Together, they wandered through the halls of Pemberley, Darcy pointing out small details and telling her stories of his childhood and family. Elizabeth listened intently, her love for him growing deeper with each story he shared. By the time they reached the gardens, the sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon, casting a golden glow over the estate.
Darcy stopped and turned to face her, his eyes full of quiet affection. “You belong here, Elizabeth,” he said softly. “I have always believed it, and now that you are here, it feels complete.”
Elizabeth smiled, her gaze sweeping over the land before settling on him. “Yes, Fitzwilliam. I believe I do. Now, there is one room in the house that I was never permitted to see before, and I would be interested in seeing it now.”
“Which room is that, Elizabeth?”
“The master’s chambers, Fitzwilliam. Do you think I could see that room now?”
Several weeks later,Darcy sat in his study after dinner, reviewing ledgers and estate accounts. It has been a long day, full of meetings with his steward and a few of Pemberley’stenants who were having issues of some sort. To his surprise, Elizabeth entered, carrying a few documents of her own.
“I have been thinking,” she began, settling into a chair across from him, “about the tenants at Ashford Farm. When I spoke with them today, it became clear that their cottages are in need of repairs, especially before winter. I would like to see them improved.”
Darcy glanced up, surprised. “You met with them today?”
“Yes,” she replied calmly. “I have been trying to get around to introduce myself to all of the tenant families, and today I spoke with several of the women.”
Darcy set his pen down, the line of his jaw tightening. “Elizabeth, it is not that I do not appreciate your concern, but you should not feel it necessary to involve yourself in the estate’s daily business. That is why I employ a steward. I manage those affairs myself.”
“But I am part of this estate now,” Elizabeth countered. “As its mistress, I should be involved. The tenants, particularly the women, should feel comfortable coming to me, and if I can help, why should I not?”
Darcy’s brow furrowed as he leaned back in his chair, clearly trying to temper his reaction. “Elizabeth, you have a kind heart, and I admire your wish to help. But estate management is complex. It is not just about listening to grievances and making decisions on the spot. There are processes in place, and changes cannot be made without considering the long-term impact.”
Elizabeth bristled. “I am not asking to make decisions on the spot. I am merely suggesting that improvements are needed, and I would like to work with you on them. I do not want to be shut out of these matters, Fitzwilliam.”
Darcy sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I am not shutting you out. But you must understand that this is how estates have been run for generations. The master handles these matters, and the mistress oversees the household. It is not about denying your involvement but about maintaining order.”
“Order?” Elizabeth’s eyes flashed with indignation. “So, I am to sit by and mind the house while you make all the decisions? That is not the marriage I thought we agreed to.”
“Elizabeth, that is not what I meant,” Darcy said, exasperation creeping into his voice. “You are my equal in every way that matters, but some responsibilities are?—”
“Are yours alone?” Elizabeth interrupted, her tone sharp. “I did not marry you to be relegated to hosting dinners and arranging flowers while you govern all that is important. We are supposed to be partners, Fitzwilliam, not master and mistress in the old sense. Even when I visited all those summers ago, your father and you appreciated my help with the tenants and in training Georgiana to assist with them.”
Darcy paused, realising the depth of her frustration. He had not meant to belittle her involvement, but he could see now that his words had unintentionally done so.
“I did not intend to make you feel less than my equal,” he said quietly. “But Pemberley’s management has always been a burden I carry alone, and it is difficult for me to share it. Georgiana did help in small ways, but she never visited tenants, not after that summer with you.”
Elizabeth softened slightly, but her resolve remained. “I understand that this is difficult for you, but I want to share that burden. I love this place, just as you do, and I want to contributeto its success. I will not be content to sit in the drawing room while you make all the decisions. We promised to be partners, and that is what I intend to be.”
Darcy studied her for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. “You are right, my dear,” he finally admitted, his voice filled with the quiet sincerity that always accompanied his more profound reflections. “We are partners, and I should not have assumed you would be satisfied with a lesser role. Let us discuss these matters together from now on.”
Elizabeth smiled, relieved that he was willing to compromise. “That is all I ask. Together, we can ensure Pemberley thrives.”
Darcy nodded, standing to join her by the fire. “Together, then,” he agreed, wrapping one arm around her shoulders, while gently caressing the small bump that was becoming more obvious on her abdomen. “I love you, Elizabeth. Forgive me?”
“Of course, William. I love you as well.” Leaning up, she kissed him, and as always seemed to be the case, their passions quickly rose, leaving them with little else to discuss that evening.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Mary and Mr. Collins left together, headed toward Longbourn. Mr. Collins had begun to spend more of his time at the estate, learning all he could about its management. Mary occasionally helped with her limited knowledge about its workings. She did, however, know much about the tenants and their needs, and she still frequently visited the tenants to provide what assistance she could.
Mr. Collins was already familiar with the tenants through his position as curate. Since he first arrived in the area, he made particular efforts to come to know Longbourn’s tenants, preparing for his eventual position as master of the estate. He had become master far earlier than anyone had expected, for no one had anticipated an outbreak of smallpox affecting the estate and claiming the disinterested former master so soon after his arrival.
“Mama will not be pleased about the decisions made today. She has scarcely left her room since Papa’s funeral. Even after you and Uncle Phillips came to tell her that we would not be immediately forced from Longbourn as she feared, she has not been content. She continues to speak of our marriage as a foregone conclusion and berates me when I try to put her off. I am afraid that my only escape will be by going to Maidstone to the Winters again for a time although I hate to impose myself upon them. Is it not improper of me to beg for a visit so soon after my father’s passing?”
“Perhaps in some instances, but, truly, Miss Mary, you can only benefit by being with a friend during your grief. I know that your father was not the father he ought to have been, and perhaps your grief is more for what you wish could have been rather than what was, but no one who knows you can fault you for wanting some separation. Despite your short acquaintance, Mrs. Winters is more of a mother to you than your own has been. You can only benefit from some time with her,” Collins said.
Mary nodded, and the two walked in silence for several minutes. “I will write to her as soon as I arrive at home to ask for a short visit at least. I should return before Kitty and Lydia leave for school, and I have little doubt that Mr. Darcy will ensure they both receive the education they so desperately need. I think Kitty will improve with a little attention, but Lydia might prove more recalcitrant.”
