Master Under Good Regulation

by Kara Louise

  With a contented smile she told me, “We are home, Reggie. We are returned to Pemberley.”

  Once the carriage stopped, I stepped down carefully and lifted my nose, inhaling deeply. The fresh air invigorated me and for the slightest moment I forgot my infirm state as a trace of energy coursed through me. It washed over and comforted me as warmly as a soft blanket. But there was one scent I was most determined to seek out -- that of Sadie’s!

  I felt obliged to follow Georgiana, but paused and turned my head toward the stables where I knew she most likely would be found. Georgiana seemed most anxious to enter the great house as she took the steps quite briskly. I halted in my tracks at the bottom of the stairs and she happened to look down at me.

  “Reggie, do you need some assistance getting up these steps?” She began to descend the steps, coming toward me, and I barked excitedly, turning completely around, facing the stables.

  “Of course, Reggie,” she smiled sympathetically. “You wish to see Sadie and your pups.”

  She shook her head. “How thoughtless of me! Can you ever forgive me?” Before I could bark my affirmation, she waved her hand and called to the carriage driver.

  “Pershing, would you please take Reggie with you back to the stables so he may see Sadie?”

  “Certainly, Miss Darcy.”

  “Off with you then, Reggie. Sadie is nestled in the back corner of the stables in an empty horse stall. You will easily find her. The puppies are most likely making a commotion if they are not sleeping.”

  As I turned and walked back toward the carriage, I heard Georgiana speak again. “Pershing, would you please accompany Reggie and return him to the house in a short while? I would not wish for him to walk all that way on his own.”

  He murmured his consent as he opened the door of the carriage. “In with you, Reggie.”

  Even though I was about to see my puppies for the first time, Georgiana’s concern for me reminded me just how old and frail I truly was.

  In no time, the carriage came to a halt and the driver opened the door for me. I jumped down and walked toward the stables. Finding the door open, I entered. Just as Georgiana had said, I could hear a commotion coming from the back corner stall. I slowly approached and came upon Sadie and the puppies. I regarded them curiously. Cute little furry black and white creatures were clambering all over her.

  Sadie lay sprawled out, seemingly oblivious to the puppies’ noisy and energetic activities -- and oblivious to me. But as I stepped in a little closer, her head slowly raised and she peered in my direction. Our eyes met and locked and in the briefest of moments, I believe, she assessed my intentions. She was quickly assured that I meant neither her nor the puppies any harm.

  I could not go to her side as I was wont to do for the stall had been secured so the puppies could not escape. I searched for some access to no avail. Thwarted, my eyes were drawn back to the lively brood before me and my heart swelled with pride.

  One little whelp suddenly noticed my presence and he climbed over the others toward me. I lowered my nose and he reached as high as he could with his. What struck me immediately were his very bright, fine eyes. Even without a proper introduction, I felt as though he knew I was someone special in his life.

  I remained but a short while. Sadie was tired and I did not wish to unnecessarily disturb her. I cocked my head at her, saddened that I must take my leave of her and our pups and let out a whimper. She lifted her paw up ever so slightly off the ground and lay her head back down. Taking one last look at my puppies, Pershing and I returned to the house.

  *~*~*

  I visited the puppies at least once every day after that. As I observed them, I easily began to distinguish one from another and recognize certain traits. If a father may betray a favourite amongst his offspring, the puppy that had come to me the very first day seemed to be the brightest and most social. He and I grew very fond of one another.

  A little female -- to own the truth, the runt of the litter -- had the sweetest demeanour. She was always willing to allow the other puppies the opportunity to nurse first, obliging her clamouring brothers and sisters. Like her mother, she seemed to enjoy licking the other puppies, bestowing her little gifts of affection with as open a nature as I have ever seen. Georgiana took a special liking to her and ensured that she got her due share of mother’s milk and attention. She named her Molly and I was quite certain she had found a most loyal and affectionate companion. I was also quite proud to learn that the puppy to whom I had grown most attached had been named after me, Sir Reginald Ascott Hamilton Darcy II, Scotty, for short.

  I must confess that just being back at Pemberley and seeing the puppies provided me with a great sense of fulfilment and contentment. As I watched them play, however, I longed for the days when I had an abundance of energy and could romp eagerly and endlessly across the grounds on long walks with my master.

  I recollected those days when he let me off the leash and I would scramble ahead looking for anything to chase -- even a leaf blowing in the breeze. Now I was barely even able to walk on my own to and from the stables, much less keep up with my active pups.

  One afternoon I had fallen asleep on a little patch of sunlight that came through the sitting room window. The rays of the sun blanketed me with warmth and soothed my weakening body. I felt as though I could sleep forever. I was awakened, however, by the sound of puppies yelping.

  Startled, I looked up and saw Georgiana entering the sitting room with pleased countenance and holding Molly and Scotty in each arm. She closed the door to the room and set the puppies down. Scotty instantly came over to me and pounced on my belly, causing me to flinch. Rather than be annoyed at him, though, I could only watch in pride and admiration as he playfully tumbled about me. It was indeed a memorable moment that I knew I would carry in my heart always.

