“Will there be many?” she asked as she watched him pour a cup of coffee and take a seat across from her.
“Though it is not my customary habit to entertain such large gatherings, I’m afraid this is turning out to be one of those rare occasions. Much of my family will be visiting over the next two weeks. I am also expecting Lord Westcott and his daughter. They were kind enough to invite Georgiana and me to dinner during our recent stay in London, and I felt etiquette required I reciprocate by inviting them to Pemberley.”
“They were at the ball, were they not?” Elizabeth’s mind immediately recalled the attractive honey blonde haired woman with whom William had danced. When did I start thinking of him as William again and not Mr. Darcy?
“Yes,” he said. “We met again last week while attending the theatre in London.”
“Oh.”
For an awkward moment they stared at each other until Darcy picked up his cup and took a sip of his coffee. Elizabeth withdrew her eyes from him and reached for the pot of jam. She had not considered having to watch him entertain beautiful young ladies as part of her upcoming duties, but that thought for some reason was now forming a disagreeable image in her mind.
“Mr. Darcy, I feel I must apologize . . .”
“Please, Miss Bennet,” he interrupted, “I would wish to forget the entire episode.”
Quickly changing the subject he said, “I see you are enjoying a book of poetry. It is Byron, is it not?”
“Yes, sir. I have lately received, somewhat mysteriously, a fine collection of his work, among others,” she replied.
“I doubt that it is quite the mystery you profess it to be.”
“I may have some idea as to the source, but the motive remains unknown to me.”
“Perhaps it was meant as a peace offering, Miss Bennet. Some people are unable to articulate their feelings as readily as others. I, myself, find I suffer from such an affliction.”
“Well, whoever it was, I would wish that they knew how much I am enjoying such a thoughtful gesture,” she answered, still staring into the deep brown pools of his eyes.
“I would trust that they do, Miss Bennet.”
Their colour increased in proportion to the length of their stare.
“Have you told your sister of your plans?”
“No, but I plan to do so today, if I can find a moment alone with her. I was surprised to see her absent from the breakfast table this morning as she is usually an early riser.”
Darcy wanted to relate that it was not uncommon for newlyweds to arise late but decided not to offer such intelligence, thinking perhaps she would assume he was speaking from his own experience.
“Of course, you may do as you wish, but may I suggest you consider postponing that conversation for a short while?”
She looked at him questioningly. He had not changed his mind, had he?
“Mrs. Hawkins will still be in my employ for a few weeks, and I would like that your duties not begin until she has departed. Perhaps you could delay informing your sister and Charles until then.
“I . . . I would like you to see Pemberley for the first time as my guest, Miss Bennet, not as an employee.”
Their eyes were again fixed on each other.
“Georgiana has expressly requested your company next week. I hope you will not disappoint her. She is looking forward to your joining our other guests. You could accompany Mr. and Mrs. Bingley, as they have been invited also.”
“That is most kind of you, Mr. Darcy.”
As he intently held her gaze, she found herself unable to look away. His hand reached across the table towards hers, but the next moment found the rest of Netherfield’s inhabitants descending upon the breakfast room.
The time for departure came quickly, and Elizabeth watched with sadness as Georgiana, Mrs. Hawkins, and Ellie rode away in their carriage. Saying goodbye to Ellie for a second time had been a difficult task. But the thought that in one week she would again be in her company gave her great comfort. This was the last time she would ever be separated from her daughter again.
Darcy mounted Marengo and followed the path of the carriage. He turned around one last time to look back at Elizabeth. He would not give up hope yet.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
“Be careful with that!” As the footman placed Caroline’s third trunk into the boot of the carriage, she sniffed the air. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst had been waiting impatiently for their sister to make her appearance; as she finally sat down in the coach, the feather on her bonnet brushed against the roof and bent slightly forward. “You really should consider purchasing a larger carriage, Mr. Hurst,” she offered, her voice indicating her displeasure.
