by Kay Mares
“Americans. I have shipping contracts which link with the former colonies, and I pick up some of their peculiar vernacular just to annoy Henry. Drives him absolutely barmy when he is trying to have a serious discussion with me, and I throw one of those beauties in the mix.” Darcy chuckles as he holds his arm out for Elizabeth once more.
They make their way to the main floor which boasts the opulent foyer with the grand staircase. The foyer is two stories and as before it takes Elizabeth’s breath away. The marble floor is polished to a luxurious shine while the statues and artwork are lavish. The idea is to inspire awe in those who first enter the manor. From one direction of the foyer is the capacious dining room, with various salons for entertaining and a smaller ballroom than the one on the floor above. Accessible from this level is the conservatory with all kinds of plants and some trees. The conservatory temperature stays warm throughout the year allowing for the cultivation of different plant species. Benches are placed on the winding path to allow for rest or reflection among the greenery. Lizzy imagines she will find herself here especially during the long winter.
On the opposite side of the foyer is another study which Darcy sometimes utilizes if he has dealings with a person whom he does not wish to invite farther into the house. Beyond are extra rooms for storage of furniture, also a couple of salons and sitting rooms. Hallways which lead to the rear of the house are for staff, laundry, and the kitchen with a cold storage root cellar partially dug into the ground. Narrow steps lead into the cellar. Elizabeth knows such areas would have to exist for the staff to run the house as efficiently as they do but until seeing the backside of the manor, it had never imprinted itself onto her mind.
During their ramble through the house, Elizabeth is introduced to many of the maids and footmen who keep all the living areas of the manor so pristine. She meets Mrs. Gribble, the head cook who welcomes Elizabeth and looks forward to working with the new Mistress on the menus. Elizabeth is pleased to make the acquaintance of Mr. Denton the head groundskeeper at Pemberley who also oversees the conservatory. When Georgiana returns, Elizabeth will be formally introduced to Mrs. Annesley in addition to Georgiana’s personal maid, Florence. Elizabeth will note the deference given to Darcy by his staff not because they fear him but because they genuinely want him to be pleased with their efforts. Darcy commands respect because he earns it not because he demands it. The result being servants and staff who take pride in their work and it reflects in all aspects of the mansion.
“Elizabeth might I interest you in a frolic in Cupid’s Garden?” he raises his brows and gives her a sultry sideways glance. Afterward, as they snuggle on the big four poster bed, Lizzy discusses the letter her Aunt Gardiner had written to her. Elizabeth had asked her aunt for the details of what Darcy undertook to bring Wickham to marry Lydia after Lydia mistakenly let it slip that Darcy attended the wedding.
“My aunt wrote that other than a little liveliness, your character wanted for nothing more. She would be astounded to know just how lively you really are. I cannot wait until she learns of some of your humor. She will be pleased, but fear not Fitzwilliam; I shall not reveal all.” Elizabeth traces her fingers down his ribs then back up towards his arms. The result is, as she discovered on their first night together, Mr. Darcy is ticklish. He squirms, twists and giggles as Lizzy continues her assault. He begins his counter assault to Lizzy’s ribs while blowing on her neck. She is just as ticklish as he.
“In need of more liveliness? I shall show you lively!” and he moves down, grasping one foot in his hand while running his fingers on the bottom of her foot, another area Lizzy is extremely ticklish in. Soon the horseplay evolves into more mature distractions as they again celebrate their love in the most natural and fulfilling way. Afterward, Darcy takes Elizabeth to his main study and seats himself behind the massive mahogany desk with intricate carvings and inlays. He produced a paper with numerous figures on it and explained to her what funds she would be able to direct regarding household expenditures including but not limited to balls and parties and any renovations Lizzy sees fit. Just as she is about to protest the sums at her command, he shocks her silent for a moment when he gives her the amount dedicated to her for her own pin money.
“I cannot take such from you, Fitzwilliam! I did not marry you for your wealth; I love you, the man I have come to know and adore. I do not require such a sum.” Her eyes are round and she looks at him earnestly.
