After a day filled with so much excitement, they retired to their rooms to prepare for dinner. Entering one of Pemberley’s guest chambers produced another thrilling moment and nervousness for Elizabeth. She could not avoid wondering what the mistress’ rooms looked like. She did not expect to see them soon – if ever – but being in Darcy’s home, made her distraught.
The dining room awaited them with elegance and cordiality. Being only among themselves, the spots were not fixed; the two Darcy siblings sat at each head of the table, Mr Gardiner was on one side of the table and Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner sat opposite to him.
The dinner and the whole evening melted Elizabeth’s heart. The taste, the arrangements, the plating, the servants’ diligence – all were flawless. But what mattered the most was the friendliness, the warmth, the openness that lasted the entire time. The dinner was spiced with conversation, smiles – even laugher. Elizabeth was stunned to see Darcy so open, so amiable; the bright smiles making his appearance even more handsome. Although she still felt uneasy and flustered, she happily met and kept his gazes.
Once dinner ended, Darcy asked Georgiana to delight them with some music. After only a brief hesitation, the girl agreed.
“But only if Miss Bennet will do me the favour of keeping me company,” she said.
“Gladly,” Elizabeth answered. “But I must warn you that my skills are feeble compared to yours. You might be appalled by my lack of proficiency.”
“I am sure this is not true. My brother told me he has heard you play and sing and it gave him great pleasure.”
Elizabeth cast a quick look at the gentleman then said in jest, “I am sure Mr Darcy exaggerated my talents, for a mysterious reason of his own. Such praise is underserved.”
“This cannot be! My brother always tells the truth,” Georgiana replied in earnest.
“None of my praise of Miss Bennet’s talents is exaggerated. Quite the contrary,” Darcy interjected, then offered his arm to Elizabeth. She took it readily while blushing. Suddenly she felt she belonged at his side.
Georgiana took the lead toward the music room, and the Gardiners followed them. As they walked, they passed by an enormous window that offered the stunning sight of the garden and the lake. Elizabeth absently released Mr Darcy’s arm and stopped near the window to admire the view; for a few long moments, she remained silent, then sighed with admiration and turned to her companions. Darcy was only a few steps behind, looking at her and the heat of his nearness gave her shivers.
“It is beautiful,” she whispered, then resumed her walking. He followed her, gently taking her hand and placing it on his arm.
Her relatives and Miss Darcy were in the music room; with joy, the girl showed them the piano that her brother had just gifted to her for her sixteenth birthday.
For the rest of the evening, Miss Darcy enchanted them with her exquisite playing. Her talent was matched by her evident love for music that made her performance outstanding. Elizabeth accompanied her with her voice, but Darcy’s gaze resting upon her made her nervous and fearful and turned her own performance poorer than she would wish. Still, she received praises, which she genuinely dismissed. And she felt happier than ever before in her life.
It was close to midnight when Mr and Mrs Gardiner eventually decided to retire for the night, after what they declared to be a memorably beautiful day.
Elizabeth was not tired at all; she felt a strange panic at the thought of separating from Darcy. She knew the feeling was silly since they would meet again the next morning. She wished to talk to him – though she could not think of any particular subject to discuss. She would very much enjoy a stroll – but she could not possibly suggest walking alone with him in the middle of the night. So there was nothing left for her than to follow her relatives.
“Tomorrow we will take a long ride through the park,” Georgiana addressed her. “Oh, do not worry – my brother told me you do not ride. We prepared a phaeton.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth laughed. “This is very considerate. I do ride a little – but I am not very comfortable with horses. Besides, I confess I have very few chances to practice riding at home; we only have two horses and often my father uses them for work.”
“Oh, but you may practice here if you want!” Miss Darcy readily offered. “We have several very gentle mares.”
“Of course − if Miss Bennet wishes to, we would be happy to help her practice more,” Darcy smiled and Elizabeth blushed.
