Still, she remained at the window, gazing as far as her sight allowed her. Minutes late, she froze; leaning toward the window, she spotted Mr and Miss Darcy, riding along the main street. He looked up and saw her too as he was stopping his stallion. So did his sister, who waved sweetly to Elizabeth.
For several moments, Elizabeth stared at them in disbelief. Were they here for them? But how did he know? Mr Gardiner had not sent the note yet – had he been informed by someone else?
She quickly departed from the window, glanced at her reflection in the mirror, then hurried to knock on her uncle’s door.
Mr Gardiner opened it, apparently awakening from sleep.
“Mr Darcy is here! And Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said hastily.
Mr Gardiner was dumbfounded. “He is here? But I did not inform him.”
“I know… I will go downstairs, to speak to them until you are ready.”
“Yes, − bring them here in a few minutes. We have a small reception room where we can talk.”
Her uncle looked as nervous as she was, surprised and puzzled. Elizabeth struggled to regain her composure and finally went to meet the two. They were in the hall with the innkeeper who kept moving around the illustrious guests, shifting from one foot to the other.
“Mr Darcy! Miss Darcy!” Elizabeth curtseyed and, despite the warm weather, shivered.
Darcy bowed, then his eyes captured hers. “Miss Bennet… Welcome to Derbyshire.”
“Thank you…” Her knees became unsteady and she felt slightly dizzy from his dark gaze.
“We are so pleased to see you,” Miss Darcy declared warmly. “Are Mr and Mrs Gardiner well?”
“Yes, very well,” Elizabeth answered. “I am happy to see you too, Miss Darcy. You look lovely − it is obvious you enjoy your time at Pemberley.”
“Yes, I do! And I hope you will too. Did Mrs Gardiner meet any friends?”
Elizabeth laughed, half amused, half nervous. “Not yet; we only ate a little bit and my uncle and aunt rested a while.”
“Of course – you just arrived. Forgive us, we do not want to disturb you. You must be tired after the journey too,” Darcy uttered. “We… I was told that you arrived and we thought we should just come and greet you.”
“I am glad you did, I am not tired at all,” Elizabeth replied genuinely, then blushed with embarrassment for her open admission.
‘He had been told that we arrived. Who told him? Did he ask to be informed?’ Thoughts spun in Elizabeth’s mind, filling her heart with joy at such a possibility.
“Mr Darcy! Miss Darcy! What an honour!” Mr Gardiner almost shouted, hurrying down the stairs, bowing formally yet joyfully. “I intended to send you a note to inform you we are here!”
“I asked Mr Wood – the innkeeper – to let me know when you arrived,” Darcy explained, and Elizabeth’s face burned while she quivered with excitement. So he did it on purpose!
He continued, glancing from Elizabeth to her uncle. “As I told Miss Bennet, we do not want to disturb you after your long journey.”
“Oh, no, no disturbance! We are honoured to see you. And happy. Mrs Gardiner is waiting for us; would you like to stay a little while? Perhaps have a cup of tea? A drink?”
Mr Gardiner was more anxious than Elizabeth had ever seen him. Darcy looked at her again and showed a small but bright smile.
“Of course; a drink will be excellent,” he accepted, while the innkeeper immediately fetched a servant to send a tray with drinks and refreshments.
They went upstairs together and entered the Gardiners’ small sitting chamber, trying to find a place to sit. More greetings were exchanged, as well as impressions about their travels.
Elizabeth was content to listen – and to muse over her speculations – moving her attention and her gaze from Darcy to his sister.
“Bingley wrote to me,” Darcy said, mostly to Elizabeth. “He appears to be very happy at Netherfield. He told me your family is in good health. He said he has hunted with Mr Bennet several times.”
“Oh yes, Jane wrote to me too,” Elizabeth responded. “Mr Bingley is alone at Netherfield, is he not? I was surprised that his sisters did not join him.”
“They are used to coming to Pemberley at this time of the year. Probably they had other plans, now that Bingley changed his.”
