by Nicky Roth
'Good plan. Excellent!'
'You do know that you don't have to agree with me on everything?'
'Yes. But I can hardly help it if I am actually agreeing with you, Will,' Elizabeth laughed in reply.
'Good. I just wanted to make sure. Anything you don't like food-wise other than broccoli?'
'Beetroot. I hate the stuff with a vengeance, but that's pretty much it.'
'Okay, I actually like them. What about Brussels sprouts?' he asked, his face suspiciously neutral.
'I love them, believe it or not.'
Darcy pulled a face and acted as if he shivered at the mere thought.
'I am glad to find that we are not of the same mind on everything, it would've made me suspicious.'
'Dito. But so it is perfectly perfect. Soup or starter?'
'Considering that it'll be cold and in all likeliness wet, I'd say soup.'
When at last they had pulled into Longbourn's driveway, it was decided, that they would have a clear oxtail soup as a starter and a selection of traditional roasts with condiments and seasonal vegetables as the main course. Only the desert was to be decided on, but that wouldn't be much of a problem. Actually, had they just had another quarter of an hour of road ahead of them, Elizabeth was pretty sure they would have settled that as well.
Darcy had barely stopped the car when Lydia came running out of the house, waving frantically.
'Good God, what happened?' Elizabeth cried out, panic-stricken, clambering out of the car almost forgetting to take off the seatbelt. 'Is everything alright?'
'You tell me, Lizzy?! Dad called and told us to pack your stuff. He sounded weird and in the background, I could hear mum screech like a banshee about I know not what. It didn't make much sense. Have you been kicked out or something? And if, what the heck did you do?'
'Well, as far as I'm aware I've not been kicked out though it currently seems as if I have been after all. Anyway, I guess it's because Will and I are getting married, and we basically had to take flight when mum and Lady Catherine started to plan the wedding as soon as they caught wind of it.'
'Oh dear! No wonder mum was über-excited,' Lydia remarked casually. 'Anyway, good for you. - And see, if it hadn't been for me making sure you've got each other's telephone numbers you would still be utterly clueless and miserably single. But I think we better get inside and help Kitty carry down the boxes. Mary is busy, as always. - Hi, Will!'
Darcy only had time to lift his hand before Lydia's friendly slap hit him on the shoulder, producing a chuckle from him.
'Boxes?' Elizabeth stuttered.
'Well, we figured that you'd want to take your books and stuff - CD's and DVD's I mean. By the way, can I borrow Braveheart? I haven't watched it in ages.'
'Sure.'
'Dad just called asking if Lizzy is here already,' Kitty called from the vestibule.
'Just arrived,' Lydia shouted back.
There seemed to be some talk on the phone and a moment later Catherine Bennet skipped outside with a broad smile.
'Okay, dad says we are to hurry, Lizzy. They are already near Watford, currently taking a break. I think dad called from the loo. It sounded like it.'
And it would make sense, for at least there his wife would never follow. Never ever! If she couldn't go to the ladies' Fanny Bennet would hold it in until tears were brimming her eyes. Or so to speak, until she spilt over.
But seriously, this felt as if she was a criminal on the run. It was quite thrilling. Okay, and a little weird. This was most certainly not how she had imagined things would be going once she moved out. Then again, technically she had already done so when she'd gone to uni.
Fifteen minutes and five pairs of hands later, since even Mary had rolled up her sleeves in the end, and if only to have some peace and quiet again, her stuff was neatly stuffed into Darcy's Landrover and giving her three younger sisters a hearty hug, off they were again.
As said, it felt weird and at the same time oh so good. And after all, lengthy good-byes were a nuisance anyway, right?
By the time they passed Leicester the issue of the desert had also been settled with some pragmatism. Why choose between so many delicious things when one could simply have a choice of sweet stuff served as a buffet? Sorted! The flowers, too, were no longer an issue. They would simply see what Pemberley had on offer. Not that that would be all that much come November, but Darcy had assured her that he had a couple of roses that always blossomed very late and if they didn't this time around then there were always the colourful leaves to resort to. Both her mother and his aunt would be shocked for sure, but hey, either of them had had their day and as for her mother, she'd soon have her silver wedding anniversary to plan to her own heart's delight, or rather as much as her husband would allow.
