The Darcys werethe last to arrive downstairs that morning, arriving after the breakfast room was cleared. While the countess and Gardiners merely exchanged knowing looks, the unmarried ladies expressed some concern as rising late was most unusual for both Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth assured her sisters they were well, though she could feel her cheeks slightly flush as she spoke.
Gratefully, this conversation was interrupted by a servant, informing them that the picnic was ready and the carriage at the front to take the party on their tour of the estate.
The party moved toward the entry, donning their outer clothing before loading on to the waiting carriages. Several servants joined their party to drive the wagon with the picnic and games. The Gardiner children accompanied them, and as this was the first time they had experienced such an event, they added much to the overall sense of merriment.
It took nearly half an hour to arrive at their destination, near a small pond with a view of the Peaks in one direction and Pemberley in the other. Everyone scrambled down from the carriages and wagons, and the children immediately found the games to entertain themselves.
While the children played, Elizabeth and Darcy wandered away from the others. Elizabeth went up on her tiptoes to kiss her new husband, but before he could pull her into his embrace, she darted away. Sending a playful look at him, she encouraged him to chase her. “Catch me if you can?” she called over her shoulder.
Darcy immediately pursued her, his long legs allowing him to easily catch up with her, though she only allowed herself to be caught once they were hidden from the rest of the company behind some trees.
Darcy smirked. “Do you plan on often escaping me, my dear? As soon as all our guests leave, I fully intend to keep you in our bedchambers until the time we must depart again for London.”
Though her cheeks were burning, Elizabeth still managed to tease him. “Are you tired of our company, sir?”
“I am very tired of any company that is not you. I confess, my darling Elizabeth, that I intend to be very, very selfish for the next few months. I am considering keeping you here with meuntil Christmas, perhaps even foregoing the season entirely next year.”
She did not say a word for several moments as she held his eyes with hers. Her voice was barely a whisper when she spoke again and sounded almost breathless. “Well, Mr. Darcy, would it be wanton of me to admit I wish for the same? I enjoyed our days together in the cottage, but it was not enough time with you.” She dropped her head to his chest. “I am so happy to be here with you, my love. It almost feels magical to be married to you, especially since our dreams brought us together.”
Softly, Darcy replied, “It is magical, my dearest Elizabeth, because it isyou. We were destined for each other, and our dreams only saved a little of the heartache we would have experienced otherwise. I think we were granted a picture of the future, and had I ignored my dream, I would have still proposed to you in Kent and would have done so as terribly as I did in the dreams.”
Leaning back, Elizabeth reached up to touch his cheek. “But it did not happen, William, and we are together now. Put it behind you.” Shaking off the sense of melancholy that had overtaken them for a moment, she said again, “Come, we need to rejoin our family. There is no room for such negative emotions today.” She hugged him tightly and seeing he was still pensive, she raised up on her toes to kiss his cheek. “Give yourself a moment, and then join us when you are ready.”
The entire group spent several delightful hours together, laughing and teasing as they played games and ate the tasty food that was prepared for the picnic boughs. Eventually, the men and boys moved to the pond to try their hands at fishing, while the girls gathered flowers that they brought to the ladies who helped form them into crowns.
While most chose to ride back to the house, Elizabeth and Darcy decided to walk. Jane and Georgiana offered to accompany the pair; however, Lady Matlock and Mrs. Gardiner wisely encouraged the girls to ride back, leaving the couple to themselves.
Nearly an hour after the rest arrived at Pemberley, the newly married Darcys returned to the house, walking hand-in-hand. When they returned, a little flushed and dishevelled, Mrs. Reynolds quickly directed the pair to their bedchambers, calling for baths. Elizabeth blushed when Darcy scandalised his valet when the master told him to only fill the oversized tub in the mistress’s bathing chambers.
“William, what are you doing?” Elizabeth cried when the servants left the room.