“Yes, probably…” Elizabeth concluded. “I can imagine they were upset to miss the visit to Pemberley. But Mr Bingley has no reasons to repine, I hope?”
“I am sure he has not,” Darcy said decidedly.
They gazed at each other in silence for a long moment, then he turned to her aunt.
“Mrs Gardiner, how did you find Lambton? Is it at you recollected?”
“Oh, I barely caught a glimpse of it! I look forward to seeing it closely tomorrow! I am sure I will love it as much as I used to.”
“Did you decide how long you will remain in Derbyshire?”
“Most likely a fortnight,” Mr Gardiner replied.
“Good. It is enough time for some fishing parties! We have everything prepared; I only lacked the company of another gentleman to enjoy the sport,” Darcy continued.
Mr Gardiner nodded animatedly. “Of this, you must not worry. There are few things I enjoy more than fishing!”
“Then, I trust you will not be disappointed. As for the ladies, I am sure they will find a way to entertain themselves while we wander around the lake and streams,” Darcy ended, with another meaningful glance to Elizabeth.
“Oh, yes! We have the phaeton prepared to take a ride in Pemberley Park, then you may decide what to do next,” Miss Darcy said enthusiastically.
“And, if you do not have other previous invitations, it would be a great pleasure to dine together,” Darcy interjected.
His manners and voice were now so friendly that the entire party felt dazed and incredulous. He seemed to truly enjoy their presence; he was entirely at ease and appeared desirous to improve their acquaintance, which flattered and puzzled them.
“It would be our pleasure,” Mrs Gardiner replied with genuine delight. “Visiting Pemberley is truly a dream come true.”
“And…” he hesitated a moment, glancing at each, with apparent uneasiness. “I do not want to intrude on your plans… but… please consider we have several rooms prepared to host you at Pemberley if you are willing to join us. It might be difficult to dine at Pemberley, then return to the Inn. But please take it as an open invitation; I imagine you have many friends and family desirous of your company. Of us, you must not worry – only know you are welcome anytime.”
His slight distress and his extraordinary offer left Elizabeth and her uncle in incredulous silence. Such an honour was more than they could ever imagine. And there was no doubt remaining: he was doing all for Elizabeth.
She surrendered her guard and allowed herself to be enfolded in the newly discovered joy of being the recipient of his interest. On that, she had no doubts remaining. What else he intended, she did not dare assume yet. It was already too much.
“Mr Darcy, we have no words to repay your generosity. I confess I wish nothing more than to fish and perhaps enjoy your library during my stay in this part of the country. But I owe it to my wife to be with her on all her other engagements. Therefore, we will profit from your invitation as often as we can. It is very generous of you not only to have us in your home but also to allow us such liberty.”
“Indeed… I confess I still wonder that you bestow such a generous invitation on us,” Mrs Gardiner interjected with honesty. “We are truly grateful and, as my husband said, we will surely take advantage of your kindness. And, while I will spend as much time as possible with my relatives and old friends, Elizabeth will be freer to employ her time as she likes.”
Elizabeth blushed and nodded and Miss Darcy immediately expressed her joy. Darcy’s contentment at her reaction was impossible to miss.
“But what of your other guests? Would we not bother them?” Elizabeth inquired.
“Other guests
?” Darcy replied quizzically.
“Yes… We understand you have a party of friends with you…” Her cheeks coloured while his eyes held hers.
“Oh, I see… There was my cousin – the Viscount – with his wife and sister and law – that travelled with us. But they have left for Matlock Manor. We might meet with them again in a fortnight.”
Elizabeth breathed in relief without even noting her gesture. There could be no real understanding between Darcy and Lady Amelia since she left so soon and he insisted on having them – here − at Pemberley.
“You know, “The Green Ribbon” shop is still running,” Darcy told Mrs Gardiner.
“Yes, I knew that; I look forward to visiting and purchase something tomorrow,” the lady replied.
“And afterwards, we could visit Pemberley if this is convenient for you.”
“Oh, yes, excellent!” Georgiana exclaimed.
Darcy’s approval showed in his broad smile; he addressed Mr and Mrs Gardiner with the most proper tone.
