Darcy Farm - Please Move to Graveyard

[Dellena]

I want to experiment with writing about my main Sims family, the Darcys.  So I hope you don't mind my indulgence and get some pleasure from the reading.  I'll first start with an introduction of sorts.

Darcy Farm



The Darcy Farm has been owned by the Darcy family for generations.  The current master of the estate and holdings is Fitzwilliam Darcy along with his wife, Elizabeth.



William and Lizzy met at University many years ago and while the courtship had a rocky start, William was persistent and won her over.  Eventually, he invited her to visit Darcy Farm and while there, he proposed to her.  She accepted and moved away from her family in Sunset Valley.

It wasn't long before the children began to arrive.  To date, there are five children (chronological order):
Alexander
Michael
Noella
Audrey
Nathaniel

The Children

Alexander is a teenager and has always been a very good child.  Very obedient and conscientious.  He shares his father's passion for horses and loves his family dearly.  He's a great help with his youngest siblings and his parent know that one day, he'll make a wonderful father.  While he would love to just stay on the farm and work with the horses, as the heir to the estate, his father insists that he eventually go to university for a business degree.  Darcy Farm isn't just about breeding race horses, there are several other holdings as well and Alexander must be prepared.



Michael just recently started high school and he's already heavily into sports.  He's always been a highly active child and while he appreciates where the family wealth comes from, he didn't inherit the passion for the horses.  He can often be found working out in the family gym, playing a sports computer game or watching a game on the television.  He's looking forward to pursuing his Physical Education degree at university as he sees it as a stepping stone to professional sports.



While Noella loves the horses like her father and brother, her real passion is art.  Even though she is just a child, she already shows great promise.  When the weather permits, she loves nothing better than to be outside painting the world around her.



The two youngest children are Audrey and Nathaniel (see Audrey above with Alexander).  As they are both toddlers, it's hard to know yet which path in life they will choose.



William and Lizzy both thought that Nathaniel would be their last.  However, as can happen with a couple who have a strong love between them, Lizzy found herself yet again pregnant.  So they now await the arrival of the sixth Darcy child but Lizzy is determined, with William's agreement, that this will definitely be the last

NOTES:  My plan is for this thread to follow the lives of the Darcys themselves since I already cover the horse breeding in the Pets forum.  So anything mentioned about the horses here will be in relation to how they fit into the story.

[Gogowars329]

This looks interesting. I'll definitely be reading.

[Dellena]

Newest Arrival

It was a bright Autumn day and Lizzy was preparing dinner for the family with young Noella copying her mother by making a muffin with her play oven.  Suddenly, Lizzy's water broke which panicked little Noella and set the girl to screaming the house down for her father.  William came running from the study as did Alexander and Michael; all of them thinking a major accident had happened.  Audrey and Nathaniel had both come in the middle of the night so Noella hadn't actually witnessed her mother going into labor before.  She'd just seen the results.  Alexander immediately set about calming his little sister while William helped Lizzy change her pants and then transported her to the hospital.  Meanwhile, Michael took care of Audrey and Nathaniel while Alexander finished dinner with Noella clinging to his side.  However, once they'd all had dinner she'd calmed down enough that Alexander got her to bed and asleep.  William called to say they would be a while and that they should all head to bed but Alexander needed to first settle the horses in their stalls for the night.

The following day, William and Lizzy returned home with a new son, Thomas.  All are well.

[Dellena]

Brother to Brother

It was the Saturday after Spooky Day and the last of the Autumn leaves were falling from the trees.  Michael had woke up in a great mood and headed straight to the family gym.  After a long workout and some fueling up, he decided to hit the hot tub in the backyard.  But he'd noticed that Alex was in an uncharacteristic bad mood so he convinced him to join in.  They settled into the soothing hot water and Michael got straight to the point.

"So, Alex, what's got your job strap in a bunch today?" he asked.

Alex gave him a narrow look but then rested his head back and closed his eyes with a sigh.

"Dad and I had another 'discussion' about university," he said.  "I just don't see the point.  I can learn all I need to learn right here at home."

Michael had heard all this before and knew his brother wasn't keen on going away to school.  But he also knew there was really no fighting it so he tried to cheer his brother up.