Then again, knowing Tom Bennet, he would presumably just hide away on his farm or alternatively in his library and let her be. He probably would have done so even now, given the choice. As the streets got windier and the villages they passed smaller and smaller, Elizabeth's anticipation grew. What would Pemberley be like? Would it be imposing or rather comfortable? Or perhaps both?
It was beginning to get dark, mainly because rain clouds were gathering overhead. The landscape was nothing like the soft green rolling hills of Hertfordshire. These hills here were ragged and steep, rocks scattered here and there. It was beautiful and also a little ominous in the semi-darkness. In the valley below a small stream glistened in the fading light and the wind combed through the trees with more force than further to the south. Thinking of it, Will fit this landscape perfectly.
'So, we're almost there, Lizzy. This is the turn into the park. It will be some surprise for Georgie, I am sure.'
Georgie? Oh dear!
She had completely forgotten that his sister now lived at Pemberley.
“Don't panic, all will be well. She will like you, if not immediately then at least in time. Probably. Right?” Elizabeth thought to herself, suddenly growing tense.
Right, she was as taut as a longbow.
'Will, are you sure your sister will be alright with me moving in? I mean it is a bit sudden...'
'I have no doubt. Actually, I am quite convinced that she likes you already and at any rate, she has been eager to meet you from the moment I first told her about you. I am sure you will like each other very much. - Ah, but there we are now!'
Okay, that Pemberley was a large estate Elizabeth had gathered, that it was this grand, however, she had not expected. Yet she was relieved to see that with all its grandeur it also looked inviting. It was not one of those neo-gothic abominations that made one freak out come nightfall, but a Queen Anne/ Early Georian building with large windows in symmetrical lines, a row of columns sheltering the massive front doors all set in a lovely garden, overlooking a lake with the rugged hills as a backdrop. Though the windows aside from three on the upper story which seemed to belong to the same room, were dark, it did not appear glum in the least, and at any rate, Darcy drove his car to the back of the house and parked it in front of a much less imposing door, which she soon found out, led to the kitchen past a surprisingly chaotic bootroom.
The smell of food wafted through the passage as soon as they stepped in and as they opened the door to the kitchen it intensified. In an instant Elizabeth found herself in another world. Or more like in another century. The room looked spotless and yet as if the last renovations had taken place around 1900. The only indication that she was still in the now and then was the kitchen machine in the corner and the fridge, as well as the industrial dishwasher she could spot through the door leading to the scullery, otherwise the picture would have been perfect.
Okay, it was perfect even now. Rows of plate racks lined the walls, copper pots and pans were hanging from a rack surrounding the hood over the massive range that was still fired with coal. There was an old-fashioned kitchen trolley with some dirty dishes on it ready to be carted over to the scullery and in the middle of the room there was a massive old table with se
veral mismatched chairs around it. But what really brought a smile to her face was the sight of an old water pump with a cheerful red bucket dangling from it as if it was still in use. Perhaps it was?
'Oh, Mr Darcy, there you are!' an older woman greeted them with a smile on her face.
Had she not smiled, Elizabeth was sure she would have looked quite imposing in her stern uniform and with the steely grey hair pulled into a tight bun. But judging by the lines around her eyes and mouth, she usually seemed to smile. Good!
'Your aunt called and told us that you were probably on the way hither,' the woman's knowledge of their arrival was soon explained. 'She also said something about a wedding, though I did not quite catch the particulars. Is your cousin getting married? And which one? Richard or Anne?'
'Eh, no, Mrs Reynolds. I am the one who's getting married. - May I introduce you to my betrithed? This is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, soon to be my wife.'
'Oh?! Well, it was about time.'