Caroline was most eager to once again be in Mr. Darcy’s company. She was anticipation personified and quite determined that she would not let this opportunity slip away as she had during their recent stay at Netherfield. Convinced that whatever arts and allurements Miss Eliza had used to bewitch Mr. Darcy had by now lost their appeal, she was ready to spend the next few weeks exhibiting her charms without the hindrance of any competition.
Yes, Caroline reasoned, Mr. Darcy had allowed himself the indulgence of a brief diversion, but now she knew he would conform to the rules his society demanded and marry someone of equal station. And Caroline thought enough of herself to believe that she was such a woman.
Had not the London Gazette announced her name as being hostess to a ball attended by Lord Westcott? That little news item had benefited her with several prominent invitations into London society. Why, yes indeed, she was becoming a social sensation!
And now she was Mr. Darcy’s particular guest at Pemberley, an invitation he would never extend to someone so unworthy as Miss Eliza Bennet. Certainly he now must concede that country chit’s total lack of sophistication.
Really, men can be so easily influenced once their libido has been aroused, she thought. She had a momentary flash of guilt as she suddenly thought of Dr. Adams, but the moment was short lived as she immediately began planning her strategy to secure Mr. Darcy’s affections.
~*~
Mr. Bingley’s carriage rose over the ridge, and, for the first time, a full view of the estate that Elizabeth Bennet had heard so much about could be seen unobstructed. As she looked out the carriage window, her jaw unconsciously dropped. She turned her head back towards Mr. Bingley and gave him a look of astonished disbelief. She had imagined the estate to be larger and more lavish than Netherfield Park, but nothing she had heard could have prepared her for the sight now before her.
“Mr. Bingley, I had no idea that Pemberley was as grand as this,” she stated.
Of all this, one day my child shall be mistress, she thought.
“Now that we are brother and sister, could we not be less formal? I would wish you to call me ‘Charles,’ Miss Bennet.”
“Well, then you must return the favour and call me Elizabeth.”
He nodded his head in concurrence.
When they reached the carriage house, Mr. Bingley alit first. He handed down the two ladies and escorted them to the entrance. Mr. Darcy was waiting to greet them as they approached the door.
“Welcome to Pemberley,” he offered to his new guests with a slight bow.
Elizabeth could not help but smile at the sight of him standing so proud and regal before them. He offered his arm to her as he escorted them into the house.
Georgiana was immediately upon them and expressed her pleasure at seeing them all again. As she approached Elizabeth, she could not refrain from giving her an affectionate hug which was sincerely returned.
As they entered the parlour, there was only one other guest in attendance. Elizabeth was startled to see Ellie seated upon the lap of none other than Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
As soon as the child saw Elizabeth enter the room, she began to squirm to affect her escape from the woman’s grasp. Unable to contain her any longer, Lady Catherine allowed the little girl to stand, though her stance was indeed somewhat wobbly.
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Ellie reached out her arms and, as Elizabeth knelt to the floor several feet away, she, too, raised her arms, beckoning her daughter towards her. Without hesitation, Ellie lifted one chubby leg and placed it decidedly down in front of the other. She did this two more times until she could just reach Elizabeth’s outstretched hands.
“You are walking!” she exclaimed as she pulled the child into her embrace. This little demonstration garnered everyone’s attention. As they all watched in silent amazement, Darcy finally found his voice.
“I assure you, Miss Bennet, this is the first I have been witness to such. I believe those were her very first steps!”
Elizabeth quickly rose, lifting Ellie up with her as she stood. “My, what a clever girl you are, my sweet child,” whispered Elizabeth in her daughter’s ear. The little girl smiled brightly into her mother’s eyes.
An awkward silence pervaded the room momentarily as everyone stared at Elizabeth holding the child in her arms. She immediately blushed from embarrassment, but Darcy quickly took command of the situation and offered introductions.
Lady Catherine, may I present Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I believe you made her acquaintance recently at Netherfield.”
