Chapter 10: MinerStone Mansion
A BIG thank you to everyone who has supported this story so far. I am back in the game guys!
I hope you all still remember this story .
Afterall our Mary does deserve some adventure
Happy reading!
The ladies all enjoyed bonding with each other in the carriage as the gentlemen rode on their horses. It was quite a joyful party even if Mrs Hurst did at times comment with an air of superiority.
The Hursts had arrived just two days prior to the departure and could not be left behind. Although Lousia did complain about embarking on another journey so soon, nothing would hide the curiosity in her expression of wanting to see what Lord Blandford's estate was like.
Mary on her part was quite content to simply look outside at the beautiful countryside and Lord Blanford or Mr Ashcroft would ride besides the window and point out to interesting places to them. During the ride, however, Caroline had more time to reflect on her own new friendship with Mary and her own character. Jane at a particular point remarked how she preferred the countryside and it's wild beauty to London, when Mrs Hurst with much derision replied that it wouldn't surprise her as the Bennets were also known to be wild and would hardly be able to take on London manners.
Jane, who wished to avoid confrontation let the remark slide by as did the other girls but Caroline was deftly reminded of how this was something very similar she had said in regards to Elizabeth. Is that how I had sounded, she pondered surprised at the directions of her thoughts.
After travelling for three days, staying at various inns on the way, Lord Blandford exclaimed with some excitement "At the turning, you all would be able to see Minerstone Mansion!"
This was probably the most anyone had seen him excited and obligingly all the ladies looked out of the window and gasped. There in front of them was a beautiful mansion surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery everywhere. Mr Ashcroft suggested they all stop there and stretch themselves and his suggestion was met with great approval.
Mary studied the place with a great degree of amazement. Her only regret was that she could not share this view with Maria, who had stayed behind in Longbourne, though she did promise herself to write to her describing everything in detail.
"A spectacular view is it not Miss Bella" Mr Hawkins commented standing beside her. Although he had no need to accompany them, Charles had decided that it was not prudent to leave a completely new steward behind at Longbourne. Afterall, they knew nothing about his character and though Mr Bennet had seen him quite trustworthy to employ him, he still could not be left behind with no one to supervise. So after discussing it with others Mr Hawkins was allowed to accompany them. When Mr Hawkins was made aware of this, he accepted the proposition cheerfully, though it did seem like they were in doubt of his character and even offered to be a temporary valet to Mr Ashford. Mr Ashford whose own valet was ill and not fit to travel, found the arrangement to his liking.
"It indeed is. This countryside is, dare I say much more beautiful than Derbyshire" Mary replied looking at him
"That is where your elder sister Mrs Darcy resides does she not?" He inquired
"Indeed she does. I would be brave to face the disapproval of Mrs Hursts and many others when I say I prefer the countryside far better than the London" Mary stated taking a deep breath of the fresh air and feeling content for the first time in months
"I see why madam" Mr Hawkins agreed "This place" he replied gesturing "is wild, is beautiful but is completely without pretense. It is as it is. But the town" he shook his head in disappointment "the town is glamourous but you can never trust it. It is hostile and deceitful and quite unforgiving" Something dark seemed to cross over his face but he shook his head and looked at her. Green eyes, carrying some unnamed emotion seemed to seek some sort of answer from her, but Mary scarcely knew what. She did not know what to make of Mr Hawkins speech or how to understand it but was interrupted from the effort as Mr Ashcroft called out to her:
"Miss Bennet, do tell me what you think of this place. I can quite safely say this countryside is indeed very charming without fearing any censure" He stated with a grin, referring to their earlier conversation
Mary laughed "I suppose you can Mr Ashcroft" she said approaching him "How you spent much time here?" she asked
"I am afraid not. I spend much time in London but I try to come here as often as possible. Although I do love my home, it is much fun to spend time among friends and acquaintance" Leaning closer he cheerfully remarked "I am afraid though my friend Blandford here has been quite remiss in issuing me many invitations, though with his impending marriage, I am sure he would be more sociable". They both laughed at that and spent a few moments discussing the various places to see around the area.
Caroline on her part was standing beside Charles and Jane and the Hursts as Lord Blanford gave a short description of the extent of his land and property. He spoke with much pride as befitting the master of the house and took great pleasure in seeing the wonderstruck expression of his companions.
"You managed to get quite the catch Caroline" Louisa whispered to her as they walked back to the carriage. "I had indeed lost hope when Mr Darcy married that odious Bennet, but I am quite pleased to see you have done well for yourself"
Caroline murmured her response and got inside the carriage. They soon reached the front of the mansion which looked even more stunning. Many servants were lined up in helping the ladies alight down, carrying the luggage and leading the horses to the stable. Lord Blandford held out his hands for Caroline to take and he introduced her to the housekeeper.
Turning around, he looked at everyone and smiled, the first he had ever done "Welcome to Minerstone Mansion! I do hope you all have a wonderful stay"
_
Mary looked at her room in a mixture of awe and astonishment. It has by far the largest room she had ever seen. If this was simply the guest bedroom, she could even imagine how large the master bedrooms would be. The room was well-decorated but it was quite plain to anyone that the sole purpose of it was to display the wealth. It was far too ostentatious for Mary's taste.
A maid had already begun unpacking her luggage and she walked out of the room towards the corridor when she spotted Caroline. Caroline, on seeing her, gave a smile, something Mary was still getting used to
"How did you like your room Mary? Are you well-settled?" she asked
Mary smiled back "Yes indeed I did. And you Caroline? The view is quite spectacular is it not?" she commented
"It is! And the grandeur and the richness…" she replied looking around "Everything is simply marvelous!"
They both walked to the huge balcony facing the back of the mansion "I did ask Lord Blandford where the library was. He freely permits you to use it when you wish. You simply have to ask the maid or someone for directions" Caroline stated looking at her
Mary couldn't believe her ears. It seemed Caroline was genuine when she had offered her friendship. She couldn't help but hug her lightly "Oh thank you so much Caroline. I am glad you thought to ask"
Caroline hugged her back "Oh it is nothing indeed I assure you." She replied and looked outside again. She would be the mistress of this grand place, this amazing splendor would be all hers to call it home. Suddenly the very idea of marrying Lord Blandford did not seem as unappealing as it hard a few weeks before.
Lord Blanford who was overseeing the comfort of his guests happened to stop them. "Ladies, I hope everything is to your liking?" he asked politely
When the both replied in the affirmative, he studied his pocket watch "I must suggest that you all retire to dress for dinner. My mother would be present and she does not appreciate tardiness." He replied and began walking away. Almost as an afterthought, he turned back to look at them, but specifically gazed as Caroline "I do hope you will wear your finest grown madam. My mother appreciates everything fashionable" he replied with a small shrug and walked away.
Caroline and Mary parted ways to their respective room. As Mary looked at the plain dresses in her trunk, she couldn't help shake her head in slight amusement. Lord Blandford's mother did sound very much like Lady Catherine. This evening then would indeed be very entertaining, she mused.
The action has just started! Do review and tell me what you all think about Caroline, Blanford, Hawkins, Ashcroft and Mary
Are you excited to meet the mother? I do hope you are, she would be a really interesting character ;)