Uh-oh! Elizabeth could literally feel herself going pale. Not again. No repetition of the morning, please.
'Come, my dear, sit down and have a cup of tea. You do look as if you need one. But the drive up from Kent is a long one, isn't it?' she asked, pulling up a chair. 'I know very well why I rather stay here...'
Okay, no repetition. Thank goodness!
And indeed, in no time at all, a mug of tea stood before both her and Darcy. Yes, a nice comfy mug, not a frilly cup. Though admittedly the mugs still looked fancier than the ones at home that had all seen better days and were mostly freebies from some or other company.
'Would you rather eat here in the kitchen or in the dining room, Mr Darcy? Dinner is almost ready and I was just about to call Georgiana.'
'Here would be fine, wouldn't it, Lizzy?'
'Perfectly so.'
This kitchen was indeed so comfortable and welcoming, that it was hard to fathom eating somewhere else. Now it was only the anticipation of meeting Will's sister...
Blast, what a day they'd had!
Chapter 44:
A miniature Bodleian
The girl in her jammies entering the kitchen a moment later looked about as timid as Elizabeth felt herself. Georgiana Darcy was a tall girl, womanly and graceful but her eyes were still that of a child, big, round, bright blue and innocent. Innocent, but not naive, Elizabeth noted. Her features were soft, but there was only the slightest hint of a smile as she looked at her brother in some surprise, and none when she looked at Elizabeth. Her gaze seemed to be wary even. Truth be told, that was a bit unsettling.
Right, it was so, until Elizabeth remembered why the girl was back here in the first place when she should attend some fancy public school instead of a mere comprehensive in the middle of nowhere.
'Hi!' Elizabeth said, feeling slightly stupid for not having come up with a more original greeting.
'Hello,' was consequently all the reply she got from the girl, though the corners of her mouth twitched slightly and her expression relaxed a little.
Damn, this was where it really mattered to make a good impression, was it not? Yep, and she was about to botch it up. Great!
This would be her sister in a month's time and she didn't even know how to strike up a conversation. Not something she normally suffered from. Blast! Sod's law, as usual.
'Eh, well, Georgie, this is Lizzy and vice versa, obviously,' Darcy, at last, introduced them. 'I presume you are a little surprised why we are back already, sis?'
'Naturally. I take it the dancing classes left something to be desired?'
'Oh, they were okay, I suppose, but our aunt found out that Elizabeth and I are getting married...' he blurted out and all that was missing was his hand covering his mouth in shock at his own blunt revelation.
'Really?!' his sister almost choked in surprise. 'So, when and how did that happen then? No offence, please, Lizzy, it is just the first time I hear my brother speak of marriage - at least in regards to himself. He's never so much considered getting engaged, you know?'
She had not known. Damn that blush that crept up her face as she suddenly felt like something special. Kind of, at least.
By the way, thinking of it, she had never considered marrying anyone before as well and here she was...
'Well, this morning I asked her and she consented.'
'And? I mean it doesn't exactly explain why you left Rosings, did it? Or did Aunty Catherine find out and threw you out because she doesn't approve?'
'I wish! Nope, the contrary, actually. She does approve, very much so - and started to plan our wedding straight away...'
'And then my mother turned up and they began planning together...'
'In short, it was horrible, Georgie! You cannot imagine all the stuff they came up with within less than an hour...'
'Yes, where, when, how, what to eat and so forth...'
'Dear me, you sound positively traumatised!' Georgiana laughed. 'And where are you to have your wedding?'
'Until they come up with something different, somewhere on a beach in the Caribbean on the sixth of January according to my aunt and Lizzy's mum. I tried to talk her out of it by claiming that there will be hurricanes, but she didn't take the bait, I am afraid.'
'You know very well that she enjoys watching the news if only to come up with some sort of conspiracy theory of her own once in a while. Last time I spoke to her she said something about Brexit being brought about by the Knights Templar or something. Not that I paid much attention if I'm being honest. Anyway, she'll know that there is little chance of a hurricane in January, Will.'
