Page 77 of Attempted Compromises
Mrs. Hurst let out a shaky laugh, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “It seems we share that burden.”
Elizabeth’s lips quirked upward. “But while we cannot choose our family, we can choose our friends. And now you have the best sister in the world—Jane. I’m happy to share her, of course, though I might insist on a small leasing fee.”
A soft chuckle escaped Mrs. Hurst, the tension between them easing. She picked up her fork again and took a small bite of her food. “You’re very… direct, Miss Bennet.”
“Incorrigible, I’m told,” Elizabeth replied lightly, her tone inviting further laughter.
Mrs. Hurst’s lips curved into a faint smile, and she nodded. “Perhaps that’s not such a bad thing.”
“Perhaps,” Elizabeth agreed, a playful twinkle in her eye.
The tension between the two women had vanished, and Mrs. Hurst took another tentative bite of her food. Satisfied, Elizabeth turned her attention back to her own plate, though she could feel Darcy’s gaze lingering on her. She resisted the urge to meet his eyes, focusing instead on the intricate pattern of her plate.
When the meal ended, Mrs. Hurst leaned toward Georgiana and whispered something in her ear. The younger woman nodded and rose, her cheeks tinged pink. “I think we shall retire,” Georgiana said softly. “It has been such a long day.”
Mrs. Hurst followed suit, murmuring her own excuses. The two slipped from the room, their absence scarcely noticed by Bingley and Jane. Elizabeth’s brow furrowed as she considered Mrs. Hurst’s lingering grief. She hoped the woman would find some peace in Georgiana’s gentle company.
Bingley glanced at Jane, his expression tender. “Should we retire as well, my love?”
Jane smiled shyly, her cheeks warming. “If you think it best. I would not like to be a poor hostess to your— our guests.”
“We are all family now, so technically you have no guests,” Elizabeth teased, attempting to mask her own uncertainty. “Everyone should call me Elizabeth, and we needn’t stand on ceremony at all. Go get therestyou need; do not delay on our account.”
Jane’s blush deepened, and Bingley beamed as he escorted her from the room.
Elizabeth watched them go, a pang of envy mingling with her happiness for her sister. The void they left behind in the quiet room made Elizabeth acutely aware of how she was now alone with Darcy.
They were married. The realization struck her like a lightning bolt: she and Darcy were married, and with that came certain… expectations. Her stomach twisted as she remembered her mother’s vague and clumsy advice. She had no idea what awaited her in that department; she’d no opportunity to ask her aunt Gardiner, whom she always planned to consult the day before some future wedding.
A wave of nervous energy coursed through her. Her thoughts began to spiral as she considered what the rest of the evening might entail. She had spent so much time focusing on the ceremony, the logistics, the immediate aftermath—she had scarcely allowed herself to think of the wedding night.
Her mother’s words echoed in her mind, offering little clarity but ample embarrassment. What would Darcy expect of her? What would he think of her ignorance?
Before she could address the matter with him, he turned to her. “I say goodnight to Andrew every evening,” he said, his tone almost hesitant. “Perhaps you would join me tonight. After all, you are his new mother now.”
Elizabeth blinked, startled by the unexpected invitation. Relief flooded through her—both for the delay it offered and for the chance to see Andrew. “Of course,” she said, rising quickly. “I would like that very much. He is such a joy to be around.”
Darcy extended his arm, and she took it, a shiver coursing through her at his touch. Together, they made their way up the stairs without speaking. The nursery was warm and quiet, lit by the soft glow of a single lamp. Andrew was already tucked into bed, his curls falling across his forehead as he clutched a worn stuffed bear. His nurse, Rebecca, stood by his side, her face lighting up when she saw Darcy and Elizabeth.
“Mr. Darcy, Miss— Mrs. Darcy,” she said, greeting them with a small curtsy. “He’s just nodded off. We weren’t sure if you would be up tonight.”
Darcy knelt beside the little bed, his voice low and soothing. “Andrew,” he murmured, brushing the boy’s hair back gently. “We have something to tell you.”
Andrew stirred, his eyes fluttering open. “Papa?” He sat up and rubbed his eyes. “Nice lady!”
“Yes, I’m here,” Elizabeth said with a small laugh. “Elizabeth, do you remember?”
“Liz’beth,” the boy lisped, relaxing against the pillows.
“I have some wonderful news,” Darcy said. “Elizabeth is your new mama!”
Elizabeth’s heart swelled with the words. Mama.
“New mama?” echoed Andrew.
“Yes, and she’s going to stay with us forever.”
Andrew’s sleepy gaze shifted to Elizabeth, and he smiled faintly. “You stay f’rever?”