Elizabeth stiffened by his side.
Lady Catherine turned her beady eyes to Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet,” was all the greeting she offered.
“It a pleasure to see you again, your ladyship,” said Elizabeth.
“Perhaps your sister’s fortuitous marriage has elevated your situation after all. To be invited to Pemberley must indeed be a great honour for you.”
No longer surprised by Lady Catherine’s directness, she smiled, replying only, “Indeed, it is,” in response, then politely stood aside while Mr. and Mrs. Bingley were introduced.
Tea was offered to the new arrivals; afterwards, they were directed to their accommodations so that they might refresh before dinner, all agreeing to meet three hours hence in the main dining salon. Georgiana was helpfully leading them to their rooms when Mrs. Reynolds greeted them at the stairway.
As Georgiana introduced Mrs. Reynolds, Elizabeth recognized her immediately as the woman who had interviewed her, and she felt the colour begin to drain from her face. But then Elizabeth did as she always did when feeling intimidated, she raised her chin and met the woman’s eyes.
“Good afternoon, Miss Bennet. I hope you don’t mind, but with so many guests expected this week, we had to put you up in the west wing of the house near the family quarters.”
“Not at all, Mrs. Reynolds, for I assure you, any room in this lovely home would be to my liking.” She concluded her discourse with a most appreciative smile for the elder woman’s kindness and discretion.
Mrs. Reynolds returned her smile, giving her a slight nod of her head. Their friendship was solidified in that brief moment of understanding.
Mr. Darcy had prepared Mrs. Reynolds for the arrival of Miss Bennet, and she had immediately sensed something in the air. She had never before seen her master behave as he had this entire week. One would have thought the queen was coming to visit.
“Miss Georgiana, why don’t you show Mr. and Mrs. Bingley to their rooms while I show Miss Bennet to hers?”
“Of course, Mrs. Reynolds. I shall see you later, Elizabeth.”
As they reached the top of the staircase, Georgiana, Jane, and Charles took the hallway to the right, while Mrs. Reynolds and Elizabeth turned to the left. As they reached the rooms assigned to Elizabeth, Mrs. Reynolds pointed out Mr. Darcy’s suite of rooms a mere few doors from hers. Further down on the right were Miss Georgiana’s rooms, and at the end of the hallway was the nursery.
“I just hope I shall be able to find my way back to the parlour,” noted Elizabeth as she observed the vastness of her surroundings.
“If you have any trouble, I’m sure one of the servants will gladly direct you,” assured Mrs. Reynolds with a smile.
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
As Mrs. Reynolds departed, Elizabeth turned around slowly, staring in awe at the gracious accommodations of her rooms. Not only had she been provided with the most beautiful bedchamber she had ever seen, richly decorated with the finest brocades in light blues and yellows, but there was also a small sitting room furnished simply but tastefully off to the left and a dressing chamber with a bathing tub off to the right. As she moved the draperies to allow light in from the windows, she was delighted to see a balcony as well.
Certainly there must be some sort of mix up, thought Elizabeth. This could not be intended for me. A servant arrived shortly with her luggage, followed by a maid who asked where she would like to have her things laid out.
“Please do not bother to unpack my things as I am sure some mistake has been made as to my accommodations. I am sure these elegant rooms must be reserved for someone other than myself,” said Elizabeth to the young girl.
“Oh, no, madam. Mr. Darcy was very clear as to where each guest was to be situated,” replied the maid.
“Well,” said Elizabeth with hesitation, “if you are sure . . . then please unpack the small bag first. I would like to bathe and change after such a long trip. And please call me Elizabeth.”
“Very well, Miss Elizabeth. I am Dora,” she said as she curtseyed. “I will see to your needs during your stay.”
“I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance, Dora,” said Elizabeth. “The first thing I shall need is a map, so that I may find my room each night.”
