Arriving at Pemberley, Elizabeth alighted from the carriage to be greeted by the staff lined up along the drive and entryway. On his arm as usual, Darcy cupped his free hand over hers and held it tightly in place, fearing her taking flight at seeing the enormity of the change in her life as his wife. He took his time and allowed each of the staff members the courtesy of acknowledging his new mistress. Darcy introduced Elizabeth to key staff members, and she made an effort to learn as many names as possible in such a short period of time.To see her comment on the flowers offered by several of the children and her reaching out to touch the hand of many of those in attendance pleased him. She knew not what impression she gave to those anxious to know something of the woman he chose for his wife, but Darcy missed not one reaction. Elizabeth’s approachable manner and genuine smile made her an instant favorite. He knew many staff members feared someone such as the infamous Miss Bingley, a woman whom all found intolerable at best; Mr. Darcy’s good sense at marrying a woman who was both handsome and in possession of pleasant airs impressed them.
At the top of the steps stood Georgiana, Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. Howard, and Mrs. Annesley. Georgiana’s excitement caused her to fidget in place waiting her turn to greet her brother and Elizabeth. Darcy reached out and took her hand to pull Georgiana to his side while introducing Elizabeth first to Mr. Howard and then to Mrs. Reynolds. Darcy stood in awe of Elizabeth’s command of the situation. Although not accustomed to such formal settings, Mr. Howard took the hand Elizabeth extended and made his sincere congratulations. Mrs. Reynolds, who held the Darcys in warmregard, was beside herself with joy with Elizabeth’s arrival as Pemberley’s new mistress.“I am pleased to welcome you to Pemberley, Mrs. Darcy.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. I will be depending on your help and guidance. Mr. Darcy’s trust in your ability to run Pemberley will be invaluable to me as its new mistress.” Such accolades won Mrs. Reynolds early.Then unexpectedly, Elizabeth gave Mrs. Reynolds a quick embrace. Although Darcy realized Elizabeth’s motivation came more from the memory of the woman’s part in bringing her and Darcy together, the unabashed enthusiasm displayed increased Elizabeth’s regard in the opinions of those on staff who saw it, and Darcy found nothing to which to object.
Elizabeth dropped her eyes quickly when she looked up at Darcy; she realized too late her hugging Mrs. Reynolds was a break in decorum before she even entered the house, but Darcy slipped his arm around her waist to pull her closer and to assure her he was not upset with her impetuous act.They both greeted Mrs. Annesley, and the two elderly women reentered the estate together.That just left Georgiana; Darcy and Elizabeth turned together toward the girl who bubbled with excitement. The three embraced each other repeatedly and talked over one another in greeting. Happy as he had ever been, Darcy entered the main hallway with Elizabeth on one arm and Georgiana on the other.
A rather formal act, she took his arm for their first ascent of the staircase, symbolizing their marriage coming together at last.They left Georgiana in the second floor drawing room, and he escorted Elizabeth to their chambers. Beforehand, he gave orders to bring the pup to Mrs. Darcy’s dressing area. At the top of the staircase he said,“For many nights last fall at Netherfield, Elizabeth, I fell asleep imagining you standing on this very staircase. Now my dreams are complete; you are no longer here standing and waiting for me; you are now at the top of the staircase and entering our chambers as my wife. Life is good.” He bent to kiss her gently on the lips. “It ispleasant to be no longer waiting for you.” His smile of contentment encased her.
“It has always been just you, Fitzwilliam. It is just you I love.”
When the weather permitted, Darcy and Elizabeth rode out across their land each morning. He chose a horse of a gentle nature but deceptively fast for Elizabeth, and how quickly she learned to ride pleased him. A natural and not easily intimidated, Elizabeth’s spirit played out as they raced across valleys and over rises.They could be seen spurring their mounts—laughing and chasing each other at a whim. Those of finer societies would object to their exuberance, but they did not care; they were together. Darcy introduced her to his tenants, making a point of her knowing about each family. His ability to call all his tenants by name and to listen to their concerns impressed her and gave her a great sense of pride. Along with Mr. Howard, they examined the fields and the smaller structures on the estate. Mr. Howard was uncomfortable with the idea at first, but he soon found Mrs. Darcy’s ability to adapt to each situation in which she found herself fascinating. Darcy protected his wife, but he also shared all aspects of his life at Pemberley with her. Mr. Howard knew of no relationship like the one he viewed at the great house. Mrs. Darcy was privy to plans for expansion, renewal, repair, and refurbishing of the estate; Darcy was adamant about her need to be a part of every decision affecting his holdings.