"Well, look at the bright side, all those college co-eds!" he enthused with a grin.

Alex snorted with a smile.  "That's about all you think of these days.  That and football," he said.

"And what's wrong with that?  Girls are so... interesting," he continued and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Yeah, well you let mom here you talking about how 'interesting' the girls are and you won't hear the end of that lecture," warned Alex.

"I love mom dearly, but what she doesn't know won't hurt me," said Michael wisely.  "Besides, seriously Alex, there's more to running this show than the horses.  I certainly don't have the brains for all that business stuff so you're going to have to suck it up and get the degree.  It won't take that long and then you'll be back where you want to be with mom and dad off your case about it.  Seems like a small price to pay for what you want."

Alex seemed to mull this over for a few minutes and then sighed with resignation.  "I guess you're right although I don't like admitting it," he said.

"Well you know I'm ALWAYS right," grinned Michael.

"You wish," was Alex's reply but said with affection.

[WickedSimmer87]

Ive bookmarked this story, cant wait to see where it leads 

Plus i really love the "peaceful" aura around the family so far, mostly between the kids. 

*thumbs up*

[Dellena]

Double Birthday

The first day of winter brought a fresh snow that started to lay thick all around.  Today was a special day because it was the birthday of the two daughters of the household, Audrey and Noella.

Audrey insisted on Alex helping her to blow out the candles on her cake.



The whole family celebrated.



A second cake later and Noella also got her celebration.  They were all stuffed with cake by this time.  Audrey's big gift was a brand new computer.  Noella's big gift was a full, professional artist's kit with all new brushes, oils, watercolours and anything else you can imagine.  She couldn't wait to dig in and start painting.  William also promised her that he would teach her to drive once Michael had mastered that particular skill.

Audrey, now a child:


Noella, now a teen:

[Dellena]

NOTE: I couldn't resist a little snippet after seeing William and Lizzy under the mistletoe.

Jingle Bells

Snowflake Day was fast approaching and Lizzy got into the holiday spirit and decorated the house.  She made William and the boys hang all the outside lights.  Considering it was still snowing fairly heavy out, she was surprised they didn't protest more.  But since they had the day off from school due to the snow, she was going to put them to work.  Noella was smart and made her way to her studio to whole up with her painting.  Audrey was eager to help trim the tree then afterwards, she decided to play with the chess board.  Lizzy thought Audrey was unusually bright for her age.

Finally, William and the boys came back inside and headed straight for the fire to warm up.  Then before their mother could come up with something else for them to do, they scattered - Michael to the gym and Alex to the study.  Now that he'd resigned himself to going to university, he was going to study for the exams.



William smiled at how quickly the boys quit the field and wandered over as Lizzy was putting some finishing touches on the tree.

"Lovely as always," he said softly.

Lizzy turned and smiled, "It IS a lovely tree this year, isn't it?"

"Well, the tree is lovely too," grinned William and looked pointedly over his head where some mistletoe was hanging.

"Mrs. Darcy, I do believe there is a certain tradition which we would be wise to observe or we might possibly bring down the wrath of the holiday," he said as seriously as possible while settling his hands on her hips.

"Is that so, Mr. Darcy," she said with an arched brow.  "Far be it for me to cause such a calamity!" and let herself be enfolded in his embrace.  Luckily, none of the teenagers were around to give a chorus of ,"Ewwww, do you guys HAVE to do that in front of us?" or "Jeez, mom and dad, get a room," etc.  Lizzy often wondered where they thought they all came from, the cabbage patch?

[Magz from Oz]

This story is so lovely Dellena.  I really like the tone of it.  I'm looking forward to more updates.  Bookmarked!

[Dellena]

Stir Crazy

Three days.  Lizzy was going out of her mind.  For three days it had snowed and school had been cancelled.  Thank goodness the snow finally stopped today but tomorrow was Snowflake Day so no school then either.  She loved her children, bless them, but they'd been underfoot non-stop now for five days.  At least she had all the presents bought and wrapped before the snow hit.

They'd had some fun though, in the snow.  She and Noella against Michael in a snowball fight.  That was after Michael and Alex built an igloo for Audrey to play in.



