The Servants of Pemberley
Or
Self and Servitude
The View of Mrs. Reynolds
Meeting Elizabeth
Mrs. Reynolds originally thought that the party of three visitors was like the usual. She felt the regular swell of pride that accompanied the telling of Pemberley's fineness and that of its master's. Her pride turned something akin to admiration when she noted the younger guest's connection and blush to it. She immediately reassessed her opinion of the three.
Her opinion of the older couple remained largely unchanged for the most part. After viewing the younger in a critical eye, she came to a conclusion. The younger, Miss Elizabeth, was in appearance quite satisfactory. Her features were not what one would call beautiful, but she was pretty nevertheless. Miss Elizabeth's eyes, however, were quite fine. There was something about the lady that suggested liveliness, and she possessed somewhat of a graceful charm. Though Miss Elizabeth seemed to be slightly uneasy at times, she seemed composed for the majority.
Mrs. Reynolds paused as Miss Elizabeth gazed at the painting of her master's with contemplation. She noted the look of longing that swiftly passed over the young woman's face. Mrs. Reynolds had become and adept at reading faces, as Mr. Darcy's expressions were usually subtle and hard to understand. Mrs. Reynolds quickly informed her that the picture had been taken in his father's lifetime. The young lady seemed deep in thought as they finished the tour.
As the three took their leave, Mrs. Reynolds saw a wet Mr. Darcy arrive when Miss Elizabeth walked down. Much to her astonishment, she saw Miss Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy color! Miss Elizabeth she could understand, as her master was quite handsome, but Mr. Darcy as well? To add to her shock, Mr. Darcy, though civil, was quite at unease; his words had none of its usual sedateness. She supposed it may have been from his state of dress, but it seemed beyond that.
Mrs. Reynolds noticed two gaggling maids giggling over her master, so she snapped at them, sent them on their way, and continued watching. Mr. Harris, the gardener, was of a similar mind set; as he slowly clipped the weeds, he too watched keenly. They both winced slightly at the harried way he repeated inquiries of her family, but this was with interest. Never had they seen their master in such state.
Their master quickly said his goodbye and hurried up the steps. Mr. Darcy ran, nay, sprinted up to dress and down again. Once again, Mrs. Reynolds was amazed as Mr. Darcy nearly stumbled over himself trying to catch up to their position. She watched as the two made small talk, and as Mr. Darcy bestowed her with one of his rare smiles. Mrs. Reynolds once more was all astonishment as her master invited them around the grounds. But the real shock was yet to come.
After the tour of the grounds and Mr. Darcy's goodbye, her master returned to the mansion. He swiftly walked to one of the sitting rooms, speaking not a word to anyone. He sat on a chair and rested his head in his hands. Mr. Darcy's expression was that of worry and pain, but it quickly changed to that of happiness… and dare she say it… love.
AN: Edited 8/3/14 for grammar. This story has been discontinued. Sorry for the inconvenience.