Watching Elizabeth spend time each day with Georgiana satisfied him. The two played music and went for walks. They spent time with their needlework and helping the new vicar administer to the poor. In Darcy’s view, even though Elizabeth had been at Pemberley only a fortnight, an outside observer would have thought her to be born there.
One afternoon, she and Darcy walked the path upon which they met that eventful day in August.The pup trailed after her when it did not chase the game birds by the stream.They walked hand-in-handreliving the feelings of their finding each other again. “I was embarrassed you found me here. I thought you would believe me to be trying to curry favor with you once again.” Elizabeth paused to look at him.
“Elizabeth, all I thought was God gave me a second chance. I decided if God gave me such an opportunity, I would declare my devotion to you and hope you would receive my intentions!”
“Now, we have been married a month; God moves in mysterious ways, my Love.” Elizabeth put her arms around his neck. “Even when hope of our finding love was against us, I still hoped.” Going up on her tiptoes, she kissed him, engulfed in his nearness. Darcy nipped at her ear as his arms wrapped around her waist. His gaze settled on her lips, and Elizabeth leaned in where only their breath separated them. “You have married a shameless woman, Mr. Darcy. I choose to kiss you in front of God and anyone who may be watching.”
“Mrs. Darcy, I do not seem to be withdrawing from your advances.” Frozen with desire, he did not move.
“This is true, Mr. Darcy.” The blush of her face told of her need to have him.“Where does that leave us?”
“I believe our walk has come to an end,” he said, not letting her go. “Some quiet reflection in our chambers could answer your question, Elizabeth.”
“I believe you are correct, Mr. Darcy.” She giggled with anticipation. They turned back toward the house. “Come, Hero,” she called to the dog.
“Must that dog always go where we go?” he teased. “I knew I might regret giving you what you want.”
“That is too bad, Fitzwilliam,” she countered, “because what I want right now is you.”
Darcy’s ardor grew quickly; he turned and kissed her again. “I am a man who dotes on his wife, it seems.” He took her hand and led her toward the staircase.
CHAPTER 22
“A woman especially if she has the misfortune of knowing anything, should conceal it as well as she can.”
Darcy was at his desk in his study when both Elizabeth and Georgiana entered. “Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth said, so excited she rushed to his side, “Georgiana and I were going through some of your mother’s things.We came across a ledger and some notes about an annual celebration she held for the tenants between Christmas and New Year’s. Do you remember those?”
“Of course, Elizabeth, but that was years ago; they stopped with her death.” Remembering his mother brought him a renewed sadness, one he had not felt since returning to Pemberley with Elizabeth as his wife.
“Georgiana and I would like to bring back the tradition if you have no objections.”
Looking at both of them, Darcy’s eyes sparkled with a new resolve. Georgiana came forward. “Fitzwilliam, months ago you said you would share your memories of our mother with me. May we start with this tradition?”
He came around the desk to embrace his sister.“My memories are those of a young boy, but you remind me more of her each day—the way you turn your head and that look when you are excited about something for the first time. Georgiana, I do not object, but will you and Elizabeth be able to organize this in such a short duration?”
Elizabeth joined them. “Fitzwilliam, I have nothing to do for our gathering on New Year’s nor for decorating the house forChristmas. Mrs. Reynolds took care of all those details. Georgiana and I both want to be a part of your vision for Pemberley. May we begin with reestablishing your mother’s connection to this estate?”
“How may I refuse the three women I have loved?” But Darcy’s cautious reserve betrayed his doubts.“Our mother loved this estate; she was devoted to preserving it. Please keep this simple. Read our mother’s notes, Georgiana; she knew what was best for our home.”
“We will, Fitzwilliam. Come, Elizabeth, we have much to do. Thank you, Brother.” She gave him a quick kiss.
“Thank you, Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth’s embrace revealed the passion she always felt when close to him. “We will honor your mother’s memory. I promise.” The women left him with his doubts and his sense of dread. Neither Elizabeth nor Georgiana had experience with such arrangements; he hoped for no regrets, but Darcy feared disaster.
“Elizabeth, my mother’s notes tell me little about what she planned,” Georgiana’s frustration showed.