  Molly stayed somewhat back, encircled in Georgiana’s arms. Georgiana took a seat upon the floor next to me and we both watched these two puppies with great delight. I could only hope that my master and mistress would look as kindly upon these two as Georgiana and I did.

  *~*~*

  As eagerly as Georgiana and I awaited the return of my master and mistress, so did the staff. A heightened sense of energy and expectation pervaded as they prepared the house for their arrival. It was not unusual to observe the servants fervently whispering amongst one another, speculating what changes the new mistress would demand; what she would require of them; or how she would treat them.

  The ones who remembered Miss Elizabeth (and no, I cannot keep from calling her by that name) from her short visit to Pemberley reassured the others that she seemed to be most amiable and pleasant and that they were quite sure their master would have married only the most excellent woman in every particular.

  Whilst I joined in their anticipation of seeing my master and his wife again, I knew that all was not well with me. I was growing more and more feeble. It took an exceedingly great effort to arise in the mornings. My legs ached and they moved slowly. In addition, my hearing was not as acute as it once was and my sight was becoming more and more blurred.

  The only thing that still remained as strong as ever was my sense of smell. That often alerted me to a meal being prepared -- with the tempting prospect of scraps given to me. I knew with absolute certainty when Georgiana approached, or a stranger came near, and at long last, when my master and Miss Elizabeth arrived at Pemberley.

  I was seated at the feet of one of the kitchen help. She had offered me a rather delicious morsel of meat and upon finishing it, I sat obediently, hoping for another. The outer door was opened and another servant walked in carrying a load of wood for the fires. At that moment I detected a trace of both my master’s and Miss Elizabeth’s scent. They had just entered the park!

  I know not who was more surprised, the servants or myself, but with a sudden burst of energy, my legs took me to the door and I slipped out just as it was being closed. With no thought of pain or age, I rounded the courtyard and came around
to the front of the house. I was all excitement as the carriage slowly made its way toward me.

  My actions must have alerted the household to their arrival, as servants began coming forth from the house with Mrs. Reynolds in the lead.

  We watched in eager anticipation as the carriage finally stopped. The door was opened for my master and mistress and they stepped out. I waited back as they were greeted with a warm, “Welcome home!” from everyone.

  In years past, my master would deal directly with his obligations as Master of Pemberley, heading straight to his study the moment he arrived. But I knew that marriage had changed him for the better when his steward approached with papers in hand, ready to give him a brief account of the past few weeks as he escorted his wife into her new home. But instead of glancing over them as he usually did, he waved his steward on. “Not now, Crawford. We shall meet about this later if you do not mind.”

  Mrs. Reynolds stepped forward and personally greeted them both, welcoming Miss Elizabeth… nay, Mistress Elizabeth, and they chatted briefly.

  As they walked toward me, I noticed my master’s demeanour. Usually when he returned from a lengthy trip he was tired and worn, travel-weary and sombre. But today he appeared quite rested and jovial. His colour was good, his eyes were bright, and a very contented smile readily emerged. This was a man exceedingly blessed!

  Mistress Elizabeth -- yes, that is what she shall now be to me -- greeted the staff, occasionally requesting a name. I noted that she and my master glanced at each other frequently with warmth and good humour as they returned greetings and answered questions. I could almost feel the strength my master received from just Mistress Elizabeth’s look and the reassurance she received from his.

  Before they reached the stone steps, where I was patiently waiting, Georgiana rushed outside. With tears of joy, she welcomed them and was rewarded with an embrace from both.

  “I am so delighted you are home! I missed you both so much!” she exclaimed gleefully. “I wish to hear all about your wedding journey!”

  A sudden blush coloured her face and she looked down. “I mean to say… that is…”

  Mistress Elizabeth drew the girl in her arms. “We missed you as well, Georgiana, and we have much to tell. We had a splendid time!”

  My tail wagged with joyful expectation when they both looked over at me. My master gave his thigh a slap with his hand to signal for me to come. I most happily obliged. My master leaned down and cradled my head in his hands.

  “I have missed you, good friend.”

  Mistress Elizabeth leaned over and patted the top of my head. “It is a delight to see you again, Reggie.”

  They were prevented from paying any further attention to me by their duties to the others, but I felt a great sense of peace surround me. They were now husband and wife and they were home.

  It was not until later that evening that I received undivided attention from them. After dinner they sat together in the sitting room and I joined them. When I first came into the room, I had a dilemma. I did not know by whom to sit.

  My master sat upon his favourite chair whilst Mistress Elizabeth was seated on the sofa at his side.

  I decided to seat myself between them and quietly nuzzled Mistress Elizabeth. Without saying a word, her hand went to my head and began stroking the fur down to my neck. She twirled her fingers in my fur and I closed my eyes and let out a moan of great contentment.

  “Try as you like, Reggie,” my master said, a sly smile forming on his lips. “You will not find me jealous any longer of Elizabeth’s attentions to you.”

  I felt his hand come down over hers and she stopped. In a moment, however, I felt his fingers between hers as they continued indulging me. But I had the odd suspicion that their attentions were not primarily directed towards me.