It had been pretty cold though and she'd been glad to leave the kids to it and warm herself at the fire.



She'd seen Alex head to the stables and let him go.  He needed to have some time to himself, she could tell.

Alex felt the crisp air on his face as Parsifal sailed through all the white.



He was going to miss this so much when he went to university - the sense of freedom but also of communion between him and the horse under him.  Of course Parsifal was no ordinary horse.  He was a proven champion with a long record of wins.  Now retired, Alex felt that Parsifal enjoyed these bursts of freedom and speed as much he did.  He would do his duty and get his degree but then nothing was going to take him from Darcy Farms again.

Back home, the cold had finally driven Noella and Michael inside and they joined their father for a fun game of pool.



William spent most of the game as referee between his two children who loved to needle each other.

[Dellena]

Snowflake Day

What wonderful chaos.  The whole family was in the spirit and dressed for the day in holiday sweaters.  Lizzy invited Marguerite and Sam Oliver to celebrate with them. 



Marguerite and Sam had both worked at Darcy Farm at one time.  Marguerite was a live-in maid and was so helpful to Lizzy when most of the children were quite small.  Sam worked on the farm with the horses and helped William since he was heavily racing Parsifal at that time.  Eventually, as things happen, Marguerite and Sam fell in love.  They were married at Darcy Farm in a lovely outdoor ceremony.  They stayed on at Darcy Farm for a while yet until Marguerite became pregnant.  Then they decided it was time for their own home.  While the Darcy's were sad to see them leave, they were happy for their friends and wished them well.
Lizzy now had a daily maid service which was sufficient since the three oldest children were such a help with their younger siblings.



"Marguerite, why didn't you bring Delbert," asked Lizzy.

"He's had a case of the sniffles for a few days now and I didn't want to spread the infection," explained Marguerite.  "I left him with his favourite babysitter but we can only stay for a bit."

"Well, we'll take what we can get.  You and I don't get enough face time for visiting these days," said Lizzy.

"With the Darcy army, I'm not surprised!" laughed Marguerite and LIzzy joined in.

Meanwhile, William and Sam were catching up on the latest in horse breeding - lost in their own little world for a time.



After all the gifts were passed out, the kids took advantage of the decent weather and headed outside.  Michael and Noella took on Alex in a snowball fight while Nathan and Audrey built a snowman.  All in all, it was a grand day.




[Note:  I did have a birthday party for Nathan but not everyone made it into the shot for him blowing out the candle and I missed the screenshot.   But this is Nathan aged up.]

Later that evening, because a farm never takes a holiday, William took care of moving the mares to the foaling barn and pasture.  Both were coming into season and if he didn't move them, Parsifal and Big Red would likely have problems.  Tomorrow he'd be bringing Parsifal over to cover them both and hope for two new foals in the Spring.

[Dellena]

Graduation!

It was a milestone day for the Darcy family.  The first of the children was graduating from High School.  William and Lizzy were so proud; especially as Alex had made Class Valedictorian.

Alex was in a great mood that morning and shared a special snuggle with the youngest Darcy, Thomas.



It wasn't long before they were all dressed up and trooping off to City Hall for the official ceremony.



A couple hours later and it was official.  Alex was a graduate!



To celebrate, William took the whole family to the bistro for a fancy dinner.  Once home, Alex received graduation gifts from the family.  This included a new laptop from mom and dad and a tablet from all his brothers and sisters.



Later in the evening, shortly before bed...

"Dad, could you and I talk in the study," Alex asked William as they finished a game of pool.

"Of course, son," said William with a speculative look.

Once settled in the study in front of the fire, Alex got right to the point.



"Dad, you know I've agreed to go off to university and get this business degree that you and mom feel is so important," he started.

William nodded but decided not to comment yet as it was obvious Alex had more to say.

"What I'd like you both to consider is letting me wait to start until the summer," he said and then rushed on since he was expecting a protest from his father.  "I know you might not like that, but we're going to be busy here, especially if both Crimson and Mandy foal and you starting the racing season.  You need me here, dad.  I promise I'll go in the summer and you know I never break my promises, just like you raised me," he finished and bravely met his father's eyes.