“And perhaps you may consider spending the entire day and returning to Lambton the day after tomorrow.”
“We would like that very much,” Mr Gardiner accepted.
Elizabeth felt flustered and did not dare meet Darcy’s eyes. She was relieved that the conversation and the rest of the plans were settled between the two gentlemen.
Soon enough, Mr and Miss Darcy left, with the promise of meeting again the next day.
The innkeeper’s behaviour changed immediately toward the people who seemed to hold the master’s interest. He treated them with even more condescension, which spread among the servants too.
Elizabeth’s excitement was overwhelming. When her uncle and aunt suggested the gentleman’s preference for her, she did not even attempt to deny it. The following day she would be at Pemberley. He was not upset with her, did not despise her. Darcy had changed so completely that it made her even more ashamed of her behaviour in Hunsford. Yet she had also evolved from the proud and reckless girl she used to be. And it was amazing that they had both changed… to please one another.
Allowing her thoughts to fly to him freely, Elizabeth imagined the joy of the coming days. Although her mind advised her against such assumptions, her heart told her his feelings for her were entirely changed. And for that – she felt grateful, while she admitted that her own feelings were utterly different since last April.
The evening was warm and pleasant and, after a delicious meal, all three took a stroll in the village. People were still outside, the darkness delayed, as the moon and stars tentatively appeared in the clear sky.
Elizabeth tried to pay attention to her aunt’s shared memories, but her own interest and curiosity travelled five miles away, where he was. How would the journey be if she did not meet Darcy in Town? If he did not invite them to visit Pemberley? Would they still have stopped in Derbyshire? Would she have to meet him by chance? Or would they have remained forever separated? Could a mere twist of fate decide their future – and perhaps happiness? Was it truly so easy? Or so complicated? There were so many questions in her mind that Elizabeth felt dizzy… but happy as most of them were irrelevant now; they had met, and the next day she would be at Pemberley!
Eventually, it was late enough for them to retire for the night. But for Elizabeth – the tumult of thoughts and her vivid imagination allowed no sleep, no rest. Her window remained wide open, bringing a soft breeze into the room, together with voices, laughter, even singing.
Then, while silence fell over the small village, tiredness enveloped Elizabeth and slowly diminished her excitement. To the sound of birds, dogs and the gentle breeze chilling the night, she abandoned herself to deep, restful sleep.
Chapter 7
The following morning found Elizabeth excited. But she was composed enough to enjoy breakfast and to carry a reasonable conversation. Afterwards, they visited “The Green Ribbon” shop, and met some of Mrs Gardiner’s relatives.
Around noon, they returned to the Inn carrying several packages. The moment they entered, Elizabeth’s heart started to beat more rapidly – and not without reason. Darcy was waiting at a table, while the innkeeper was struggling to entertain him.
Greetings were exchanged with more warmth and friendliness than politeness.
“I took the liberty of coming to accompany you. I hope you do not mind,” Darcy said to the Gardiners, much to Elizabeth’s delight. She was flattered by this new proof of attention and her hopes rose even more.
They were ready in no time, and soon the carriage left Lambton, entering Pemberley Park. Darcy was riding a tall, dark, bright stallion, his posture equally handsome and impressive.
From time to time, he glanced to them, and Elizabeth was torn between looking at him and admiring the beauties that surrounded her.
“Oh, this is even more beautiful than I remember,” Mrs Gardiner exclaimed.
The carriage drove for some time through a beautiful wood, then gradually ascended for half a mile until the sight in front of them revealed the first glimpse of the manor, mirrored in the beautiful lake that guarded it.
Elizabeth forgot to breathe, her heart nearly stopped, and her hands trembled in her lap. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more. Pemberley looked much like its master: strong, impressive and handsome in its natural grandeur. She bore the moment with significant perturbation, increased even more by Darcy’s nearness.
She felt his gaze on her while she lost herself in admiration for the splendour before them. Of all this, she could have been mistress, she realised. He had offered her that wonderful chance, and she rejected it. It was not about richness or greatness, but about his desire to share such beauty with her for his entire life. But she rejected it.