  At length, I lay down and listened as they talked, laughed, and reminisced about the past year. Mind you, I found their recollections of the events were curiously absent of my role in bringing them together. If only I could have contributed to the conversation, I would have enlightened them both of a few situations in which I had some influence.

  The conversation continued thus for quite some time. They did not seem in the least weary of the pleasure of each other’s company; however, I fell asleep. In the late hours of the evening, a gentle prodding by my master alerted me to their departure for their bedchambers.

  Sleepily, I made my way up the stairs behind my master and mistress. When we stopped at the door to Mistress Elizabeth’s bedchambers, my master leaned over and kissed her. “I shall be waiting.” A knowing smile passed between the couple before we proceeded to his chambers.

  We entered and I watched as his man prepared him for bed. But on this occasion, my master dismissed him earlier than normal. I had the oddest notion that he had forgotten me. I was far too feeble to jump up on the bed on my own and waited patiently for him to pick me up and place me in my favourite spot. But instead, his eyes were on the door that separated his chambers from Mistress Elizabeth’s as he waited expectantly in a chair.

  When a soft tap was heard at the door, he jumped from the chair and rushed to open the door. Mistress Elizabeth looked beautiful in a floor length white gown. It reminded me of the night we saw her in the library and I thought she looked like an angel.

  My master drew her into his arms. “Are your chambers adequate, my love?” he asked as his fingers combed through her hair, which had been let down.

  “They could not be finer, Fitzwilliam,” she replied with a soft laugh, looking up at him with her very fine eyes.

  “Good. I am glad to hear that.”

  An understanding seemed to be formed between them, for they talked very little and the next thing I knew, Mistress Elizabeth had joined him in his bed and he had extinguished the candles. I sat for a moment at the foot of the bed, perplexed that my master, normally so solicitous in attending me, could have overlooked my presence. Perhaps it was due to me being out of his presence since before the wedding.

  I let out a small whine. I hoped that it was received as more of a gentle reminder rather than a complaint.

  I heard my master let out a breathy chuckle.

  “What is it?” Mistress Elizabeth asked.

  “Something that had rather slipped my mind.”

  My tail began wagging as he slipped out of bed and came towards me. But instead of picking me up, he walked past me to a large chest of drawers and opened it, pulling out a coverlet.

  “I fear, Reggie, that things will be different from now on. You will be sleeping in the corner.”

  I slowly turned and walked to the coverlet that he had put down for me, letting out a soft grumble.

  “My dear, has Reggie been in the habit of sleeping upon your bed?” I heard Mistress Elizabeth ask.

  “From the very first time he was allowed in the house, yes.”

  “I do believe, Fitzwilliam, that there is plenty of room on the bed for him.”

  “No, Elizabeth. I will not have it.”

  “Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth said ever so softly and slowly.

  My master breathed in deeply. “No, Elizabeth, and that is final!”

  “Fitzwilliam?”

  “Reggie will be just fine on the floor!”

  “Fitzwilliam?”

  “What?” He walked back around to his side of the bed and I sullenly climbed onto mine.

  “I have never seen a bigger bed than this in my life, let alone sleep in one. I am quite certain there is plenty of room for Reggie at the foot of the bed if he sleeps off to the side.”

  “No, Elizabeth.”

  “That is unfortunate.” In the darkness, I watched as she turned her head towards me and gave me an endearing smile.

  “How so?”

  “I am quite fearful of getting lost in this bed for its size. If Reggie slept on the other side of me, you would be assured of always having me close by your side.”

  There was silence for a moment, followed by another chuckle. My master clim
bed out of the bed, walked over and picked me up.

  “There you go, Reggie. You have Elizabeth to thank for it!”

  And that was how it was to be every night. True to her word, Mistress Elizabeth always ensured that I had plenty of room on the bed. I worried sometimes that she was perhaps being too considerate about giving me ample space, but I never heard a word of complaint from either on their close quarters.

  *~*~*

  The household changed quite a bit once Mistress Elizabeth came to Pemberley. Not that she demanded things to be run differently. No, the alteration was more subtle, and infinitely more satisfying, for there was a greater sense of liveliness. It pervaded my master’s demeanour and overflowed to the servants and even into the very rooms themselves.

  As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, the transformation in my master was most heartening. Mistress Elizabeth’s encouragement and support strengthened him in his struggle to overcome his weaknesses. Whereas he had always felt very uncomfortable speaking to strangers, it came very easily to his wife and she made those situations much less arduous for him. When his implacable resentment refused to budge, she would exhibit grace, good humour, and mercy and her mere example helped him to find forgiveness.

  It was very liberating for me to watch this lady grow in her position of mistress -- both of Pemberley and of the heart of my beloved master. I recognized theirs was a special love reserved only for each other. His love for me as his companion had been of a different nature and I sensed that in Mistress Elizabeth he had found what I have heard humans call “his other half.”

  Mistress Elizabeth grew equally in the deep, passionate love for my master and she very easily fell into the role of Mistress of Pemberley. She possessed an open and curious air and eagerly availed herself of the benefits of my master’s wisdom and experience. They took advantage of each day that presented itself suitable for a walk about the grounds of Pemberley, always in spirited and warm conversation. In town, they walked the neighbourhood and parks.