“I am joining you, my darling,” he replied as he climbed into the tub behind her. “Even before I met you again in Kent, I ordered the mistress’s chambers refreshed, hoping that I would bring you home soon. I also ordered a larger tub to be installed here, as one recurring fantasy involved you and me bathing together. I was a little ashamed by my lack of control where you were concerned and felt foolish once the letter was sent, though I could not get it back. I was still battling with myself, worried far more than I ought about how marrying you would affect my sister’s chance of making a good match, and concerned at how my aunt and uncle would receive you.” He dropped his head to her shoulder. “I apologise, Elizabeth. I have told you how I struggled and how my dreams made me reconsider those ridiculous objections. Truly, the thought of being in love with you frightened me. I was afraid I would completely lose control of myself, and the letter I sent to Pemberley only seemed to demonstrate that fact.”
He was silent for a moment more as he rubbed her shoulders and dropped light kisses on her neck. “I was a fool, Elizabeth, a fact made most clear to me over the last several weeks. My sister adores you and has already blossomed with your attention and that of your sisters. My aunt and uncle were surprisingly easy to convince of your worthiness. I never expected Aunt Catherine’s approbation, so I did not even consider her objections. It did not take long to realise that all my objections resulted from my fears.”
She leaned back into him, moved by his words. “What frightened you, William?”
“You, my darling girl. The way you made me feel. I wanted a love match, yet I was terrified of love at the same time. After my mother died, my father was a shadow of himself. I feared being like him; I feared my heart being broken. I still fear losing you, but I have come to realise that the sense of loss I would feel without you is far worse than anything else I might experience.”
Elizabeth could not let such a confession pass without a kiss. She turned to kiss him deeply, and they did not leave the bath until the water was once again cool. In fact, they did not go downstairs again at all that afternoon.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Though the Gardiners had intended to travel to the Lakes later this summer, they decided to delay that trip and remain at Pemberley a little while longer. After several conversations about the youngest girls, Elizabeth and Jane sat with their aunt and Lady Matlock to tell Kitty and Lydia about the plan for them to attend school.
Kitty was cautiously excited about the prospect of attending a school where she would have the opportunity to study with an art master and learn other accomplishments. Kitty enjoyed drawing, although she had few opportunities to do so. Truthfully, she enjoyed most artistic activities, and Lady Matlock and Mrs. Gardiner ensured her that she would have the opportunity to pursue these at school.
“I could go to school to learn art with masters,” she exclaimed. “That sounds wonderful! I have always enjoyed drawing and various artistic pursuits, but opportunities have been scarce. Mama and Lydia always thought it a worthless endeavour.” This last was said with an uncertain glance toward her eldersisters since Kitty was uncertain how they would interpret her comment.
The ladies all exchanged glances, reassured by Kitty’s positive reaction. “You shall have ample opportunities to explore and develop your artistic talents at school, my dear,” Lady Matlock assured her, smiling warmly. “And when you are prepared for your coming out in society, I will assist you. Perhaps you and Georgiana will be able to come out the same year.”
Meanwhile, Lydia received the news with less enthusiasm. “School?” she scoffed, a disapproving frown marring her features. “What nonsense! I do not need any further instruction as I am ready to catch a husband. All I require are a few fine dresses, a dowry, and the chance to flirt and tease with young men, preferably one in uniform who can support me in style. Surely Mr. Darcy possesses enough wealth to ensure I will make a good match.”
At this, Lady Matlock fixed Lydia with a stern gaze, her resolve evident. “Lydia,” she began, her voice carrying a weight of authority, “while a fine dress and dowry may catch a man’s initial attention, it takes more than that to sustain a lasting and meaningful connection. A lady’s accomplishments extend beyond mere flirtation. You must understand that society demands more than a charming facade. In truth, most men would not marry a girl who can do little other than flirt because they would have no guarantee she would stop once she ‘captured’ him.”
Lydia, undeterred, tossed her head defiantly. “Well, I have plenty of charm and beauty, and that’s more than enough! Who needs all those silly accomplishments when a smile and a twirl of the hair can do the trick?”
Lady Matlock’s expression remained unyielding as she continued, “Charm and beauty can only carry you so far, child. A true lady is admired for her intellect, grace, and ability to navigate social situations with poise. It is not just about catching a husband; it’s about being a respected and accomplished woman in your own right.”