'Okay, okay, I should have known, but alas, it was worth a try. Not even the Bermuda Triangle convinced her that it was a bad idea.'
'Right. I take it, you don't want to get married in the Caribbean?'
'Nope. As a matter of fact, on our drive here, Lizzy and I've decided to get married in the little chapel here in the park.'
With a squeal of delight, Georgiana clapped her hands like an enthusiastic child over a new toy: 'That is perfect! And, do you have a date in mind?'
'Not an exact one, but some time in November. Actually, as soon as is possible.'
'Eh? Come again? This year?!'
'Well, it is the only way to avoid our aunt turning the whole thing into a TV-programme and/or have us jump out of a plane for the wedding vows. As said, the Caribbean is not yet decided on, so better be safe than sorry, you know? Before they come up with something even more outragous.'
'Okay, that does sound frightening. Is it really that bad?'
Unisono Elizabeth and Darcy replied: 'You have no idea!'
'And will you manage to get everything done within a month? I don't know much about weddings, but I can imagine it is a lot of planning.'
'Most of it we did on our way here. The place is sorted, the menu is sorted, time of day is also, just with the date we have to check with the officials first and then we send out the invitations and take care of the accommodation. Not that that will be all that difficult after all there are our holiday homes and I dare doubt there will be many bookings in the hotel at this time of year, plus, it's not as if this house doesn't have a couple of spare bedrooms, either. - And we calculated that we will be at most around fifty people. Nothing too big.'
'Then just let me know when you need help. What about a dress? Sorry, I know, that's a very girly question.'
'I've already got one.'
At first perplexed Georgiana soon enough started laughing until tears brimmed her eyes.
'What?' Darcy eventually asked.
'Nothing!'
'What nothing?'
'Oh, never mind! - Any particular colour you want me to wear? No white is obvious, but otherwise?'
'No. Okay, perhaps not all black would be appreciated.'
"Black looks shite on me anyway and I'm not so much into the vampire-look,' Georgie answered before, with a slight self-deprecating smile she added: 'Not anymore. Edward and Bella are all nice and well, but come on, calling your child Ren
esmée? No-go! Even though perhaps I shouldn't judge too harshly considering my own family's knack for odd names. But at least they are traditional.'
'Oh, Lizzy and I had that conversation already and have picked out a couple of names not to give to our children.'
'Good to know Fitzwilliam... - How about a tour of the house, Lizzy?'
'Oh come now, Georgiana, it is getting late,' Mrs Reynolds, who until now had sat listening in silence occupied with keeping a straight face, interjected in a motherly tone of voice. 'And as it is, I presume there is some luggage to be brought upstairs.'
There, of course, was. Elizabeth had almost forgotten that pretty much all her belongings were currently stacked in the back of Darcy's car.
'We could bring them up now and then take a small tour,' Georgiana insisted. 'At least to show Elizabeth where all the important things are, like the kitchen, the larder and the way upstairs. I mean, the house is like a maze. Not so much the front, but seriously, the back of the house is still beyond me and that has to say something.'
'And why ever not?' the kind housekeeper replied. 'It is not as if you need to know where the old butler's pantry is, or the lamp room. You know the room where once all the lamps were brought to be cleaned and re-filled?"
'So everything is still there?' Elizabeth asked with some surprise.
'Yes. Aside from Mrs Reynolds' flat, the servants' quarters are much the same as they were a hundred years ago, just more dusty and silent,' Will answered, seeming somewhat proud. 'I had once played with the thought of building a smaller house in the woods and have the whole of this one made into a museum, but I can't quite bring myself to do so. It would be more practical...'
'… but he would miss the library,' Georgiana smiled. 'Besides, this is home and it would feel odd not living here. However, I do think that it might be interesting to open up the back of the house to give people a chance to see how it was to be a servant in a house like this.'
That, Elizabeth could not help but agree, was a very good idea and as tired as she had been only a moment before, she was now actually quite ready to see a little of the place that would soon be her home. Okay, from now on.