“Thank you – you both are very kind. We shall see… but I do look forward to visiting more of the estate – in the phaeton or by foot.”
“Oh, not by foot,” Georgina smiled. “You would need weeks to walk around the park,” she declared and Elizabeth glanced at Darcy. His gaze spoke much of his opinion about her staying at Pemberley for weeks –and her heart raced joyfully.
Eventually, a maid led Elizabeth to her chamber – just as had happened with the Gardiners earlier. The house was so large that she could not find the way by herself. With every step, she felt she was going further away from Darcy, although she was still in his home.
∞∞∞
Elizabeth’s chamber, an elegant and comfortable room coloured in shades of green, was on the first floor. The bed was larger than the one she used to share with Jane at Longbourn and looked inviting. But she did not need to rest, yet.
She walked toward the balcony and opened the door widely. The view of Pemberley’s lake, sparkling under the full moon and stars – delighted her eyes one more time.
The night was warm, but not suffocating. Summer was easier to bear in the North – and everything appeared more appealing at Pemberley. The silence was only broken by the sounds of nature – and Elizabeth felt like it was calling to her.
She paced the room restlessly for a little while, then exited onto the balcony again. This time, she startled as she noticed a shadow standing on the edge of the lake. The beating of her heart told her who he was long before she could recognise his figure. She hesitated a moment, wondering if she should join him. But her common sense, her reasoning, the rules of decorum, all fought against her desire and defeated her wishes.
So she pulled the curtains closed, changed into a nightgown, and forced herself to lie in bed. But sleep only came when the dawn broke the night.
∞∞∞
The following morning, Elizabeth woke up very early and dressed without any help from the maid. It was a sunny day, and the sound of birds animated the silent manor. She felt too much joy to stay inside – so what she did not dare do in the middle of the night, seemed allowed in the full daylight.
Therefore, she hurried downstairs and – with a little guidance from a servant – she found the main door and exited the house. She found herself in an inner yard, paved with stone. Through a large arch, she arrived in front of the house, just at the edge of the lake. On her left, there were impressive stairs, leading to a path between the lake and the colourful gardens.
She closed her eyes, breathing the air of Pemberley deeply inside her so she could take it with her upon leaving.
“Miss Bennet?”
She startled and looked around, taken aback. Darcy was approaching her, wearing a broad and warm smile.
“Are you well?”
He wanted to believe he had seen on her face a hint of enjoyment at his appearance.
“Very well, thank you,” she responded surprised yet very happy.
“I hope you found your room comfortable?”
“Very much so,” she smiled. “But I believe that a room – as comfortable as it is – is not worthy of staying inside when you are at Pemberley.”
He approved with a nod. “I agree.”
During a momentarily awkward silence, both glanced around. One could say that the same question was in each of their minds: a question about love that could shatter the incertitude they were living in. He wanted to dare take her on a stroll, far away from other eyes; she wanted to spend as much time as was possible with him.
/> “Would you like to take a stroll before breakfast?” he eventually asked, his heart beating at the rate of his emotion.
“Yes, that was my intention.”
“Would you… rather be alone?” he continued, yet he was far from intending to leave her alone on Pemberley’s lawn.
“Some company would be lovely,” she whispered.
They started to walk, trying hard not to look at each other.
“Pemberley is even more beautiful than I was told,” Elizabeth declared with a voice that was desperately trying to sound normal, remembering the conversations they used to have when both were self-assured and unconstrained by a sentiment so complicated as love.
“I am glad you enjoy it. There is so much more of it to see. Georgiana will show it to you today – as much as the time will allow. Will you… Did you plan to return to the Inn today?”
Her cheeks coloured. “I have not discussed it with my aunt and uncle yet.”
Another moment of silence. “Mr Gardiner told me Mr Bennet is very fond of fishing too.”
Elizabeth laughed, “Oh yes – very much so, but only close to the house. However, he would readily travel to Derbyshire if he could spend a few days in your splendid library.”
