Life at Pemberley was certainly a great deal different to anything she had experienced at Longbourne and it had taken many months before she felt at home in the great house. Each room was as grand as the next, big and airy, the long windows giving some of the most beautiful views of the garden she had ever seen. But Pemberley had long been in need of a mistress and Miss Elizabeth Bennett (now Mrs Darcy) was prepared for the challenge. Six months into her time as mistress of the great Derbyshire estate and she was just starting to get a firm grip on her role. The housekeeper, Mrs Reynolds, had been a great help to her. Indeed, she doubted she would have managed these last six months without her.
Despite her fathers early objections to the match between his daughter and the proud and disagreeable Mr Darcy, he had little cause to worry. Elizabeth found herself extremely happily situated in life and still she stood by her statement that her husband was truly the best man she had ever known. The early stages of marriage had been an interesting experience to say the least. Her playful and mischievous nature had occasionally led to misunderstandings between herself and her husband, but he had gradually become used to her gentle and loving jests and he had learned to laugh at himself, even returning the jibes occasionally.
She continued to be amazed at the change she saw in him as he learned from her cheerful disposition and she, in turn, found him to be a calming influence, such a difference from the proud man she had met at the ball held at the assembly rooms in Meryton just a year or two ago.
Despite the huge task of ensuring the smooth running of a household such as Pemberley, Elizabeth found that she still had time to herself. These moments of solitude were employed to their full, often used in wandering the beautiful grounds, discovering new walks through the trees. Occasionally she would have the pleasure of her husband joining her on these walks, and though they may not always talk a great deal, the pleasure they had in just being in the company of one another was great. Indeed, Elizabeth found herself wanting for nothing except the company of her elder sister, Jane, and her husband during the times when business drew him from her side.
She was on such a walk now, her step light as she walked the beaten track that was one of her favourite haunts. This area had been allowed to grow wild, great oaks reaching up to the sky crowded the path, their foliage casting a calming green haze over the path as the summer sunlight created pools of light on the floor. Wild flowers grew in abundance, splashes of colour randomly sprayed across the banks. Here Elizabeth was able to forget all troubles and enjoy nature in its simple beauty.
The light fabric of her dress blew softly around her ankles, teasingly pushing her onwards down the path. The dress was one she usually wore on her long walks, a slightly coarser fabric than her others, a memory of Longbourne, since she did not want to ruin the fine clothes she was now able to wear thanks to her husbands much larger income.
The sound of feet, more heavily shod than her own, was heard along the path behind her, their rapid pace quickly catching up with her. Turning to look over her shoulder a welcoming smile spread across her face as her husband approached. "What is it that brings you out here sir?"
"Cannot a man wish to take a stroll with his wife around his own gardens?" Mr Darcy relied with an answering smile, an expression that now sat a lot easier on his face since their marriage.
"Indeed he can, but you come in such haste. Does something rest uneasy in your mind?" she asked, taking the arm he offered her and continued walking.
"Not at all. But I have some news I should like your opinion on. My sister, Georgiana, is to be coming to stay with us for a while. Her governess in town is leaving. A relative has fallen ill and is in need of a nurse."
"That's wonderful, I haven't seen her since our marriage. And it will be delightful to have another woman in the house."
Mr Darcy smiled, pleased by his wife's reaction to the news. It had always been his dearest wish that Elizabeth and Georgiana should become as close as sisters. Since the death of his mother Georgiana had little in the way of female company other than her governess.
For a time they strolled together quietly, happy just to be in the company of one another, lost in their own thoughts. A short time later the house came back into view and the hit the gravel path that led to the main door, perfectly manicured lawns spread out either side. As they entered the house he stooped slightly to place a light kiss on her cheek, before moving towards the stairs, "I must write to Georgiana to let her know our decision. I will see you at dinner."
Smiling at his retreating form Elizabeth turned towards the drawing room, she had her own letters to write that should have been done days ago. She had been putting them off for reasons she did not wish to acknowledge. Her mother had been hinting, rather strongly, for an invitation to visit her second daughter. Elizabeth had shied away from offering such an invitation knowing the embarrassment it would inevitably cause. Mr Darcy had never been a favourite of her mothers, and her not so subtle comments often led to the embarrassment of more than one person, and the thought of such comments making her husband feel uncomfortable in his own home was something she had no wish to face. But it could not be put off any longer; she had already spoken with Mr Darcy about the invitation and her own fears of extending it to her mother. But with the graciousness that marked his dealings with Elizabeth he had agreed to a few weeks of Mrs Bennett's company as well as the rest of her family.
So she dutifully requested the companionship of her family for a few weeks during the month of September since it would be a relatively quiet time for herself, Mr Darcy would often be in town on business throughout that month.
Having completed the role of dutiful daughter, she began a letter to Jane, inviting her, together with her husband, to join them also. Her presence would bring Elizabeth great comfort as would her husband to Mr Darcy. Jane with her sweet temperament would be of incredible help when dealing with her mother. Jane and Mr Bingley, her husband, were to arrive several weeks prior to the Bennett family, their presence required at the summer ball they were to hold at Pemberley in early August, a time which would turn out to be one of stress for Elizabeth. It would be the first ball to be held at Pemberley with herself as mistress and she knew a great deal of tradition needed to be upheld, the support of her sister would prove invaluable.