Tuesday June 15, 1813 - Pemberley
The morning's post had been delivered and Elizabeth was overjoyed to find amongst those left at her place was one from Jane. "Oh, finally Jane has written!" And, with an apologetic look at her husband, she immediately broke the seal to unfold several sheets of closely written script. Darcy was not long left in uncertainty as to the contents as Elizabeth revealed Jane's communication as she read.
"She and Amos are located in a comfortable apartment in Portsmouth…Amos is not to sail until June 17…he has no idea of where he is bound…sealed orders? I do not understand." A questioning look was directed at Darcy who thought for a second before answering, "I believe that means the Captain does not know his destination until he sails at which time he opens a sealed packet with his orders. This ensures secrecy."
"Ah, I see…well, that is the case here. Let me see, She quite likes Portsmouth…there are some comments on the shops and the quality of lace and ribbons with which I will not bore you…she will remove to London with the Gardiners when her husband sails…..she has visited the ship and met his officers…they came to dine one evening….seem like most gentlemanly men…she also wishes to help our aunt when the baby arrives….Oh! I am so glad….I can think of no better woman to be a mother…Amos is delighted…unhappy that he must leave her now."
At her husband's puzzled frown, Elizabeth explained with obvious pleasure, "Jane thinks that she is with child. It may arrive next January." She returned her attention to the letter, "She found herself tired and frequently sick but did not recognize the signs at first….oh, dear, she has not told Mama yet….She fears her effusions when she does…she expects Mama to want her to live at Longbourn…I cannot think of a less delightful prospect. I hope she stays with our aunt….she expects that our mother will wish to attend her during her confinement….I detect a note of apprehension on that…I can well believe it. Our mother will not be a calming influence"
She returned her attention to the letter once more, "She told Mama about their purchase of an estate in Yorkshire….Mama was most upset that she would be so far away….could not understand why Amos would not purchase an estate near Longbourn…Mama has written her several times", this with a rueful smile, "…as she has me…expressing her dismay at her lack of concern for her – Mama's – nerves….I am glad to see that Jane is not acceding to our mother's demands. Marriage has been good for her in that regard. She is no longer willing to let our mother impose her wishes on her."
Elizabeth leaned back in contemplation, "I must write her immediately."
Darcy smiled at his wife whose gaze appeared unfocussed, "On what are you thinking, Elizabeth? The pleasure of being an aunt?"
"No..well, not altogether, although that did cross my mind. No, I was envying Jane a little bit." Seeing the puzzled look that appeared on her husband's countenance, she grinned, "I am not inclined to wish for a child too soon since I am enjoying this time with only the two of us but I confess to a small degree of envy that Jane has been so blessed."
Thursday July 1, 1813 – Pemberley
Their time together at Pemberley had passed all too quickly for their liking. In later years it would take on an almost idyllic quality. They would rise early in the morning for long walks before breaking their fast. Afterwards Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds would work together on the household accounts, or surveying the rooms to determine which need improvement. Mrs. Reynolds had been apprised of the guests that were expected during the summer and she and Elizabeth had reviewed the suitability of the rooms to be assigned to each. Since there had been few visitors at Pemberley over the past number of years, some improvements were deemed necessary. As well, Elizabeth had thought to host several dinner parties over the summer and invite their neighbours to dine. Menus had to be prepared.
Of course, as with any couple comprised of two strong minded, independent individuals differences of opinion were bound to arise. When it concern literature, as an example, it was easily and amicably resolved; however, some issues admitted of a more difficult resolution. Such was the case when Elizabeth began to expand the range of her solitary walks. Accustomed as she was to wandering as she wished in the environs of Longbourn – keeping in mind that such could encompass a range of three miles or more – she gave little thought to doing likewise at Pemberley.
When she had ventured on an extended walk that Darcy, when he asked of her whereabouts, found it to have lasted some two hours and that she had not yet returned, his frantic concern exploded in anger when she was located ambling back to Pemberley about a half mile from the house. Immensely pleased with her walk, she was greeted still some distance from the house by a white-lipped, frantic Darcy. His first words were, as he realized in retrospect, unfortunate.
"What the devil do you mean by walking off by yourself!?"
Her response was surprisingly temperate albeit tinged with considerable surprise, "I have always done so!"
"You are Mrs. Darcy. You cannot go wandering around like some country lass!"
"For your information, Mr. Darcy, I am a country lass!" Elizabeth could feel her choler rising to match Darcy's "Insufferable, arrogant man!" and, beginning to comprehend his anger, bit back further words and strode angrily towards the house, her stride stiff legged with anger, hoping the exercise might cool it.