“I have never worried over why you accepted me. If you were mercenary, you would have accepted me at Hunsford. When you finally did accept me, it was because I had proven to you I was worthy of your regard and your love. I am sure of your love, and it sustains me. However, as you have seen today, I am Darcy of Pemberley, and as such, I can assure you as the Mistress of Pemberley and my adorable wife, you are to be treated in the manner I have just outlined. So, just as you have learned to tolerate me, you will just have to learn to tolerate all those benefits. To make sure you do, I have planned a shopping excursion for us on the morrow so you may feel free to indulge yourself. I will accompany you and if I feel you are not spending what you should on yourself…well then I will just have to do it for you.” He sighs dramatically as he continues, “you would not wish me to attempt to purchase gowns for you. I could very well perish from the effort.” He puts the back of his hand across his forehead for added effect.
“Droll, Mr. Darcy, droll.” Elizabeth finds herself laughing with him once again while noting the upturn of his mouth. Jane only smiles, I laugh. “I will bow to your demands and do my best to accommodate you by shopping for myself tomorrow. What are your plans for this afternoon My Dear?”
“I thought I would begin to show you some of what makes the estate run until it is time to take tea. If you are not bored to tears by then, we could either go over more of the estate business or perhaps you would like to take a quick walk through the stables. The weather may be chilly, but we can bundle up and afterward, I would be able to help you warm up. I tend to keep country hours here at Pemberley so supper will not be too late unless you would wish it otherwise.” He is stacking his papers up in an orderly fashion as he answers.
“I would be happy to learn more about the estate if that is what you would have me do. A walk to the stables and a ramble through them sounds most interesting. I would be pleased to see them and the fine horses you have there.”
“Consider it done. We will peruse the ledger books, and I will enlighten you as to some of our ventures. We will then make our way to the stables.” Darcy seems pleased with the agenda.
Lizzy became quickly engrossed in the many ventures her husband undertakes to keep Pemberley running. The agriculture is close to Lizzy’s heart just like Darcy. Lizzy grew up on an estate with Mr. Bennet being a landowner, so she has a rudimentary understanding of some of the issues facing a landowner. What she found fascinating is the Thoroughbred horse breeding program which Darcy painstakingly developed. He built upon various bloodlines started many years ago by other Masters and continued those lines while adding new blood. The result is a superb animal sought by racing enthusiasts as well as by the military. The Pemberley horses are noted for their speed, endurance, and heart. They are strong boned with sturdy hooves and do not become easily winded when put under stress. Lizzy eagerly enters the stables with her arm linked through Darcy’s.
The stable staff greets their Master warmly, extending proper courtesies to Lizzy as she is introduced. Elizabeth looks over the regal animals who watch her with large brown soft eyes. Tempest nickers to her in recognition to the delight of them both. Elizabeth goes over to give the black stallion a pat and stroke to the neck. He arches his neck then lowers his head for her to give him a scratch along the jawline. Lizzy turns to Darcy with her eyes bright.
“I often stole away to the barn to visit our farm horses. They enjoyed the attention especially the scratches and pats. Sometimes if able I gave them a confiscated sugar cube or two. Mama could never understand my affinity for them. She said t
hey were no more than tools we used to complete chores. I saw that each of them have different personalities just like people. Their follies diverted me such as when they would elude capture out in the pasture when the field needed to be plowed. Sometimes I would catch the wayward horses because they could not help themselves but to see if I had brought them yet another treat.” When she looks at Darcy, there is an odd look on his face. “Have I said something of which you did not approve, Mr. Darcy?”
“No Mrs. Darcy, you have yet again demonstrated to me why you are my perfect match. It seems we both share another love. I too have always been drawn to the stables even if it was just to be a part of the activities within the barn. Like you, I took note of the different personalities of the animals. Such study often helped me determine a young horse’s course of training or what purpose the horse would be best suited for. I have had a hands-on approach here. Especially exciting for me is the breaking of the young colts. If possible, I assist in the effort and have even started and finished the training on several of the more promising ones. I raised Tempest, and no one trained him except for me. It is why he and I are able almost to read one another minds and flow together like one. To see and hear of your affinity for horses makes me most satisfied.” Darcy has the same easy, peaceful mien which is beginning to be shown outside of the private chambers.
