Elizabeth followed her gaze, moving across the floor and exiting onto the balcony. Directly below her a sun-dappled garden was in full bloom, and in the distance, rolling hills dotted with the occasional sheep stretched out as far as the eye could see.
From behind her, the housekeeper spoke softly, “I trust I may tell Mr. Darcy you are content, Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth turned, a wide grin illuminating her features. “Oh, yes, pray do!”
Stepping back into the room, she allowed the housekeeper to show her around, demurring when Mrs. Reynolds offered the services of a maid to assist her in unpacking.
The older woman nodded appreciatively. “Very well. Dinner will be at half-five, and I shall have a maid come to collect you. The house is large and easy to get lost in until you learn your way.”
Elizabeth nodded, her feet automatically returning her to the table where she had seen the small assortment of books. Picking one up at random, she glanced at the title: Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake. Elizabeth opened the cover, carefully ruffling the pages. She had heard much praise for Mr. Scott’s work, but her father had yet to acquire this particular volume. Reluctantly setting it down, she turned to study the spines of the other books on the table, her pulse instantly quickening as she read through the remainder of the titles.
Robinson Crusoe, The Romance of the Forest, Tom Jones, Clarissa, and a thick volume entitled Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies, all stood beside the latest works by some of the world’s most celebrated authors.
A wave of emotion swept over her as she lifted the final offering: Plato’s Republic.
Elizabeth swallowed. Somehow, Mr. Darcy had remembered every book she had mentioned on that long-ago carriage ride and had taken the trouble to see that she had each of them at her disposal. Her throat squeezed and she turned away, hoping Mrs. Reynolds did not see the tears that were already pressing against her lashes.
Unfortunately, Elizabeth was not quick enough for Mr. Darcy’s perceptive housekeeper.
“Is anything amiss, madam?” Mrs. Reynolds asked. “I hope you will tell me if there is something I can do to make your stay more comfortable.”
Elizabeth laughed, brushing at her cheeks. “Goodness, no! Do not mind me. It is nothing… That is, I am certain if I told you, you would think me quite silly.”
“I doubt that very much, Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth lifted her gaze, noting the kindness in the housekeeper’s warm gray eyes. Despite her objection, she felt strangely drawn to the older woman and found herself wishing to give voice to her jumbled thoughts. “It is only… When I visited Pemberley last summer, I could never have imagined that one year later I would be a guest in Mr. Darcy’s home. Everything is so lush and grand. I suppose I merely feel out of place in the midst of such opulence.”
To Elizabeth’s surprise, the housekeeper’s smile grew. “May I speak plainly, Miss Bennet?” she asked, and when Elizabeth nodded she continued, “Pemberley is indeed a great estate. In my opinion, there is no other in all of England that is its equal. But it is not just the beauty of the land, or the elegance of the furnishings that make Pemberley so fine. At its heart, Pemberley is a home—not just to the master and Miss Darcy, but to scores of others who rely upon it for their living.” Squeezing Elizabeth’s hand, she added, “It is my hope, Miss Bennet, that on this visit you will come to see it in such a way.”
And with that, the elderly woman quit the room, leaving Elizabeth with much to ponder until it was time for supper.
Chapter 16
AT EXACTLY HALF past five o’clock, Elizabeth descended the center stairs, her sister Mary by her side and the Gardiners a few paces behind. In the hall below, Mr. Darcy waited, smartly attired in full dress. Beside him stood his sister, equally resplendent in a pale blue satin creation that brought out the color of her eyes. Elizabeth tugged self-consciously at her own gown—a soft yellow silk. It was the nicest one in her wardrobe save the silver muslin her aunt had purchased for her last spring, but it somehow felt inadequate amidst the grandeur of her surroundings. For a moment she regretted not wearing the muslin, but she had purposely avoided it in case there was a more formal dinner arranged for another night during their stay.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Mr. Darcy greeted them with quiet courtesy as Miss Darcy blushingly expressed her regret at not being on hand to welcome the party when they arrived.
