Page 92 of A Different Impression

“I hardly know with whom to be most angry—this girl Mary, the captain, or Papa,” she said at last. “Clearly, this Mary was instructed as poorly as Lydia, and the captain took advantage of her brazenness. Papa’s response, however, is unconscionable. Perhaps he intended it sardonically, as usual, but to commit such sentiments to writing…” She shook her head. “I am astounded.”

After considering the matter for another moment, she asked, “May I keep this? I should like William to read it before we decide whether to invite Lydia. I think he will agree with me, but I would still prefer for him to see it.”

At Kitty’s nod, Elizabeth entrusted Roseanna to her sister and carried the letter directly to William’s study.

“William, you must read this letter from Lydia,” she said as soon as she entered.

Her husband accepted it. As he read, his expression steadily darkened. When he finished, he rose and strode towards the window. Elizabeth watched him draw several deep breaths before returning to her.

“Every time I believe your father cannot do worse by his daughters, he contrives to surprise me,” he said. “I do not understand the man at all.”

“When Mary arrives, I shall do everything within my power to persuade her to remain with us,” Elizabeth said. “Her letters make it plain that Papa has relinquished nearly all responsibility for the estate. He no longer even pretends to advise or supervise her, leaving Mary to manage everything. His correspondence with you has ceased altogether, which makes me fear that the matter has progressed beyond ordinary neglect.”

Disappointment mingled with Elizabeth’s anger. “For one fleeting moment last autumn, I dared to believe that Papa would finally place his family’s welfare before his own comfort. Within months, however, his interest disappeared. Now it falls upon us to do what he refuses—to ensure that my sisters have some chance of building meaningful lives. If Lydia accompanies Mary here, we can provide the support and guidance Papa has denied them.”

She sank into a chair, her anger giving way to concern. “I fear for Mary if she remains at Longbourn. The responsibility of managing the estate, combined with Papa’s indifference, places an intolerable burden upon her.”

“I share your concern,” William replied. “She still has Mrs Higgins with her, but she is otherwise almost entirely alone. Neither of her parents appears interested in improving her circumstances. Perhaps, if she married, she and her husband might assume responsibility for Longbourn together.”

Elizabeth felt some of her heaviness lift. “Do you intend to matchmake for my sister, William?”

A flush rose in his cheeks. “No, but you must admit that it would solve several difficulties.”

“You are right, although Mary has always maintained that she does not wish to marry.” Elizabeth’s teasing faded as she considered the possibility. “Still, marriage might provide her with the companionship she lacks. She might be happier with someone whom she could love and who would love her in return. Someone local would be best, perhaps one of the Lucases—or there may be someone new to the neighbourhood.”

“Now you are matchmaking, dearest,” William replied drily. “Let us first speak to Mary and discover what she desires before arranging her marriage without her knowledge.”

CHAPTER 38

Christmas at Pemberley

Once William agreed with Elizabeth that they ought to invite Lydia, letters travelled rapidly between Pemberley, London, and Northampton. The Gardiners arranged to collect her on their journey north, whilst Elizabeth and William placed a second carriage from Darcy House at their disposal to accommodate the children, their nurse, and the additional luggage.

Elizabeth’s anticipation mounted as the first guests began to arrive. Lord and Lady Matlock reached Pemberley before the others. Her aunt had written that she wished to come early and assist with the final preparations, evidently fearing that Elizabeth might find the arrival of so many guests burdensome so soon after the twins’ birth.

Mary would travel north with the Bingleys. Although Elizabeth had repeatedly invited her to remain at Pemberley after Christmas, Mary insisted that her responsibilities at Longbourn required her return. Her devotion to the estate did not entirely explain her firmness, and Elizabeth resolved to speak with her privately during the visit.

A final letter from Mrs Gardiner informed Elizabeth that they would collect Lydia from Northampton on their way towards Derbyshire. Her aunt also expressed her intention to use the long journey to speak privately with Lydia about what she had learnt at school and how she meant to conduct herself in future.

By happy chance, the Gardiners and Bingleys arrived at Pemberley almost together. Elizabeth and William waited in the entrance hall to receive them, and when Mary and Lydia crossed the threshold, both stopped and gasped. Their eyes travelled over the greenery, ribbons, and candles adorning the hall before rising towards the great staircase.

The undisguised wonder upon their faces brought a smile to Elizabeth’s lips. For the first time, these two sisters were seeing the home of which they had heard so much—the home that had now become hers.

As greetings and embraces were exchanged around her, warmth spread through Elizabeth. Pemberley’s entrance hall filled with familiar voices and laughter, and for a moment, she simply stood beside William and savoured the pleasure of welcoming so many of those she loved into their home.

“Lydia, Mary, how wonderful to have you both here at last,” she said warmly as her sisters crossed the threshold, moving to greet them.

“Lizzy, Pemberley is even grander than everyone claimed!” Lydia exclaimed, embracing her with much of her former exuberance. “I knew I should adore it. I mean—” Her confidence faltered, and she drew back to search Elizabeth’s face. “You truly are pleased that I have come, are you not? I was not entirely certain how you would receive me.”

Elizabeth embraced her youngest sister. “I am very glad you have come. Your letters have shown me how much you have changed, and I hope we may begin anew,” she said quietly.

Lydia nodded, looking suddenly shy. Elizabeth helped her remove her cloak and bonnet before handing them to a waiting maid.

Once the new arrivals had surrendered their outdoor things, the party moved into a cosy drawing room, where Elizabeth ordered tea. After everyone had taken some refreshment, the nursemaids brought in the twins. Those already acquainted with the babies greeted them with renewed affection, whilst Mary and Lydia approached with particular eagerness. Mr Gardiner remained a little behind them, watching with quiet pleasure as his nieces received their first introductions.

“Oh, Lizzy, they are absolutely precious!” Lydia exclaimed, bending closer. “Look at those tiny noses and chubby cheeks!”

“They are a blessing,” Elizabeth replied, unable to conceal her pride. “We could not be happier.”