Elizabeth strokes his cheek briefly as she continues. “I enjoyed our rides during our courtship. While walking can be easily accomplished without much preparation, I have embraced the notion that more ground can be covered on a horse. So much more to see and I further noted at times, wildlife, like the deer, tend not to startle as quickly when one is on horseback.”
“Indeed you are correct in your assessment of the deer. I too have noted the same,” Darcy gazes steadily at her as he continues his thoughts, “while we are here if you would consent, I would show you some mounts which you may find to your liking should you wish to continue your riding habits. If you do not suit with any we have here, I would be thrilled to purchase you one.” Darcy offers his arm, and they begin a leisurely stroll down the aisle way of the barn. Many of the horse crane their heads over the half stall doors for a little attention. Nickers and whinnies punctuate the air with the sound of the animals shuffling in their stalls. The occasional kick to a stall wall echoes throughout the barn when one of the horses becomes impatient or demanding. Lizzy stops before the stall of a grey mare who is almost white. Her large, intelligent eyes are rimmed in black with black points on her ear tips and four black socks on her legs. Her mane and tail are jet black; she is a striking mare of about medium height. Darcy laughs when Elizabeth begins to give the mare more attention.
“You have a good eye for horseflesh, My Dear. This young one was sired by Tempest, and her dame has a wonderful pedigree spanning all the way back to the Darley Arabian. He was foaled in 1700 and bought in 1704 by Thomas Darley. The stud was shipped to Yorkshire and bred to numerous mares. The resulting offspring have since influenced the Thoroughbred race lines, and this beauty is one result. I purchased her dame expressly to breed her to Tempest. I have crossed the two numerous times, most foals finding homes quickly. I kept her because I like her color and her spunk. I broke her myself, but she is not big enough for a man of my frame. What do you think of her?” Darcy eagerly awaits Elizabeth’s reaction.
“She is gorgeous, Fitzwilliam, in addition to being a friendly girl. I like her kind eye.” Elizabeth is stroking the soft glistening neck.
“I will have her rode down a bit, and you may try her in the coming weeks. Should you wish for her to be your mount, you may have her. She never gave me any fits during her training, was always willing and has a good amount of intelligence.”
“The main question I have then is this…can she outrun Tempest?” Lizzy asks saucily.
Darcy cannot stop the deep laughter which breaks from him. Wiping his eyes and trying to control himself takes a moment as Lizzy stands there with a perfectly innocent look on her face. “Oh My Love, you always know how to evoke a response from me. While she has impeccable bloodlines, I fear she is no match for Tempest. He will not leave her far behind, but I do not think she would best him in a race. Tempest comes from one of the other noted bloodlines, that of the Godolphin Arabian. This stud was imported to England by Edward Coke. Upon Mr. Coke’s demise, his racehorses and broodmares were bequeathed to Lord Godolphin, who later acquired the Arabian and entered him in stud near Newmarket. The stud was bred to several distinguished mares, and they are well known in the racing world.”
“We shall see, Mr. Darcy, this girl has the best of both worlds. Notable speed horses on her mother’s side and the racing bloodlines from her father. Looks like she has the most winning combination.” Lizzy smirks.
“Perhaps I will turn over the breeding program to you. You seem to be a quick study.” Darcy squeezes her closer to his side. “Tell me what would you have her barn name to be?” He waits in anticipation for her response.
“She is, in color, opposite from your great black stallion so she would need a name to contrast his. I think Zephyr would suffice. A soft, gentle breeze to counter your whirlwind storm.” Elizabeth’s eyes are soft as she gazes deeply at Darcy.
