A Rare Ability: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Pemberley Romance Book 10)

by Harriet Knowles

  “Oh, yes!” She watched for a moment. “Is it safe for him to try and berth in this weather?”

  Once again, Darcy was impressed with her knowledge and intuition, even in settings that were new to her. What could she have attained had she received a broader education?

  “Yes. I expect he’ll tuck in behind that causeway, there.” He pointed over to the right. “Look, it’s much calmer behind it.”

  She shivered. “Even there, it still seems quite wild to me, William.”

  A particularly strong gust made her stagger against him, and he grasped her upper arms. “I think, perhaps, we ought to return to the coach, Elizabeth.”

  She looked round at him. “Must we? It will be safe, I’m sure, now you have sent it behind those houses. And we might remain and watch the boat coming in.”

  He smiled down at her. “If you wish it so.” He would indulge her. “But I think you must allow me to support you, to ensure you do not lose your footing.”

  She laughed, and her lips moved, but he heard nothing. Anxiously, he tightened his grip.

  “I beg your pardon?”

  She reached up close to him, her mouth close to his ear. “It would be worth it to see this, William. Remember, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  He had forgotten. Many times he had stood on beaches and promenades, winter or summer. He had forgotten the wild excitement of the first times. He squeezed her arms. “Of course.” He knew she was reading his lips, and he was glad — he wouldn’t want her to know how husky his voice was.

  She leaned against him, and he glanced around apprehensively. No one was in sight. He smiled slightly; he would remember this day forever.

  But her eyes were fixed on the vessel as it staggered from wave to wave. “There are men up there! On the mast. Can you see, William? Surely it must be very dangerous.”

  He drew her slightly closer. “It is very dangerous, Elizabeth. Especially in weather like this. But there must be men there; to reef the sail when ordered, and more men on deck to lower them when the weather dictates.” He shrugged. “Every man has his duty on board, from the captain in the wheelhouse, to the ship’s boy trying not to fall overboard.”

  She shook her head. “I will never eat fish again without thinking of the risks they take.”

  Once again he was impressed with her perspicacity. He knew of the dangers at sea, but had never particularly connected it with the fish upon his table.

  They stood in silence and watched as the little vessel swung and yawed as the sailors struggled to steer her into safety. Finally, they watched as a couple of brawny men leapt from the deck to the side, carrying the ends of the lines and made them fast round heavy posts and others on the deck heaved the ship to the side.

  Soon there were men swarming on the deck, lifting boxes of fish to the causeway, shouting and laughing.

  Then they were passing by, on their way home, lifting their woollen hats to Elizabeth.

  “Morning, miss.”

  “Morning, my lady.”

  “Good morning, ma’am.”

  Elizabeth smiled graciously at them. “Thank you for your efforts. I’m glad you had a successful catch.”

  * * *

  That evening, in the small private parlour of the inn at the nearby little town of Prestatyn, he watched the brilliancy of her complexion and her shining eyes as she talked of their tour. He was relieved that the weather had turned a little — their first week since arriving in Wales had seen the warmest part of the year to date, and he’d begun to despair that she’d not see the wild coasts she had mentioned that very first night they had danced together.

  “You’re very thoughtful, William.” She’d caught his mood, and he shook his head, smiling.

  “It is nothing, Elizabeth. I was merely thinking how happy I was that after promising you a wild and windy coast, we were fortunate enough to experience at least one day like it.”

  Her laugh delighted him. “I confess that I was beginning to think we would leave for Pemberley without having seen more than a gentle breeze.” She pressed her hands to her cheeks. “I’m really glad we did, though. I’ll never forget it, never.”

  He reached over and covered her hand with his. “I, too, will never forget the sight of you enjoying the experience.” He didn’t release her hand. “And tomorrow, we turn for home. Two days to Pemberley. I look forward to showing it to you.”

  Chapter 67

  Elizabeth leaned forward to look out of the coach window. William had told her they would arrive at Pemberley during the afternoon, and she was determined to take in the entire neighbourhood as they approached.

  She had to own to herself that she was very tired. Although she’d enjoyed the tour, she was very happy that it had come to a close.

  William’s arm came round her. “May I ask that you sit back for a moment and close your eyes, Elizabeth? I have asked the coachman to stop once the house is in view, and I’d like that to be your first sight of your new home.”

  “Of course.” Elizabeth settled herself back against the seat, and closed her eyes. “Please do not permit me to go to sleep again.” She opened one eye and looked at him. “I am embarrassed that I slept the whole morning on the journey yesterday.”

  He looked unrepentant. “You needed to rest, Elizabeth. You are unused to extensive travel — and I have plans to show you the whole estate over the next few days.” He smiled mischievously. “I’m sorry if you had thought you might relax when we reach Pemberley.”

  She laughed. “You have discovered your sense of humour, William. I hope Georgiana will not be disconcerted at the change in you.”

  He grimaced. “Might I have to return to aloofness, Elizabeth?”

  She smiled appreciatively, and shook her head. “I think you will retain your sister’s affections, William, no matter the change in you.”