Darcy was taken aback by her words and that she had stalked by him, anger revealed in each stride. He hurried to reach her side, wise enough to not attempt stopping her walked in silence until they entered the house. Elizabeth made directly for her sitting room, quite conscious of Darcy walking silently and, she thought, angrily beside her. When the door closed behind them, she felt his hand on her arm, stopping her and claiming her attention.
"Elizabeth, before you loose your ire on me, hear me out …please."
He took her silence as consent although the stiffness of her posture suggested those words had best be deserving of her forgiveness. "First, I apologize for the harshness with which I spoke to you. I should not have done so." He could see her back start to relax and continued in an even gentler voice, "I was angry because I feared for your safety. You had been gone for more than two hours and no one had seen you. I feared something had happened and my fear fuelled my anger."
"I do not appreciate the censure. That is what has angered me. To suggest my behaviour is somehow improper…I cannot accept that. I am a country lass and will remain so. I …."
Darcy felt he had to interrupt, his voice caressingly soft, "Lizzy, you misunderstood me. I meant no censure. Only that you are my wife and I care deeply for your safety and the staff here at Pemberley care deeply for you also. We, none of us, want to see you harmed. As Mrs. Darcy, you are important to a great many people."
Elizabeth turned slowly mollified by his concern, "I apologize for causing you such distress." She stepped up to him and brushed a kiss on his cheek, "but, I did so enjoy the freedom that privacy allowed. It was the finest walk I have enjoyed in more than a year."
"Elizabeth, you must realize the danger. The grounds of Pemberley are much wilder than Longbourn and you are not known here. I do not know if there is much of a poacher problem in Hertfordshire but here, they have always been somewhat of a concern; but I was more afraid that you had tripped or had fallen and were lying hurt somewhere." He led her over to the settee and sat with her on his lap, enclosed in his arms. "I could not bear to have you hurt because I was not there to protect you."
"You cannot always be with me, William." She looked at him closely, "and I would not wish to circumscribe my walks to when you can accompany me. Neither Georgiana nor Kitty can keep pace with me."
"I would not wish to confine you so. In sight of the house, I have no concerns but knowing you as I do, you will not be satisfied with such. Am I not right?"
"You are indeed, William, nor can you expect me to be happily so constrained."
The release of so much anger and worry was found in the comfort of a reconciliation which, as is not unusual with young married couples – and not infrequently by those not so young anymore – saw the happy couple ensconced in their bed for some little time and considerable pleasure.
Finally rising and dressing, they wandered arm-in-arm downstairs and outdoors,. Their perambulations led them into the flower garden behind the manor house. As they walked, they discussed means of affording Elizabeth the freedom to walk where she willed while accommodating her husband's concern for her safety. The result was a compromise – the first of many they would forge over the years – built on a mutual respect for the desires and needs of each. It was not a perfect solution – compromises never are – but, over the course of the years, the restrictions involved were more than compensated for by the satisfaction gained by them both. In essence, Elizabeth would attempt to schedule her walks when her husband was most likely to be free to accompany her and he, in his turn, would make attending her a priority unless there was an urgent need to do otherwise. When he was unable to accompany her, she would walk in company with a maid capable of keeping pace and would restrict the duration and direction of her walk.
Sundays were a special day given over totally, after church services, to enjoying their time together. They happily formed the habit of removing to the library to read together, perusing newspapers and catching up on personal correspondence. If the weather was fine, which it usually was in June, they might venture out for a ride to Lambton or Kympton, stopping at the inn in those villages for a bite to eat and to greet a few people. Elizabeth had come to know Alan Forsythe, rector of the Pemberley Chapel, quite well. He was a man of some fifty years and had been rector there for the last twenty of them; enjoying the confidence of the Darcy family; and well-beloved by those that attended his services, most of whom either worked at Pemberley or were tenant farmers. In the course of attending several services, Elizabeth had met and been welcomed by the families of most of the tenant farms.
It was from Mr. Forsythe that Elizabeth was able to discover which of the families were in need of particular assistance. Armed with this information, Elizabeth had gradually taken on the task of visiting tenant families and, to the extent possible, assuring herself of their well-being and provide assistance to those families which might might be in need of such. While she was thus engaged, Darcy would be dealing with the backlog of estate business that had compiled over the past months. Their afternoons were given over to themselves and they took the opportunity to roam the park on horseback and to make trips to the Peaks and to other scenic spots within easy riding distance. Not infrequently they would take a picnic meal with them and not return until dusk. If their clothing was marred by grass stains, it was not something on which Mrs. Reynolds permitted the staff to comment. Their evenings were spent together in quiet enjoyment, playing chess, reading, talking , Elizabeth's playing on the pianoforte and with the occasional game of billiards – the latter culminating in the now predictable manner. Their privacy, however, was about to end. Georgiana, Kitty and the Monteiths were due to arrive this very day.