“Poetic, Elizabeth. Shall we return to the manor? It seems as if a chill has entered the air.” They quit the stables and return to the warmth of the manor where supper is awaiting their arrival. Lizzy and Darcy settle into a familiar routine of dining with causal conversation interspersed between bites. Darcy especially is mellow with no worries or concerns pressing on him. The cool harshness he displays in public never reappears here at Pemberley even when the servants are about. When Elizabeth visited his home those long months ago, he was nervous because he wanted to show her how he had changed but even then he relinquished the stern haughty demeanor he sported before. Now nothing but supreme contentment flows through him.
“Remember how we had trouble carrying a conversation before, or if we did, it often veered towards a disagreement of some sort? How different we are now. Topics flow so freely, and ideas are exchanged easily. How will I ever find any discord with you now, Sir?” Elizabeth asks him pertly.
“Give me time; I will not disappoint. We can discuss politics or the rights of women, or perhaps proper reading material for fine young ladies?”
“I do not wish to quarrel with you right now, in point of fact, I have another idea in which we may find harmony if you are finished with your meal, Fitzwilliam?” Darcy moves with alacrity to her chair and escorts her to their shared chamber. Another passionate evening commences followed by a restful night.
Chapter 21
Morning broke with a quick breakfast. Today they are to venture to Lambton to shop for Lizzy. When the carriage arrives in town bearing the Darcy family crest, people took note. Lizzy’s husband takes all the preferential treatment in stride. Darcy puts on the mantle of command while escorting Elizabeth down the streets and into various shops. Elizabeth is introduced to the same modiste, Mrs. Bartlett, who makes gowns for Georgiana. At the inn, people give way to the couple who are then seated in the best section of the dining room, away from all the other guests. The prompt return of the servant with their meals astounds Lizzy but, Darcy is rather blasé about it. Lizzy watches this different side of her husband play out. The usual warmth she sees in his eyes is replaced with a cool, calculating stare which would unnerve one if he is unaware of Darcy’s hidden softness. When he lays his eyes on her though, his warmth and mischievousness dance in his blue orbs.
Darcy points out some of the histories of the town in addition to other shops like the butcher shop, the candle maker shop and the baker’s shop. He explains that when Elizabeth begins to take over more of the running of the manor, it will help her to know of the various merchants in town who are utilized by Pemberley. The town even boasts a general merchandise type store which covers the needs not met by the other shopkeepers. Dr. Linnington, the Darcy family doctor, has an office in Derbyshire for non-emergen
t needs but will always be available by horse or carriage should a house visit be necessary.
At the end of their ramble, they enjoy a float before entering the carriage to return home. Once there, Darcy suggests they go over more of the estate business before Elizabeth is to meet with Mrs. Reynolds to discuss the running of the household. While they are engaged in their study, Elizabeth’s new clothing is being unpacked and secured in her dressing room closet. Elizabeth forgot this chore no longer falls on her. She is willing to take care of her own clothing, but Darcy gently reminds her it is not necessary any longer.
Today’s estate discussion revolved around the shipping contracts and an introduction to the amazing fact Darcy owns a couple of good-sized ships. A side conversation about piracy on the high seas causes Lizzy to shiver at times. Elizabeth appreciates he thinks enough of her intellect to include her in the decision making regarding how much involvement the Darcy family should undertake with the newly proposed rail line. The question is to what extent to be involved. The convenience of transporting goods, livestock and eventually people over longer distances cannot be overlooked. The rail will be the wave of the future; Darcy is determined to stay one step ahead of any developments which influence the wealth of Pemberley.
“I believe I will send a letter to Jonesy to seek his opinion of the rail line. Jonesy is a good friend who is a year younger than me but has a very astute business mind.” Darcy clarifies who Jonesy is after Elizabeth asks. “He went to Cambridge just as I did. His family has extensive wealth but oddly never desired a country estate instead preferring the draw of London. He and I have partnered before on various business ventures which have become most profitable. However, he is almost as annoying as Henry. I am sure he will delight you while giving me a headache.” The last sentence Darcy speaks with his mouth upturned. Elizabeth expects she will meet a devoted friend who truly admires and respects her husband. Elizabeth asks him why she had not met Jonesy at their wedding. “He was off of English soil. Some grand trip or another.” Darcy waves his hand about.