Page 63 of A Different Impression

Darcy set both letters aside and felt some of the burden of Rosings finally lift from his shoulders. Anne’s inheritance was secured, Hunsford would receive a rector worthy of the parish, and one more consequence of Lady Catherine’s interference had been set right.

CHAPTER 27

Pemberley

Afew days after returning from Rosings, Darcy and Elizabeth departed London for Pemberley. Poor weather lengthened the journey from three days to five, but Darcy found the delay no hardship. They would have the house to themselves for a se’nnight before the Matlocks arrived with Anne, Georgiana, and Kitty. Anne’s physician had finally agreed that she was strong enough to travel, provided the journey was taken slowly and she was allowed ample opportunity to rest. Darcy was pleased that they would begin their life at Pemberley in relative privacy.

At their final overnight stop before reaching Derbyshire, several letters forwarded from London awaited them. Darcy frowned as he deciphered Bingley’s untidy hand, whilst Elizabeth read a letter from Jane.

“What is he thinking?” Darcy muttered. “I warned him against this very thing.”

Elizabeth looked up. “Who are you speaking of?”

“Bingley,” Darcy said, his mind reeling at the utter idiocy of his friend. “He has abandoned Netherfield for London and intends to remain there until at least Twelfth Night, perhaps longer.”

“Then Jane’s information agrees with his. She learnt of his departure from neighbourhood gossip. He did not call at Longbourn or send so much as a note to take his leave.” Elizabeth folded her sister’s letter, her displeasure evident. “Jane does not claim to have lost her heart to him, but she is hurt that someone she considered a friend could leave without a word. His attentions had also raised expectations throughout Meryton.”

Darcy’s displeasure deepened. He had warned Bingley on the night before the wedding that Jane was not another passing angel to be admired and forgotten.

“I shall write to him,” he said. “Whether or not he intended to marry Jane, he owed her the courtesy of taking his leave. She is my sister now, and I will not allow him to treat her carelessly.”

Elizabeth’s expression softened. “Thank you, William. I believe Jane will value knowing that you consider her your sister.”

“She is your sister,” Darcy replied. “How could I consider her anything less?”

Around mid-afternoon on the fifth day, they passed through Lambton, the village nearest Pemberley. The slower pace had allowed Elizabeth to enjoy the changing landscape, and her delight had grown as they travelled farther into Derbyshire and the terrain became more rugged. Even in winter, every new prospect appeared to fascinate her. Upon entering Lambton, she studied their surroundings more carefully, searching for landmarks Darcy had described and any indication that they were approaching their home.

Once through Pemberley’s gates, the road climbed gradually until the carriage reached a ridge overlooking the valley. At Darcy’s direction, the coachman stopped. Darcy handed Elizabeth down and led her to the place from which he had always intended her to receive her first view of their home.

Her breath caught. Below them, Pemberley’s pale stone walls rose naturally from the surrounding valley, as though the house belonged as completely to the landscape as the woods and hills. Unlike the ostentatious grandeur of Rosings, Pemberley possessed a quiet elegance. Winter sunlight glimmered across the lake, reflecting the house and the bare trees beyond it.

Darcy watched Elizabeth take in the view. Her parted lips and shining eyes told him all he wished to know.

“Elizabeth,” Darcy spoke softly, breaking the silence enveloping them as they stood together on the ridge. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and whispered into her ear, “Welcome to Pemberley, dearest; welcome to our home.” Pride warmed him—not merely in the house and land entrusted to him, but in the woman he had brought home to share them.

He said as much to Elizabeth as they re-entered the carriage.

“Before we left London, Richard suggested that we ought to begin work upon the dozen children he expects us to have.”

Elizabeth gave him an arch look. “A dozen? Is he mad, or does he intend to bear a few of them himself?”

Darcy laughed. “So, not a dozen?”

“Let us begin with one and reconsider the matter later,” Elizabeth said, raising one brow. “If we reach eight, I reserve the right to lock the door between our chambers.”

Darcy gave her what he hoped was a rakish look. “That seems rather pointless, my love, since you share my bed every night.”

Her answering giggle delighted him, but a moment later, her expression grew serious.

“Will you always wish to share a bed with me? I know many married couples do not, and I have wondered whether you desire it merely because we are newly married.”

He drew her closer. “I sincerely hope we shall always share a bed, dearest. Our suite at Pemberley has two bedchambers, and we may use either, but I hope you will always choose to share mine.”

She reached up to pull his face down to hers. “I do love you, Will, and I so enjoy waking in your arms each morning. I too hope that will never change, that neither of us will ever stop desiring the other’s company, especially here,” she whispered before she kissed him. They did not break the kiss until they felt the carriage stop at the front door. The footman had learnt not to open the door until directed to do so, and it took a moment before Darcy indicated they were ready to alight. The servants were gathered on the steps of the large home, and it was clear they were cold as all could see the puffs of breath in the cool Derbyshire air.

The waiting servants appeared grateful when Darcy ordered everyone inside before making the introductions. Once they had gathered in the entrance hall, he proudly presented Mrs Darcy and then introduced her more particularly to Mrs Reynolds, the butler, and the cook.

Mrs Reynolds was most enthusiastic in her greeting. “Welcome home, Mr Darcy, Mrs Darcy,” she enthused. “Everyone is so pleased to finally meet you, Mrs Darcy. The Master, Miss Darcy, and the servants at the London house have all spoken of you. A special dinner has been planned for this evening to celebrate your wedding, if that suits you, Mistress?”