Preserving Pemberley
Page 16
“It will only slow us down,” he had argued when Georgiana and Elizabeth Darcy had insisted upon the elaborate awning.
“That does not matter, no lady will ride at such a speed exposed. The loss of her bonnet and coiffure is too great. Trust us upon this.”
In the end, he had no choice but to comply. Now, as his person remained safe from the rain of metal, he vowed to never argue with a woman again. Not only did he remain unscathed, the lack of such a device had rendered the sole remaining operational carriage useless as the driver was forced to pull away from the battlefield with injuries. With no barriers to success, Edwin drove carefully through the field of debris, finishing first. The Pemberley carriage had proven that safety and aesthetics were just as important as speed. As he came to a stop, the cheers of the crowd were deafening, but Edwin’s eyes were only on those of Georgiana Darcy. The family, having waited behind the barriers set up to define the course, now came forward to congratulate their driver.
“We knew you could do it!” Elizabeth said as she hugged the young man, not caring the slightest about public opinion.
“Indeed, I had complete faith…we all did,” Darcy agreed.
Edwin barely heard their kind and sincere words, but it was the feeling of a delicate hand, taking his arm, that was the best prize of all. The only sourness to the victory, was the realization that it was only temporary. Tomorrow, when the cheers of the crowd were gone, then societal barrier between them would still be there.
~40~
One week later,
Edwin Stokes did return to his post as footman, but it was with a heavy mindset. As promised, he was given his fair share of the prize money. With the great fortune of two thousand pounds now at his disposal, the question of his future loomed larger than ever. While he could easily retain his employment, therefore remaining in close proximity of Georgiana, it would be a self-inflicted cruelty. Eventually, other men would seek her attentions, and they would be far better than Henry Wainright. The news of his death had not reached Pemberley until after they had returned from Oxford. As a result, there was nothing to be done, save politely attend the small funeral. The estate and title, now bestowed upon a distant relation, was of little concern to the Darcys as they discussed the otherwise agreeable outcome to the construction of the carriage. Elizabeth and Darcy, alone in the library, celebrated the occasion.
“We have received orders for twenty already. The deposits and our share of the prize money will go far to the building of a separate workshop. Of course, Trevithick will be foreman and oversee the majority of the operation, but if things continue this well, expansion will be in order. The profits could be considerable.”
“I do enjoy riding in it, but do not foresee the demise of traditional horse-drawn carriages completely.”
“No of course not. Especially for longer distances, and I am pleased to hear you say that. Did you and Georgiana really have to insist upon being driven about at the exposition?”
“Yes, it only proved that it was safe. No one would ever guess our hand in its design. Ladies are generally the best at promoting a new trend.”
“If you say so. I hardly hope that this is a passing fad, preferring a long-term arrangement. I too am not ready to give up my horses, but imagine the convenience for a doctor on local emergencies? The possibilities are endless.’
“Agreed, so what is next for Pemberley Manufacturing?”
Darcy laughed, but liked the sound of it. Having once had a different opinion on those whose money was made in trade, it now seemed foolish to not take advantage of the opportunity. But, as to what was next, he preferred a bit of rest.
“I believe that requires some considerable thought. With the baby coming, perhaps it will involve children?”
“Now you are being silly!”
Darcy only smiled; he could not wait until Elizabeth’s abdomen showed evidence of her condition. He loved children, and feared he would spoil his own terribly. However, his personal thoughts would wait as a sharp single knock was heard on the library door. Having left it open, the Darcy’s saw an uncomfortable looking Edwin Stokes standing before them. Dressed in the suit of clothes he had purchased for the competition, a faint bittersweet feeling passed between them.
“Mr. Stokes, do come in,” Elizabeth beckoned.
Edwin stepped forward, he felt rather awkward, but it had taken all of his courage to come to this point. He would be leaving Pemberley. As if reading his mind, Darcy gestured for the young man to be seated.
“Am I losing my best footman?”
“I am afraid so sir, it is not that I have not appreciated everything…. it’s just…”
“No need to apologize. We have rather been expecting it. Have you any particular plans?”
“I…er…well, Mr. Trevithick has given me a recommendation to go to school… to study engineering.”
“Sounds sensible…I can also provide one as well.”
“That would be much appreciated.”