Elizabeth smiled, hoping to put Georgiana at ease. “There is no need to apologize, Miss Darcy. We are old friends now, and therefore required no formal reception.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Elizabeth could see Mr. Darcy discreetly studying his sister, but he soon turned his attention to his guests, leading the way to an intimate dining parlor. The room was well-proportioned and handsomely fitted up, and Elizabeth’s eyes widened as she took in the elegantly laid table.
“Pray, sit wherever you are comfortable,” Darcy offered, moving to one end of the room.
“Mr. Darcy, I must thank you again for your generous hospitality,” Mrs. Gardiner remarked when they were all seated. “Pemberley is as lovely as I always imagined.”
“I thank you, Mrs. Gardiner. I assure you it is my pleasure. I am afraid Georgiana and I find ourselves alone much of the time. Pemberley is a house built for entertaining. It is gratifying to see it put to good use.”
As Darcy finished speaking, several footmen approached, placing a tureen of soup before Miss Darcy and setting a variety of other dishes along the center of the table. Georgiana served, and animated conversation ensured, but despite her best intentions, Elizabeth’s gaze continued to wander to the opposite side of the table, where, to her embarrassment, she often found Mr. Darcy staring back at her.
Towards the end of the first course, Mrs. Gardiner turned to their host, asking sweetly, “Are you well, Mr. Darcy? You have hardly touched your soup and I believe your footmen are ready with the next remove.”
Color infused the gentleman’s cheeks and he hastily nodded, turning his attention to his plate and Elizabeth did likewise, vowing to keep her focus on her food for the remainder of the meal.
***
After dinner, there was the usual separation of the sexes, but it wasn’t long before the two gentlemen joined the ladies in the drawing room.
When they entered, Darcy’s eyes immediately found Elizabeth, who was seated on a settee beside Mary and his sister. As he watched, Elizabeth laughed at something his sister said and his heart expanded with affection. The simple yellow gown she wore suited her perfectly and her skin seemed to glow in the candle-light. As if sensing his stare, Elizabeth lifted her gaze and a smile played across her countenance. Taking this as an invitation, Darcy left Mr. Gardiner in his wife’s company and went to stand at Elizabeth’s side.
“Miss Bennet. I am sorry I have not yet had an opportunity to speak with you this evening. I hope you enjoyed your meal?”
Elizabeth lowered her lashes as Darcy settled into a chair he had moved to be closer to where she sat. “I did indeed, sir.”
“Good. I am glad. And your chambers? If I can do anything to make your stay more comfortable, you need only ask.”
Elizabeth’s lips parted and she sat in silence for some moments before finally finding her voice. “The apartment is exquisite. I can hardly think what might be done to improve upon it.”
A genuine smile lifted Darcy’s features. In truth, he would much prefer to have her installed in the mistress’s chambers where she rightfully belonged, but as that was not currently an option, he had seen to it that she had the next best thing. “I am pleased it is to your liking. You may have noticed I took the liberty of having some books brought up, but tomorrow I will acquaint you with the library. You are, of course, welcome to borrow anything else that interests you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I will look forward to that.”
Darcy nodded, then stood. “I believe I will pour myself a drink. What can I get for you, Miss Benn
et? Some sherry, perhaps, or a glass of wine? I can also ring for tea… or chocolate?”
Elizabeth grinned back at him. “I thank you. Some tea would be appreciated, if it is not too much trouble.”
“None at all. I am certain Georgiana will join you. She often takes tea in the evening.” Sketching a brief bow, he crossed the room to speak with a footman who stood silently by the door, before returning moments later with a snifter of brandy.
Nodding her head towards an elaborate floral arrangement she had been admiring, Elizabeth smiled. “These are beautiful, Mr. Darcy, as are the flowers in my chambers. I assume they are from the gardens here?”
“Yes. We grow a wide variety in the formal gardens: roses, peonies, lavender, chrysanthemums... My mother was always fond of flowers. She had them placed throughout the house in the summer months. I have merely continued the tradition.”
“I remember your gardens from my visit last summer. I should very much like to reacquaint myself with them.”