  He leaned forward, and placed his hand gently over her eyes. “The house is about to come into view, Elizabeth.” She felt the coach begin to slow, and she bit her lip. She must be very sure to appear delighted, even if the house was not as she expected. William loved his home, but she had no idea what to expect.

  The coach stopped, and she heard William’s sigh of deep contentment.

  “There,” he said, “Pemberley.” He removed his hand, and she gazed out across the rolling lawns, framed in a space between the trees.

  The great house stood before the lake, perfectly situated within the landscape; honey-coloured stone blending with the lawns around, quiet and restrained.

  Elizabeth became aware that she was staring, and William was waiting uncertainly for her opinion.

  She glanced at him, knowing her eyes were shining. “It’s the most beautiful house I have ever seen, William. And the grounds — the park — it is all so beautiful.” She reached her hand out. “I cannot believe I will be living here with you.”

  He looked very relieved. “I am depending on it.” He looked up at the house, his eyes soft, and she was reminded again of his attachment to this place. Then he glanced down at her again. “There will be changes you wish to make, I am sure. You must tell me what you want.”

  She shook her head, looking back over the house, as he rapped on the roof, and the coach jerked forward. “I think it’s utterly lovely, William. I doubt there will be anything I want to change.”

  “You must not be afraid to change what you wish to, Elizabeth. Your bedchamber, to begin with. It is yours, and you must not feel I wish it to remain as it is.”

  She tightened her grasp on his hand. “You’re very generous, William. There is no hurry to make changes, and perhaps no need at all.”

  He chuckled as the coach made its way along the road. “I’m looking forward to it being a different place, Elizabeth. It will be a family home, laughter echoing along the corridors, children running —” he stopped, and she saw his eyes were sad.

  “Was it not like that when your parents were alive, William?”

  “I will tell you about them, Elizab
eth. But not today. Today is a happy day. I am bringing my wife here, and this will be a new beginning.”

  “Of course.” She felt the coach draw up and glanced out. Wide shallow steps led up to an enormous oak door, and a row of staff were lined up outside to greet the new mistress of Pemberley. Her heart quailed a little.

  “Courage, my Elizabeth.” His murmur and strong presence beside her calmed her. She would do this.

  The steward opened the door, and William climbed out, before turning to assist her.

  “Elizabeth, this is my Pemberley steward, Mr. Reed. He will be able to advise you on anything you may need.”

  The man bowed. “Welcome to Pemberley, Mrs. Darcy.” He looked a solid, dependable man, and she inclined her head.

  “Thank you, Mr. Reed.”

  At the top of the stairs, she stopped at the older woman standing at the head of the row of servants, who curtsied.

  “Welcome to Pemberley, Mrs. Darcy.”

  William was beside her. “Mrs. Reynolds has been housekeeper here since I was a small boy.” He smiled wryly. “You must not believe all her stories.”

  Mrs. Reynolds turned and introduced Elizabeth to a few of the servants, who were then dismissed to their duties. William offered her his arm and they entered the great hall.

  Elizabeth stopped and gazed round at the great twin staircases, curving up each side to the galleried landing at the top. Enormous portraits covered the panelled walls, and the whole of Longbourn House might have fitted within it.

  “Are you well?” William was beside her.

  She nodded. “I am; but you did tell me that Pemberley was very little bigger than Shendish Manor. I refute those words.”

  He smiled a little ruefully. “I didn’t seem to wish to boast, and Shendish was a delightful place to stay.”

  “You’re right, William. And I will forgive you the lapse this time.”

  He laughed and indicated the door to the left. “Let’s go and take tea, Elizabeth.”

  She walked into the great room at his side. An early fire welcomed her in, and two sofas beside it looked very comfortable after two days in the coach. If she sat there, the size of the rest of the room might intimidate her less.

  The housekeeper entered, supervising the maids who carried in great trays — steaming teapots, delicate porcelain cups and saucers, and plates of pastries. Elizabeth kept her face straight until the servants had left the room again.

  “Am I meant to eat much of it, William? I wouldn’t like to offend, but it can’t be too long until dinner.” She glanced at him. He shrugged.

  “You eat what you wish to, or not, as you please, Elizabeth.” He looked over at the table. “I think there is an attempt to delight you. Soon they’ll learn how much you wish to be served and there will be less waste.”

  He crossed to the sofa and sat beside her. “You’re right that there is not too long before dinner. Perhaps after tea you might wish to stroll in the rose garden, and then I might show you to your chambers to change.”

  “I’d like that, William.” Elizabeth glanced round. “It’s going to be a long time before I know my way round.”

  He smiled. “I look forward to showing you everything, Elizabeth.”

  Half an hour later, her hand on his arm, they walked along the great stone terrace and down the steps towards the rose garden. Elizabeth didn’t know where to look first. “I can’t believe it, I’ve never seen anywhere so calm and peaceful, William. How can you ever bear to leave it?”

  He laughed. “With the greatest of difficulty, Elizabeth. But I am often enough in town for business, and Georgiana has been at school there, so if I wish to see her, I must go. But I return as often as I can.” He covered her hand with his. “I’m happy you feel the same way, Elizabeth. Tomorrow I’ll send for Georgiana and Richard, with your consent. They are easy company, and you will not be lonely when I am about my business.”

  Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I can smell the roses.” As they turned into the rose garden, she looked up at him. “You have much business. I know that, William, and I am well able to occupy myself. There is the whole park to explore, a beautiful instrument in the drawing room, and I will always have family to correspond with.”

  “Thank you.” He smiled down at her.

  Chapter 68

  The post arrived after they had dined, and Darcy withdrew with Elizabeth rather than stay with the port to read his letters.

  In the drawing room, they sat over their coffee, Elizabeth in happy contemplation of her correspondence. Darcy read Georgiana’s letter first, then turned to the news from his uncle.

  I have received representations from a lawyer who tells me he’s acting for Wickham.

  He is alleging that you have exaggerated his debts in order to gain your revenge on him, because he was the favourite of your father; and that the trifling sum he owes is not deserving of being called in without giving him time to pay.

  I summoned the lawyer to see me and David, and have sent him away with a certain number of directions for some of the largest creditors that you had bought out. It is fortunate that David had called on them first, so they will be expecting this man to call.

  I expect Wickham will soon require a new lawyer. I doubt he will find any more who will work without payment of the fee in advance.

  This man was visibly shaken when I told him that he was unlikely to get the payment that had been promised to him, and I pointed out that to have obtained nearly seven thousand pounds in credit Wickham must be a gifted and engaging thief.

  Darcy imagined his uncle laughing with David after this meeting, having anticipated it so well. But he tried to keep his expression impassive. Elizabeth didn’t need to know about the details, just that her sister was safe. But she glanced at him every now and then, and he knew she was watching out in case he needed her.

  He smiled at her. “You have a great quantity of correspondence to reply to, Elizabeth.”

  “Indeed I do, William.” She stretched, “but it will wait until tomorrow. I would like to play for you a little.”

  He bowed his head. “It will be a great pleasure to listen.”

  * * *

  Later that evening, Darcy climbed the stairs, his wife on his arm. He was prouder of her than he could ever say, but he was unsure quite how he felt about going to her bedchamber here at Pemberley. He had not entered that room since his mother had died, and he doubted that anything had changed. To share that bed would be intolerable.

  He stopped outside the door, and she looked up at him, her gaze searching his face.

  He forced his features to be impassive. “I will join you soon, Elizabeth.” He could do this for her — he must do this.

  In his own chamber, he washed and got ready for the night, his valet padding quietly around, tidying up.

  “Thank you, Mr. Maunder.” Darcy dismissed him; he needed to think. He had grown used to sleeping with Elizabeth in his arms, become used to having her beside him, so he must push aside the thoughts that it was his mother’s bedchamber. The room belonged to Elizabeth now, and he loved her.

  He crossed to the table by the window and poured a mouthful of whisky into the glass. He looked out into the darkness. But he knew how the park looked. From these windows when the moon was bright, he could see down the slopes to the lake, and beyond, the fields and woods. In the distance, the crags and peaks — Elizabeth would love them, he knew. He must take her there soon.

  He wiped his brow. He wanted to go to Elizabeth with every fibre of his being, but he wished to avoid his mother’s chamber.

  He put the glass down rather harder than he’d intended and strode to the door before he could change his mind. Steeling himself, he turned the handle.

  She was standing by the window, a silken robe over her nightshift, a single candle alight on the table. In the dimness, he couldn’t see whether the room had changed, but the air was full of the scent of roses.

  He smiled; he had sent ahead with instructions for the g
ardener to ensure it.

  The dark glass of the window reflected the candle and outlined her body. She was most beautiful to him, and he crossed the room and took her into his embrace.

  She sighed. “I’m happy you’re here, William. I can tell you didn’t wish to come to me tonight.”

  “I will always want to come to you, Elizabeth.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. But you’re not comfortable, William. Might you be willing to share the cause of your discomfort? I wouldn’t wish you to remain discomposed.”

  He smiled down at her. “I ought to have known you would discover me, Elizabeth.” His hand in her hair, he nestled her head into his shoulder, unutterably comforting.

  “Is it me, Pemberley, or this chamber, William?”

  He rested his cheek on her head, and closed his eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to spoil our homecoming.” He drew a deep breath. “And I don’t want to spoil the room for you, either.” He glanced round in the dimness.

  Elizabeth straightened up in his arms. “I know it might not be what is correct, William, but, just for tonight, would you object if I shared the bed in your own chamber? It might be comforting for you to be in your own bed tonight.”

  He could barely see her face in the glimmer of light. “You would be willing to do that?”

  “Of course.” She raised herself on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “Would you agree to it?”

  In answer, he picked her up and swung her into his arms, feeling suddenly light-hearted. He carried her to the door, pushing it open with his body and crossed to the bed.

  “I am not sure if warming pans have been in there, Elizabeth. Let me see.”

  She was looking round her with lively interest, the single candle on the table lighting the area around the bed only. “Perhaps I should go and extinguish the candle in the other chamber, William.”

  “No. let me draw up the covers for you. Then I will do it.”