“Well, we could write to him to come. Both for the library and fishing,” Darcy declared, half in jest.
Stunned by this intention, Elizabeth was trying to understand why he wanted to invite her father to Pemberley unless… She could not let the thought fly free. It would surely make her faint, so she watched every step she took on the stony road and answered:
“Oh, my father rarely goes beyond London. But he would be honoured by your invitation.”
“Mr Gardiner is delightful company,” Darcy added. “And I know Georgiana finds great pleasure in spending time with you and Mrs Gardiner.”
“You are too kind to say that. We are all happy to be here.”
“Miss Bennet…” He suddenly stopped, and she did the same. She turned to him and met his dark, serious gaze. His voice became hoarse.
“Yes, Mr Darcy?”
“I hope you enjoy being here at least half as much as I am delighted with your presence. I have not had a more welcome guest at Pemberley…”
She breathed deeply, her eyes locked with his.
“No other place gives me as much pleasure, nor other company,” she confessed.
His eyes opened wide as hope and revelation enfolded him. A heartfelt delight warmed his handsome figure and he tried to speak further. So did Elizabeth, but both failed, so they continued their walk. It was enough for the time being.
“Rosings is beautiful, too. And Matlock Manor,” Darcy said, while they stepped side by side.
“But none of them compare to Pemberley. Nature and the human touch – both have been generous and tasteful with your home, sir.”
“I am glad Pemberley is your favourite. The feeling is mutual, I assure you,” Darcy concluded.
They continued to walk, more at ease with each other; while he showed her particular favourite spots in the gardens, unique sorts of flowers, and shared with her stories that she was enchanted to hear.
The hour spent together alone, in full view of the house, was the happiest time Elizabeth could remember. By the time they returned, they were on such friendly terms that even their hands brushed against the other as they strolled.
The breakfast felt like a family matter – and it was no surprise that the Gardiners accepted the invitation to remain at Pemberley for several more days.
A servant was sent to the Inn to retrieve the rest of their luggage.
In the meantime, the gentlemen return to their fishing places, while the ladies enjoyed the long-awaited ride through the Pemberley estate.
After hours of enjoyment and excitement, after mixing riding with walking and climbing, Elizabeth, Miss Darcy and Mrs Gardiner returned home – hungry, thrilled, exhausted, and utterly happy.
Mrs Reynolds, more than eager to please them, had prepared food and drinks in the drawing-room − a welcome stop before the afternoon rest. The ladies were tired yet they continued to speak and laugh and praise the beautiful day they spent together.
The gentlemen joined them soon – Mr Gardiner tanned by the sun and content with his capture, was quickly defeated by the exercise and a couple of drinks.
Elizabeth and Darcy did not speak much, but they exchanged glances, smiles, and small gestures that strengthened their new-found familiarity.
The Gardiners soon retired to their rooms to rest while Georgiana prepared to start her studying at the piano. With her sincere smile and her graciousness, she invited Elizabeth to join her. Georgiana liked her and enjoy being with her, so she readily accepted. She secretly wished her brother would come in a moment to hear his sister playing and indeed she listened to some doors from a distance and Georgiana said, “It is my brother coming; I hope you will not consider he is intruding…”
Elizabeth blushed and then laughed to mask her enjoyment, “Of course not, he is after all the master of the house!”
“I confess I like the way you speak with him and about him, I have so much to learn from you Miss Elizabeth and I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to spend these days with you!”
“And I join you in considering myself lucky to have Miss Elizabeth at Pemberley!”
They both turned at the same time to find Darcy in the middle of the room watching them with a broad smile. He enjoyed seeing the relationship between Elizabeth and his sister grow. They were the same quality of ladies: intelligent, educated and full of spirit; however, Georgiana needed some more time to develop a certain easiness that Elizabeth had when in society. He only hoped that Elizabeth could be that person to complete Georgiana’s style.
