as his gaze fell on his son in Elizabeth’s arms. “You’ve made quite an impression on him,” he remarked, his voice quieter than usual.
Elizabeth rose, holding Andrew’s hand as he clung to her side. She glanced at Darcy, her expression warm. “He’s a remarkable child, Mr. Darcy. It has been a pleasure to know him.”
Darcy inclined his head, his gratitude evident in the depth of his gaze. “The pleasure was ours, Miss Elizabeth.”
Andrew tugged at Elizabeth’s hand, drawing her attention back to him. “Bye-bye, nice lady,” he said softly, his small voice tinged with sadness.
Elizabeth knelt again, wrapping her arms around him in a final hug. “Goodbye, Andrew. Be good for your papa and Nurse Rebecca.”
The little boy nodded solemnly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He waved as Elizabeth stood and stepped back, ready to leave.
Bingley, who had been watching the touching exchange with a smile, stepped forward to escort Jane and Elizabeth to the carriage. As the Bennet sisters exited, the warmth of their presence lingered in the room.
Darcy watched the door close behind them, his hand resting lightly on Andrew’s shoulder. For a moment, he allowed himself to feel the weight of the departure—not just of Elizabeth’s absence but of the space she had begun to fill in his thoughts and his life.