William looked at him very seriously for a short time.  In truth, he was SO proud of Alex.  Proud of the man he was shaping up to be and considered himself a very blessed man.   But still, it wouldn't hurt to make him sweat a little, he thought with a mental smile but didn't let it show on his face.

"You know, I could probably get Sam to come and help," said William

Alex had been ready for this possibility.  "Sam has his own family now to think of and I know he wants to start his own ranch.  In fact," Alex said, gaining a bit more confidence since his father hadn't shot him down immediately, "I think we should consider selling him one of the foals at an appropriate price for such a long time family friend and for all he did for us."

William's eyes narrowed slightly and he gazed into the fire for a few moments.  Why didn't I think of that? he thought to himself.  Nodding slowly, William spoke.

"You bring up some good points, Alex," he replied.  "I hope you appreciate that I'd like a little time to consider your suggestion as well as to discuss this with your mother."

"Of course, sir," replied Alex.  Secretly pleased he'd gotten this much.

Alex then headed off to bed and William did as well.  As was their habit, William cuddled with Lizzy as they discussed the day and caught up with some of the little details that one or the other had missed with the children.



William finished by telling Lizzy all about his conversation with Alex.

"This could be a very good thing, William," said Lizzy.  "Michael will graduate at the end of the spring term.  He and Alex could start university together.  You know I worry that Michael will be more interested in ... shall we say extracurricular activities rather than his school work."

William grinned, not daring to say, 'That's my boy.'  He did say, "And Michael would keep Alex from missing out of some of the fun he should be having at university.  I can definitely see it as a good balance.  They'll look after each other for sure."

"So are we agreed?  They'll both go to university in the summer?" she asked.

"Yes, we'll tell them both in the morning," he replied and snuggled her closer to his warmth.  "Now Mrs. Darcy, I have this ache from riding today..." he began.  Her giggles could be heard faintly through their bedroom door as the house settled down for the night.

[Dellena]

Note:  I just wanted to say that if even no one read these, I'm getting a lot of enjoyment from the writing and especially the fleshing out of the story in my head.  So thanks.

[Magz from Oz]

I'm definitely reading!  And you are posting so often, it's wonderful to go on-line and find a new chapter.  I like the way you are fleshing out the characters.  They have more substance now.   

[Caterina]

I'm reading too!  What a beautiful family of sims you are playing.  I like your writing style.  It really gives the characters a lot of depth.

[Dellena]

[NOTE: Thanks for all the comments!  Here's a little something until I write more.]

It's Spring!

It was one of those perfect spring days.  Everything was starting to bloom, sunny skies and warming temperatures.  William and Lizzy got to do something they don't get to do too often - go for a ride together.



Lizzy took a deep breath, "Ahhhhh, I love this time of year," she said.

William smiled over at her as they walked the horses over the open field.  "It's nice to get you to myself away from home," he said.

As she looked at the love of her life, she observed the small changes that time had brought.  Although, to be honest, there weren't too many signs yet that he was now over 40.  A little gray in his hair and more lines around his mouth and eyes.  But she was happy to see they were lines from happiness and smiles.  Physically, he was as strong and healthy as when they married.  She thought to herself, I wish my body was still as firm as when we married.  But she couldn't expect miracles after having six children.

William looked over at Lizzy and in his eye, he only saw the young woman he first fell in love with.  He would have chastised her if he knew her thoughts because to him, she would always look perfect.

"Come on," he said, "these boys want to stretch their legs."  With a laugh, Lizzy gave Parsifal his head and William was in hot pursuit.

Meanwhile at home, Alex and Michael were in high spirits since they now knew they'd be going to university together.

"I'll get more girls," stated Michael with a grin.

"Pfft, like I care about that.  I'll be the one with the better grades and not having mom and dad on my back," replied Alex and then hit Michael over the shoulder with his pillow.

"Ooooh, now it's on!" replied Michael and a battle royal commenced.




Later that morning, while mom and dad were still gone, Michael and Noella decided to treat Audrey and Nathan to a trip to the festival grounds and taught them to skate.



This left Alex at home to look after Thomas.  He was happy to do the job.