Disclaimer: As much as I wish they were my own, they belong to JA!
Chapter 1
Elizabeth Darcy (née Bennett) gazed out of the window at the fine prospect before her. The beauty of the grounds of Pemberley could never be disputed, such beauty, she felt, could never become tiresome, nor, of course, its occupants. Pemberley. Her Pemberley. Her mind wandered back to her first visit of this grand estate with her Aunt and Uncle. She had been in awe of its splendour, and the realisation that she might have been mistress of it all had grieved her. She had not expected such a turn in her feelings towards the master of Pemberley. She had been resolved in her dislike of the proud Mr. Darcy but found this seemingly strong resolve broken in the company a much more amiable man. It seemed that Pemberley had revealed the true nature of its master to whom Elizabeth finally gave her heart.
She was woken from her reverie by a knock on the door.
"Enter." The door opened and Mrs. Reynolds bustled in.
"A letter ma'am" the housekeeper stated as she presented the tray to her mistress.
"Thank you Mrs. Reynolds," smiled Elizabeth brightly as her housekeeper curtseyed and left the room.
Elizabeth opened the letter and her heart lifted as she read the letter from her sister Jane and quickly picked up her quill in reply.
My Dearest Jane,
Firstly I wish congratulate you on your happy news. It brings such joy to my heart that you shall be a mother. I know that with your sweet disposition such a role is ideal for you. I imagine that Mama is delighted, no doubt I shall soon hear.
Oh, dear Jane, it has been too long since I have seen you and now that you have recovered from the illness that prevented your visiting at Christmas, perhaps another visit is in order. Indeed, I am sure my dear husband would have no objections.
To think we have been married a year, I can hardly believe it myself. I found teaching your ten children to be ill-accomplished a happy thought indeed! Yet married life suits me well. I must admit that it pleases my not to be settled too near to Longbourn, I daresay Papa endures it the best he can! How I miss you, dear sister but a year as mistress of Pemberley has certainly kept me occupied, as, I imagine, Fairfield has you.
Kitty seems much improved with her stay here. She seems to have lost that silliness to which she was inclined, especially in the presence of Lydia. I daresay her return to Longbourn shall be eventful.
I pray, dearest Jane that this letter finds you and Mr. Bingley in good health. I hope very much that we will have the pleasure of your company at Pemberley soon.
Your loving sister,
Elizabeth Darcy
Elizabeth sealed the letter and rang the bell. She handed the letter to the manservant and made her way to the library in search of her husband.
"Enter," a stern voice responded to the soft knock. Mr. Darcy's face softened as her looked up to find his wife in the doorway.
"With such a tone, sir, I do believe you intend to frighten me," Elizabeth jested gaily. "In the presence of such intimidation, I fear I must leave!"
"Indeed, for who could endure such intimidation," he jested back "but wait!" he exclaimed as Elizabeth made to leave, "why leave when there is such love to endure!"
Elizabeth laughed, her bright eyes dancing as she entered, shutting the door behind her. "Why indeed? Such an endurance could hardly be refused!"
Mr. Darcy's laugh resonated as he greeted his wife with a kiss. "Dearest Lizzy" he whispered as he pulled away, he caressed a lock of her hair, his eyes filling with love for the spirited woman before him. Elizabeth smiled up at her husband as she shared the news of her sister's impending arrival. Mr. Darcy shared her joy in the news although Elizabeth detected a look of sadness in his eyes. She understood that look, indeed, it was a sadness that she wished to push to the back of her own mind yet it continued to haunt her. She deeply wished to become a mother herself and provide an heir for Pemberley but it was yet to happen. She felt her eyes fill with hot, stinging tears, she moved away from her husband to the window, watching Kitty and Georgiana taking a turn along the lake.
"Elizabeth, look at me." Elizabeth turned to face Mr.Darcy and could not prevent the tears from falling. Mr. Darcy took her in his arms, "Lizzy, do not worry yourself so, nothing will prevent me loving you, indeed, I have faith that we too shall be blessed." Elizabeth was not so sure but did not bestow these doubts upon her husband. "Come, let us join our sisters, I do believe they would like to share in the Bingleys' joy!"
I'm sorry that this is not a particularly long chapter, I think my next chapters will be longer. Please review, all help, advice, criticism is welcome!