He was determined to speak to Elizabeth. He had, indeed, some signs she was no longer the woman who rejected him and while his heart sang, he still had some hesitation regarding how to propose to her again. Following the splendid songs they were playing obviously for his enjoyment, he had time to reflect. Now that his decision was made he had no more patience, he wanted to tell her and to have an answer as soon as possible to put an end to his turmoil.
While Georgiana ran to her room to bring some additional music, Darcy invited Elizabeth onto the terrace with a small gesture and a smile, “Will you please accompany me?” He slightly touched her just to show where the patio was, a tiny gesture that put both of them on fire. There was such a tension between them that neither could speak yet Darcy had to hurry, as they had only a few moments and he said, “Miss Elizabeth, I need to talk to you on a very urgent matter. I was wondering if you’d like to join me for a walk after dinner, tonight.”
Elizabeth was so surprised that she could not speak; it was the first time in her life when she needed to be calm and self-possessed and she was unable to proffer one word. Georgiana was approaching and her chance to answer diminished, yet she was still incapable of speaking, so she made a desperate move. As he had his hand on the terrace’s parapet, she placed her hand on his. It was just for a second, but her gesture was so intimate and yet timid that he turned his eyes to see she was whispering a simple, “Yes!”
A moment more and he would have taken her into his arms, so he excused himself and almost ran far away from her. He understood that he could not go far enough not to feel her presence in his home, at Pemberley!
∞∞∞
Luckily for them the dinner was short as the Gardiners and Georgiana were very tired. They made plans for tomorrow, Darcy proposed some destinations on his estate, and his guests gladly agreed. There was an old church they wanted to visit and some ruins that Georgiana proudly said were ten centuries old.
“It is even possible that they belonged to one of our father’s ancestors; unfortunately, he died before solving the mystery, but I am sure my brother will continue his search.”
Indeed Darcy had that intention and he even had made some inquiries in a nearby church that had ancient documents, making E
lizabeth wonder what new things she would discover about him. She tried to be calm, she chased all the dreams from her head, wanting to be prepared for any subject he might want to discuss.
No one saw Elizabeth going out on the large terrace that faced the beautiful park immersed in darkness.
Chapter 8
She was just a shadow, but for Darcy, she glowed. Wearing a light white dress and a shawl, the mild breeze made her appear like she was floating in the air. He approached wondering if she knew he was coming. She answered by turning not entirely unexpectedly finding themselves face to face.
“You are cold!” he smiled.
“Yes!” she said, finally recovering her voice. She was again the girl from the past that could talk and make decisions… However, it was so different here at Pemberley. During this splendid night she just yearned to have the chance to answer that question again.
“I am bewitched!” he said, smiling while he took off his coat, placing it on her shoulders.
“The moon has such an effect!” she laughed.
“You are back Elizabeth Bennet! In the afternoon, I thought I had lost you!” he also used that tone he had when they talked in the past.
“Elizabeth…”
He was prepared to explain and try to convince her and ask in the end, but he stopped, looking into her eyes, a gaze that seemed liquid, moving between them, enveloping their bodies in a tremendous expectation.
“No small talk, anymore!” he decided with a weird voice.
Elizabeth nodded. They did not move from the terrace, as walking would diminish the pleasure.
“Will you marry me, Elizabeth Bennet?” he said so suddenly that even he remained astonished. All the preparation was in vain, all the words he carefully arranged in sentences for days now vanished, useless in the night.
She watched him in silent astonishment for a long while, wondering if she understood him properly. She breathed a few times until she had enough strength to answer.
“Yes!” she whispered and then she repeated in a plain voice “Yes, Fitzwilliam Darcy! I will!” The next moment she was in his arms, closely pulled against his chest. He caressed her hair, murmuring tenderly, not daring to kiss her as he did not yet believe what had just happened.
Wedding at Pemberley Page 7