Dear Readers: The posting of the previous chapter (20) was not dated properly for it was posted I believe May 1st, not at the end of April. So, if you have not read chapter twenty, please do so before you start this chapter.

Botsey

Chapter Twenty-one

Needs: A Pride and Prejudice Exploration

After the explore of the garden they went to their rooms. Mary and Georgiana would share a room and the elder members of the traveling party, of cause, would be housed in single rooms. Fitzwilliam made certain that those two rooms were not close to his own. He would not allow any shadow of impropriety to cast even the slightest shadow on his guests', conduct. Just opening a door to a a male in their single state could be viewed as of a compromising nature. So, as a safeguard against negative thoughts or actions, Elizabeth's room adjoined Georgiana and Mary's and his room was several doors down the hall. The passengers' small travel bags had been deposited in their rooms, these contained the necessities for their overnight stay. As she expected, Elizabeth could hear Mary and Georgiana talking and laughing as she finally closed her eyes and surrendered to a most welcome rest.

Morning arose and Elizabeth washed and dressed and immediately found her way to the garden. When Fitzwilliam came down and secured a fresh cup of coffee he discovered that she had selected a bench and was reading a book that she must had taken from her small travel bag that was placed on the bench beside her. She was a picture of loveliness as the sun rays reflected off the auburn curls that had escaped her bonnet. He nodded at the inn keeper and motioned for a maid to accompany him out of doors. He nodded at her to sit on a small concrete bench and then he approached Elizabeth,

"I hope your night's rest refreshed you."

"Yes Sir, I am quite rested and looking forward to this day's journey. How far are we away from our destination?"

"We will arrive at Pemberly in time for supper. A message has been sent to the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, to advise her of our anticipated arrive and the number of guest to expect."

"Sir, what sights will we encountered on our continued journey that I should be aware of."

"There are rocks and mountains and the countryside is far more rugged than Hertfordshire. The beauty you will observed is wild and untammed."

"Mary will be most exited for she loves to sketch places of beauty."

"Well, since my sister has a similar talent, I will have to make certain that they have the opportunity to tap into their creative instincts."

"I thank you Sir for Mary, just in case she is remiss in expressing her appreciation."

"Miss Elizabeth, what debt you imagine is not present. Our actions cancel out the need for excessive praise or expressions of gratitude. Let us just say we are on an even playing field."

Fitzwilliam handed the cup to the maid and offered Elizabeth his arm to they could go to the dining room and break their fast. He was certain if this small garden brought her satisfaction, the expanse of what was available at Pemberly, would bring her immeasurable joy. They were guided to a table where Mary and Georgiana were already seated, and they joined them, next to one another buttering their freshly baked bread. Mary closed her eyes as she bit into her bread and sighed, Georgiana followed suit.

Fitzwilliam eyed the two girls and thought of how little made them happy, companionship, tasty bread, perhaps a few edibles, he already knew what could produce such a sigh from him but he knew he would not express his wishes right away. Love could follow friendship if given the right atmosphere to grown and he was working on it. As the carriage pulled up to Pemberley's front door, the entire servant body was there to greet Fitzwilliam. Mrs. Reynolds who had known her young master his entire life greeted him and awaited introduction to his guests. He explained that their visit would be of an undetermined amount of time, so they should be treated like family. Immediately, two young women were brought forth and Mrs. Reynolds introduced them as Bettie and Michele, they would serve as Mary and Elizabeth's personal maids. Those two young ladies took the hand luggage and asked that Mary and Elizabeth follow them to their rooms. Again, their two rooms were next to Georgiana's.

Fitzwilliam excused himself and immediately went into his study where he found a large stack of correspondence. Fingering each letter he attempted to prioritize them. The one that deserved immediate attention was from his father,

Dear Fitz:

I am well and wish to share some news with you. I have drawn up the papers that will allow me to select a bride. My choice is governed by disinterest—Miss Bingley has been selected to provide me with at least one spare heir. You must know that with the loss of your mother the reality of mortality has made an indelible impression on me.

As you were informed, this is a business matter. The papers have been drawn up that protect you as my heir. Her service as the producer of at least 'one heir spare' have been outlined in the marriage contract. She will never be allowed to remain at Pemberley, Darcy House or our other properties once I have died. She will be paid for her services and then make her own way in life.

I was determined to pick a person who would be the direct opposite of my Dear Anne, who did not have a selfish bone in her body, was not grasping, nor concerned with position, rank or unfounded remarks. But, I must get this need to protect the Darcy legacy out of my systems so I have selected someone the complete opposite of your dear mother. After centuries of our continued legacy I will not allow it to be interrupted by not protecting it with at least one additional son. When you marry, please follow my example in protecting our legacy by producing male heirs. You know that if my beloved wife could have accommodated me in this effort, you would have had more than one sibling.

There will be no joyful wedding celebration. The ceremony will be small and private but I do wish that you would support me by standing with me. However, if you find yourself unable to 'stomach' that role, I will understand for I am barely able to 'stomach' myself.

Please reply upon receipt of this letter for then I will move forward and set a date. As you see, Miss Bingley has forfeited her involvement in the matter. I am totally in charge and she has been advised of her rights and duties. Once she is with child, I believe I will move her to dowager house so as to allow you the opportunity to entertain and make an earnest search for a worthy wife and mistress for Pemberly.

Your father,

Darcy