“I have never seen a more beautiful place,” Mrs Gardiner said with no little emotion.
“Indeed, I readily second that,” her husband agreed.
“Miss Bennet, I hope you approve of Pemberley,” Darcy addressed Elizabeth, as she was lost in tormenting silence.
“I do… but who would not? This is… I cannot describe how much I admire it,” Elizabeth whispered.
“I am glad to hear it,” he answered with a little smile, while their eyes met briefly. “Come, let me lead you forward. Georgiana is waiting for us. There is much more to see.”
He hastened his horse and so did the coachman.
The manor appeared closer and closer, brightening under the sun that lit the clear water of the lake. Around it, lively, colourful gardens warmed the impressive stone walls.
The master quickly dismounted in front of the entrance, and a servant readily took his horse.
Then Miss Darcy appeared, with two older ladies – her companion, Mrs Annesley and the housekeeper, Mrs Reynolds.
Darcy helped the ladies down from the carriage, then performed the introductions.
“Mrs Reynolds, please make sure the luggage is taken to the guests’ rooms,” Darcy said.
“Of course, sir! Everything is prepared! The refreshments are waiting in the drawing-room. And Tom and Stevens are waiting with the fishing gear,” the housekeeper quickly reported to the master.
“Excellent,” he replied, while Mrs Gardiner exchanged a quick glance with her niece at that new proof of attention. Elizabeth only blushed.
They climbed the stairs and the doors opened to reveal a large hall which led them into a vast, elegant chamber. Trays with cold meat, sweets, fruits and drinks were arranged on a large table, with two maids waiting politely.
Elizabeth sat near Georgiana, while Mrs and Mr Gardiner sat together; Mrs Annesley chose an armchair in a corner, and Darcy stood, looking at the visitors. Eventually, he took a chair placing it near the settee where his sister and Elizabeth were seated.
“I just received a letter from Bingley,” Darcy announced. “He sounds beyond himself with joy which made his letter even less intelligible. I have rarely met such a worthy man with such horrible writing.”
“I am glad to know Mr Bing
ley in such high spirits,” Elizabeth replied.
“Yes, so am I” Darcy answered meaningfully.
“Well, I do not want to be rude, but, while I appreciate the drink and the meal, I look forward to the fishing party,” Mr Gardiner interjected in jest.
“Indeed – I forgot myself,” Darcy uttered. “And we did not even take a tour of the house – perhaps you would like that?”
“Oh, do not worry, brother – I will perform this lovely task if you are in haste for fishing,” Georgiana said with a joyfulness that diminished her shyness.
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth, then back at Mr Gardiner, then reluctantly decided to leave. Even when they exited the room, his last look was still for her, and she received it with heartfelt delight.
He tried so hard to imagine if Georgiana and the Colonel were right; if there was a real change in Elizabeth’s attitude and her propensity towards a man she had already refused. She was blushing, but it could be a sign of shyness. Yet he did not remember her as shy; on the contrary, on some occasions she was ready to stand for her ideas and conviction. Now she mostly blushed when he was looking at her, again not the young lady he used to know who looked straight in his eyes and laughed and spoke her mind. She seemed indeed changed but was it only his desire to see a change of attitude or had it really happened? It was so difficult to have a steady opinion, one moment he hoped… the other he was near desperation, a continuous movement that made his heart beat at an incredible speed.
∞∞∞
Once they remained among themselves, Elizabeth’s spirits lowered slightly, but both Mrs Gardiner and Georgiana turned more animated. The girl informed Mrs Reynolds about Mrs Gardiner growing up in Lambton, and the housekeeper immediately recollected young Maddie Green.
The gentlemen remained separated from the ladies until late in the afternoon, but Elizabeth felt Darcy’s presence in every corner of the house. For her, the time passed as in a dream. The more she saw of Pemberley, the more she became attached to it. And the more she regretted the notion that she might soon be gone without knowing when and if she might see it again.
Wedding at Pemberley Page 6