As she sat down to break her fast that morning, Elizabeth was content that all her preparations were in hand. The arrival of an express post and a letter delivered to her while she sat drinking her tea could not help but raise concern. Opening the express first and beginning to read resulted in an emphatic "Oh my!" which captured Darcy's full attention and a quick, "What is the matter?"
Before Elizabeth answered, she requested one of the waiting footman to find Mrs. Reynolds to attend them immediately. Then, looking at her husband, she shrugged her shoulders responding, "Your Uncle and Aunt have decided to visit us along with Lord Fitzwilliam and his family for the next fortnight instead of simply coming for the few days around Georgiana's party as they initially proposed."
Interpreting the raised eyebrow of her husband correctly, Elizabeth was quick to reassure him but being a little uncertain as to whether additional activities would be necessary, addressed the issue to him and asked if he had planned any particular activities that his relatives would enjoy. After some thought he mentioned that he expected the men might enjoy a fishing party, "Monteith is not an ardent fisherman but my uncle and cousin both enjoy the sport greatly. We have some excellent streams here and I can surely arrange for them to enjoy the sport…..they are also active riders and, if they have not brought mounts, I have several that would suit admirably. We might also arrange an excursion to Dove Dale."
Elizabeth nodded and turned her attention to the letter which she then opened, "It is from my father. I hope there is nothing untoward at Longbourn? As she began to read a rueful smile appeared, "It appears that we are to receive two unexpected guests. My father and Mary have invited themselves. Mama has gone to London to be with my Aunt who, I am sure, is less than perfectly delighted with such a visitor. Mama feels that Mary, an unmarried girl, should not be present and has sent her back to Longbourn. My father appears to think this an excellent opportunity to visit our library….oh dear, they will arrive later today also."
Elizabeth began to consider how to deal with the extra guests and quickly concluded that no extra measures were called for. "My father will be quite content with our library and Mary with the company of Georgiana and Kitty. Papa has not written as to how long they plan to stay but I would not think them to be an imposition even if they stayed for the whole summer."
At this point, Mrs. Reynolds entered the room and was apprised of the extra guests. Mrs. Reynolds accepted the news with equanimity, "It will be well, Mrs. Darcy. It should take but a few hours to ready the extra rooms. I will inform Cook about the need to increase the menu. Shall we alter the arrangements?"
"Not for today although the quantities might be increased slightly. I m not sure when my father expects to arrive but we shall meet with Cook to see what changes are required while they are here….the nursery is able to accommodate Lord Fitzwilliam's children?"
"Yes Ma'am. It will be treat to have children here at Pemberley."
'It looks like the extra staff we are training will be helpful." At Darcy's puzzled look, Elizabeth explained further, "Our current staff are adequate to handle the normal number of people here but in August we will be hosting a much larger crowd. We need more footman and maids and have taken on several more of each to train this month."
Darcy nodded, "Ah, I see and, since we may be entertaining a bit more frequently, we will need the extra staff afterwards."
Elizabeth smiled at Mrs. Reynolds, "Mrs. Reynolds brought it to my attention so the credit must be hers…..very well then. I will meet with you and Cook in an hour in your study."
Darcy had listened with quiet satisfaction as Elizabeth had, without conscious thought, exercised her duties as Mistress of Pemberley. He could tell from Mrs. Reynolds' demeanour that she had no qualms about being directed by and advising Elizabeth. Her smile of satisfaction as she bustled from the room to arrange for the readying of the required rooms was more than sufficient proof of her approbation of her Mistress. That Elizabeth had thought to publicly recognize and applaud her foresight was an additional cause for satisfaction.
Elizabeth and Darcy were warned that carriages had been sighted a quarter hour before they appeared on the road leading to Pemberley which gave them sufficient time to be waiting to greet their guests as the carriages rolled to a stop. With a last silent exchange of looks, they braced their shoulders and prepared to meet their guests.
Georgiana was first out of the carriages and, displaying all the poise of a young lady, walked sedately towards them until about three paces away at which point she launched herself at Elizabeth - much to the latter's surprise and disconcertment of her brother – hugging her fiercely, "Oh how I have missed you both and …." She released a laughing Elizabeth and hugged her brother who grumbled teasingly, "Well I know where I rank now."
Kitty followed Georgiana and was quick to hug her sister before turning to curtsy to Darcy, "Mr. Darcy I am so pleased to have been invited. Pemberley is just….just magnificent."