“It is we who owe you… and… while we are speaking of it. Would you be interested in working for Richard Trevithick? When term is not in session? If we are to begin manufacturing steam carriages, experienced men will be in great demand.”
“Oh yes sir! I can think of nothing I should like better!”
“Well, that settles it. You can work for him until school begins, setting up the works and then between terms…a sort of apprentice until you matriculate.”
Edwin beamed with pleasure; he was one step further to achieving what had only been an impossible dream. He would become a gentleman.
~41~
Georgiana Darcy was also contemplating her future, but it did not appear nearly so bright. Not only had an unwanted suitor turned out to be exceedingly bad, he was now also dead. If that were not bad enough, she was to be deprived of the companionship of Mary Bennet. In the weeks that had passed, the two had developed a deep friendship. Only Mary knew of Georgiana’s feelings for a certain footman.
“Surely he will not be staying. A man with two thousand pounds has options.”
“I know, but a part of me wants him to stay forever.”
“Nothing lasts forever… that is a good thing. Look at my own parents. What a mess I shall be going home to. Papa needs me now, but in a few months? Who knows? Perhaps I will find my own Prince Charming?”
“If you do, I hope he is a chimney sweep!”
“Then I shall have the cleanest chimneys in the county.”
The girls convulsed into laughter, but the serious nature of marriage and one’s future would not be denied for long. Eventually, Mary went below to seek Elizabeth’s assistance in her upcoming travel, leaving a pensive Georgiana to her own thoughts. Choosing to utilize the gardens for this task, Miss Darcy wandered without a purpose, absently stopping to admire one bloom or another. It was here Edwin Stokes found her.
“Miss Darcy…I…here…” he stammered, thrusting a deep crimson rosebud in her direction.
Taking the proffered flower, Georgiana lifted it to her nose for a moment before realizing the odd tone of his address. “So formal? Are you leaving me?”
Edwin looked at his shoes for words. This was the most difficult thing he ever had to do.
“I must… I am off to school…to be an engineer.”
“I see.”
Her tone was flat, void of emotion. Edwin could not ascertain if it was anger, disappointment or even jealousy. As a lady, Georgiana could not attend a university, despite her fortune.
“Do you?”
“No…why can’t we go on as we were?”
“With me as your servant? Surely you know I want more than that…but I can’t ever have it if I stay.”
“Will I ever see you again?”
“Of that, you have my promise… but it will be as Mr. Stokes, university student and engineer’s apprentice, not the footman.”
Georgiana’s eyes flew wide with excitement, but she maintained her decorum, offering her hand.
�
��Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Stokes.”
Taking the delicate fingers in his own, Edwin placed a gentle kiss on her hand as he bowed over it.
“And I yours, Miss Darcy… and I yours.”
Epilogue
Two years later….
With the success of Pemberley Manufacturing, a man in possession of ten thousand pounds a year soon became in possession of twenty. The diversity of steam power found itself to be amenable to not only travel, but many other practical products. Pemberley would be preserved for generations to come. While the Darcys never gave up the use of horse drawn carriages completely, it was with regularity that the family was observed driving about the countryside. The arrival of young Emmaline Darcy only served to increase those outings. More often than not, Emmaline was seated upon her doting father’s lap as her mother drove down the country lanes. With the wind blowing through her curls, squeals of delight echoed in the distance. To be sure, despite her gender, Emmaline would have all the best tutors in every academic subject, for if she chose more masculine pursuits, they would not be closed to her. Times were indeed changing for them all, including Georgiana Darcy.
As promised, Edwin Stokes did return with regularity to Pemberley, but as an invited guest. If any person remembered his former status, they wisely chose to keep their opinions silent. Taller and broad of shoulder, his features now defined confidence and experience of the world. His speech and manners bore the effects of his education, and his dress, of fine taste and income. But when in private, the same eager smiles and playful humor erupted from under the gentleman’s facade. As Miss Darcy had also long hid her true self from the world, no one could argue that a more perfect match could be found.
As for Camberly Abbey, it was donated to the Church of England by its new owner, who chose to never set foot inside the place. Coming full circle, it once again housed those women who dedicated their lives to God, praying for the soul of the restless spirit that now haunted the dungeons. For the strange noises heard were not due to the settling of ancient stones, or the newly installed steam heating system. They were the sounds of frustration as a spectral Henry Wainright spent eternity trying to fix the machine that did him in, proving that happiness must be earned and never stolen.