“Aunt Rebecca, it is good to see you again this morning,” Elizabeth greeted her. “I have been touring the house this morning, and the master’s and mistress’s suite will need to be updated. I have some vague notions of what I would like to do there, particularly in the sitting room, although I may. need some help.”
“Absolutely, dear, I can assist however you need me,” she agreed. “Do you want to show me now?”
Elizabeth thought for a second before agreeing. They called for the housekeeper, who showed them upstairs again to the suite of rooms. “William retained his bedroom but intends to move into the master’s rooms when we wed. So, nothing has been done in any of these rooms in several years. The rooms are being cleaned, and a few basic housekeeping tasks are being attended to, but I would like to brighten these rooms and make them more comfortable. The mistress’s suite at Pemberley is much lighter. Even the other bedroom is dark and foreboding. Different window coverings will make a lot of difference, but I realise William will have ideas about how to decorate as well…”
Elizabeth trailed off, slightly overwhelmed for a moment. Aunt Rebecca led Elizabeth into the sitting room and asked the housekeeper for privacy.
“What do you know of marriage, Elizabeth?” she asked gently.
“My parents live entirely separate lives. I do not even remember any closeness. My aunt and uncle are partners, sharing everything and working together. They each have their role, but they work together.
“At Pemberley, it felt like William and I were building a partnership. That is the kind of marriage I want, the kind whereeach spouse is an equal partner. Almost more important than love, I think, is mutual respect for the other, a recognition of the other’s strengths as well as their weaknesses. Again, I feel this is true of William and myself,” Elizabeth told her.
Rebecca nodded. “And what about the physical aspects of marriage?”
Elizabeth blushed profusely. “I grew up in the country, and I have seen animals mating. I know there are similarities.”
Rebecca laughed lightly. “Very few. The physical aspect of marriage is a part of that partnership. It can be enjoyable for both parties. Has William kissed you?” Elizabeth nodded and blushed brighter. “Do you enjoy his kisses?”
Another nod and renewed blushing.
“To what do these questions tend, Aunt?” Elizabeth found her voice briefly.
“I want you to consider the possibility that you and William will likely only require one bedchamber,” Rebecca said softly.
Elizabeth just looked at her for several moments. She knew her parents always had separate bedrooms, but when they travelled, the Gardiners always shared a single room. She wondered which arrangement William would expect. She wondered what she would want, especially as she remembered sleeping in William’s arms in the carriage. Her face turned red again.
“Is that common?” She asked.
“It is when couples marry for love. Not so much when they marry as a part of a business transaction.” Rebecca explained, and Elizabeth nodded in acknowledgement.
“I should probably talk to him about it, should I not?” Elizabeth asked, and this time it was Rebecca’s turn to nod.
“One last thing and I would imagine your aunt may have a similar conversation with you before the wedding, but trust is incredibly important in a marriage. When it comes to marital relations, trust is equally as important. William is an honourable man, and I know that he has refrained from the activities many young gentlemen in thetonsee as a part of their birthright. Trust him and trust his love for you to guide you,” Rebecca told her.
Elizabeth nodded, but nothing else regarding decorating was discussed that day.
Chapter Ten
As Aunt Rebecca left, William returned. He greeted her pleasantly and then, smiling, went off searching for Elizabeth. He found her in the library looking pensive.
“Is everything well, my dear?” he asked worriedly.
Elizabeth turned and smiled at him. “Yes, just thinking.”
“How did you find your rooms?” William asked.
Elizabeth turned thoughtful again. “Your aunt and I went up to view them, and I asked her for help with the redecorating. The rooms need some brightening, and I wondered about choosing one dominant colour throughout the rooms to keep them cohesive. But then she asked me some questions that left me thinking.
“She asked me how I viewed marriage, and I talked about it being a partnership where there was mutual respect. But then she talked about that partnership extending into other aspects of marriage, particularly the physical.” Elizabeth’s face was bright red, but she pressed on, unwilling to look up at him as shecontinued this topic. “When we are married, do you anticipate us needing two bed chambers?”
William smiled softly at her and lifted her chin so she met his eyes. “I would prefer us to share one, but if you prefer to maintain two, I will do whatever you want.”
She held eye contact with him. “I think I would also like to share. When she mentioned it, I remembered sleeping in your arms on the ride here. I liked waking up in your arms.” Her voice dropped to barely a whisper, but he heard her.
He groaned but still answered, “I would very much like that, my love. Now, I think it is time we head to lunch.”
They both stood, but he could not resist drawing her to him for a quick kiss. “I was successful today, and we can be married as soon as it can be arranged. My great uncle gave me several days and times next week he will be available, and now we just need to confirm with your aunt and uncle and mine. We will have much to discuss when we arrive at Gracechurch Street tonight.”