The young girl grinned at her and explained, “There is a trick to it, Miss.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow in question, and Dora continued. “We are located in the family wing, and, as Mr. Darcy favours blues and yellows, all the rugs and wall coverings are in those colours. So if you just follow the colours, you will find your way to your room.”
“I see. Well, that is very helpful indeed, Dora. What colours occupy the walls and floors where Mr. and Mrs. Bingley are residing?”
“Let’s see . . . that would be the east wing. Green and coral,” said Dora with a smile. “Might I direct you anywhere else?”
“I have heard so much about the library at Pemberley that I would be remiss if I did not seek it out as soon as I may. Perhaps I could visit there before dinner.”
After receiving directions to the library, Elizabeth went about readying herself. To her delight she discovered that Dora was also very adept at fixing her hair, and, as she departed her lovely suite of rooms, she felt herself quite in vogue with her surroundings.
While crossing the hallway, she heard the unmistakable voice of Caroline Bingley wafting across the expanse of the passages, admonishing some poor servant for the lack of light in her room.
“Why have I been relegated to a room facing full west? I can barely see my hand in front of my face! And do I not have a balcony? Where is Mrs. Reynolds? I demand to see her immediately!”
“Yes, Miss Bingley, I shall summon her right away.”
Elizabeth quickly made her way down the stairs to avoid any contact with Caroline as she headed for the library.
This room, too, inspired awe. Never had she seen so many books! As she walked past each row, she noted the vast array of subjects, from botany to Greek mythology and everything in between. How her father would have loved this room! He would gladly have closed himself up here for days, requiring nothing more than a bottle of port and his reading glasses.
The leather furnishings and deep mahogany book cases and tables gave it so a strong masculine air that she could not help but imagine William here. She smiled when she thought of him.
She wondered what her life would be like here. How would they get on? She must admit she enjoyed his company. It would not be a burden to spend her days with him. She would be content to be his friend and live with him and Ellie in this beautiful place. Yes, she could picture such a life.
Just then the door opened, and he entered the library, scattering the thoughts she had just so neatly arranged. “Ah, Miss Bennet, I should have guessed you would seek out t
he library upon your arrival.”
“It is most magnificent, Mr. Darcy. I should be quite content to spend many hours here surrounded by so much knowledge.”
They shared a smile.
“And do you find your accommodations suitable?” he asked.
As soon as the words left his mouth, he recognized them as the ones he had spoken to her that first night in Scotland. Elizabeth, too, remembered those words, and as their eyes met, an embarrassing blush overtook her countenance. “I . . . I am honoured to be situated in such elegant quarters, sir.
“I know you have been informed of my meeting your aunt at Netherfield, Mr. Darcy. I am sincerely sorry that I treated her so poorly.”
“I doubt it is your behaviour that requires an apology, Miss Bennet. I know my aunt all too well. That you survived her visit unscathed is remarkable.”
“Well it did leave me a little shaken. But that still does not excuse my behaviour.”
“My aunt is of the opinion that she would be better suited to care for Ellie. I have tried to dissuade her on several occasions, but she seems rather insistent upon it. Had I been there, Miss Bennet, I would have reacted in the same manner as you. From what I understand of the circumstances of that day, had it not been for you, my aunt would have taken Ellie with her to Rosings. So no apology is warranted, I am sure. On the contrary, I should be offering my thanks.”
They held a gaze for a moment.
“Is Mrs. Reynolds aware that it is I whom you hired as Ellie’s nanny?”
“Yes, she is the only one, however. Have you told your sister? “
“No, I have heeded your advice and will not tell her until it is time for Mrs. Hawkins to leave.”
“Good,” he answered, relieved that no one else would know of her impending employment. “Then you are Georgiana’s and my guest until Mrs. Hawkins must depart.
“I would wish to thank you for allowing me this opportunity, Mr. Darcy. To be allowed to care for Ellie and watch her grow is my greatest desire. As long as she is happy, I will require nothing more. I will be content with my situation, and I shall make every effort to avoid your disapproval.”
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