"Miss Catherine, we are now brother and sister, are we not?" At her hesitant nod, he continued, "I shall call you Catherine or Kitty and you shall call me William or Brother. Agreed?"
"Yes, Mr. D…Brother."
"Better. It will get easier, Catherine. I assure you."
By now the rest of the carriages had been emptied and footman were moving as a well instructed team under the direction of Mr. Reynolds to cart baggage to the appropriate rooms. The earl and countess approached their hosts, a somewhat apologetic expression on their faces. The earl spoke quickly, "We must apologize. I know we are imposing at short notice."
Elizabeth was quick to respond, "That may be so but it does not follow that it is unwelcome. We are both pleased that you have come."
The countess hugged her, saying, "We realize that you did not get much warning but my husband was so interested in seeing Pemberley – we have not been here for several years - that he insisted we come. I know we planned to come for Georgiana's seventeenth birthday next week We really wished for an opportunity to know you better. I hope you had ample warning." The last was uttered with a little hesitation which turned to a slight dismay upon being told that their letter had only arrived that very morning.
Elizabeth, seeing her reaction, simply shook her head, "It is of no matter. That was ample time to make all the necessary arrangements." And seeing a rather disbelieving look on the countess's face, she answered, "Truly, it did. Mrs. Reynolds is a treasure. And we are delighted you have come. I know Georgiana will be overjoyed that you will be here." She then turned to greet Lord Fitzwilliam and Lady Elaine, "I am pleased that you both decided to come and that you brought your children. It has been some years, from what William tells me, since children have played at Pemberley." She continued with a grin, "You are not the only unexpected guests. My father and my sister Mary will be arriving later today."
She turned then to speak to them all, "We have held back dinner for an hour expecting your arrival. Hot water has been sent to your rooms for you to refresh yourselves. We will dine at seven if that is acceptable to you all?" Observing no sign of disagreement, she ushered them into the house. Stopping Lady Elaine before she left, she asked, "We would certainly not object should you wish to have the children join us for the meal." Which, after a brief discussion with her husband, Lady Elaine found quite agreeable.
Turning to Georgiana and Kitty, Elizabeth took an arm of each and led them upstairs, "Come. I will show you to your room, Kitty. It is next to Georgie's. I think you will be pleased with it." As she ushered them upstairs, the two girls began to talk with animation about their trip. After leaving them to refresh themselves, Elizabeth returned to her own rooms to do likewise. She rather expeted to find her husband there and to share some moments of intimacy with him. In this she was not disappointed and, if their demeanour when they ventured downstairs was such as to raise a discerning glance and a slight smile from his aunt, that lady was too well-bred and too pleased with the evidence of their attachment to make any comment.
Dinner was just ending when Mr. Reynolds entered the dining room to advise Darcy that a coach had been sighted and would arrive in less than a quarter hour. Darcy stood and announced, "If you will excuse Elizabeth and myself, our remaining guests will be arriving shortly. Please carry on. Aunt, perhaps you could show the ladies to the drawing room."
Darcy and Elizabeth were just exiting the house when the carriage came to a stop. Mr. Bennet was first to step down turning to help Mary descend where they both stretched to relieve the cramps from the long carriage ride before moving to greet their hosts. Elizabeth stepped forward to hug her sister who whispered, "This is so grand Lizzy. I can hardly credit it." At the same time Mr. Bennet clasped hands with Darcy saying, "I know we are imposing on you but the opportunity to ensure that you were taking care of Lizzy was too good to ignore." The sardonic look in his eye only earned a smile from Darcy although Elizabeth interjected, "Papa, you are a shameless prevaricator. You are only here because you deem your library deficient in comparison to that of Pemberley."
"Unfortunately, I believe that to be all too true Lizzy….on both charges."
"Come Papa, Mary. I believe you will wish to refresh yourselves after your travel. Hot water for a bath will be sent to your rooms shortly. We have just finished dining but I will arrange for a tray to be sent to your rooms." As she spoke, Elizabeth led them into the house while around them footmen carried their baggage up to their rooms. Turning to Darcy, Elizabeth suggested that he return to their guests while she escorted her father and sister to their rooms. As she led them both up the stairs, they spoke comfortably about the trip and the circumstances that led them to make it. Once Elizabeth had reached their rooms, she could see that they both were rather tired and suggested that it would not be taken amiss if they decided to remain in their rooms until the next morning. This was acceptable to both and she took her leave - promising them a tour of the house after breakfast which had been arranged for the other guests – and rejoined her guests in the drawing room.
