Without hesitation, she answered, “You are an ancient oak, Fitzwilliam. You, too, are resistant to decay, making you ideal for many purposes. Oak trees thrive in various soil types, including arid and rocky areas. Their root systems run deep, providing stability so they withstand strong winds and storms. However, my favorite thing about oaks are the many species of wildlife that thrive in and under their branches.”
“An oak, am I?” He was grateful not to be a prickly hawthorn.
“You are. You thrived as master of Pemberley. When your circumstances became arid and rocky, you adjusted to be the man who takes the lead on a much smaller scale. To say that your Darcy root system runs deep is likely minimizing your stability. I admire you for not allowing yourself to be buffeted to and fro by these winds of change. And, as Mr. Bingley teased, you now have several individuals, me included, who are beholden to you. Instead of chasing everyone off, which appeared to be your inclination when you first arrived in Meryton, you are gathering them close to you, caring for them as if they are your sole purpose in life.” She peered up at him, her eyes twinkling. “Have I never told you that oak trees are my favorite? They are perfect for climbing and forsharing lovely picnics with my family under their branches.”
He kissed her smile, his heart rejoicing with her. “I love you, my bride.”
“As I adore you.”
When Georgianafinally came out of her suite on Monday, Elizabeth guided her to the study, where Darcy was poring over his copies of Wickham’s contracts. Instead of sitting in front of the desk, Elizabeth led Georgiana to a seating area close to the warmth of the fire. Darcy joined them.
“Georgie, it lightens my heart to have you with us.” Darcy leaned forward and took his sister’s hands. “What can I do for you, dear girl?”
Elizabeth was exceedingly proud of her husband. For a certainty, what he really wanted to ask was about Wickham’slast will and testament. She understood his need since they could not move forward until they learned who Mr. Wickham named as his heir.
Georgiana dabbed at the corner of her eyes. “Brother, pray do not think I continue to mourn a man who was unfaithful to me before a month of marriage went by. Rather, I mourn the loss of what could have been if I had married an honorable man. I have many regrets. My stupid decision to elope had consequences beyond affecting only me. Had I not been a pawn in my husband’s plans to gain Pemberley, your life would be unchanged.” She sniffled.
Elizabeth asked, “Is that really true, Georgiana? Doyou honestly believe that Mr. Wickham would not have found another way to bring harm to your brother if you took a firm stand against him? I cannot imagine Mr. Wickham not doing everything or using anyone within his power to gain that which he wanted most, Pemberley.”
When Georgiana focused on her, Elizabeth continued, “Perhaps what would be the wisest course would be to look around you and see what blessings you have. You are still quite young, you are lovely, and you will have a child to tend to in not very many months, someone who will adore you with his or her whole heart. Thus, perhaps the first order of business is to consider where you want the child to be born.”
Georgiana’s spine stiffened, and her gaze never wavered. “Pemberley.”
Darcy said, “Very well. I shall write to the Matlocks and let them know not to include you in their travel plans once they head to their estate. Then, I will make arrangements to see us safely north. The journey will be long and cold. With hope, we will not have to fight deep snowfall.”
“I have little to pack,” Georgiana stated.
“I, too, have no reason to delay.” Elizabeth asked, “We will not travel to London, then?”
Darcy lowered his head. “I have no desire to see the current state of Darcy House. Nor do I have the resources to check every attorney’s office in Town, hoping to locate Wickham’s will. No, I believe that my best effort is to address Mr. Foster, Wickham’s man of business, who, as far as I know, remains in Derbyshire.” He slapped his palms on his knees. “Since you can both be ready quicklyand we still have Matlock’s carriage and team available to us, we leave on the morrow. Tonight, we go to Longbourn to say goodbye to your family. Then, we will go home.”
Elizabeth noted his reaction the moment his last word resounded in his ears. Pleasure and yearning lined his face. His arms and shoulders relaxed. She suspected Pemberley would forever be home to him. Her only hope: it would not be ripped from him again. She doubted he could bear the loss a second time.
Before they departed Netherfield Park,Darcy sent an express to Richard. Not only did he state their intentions, he asked his cousin to pull whatever strings he had available to arrange for the transportation of Mr. Anders after Mr. Crosgrove agreed. Darcy wrote the same to his uncle, the earl, also inviting him to give his support for the removal of Mr. Collins’ appointment as a cleric. Hugh Fitzwilliam was free to address Lady Catherine’s interference and her accountability for the trouble caused by her lackey. Afterwards, he informed Bingley of their plans. By sunrise, they had loaded the coach and were ready to go.
Matlock’s carriage was spacious enough to carry the three of them along with Petey and Miss Charlotte Lucas, who did indeed agree to attach herself to the Darcys. Parker and Molly followed in the smaller carriage behind.
Because of the weather and Georgiana’s weakened state, travel was slow as their conveyance bounced over ruts where water ran across the road. The mud and muck kept them on alert as they slid from side to side. Particularlydangerous were the hills. Going up one side was hard on the horses. Even more challenging was going down the other side. Yet, not once did any of the occupants complain.
They were fortunate to easily locate rooms for the four nights on the road since hardly anyone made the long journey in such weather.
Instead of going directly to Pemberley, Darcy had the carriage stop in Lambton, a small village outside the boundaries of the property. Twilight was falling. He wanted Elizabeth’s first sight of his home to be in daylight, where she could appreciate the details of the building, the gardens, and the land.
Pride filled his chest. His heart beat for her and for Pemberley.
The next morning, heavy gray clouds filled the sky. That failed to dull the joy flowing through him when he directed their driver to stop at an overlook where the estate unfolded in all its glory.
Where the wood ceased, Pemberley House instantly caught the eye. Situated on the opposite side of the valley into which the road wound, it was a large, handsome stone building, standing solidly on rising ground, backed by a ridge of high woody hills. In front, a stream poured into a substantial lake with gradually sloping banks, perfect for picnicking in the summer months. To the left of the house were the formal gardens. Stables and a carriage house were on the right. Behind the buildings, hidden from view, was a grand dower house.
Every aspect was pleasing to a discerning eye.
Elizabeth’s reaction did not disappoint. As did Petey and Miss Lucas, her eyes grew wide, and her mouthgaped open for the briefest second. Then she turned toward him, her fingers lightly touching his arm.
She spoke in hushed tones. “Of all this, you…?”
His chest swelled. “Yes.”
“I have never seen a place for which nature has done more or where natural beauty has been so little counteracted by awkward taste.”