Just then, the doors to the salon opened and a maid stepped in, bearing a silver tray overloaded with tea and chocolate as well as a variety of pastries and fresh fruit. Georgiana stood, busying herself with serving her guests and Elizabeth appeared to study the young girl for several moments, before leaning in Darcy’s direction. “Is Miss Darcy quite well,” she inquired softly. “I hope she is not overexerting herself on our behalf?”
Darcy lifted his gaze, watching as his sister reached for the sugar bowl. Elizabeth was right, Georgiana did look fatigued. He knew she had been complaining of not sleeping well, but he wondered if it was something more. Setting down his glass, he shifted his attention back to Elizabeth. “I believe she is only a little tired, Miss Bennet.”
His sister approached them then, handing Elizabeth her tea, and Darcy changed the subject. “You were mentioning the gardens earlier,” he said, raising his voice to include the others in the room. “It would be my pleasure to show your party around the park while you are here. I had thought perhaps tomorrow if the weather holds, we might all ride out in the afternoon. There is a particular spot on the north side of the estate where the views are especially fine. There is even a small rotunda where we may picnic if everyone is agreeable?”
The Gardiners quickly approved the plan, and Elizabeth continued to sip her tea before setting her cup back upon its saucer. “I would like that, Mr. Darcy, though I am afraid I do not ride. However, if it is not terribly far, I am happy to walk.”
Darcy’s gaze widened ever so slightly. “You do not ride, Miss Bennet?”
“No, sir, I do not. I hope that will not prove to be a hindrance. My aunt and uncle are both comfortable on horseback, as is Mary. But as I said, I am quite content to walk.”
“No, no… Of course, there is no difficulty. I would be happy to drive you myself in one of the curricles. I am only surprised. You seem like a lady who would enjoy the activity.”
Elizabeth offered him a crooked smile. “I can see how it would seem so, as I do enjoy most outdoor pursuits, but I am afraid horses and I have never seen eye to eye.”
“Lizzy was thrown when she and Jane were first learning,” Mary interjected. “She has not been on horseback since.”
Georgiana gasped. “How terrible. Were you badly hurt, Miss Bennet?”
Darcy glanced from his sister to Elizabeth, concern for Elizabeth’s welfare mingling with anxiety for any embarrassment her sister Mary’s disclosure might have caused, but Elizabeth looked perfectly at ease.
“I broke my arm, Miss Darcy. However, I am afraid the real injury was to my pride.” She grinned broadly now, sipping her tea.
“There is no shame in being unseated, Miss Bennet, especially when one is new to the sport. Even William has been thrown, and he has been riding since he could walk.”
Darcy flushed, clearing his throat self-consciously before turning his gaze to the amber liquid that filled his glass.
“I have no doubt Mr. Darcy is an excellent horseman,” Elizabeth answered, and Darcy picked up his head.
“Oh, he is!” Georgiana agreed. “He taught me when I was very young. Although I had been taking instruction with our stable-master, it wasn’t until I went out with Fitzwilliam that I…” Suddenly Georgiana’s eyes lit and she turned to face her brother. “I have just had the most wonderful idea! William, perhaps you could instruct Miss Bennet? The way you did for me, when I was first learning. Do you remember?”
Darcy could feel the heat building in his countenance. Avoiding Elizabeth’s gaze, he fixed his attention on his sister. “I do not think that would be appropriate, Georgiana. Miss Bennet is not a child. Besides, I would not wish for her to do anything against her will.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth answered.
Georgiana turned to Elizabeth. “You would have nothing to fear with Fitzwilliam, Miss Bennet. He would never let any harm come to you.”
Mr. Gardiner laughed, joining the conversation. “Good luck to you, Mr. Darcy. I mean no offense, but I do not think anything less than an act of God would get my niece on horseback. Her father and I have tried to do so for many years.”
Darcy shifted uncomfortably in his seat as Mary Bennet addressed her sister.
“Perhaps you should try it, Lizzy. Jane and I have always said you would enjoy the activity if you gave it another chance.”
“Yes, why not?” echoed Mrs. Gardiner. “After all, it is not every day one has the opportunity to learn from the master of Pemberley. Besides, I have never known you to back down from a challenge,” she added with a chuckle.
Elizabeth glanced sideways at Darcy before answering slowly, “I suppose, I might be willing. That is, if Mr. Darcy could be persuaded.”
Darcy’s pulse quickened and he found himself answering immediately. “I could be.”
“Very well, I accept—on one condition. Since I am undertaking an activity that I am far from comfortable with, Mr. Darcy, my stipulation is that you would do the same.”
“I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet. I do not take your meaning.”
“It is quite simple, sir. You may give me one riding lesson, but in return, you must allow me to instruct you in something at which you are equally unfamiliar.”
In spite of himself, Darcy could feel a smile tugging at his lips. “Such as?”
Elizabeth set down her cup. “That is a good question. As you seem to be proficient in most things, I will have to think on it a while.”
The sound of Mr. Gardiner’s deep laughter filled the air. “Watch out, Mr. Darcy. I would not put it past my niece to school you in the fine art of embroidery if you are not careful.”
Darcy could feel the look of alarm that crept across his countenance, and Elizabeth laughed without reserve. “That is not a bad idea, Uncle, except I am afraid my own embroidery skills are severely lacking, so I am not certain I would make the best teacher.”
“Perhaps you could instruct him on the pianoforte?” said Mrs. Gardiner, but it was Darcy who spoke next.
“You are all forgetting that I have not yet agreed to this scheme. However, I will submit to a music lesson if that is your wish, Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth stared back at him, raising one perfectly sculpted brow. “That is very generous of you, Mr. Darcy. But you forget that I already know you play—and exceedingly well if your sister is to be believed. No, it must be something you are wholly unfamiliar with. I will need some time to consider the matter.”
Darcy leaned forward, bracing his elbows upon his knees. “So, you expect me to agree without having the slightest idea of what I am agreeing to?”
“Yes.”
“That hardly seems fair, Miss Bennet.”
“Mr. Darcy. If I am willing to get on a horse, something I can assure you fills me with no small amount of anxiety, I do not think you will have cause to complain about whatever activity I should suggest.”
“Touché, Miss Bennet.”
“Then we are agreed?”
Staring into her bright eyes,
Darcy nodded. “Yes, Miss Bennet. We are agreed.”
Chapter 17
THE STEADY SOUND of raindrops lashing against her windowpane woke Elizabeth from a restless slumber. Slipping from underneath the bedclothes she padded across the floor, opening the tall French doors. Outside, the sky was a dismal gray and a stream of water cascaded off the roof, pooling on the balcony floor. Elizabeth sighed. There would be no picnic today, but on the bright side, neither would she have to take Mr. Darcy up on his riding lesson. Elizabeth smiled. No, there would be no trip to the countryside, but she was quite certain that a day spent in Pemberley’s library would suit her every bit as well.
***
Elizabeth was the last to enter the breakfast parlor. Upon seeing her standing in the doorway, Darcy immediately rose, Mr. Gardiner following suit.
“Miss Bennet. Good morning. I hope you slept well?” Darcy inquired as the two gentlemen regained their seats.
All eyes swiveled in Elizabeth’s direction, causing a becoming flush to infuse her cheeks. “I did indeed, Mr. Darcy. I hope I did not keep you waiting?”
“Not at all—you are welcome to come and go at your leisure. Pray, help yourself to anything you like,” Darcy added, gesturing to the sideboard, which was heaped with a vast array of breakfast foods. Darcy watched as she turned to fill her plate. Like him, she did not indulge in any of the heavy cooked dishes, instead selecting scones and jam, as well as a bowl of fresh blackberries. He tried not to stare as she took a seat at the opposite end of the table and sipped her tea before plucking a fat, ripe berry from her bowl and slipping it into her mouth.
Next to him, Mr. Gardiner coughed into his hand and Darcy tore his eyes away from Elizabeth, noting that her uncle was observing him attentively.
“I am afraid the weather will keep us from enjoying the outing you mentioned last evening, sir,” Mr. Gardiner said evenly.
To Conquer Pride Page 17