Elizabeth held her head up as she walked through Pemberley. She saw the glances the servants gave her and to each other. She pushed those fears and embarrassment out of her mind by gazing at everything she passed while trying not to look as if she had never seen such luxury and beauty in her life. Mr. Darcy's estate was far grander than she had ever imagined.

"Here you are, Miss Bennet," said the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds. "I imagine you will want a bath?" Elizabeth nodded. "I will have one prepared. You do not have any luggage?"

She blushed at the reminder. "No. When I ran from the carriage I could not take my luggage with me."

Mrs. Reynolds leaned back with a hand on her chest. "Goodness me, were you set upon by highwaymen?"

"I was traveling to London in a carriage had been sent by the family I was to join as a governess. During a stop at a posting inn, I heard ... my employment was to be something entirely different and I ran."

Mrs. Reynolds gaped at her. "How cruel and evil. It is a good thing you learned of this plot before you reached your destination. Well, do not worry dear, you will be taken care of well at Pemberley."

Elizabeth finally felt she could relax, behind the closed door of her bedroom with a housekeeper that had not judged her. Perhaps she should not have said so much, but she did not want the servants to think that she was a doxy. Or Mr. Darcy's mistress as ridiculous as that notion was. As if a man of good character would ever have a mistress.

She walked around the bedchamber in wonderment at the luxury of the large and soft four-poster bed, sitting area and a large fireplace. Never again would she be amidst such luxury and so she would enjoy it while she had it. Because when she departed Pemberley, she would most likely be destitute or nearly so.

"No, I will not think of such matters tonight. I will enjoy my hot bath and relax for I am finally free of that horrid inn."

Elizabeth stood and walked around the room while she waited for the bath to arrive. She did not want to soil the furniture with her clothing. Servants entered the room carrying a copper tub followed by several pouring steaming water into the tub. It took several more pitchers of water before the tub was ready. She removed her soiled, threadbare dress and threw it into the fire.

Then she stepped into the hot water with a moan. She had not had even a slightly warm bath in months. Never again would she take simple pleasures for granted again. A hot bath that she could soak and rest in was more than a simple pleasure, it was decadent.

She sat in the tub until her hands were wrinkled and the water was barely warm. Elizabeth washed quickly spending the most time on her poor, tangled hair. How she longed for their maid at Longbourn to brush her hair after it dried. Without anyone to assist her, she walked across to the towels on the bed. It was not until she was sitting in front of the fire drying her hair that she realized no nightdress was left for her. Not even a robe.

The bell was rung but it was some time before Mrs. Reynolds answered, not a maid.

"I do not have a nightgown or even a day dress for tomorrow."

Mrs. Reynolds looked confused. "I will check with the master but I am sure clothing will be available for you tomorrow."

She departed down the hallway before Elizabeth could ask for anything else, such as hot milk. She chewed her bottom lip as she climbed into the bed between the sheets without a stitch of clothing on her person. The notion that the housekeeper had decided that she was a doxy worried her. But Elizabeth fell asleep before she could think about it too much longer.

Elizabeth was woken by the housekeeper opening the curtains. "I will bring your meal and then take your measurements for the mantua-maker."

Why was the housekeeper doing a maid's work? She needed only one dress and one nightdress, and that was even extravagant because she had nothing to pay with at all. Could she not borrow clothing? Meryton had a collection once a year for the poor. Surely, Derbyshire had the same?

Mrs. Reynolds brought in a tray with a healthy breakfast, much more than Elizabeth normally ate at Longbourn.

"Oh, this is too much, Mrs. Reynolds."

"Mr. Darcy insisted as you were starved in your prior position." Mrs. Reynolds stared at her as if waiting for Elizabeth to mention the family's name of the non-existent employment.

She blushed and brought up the clothing. "I do not need a mantua-maker, truly I cannot pay. Any dress given for the poor would ..." Elizabeth trailed off as the housekeeper vehemently shook her head.

"No, not at all. No one at Pemberley will take from the charity box. Mr. Darcy is paying for your wardrobe. Now eat before your food gets cold." Mrs. Reynolds departed quickly with Elizabeth staring after her nearly in tears.

She wiped her eyes and quickly ate her meal that included an orange. An orange in England! It was a decadent treat, one that Elizabeth thoroughly enjoyed. Imagine having enough money to eat oranges in England in the spring.

Mrs. Reynolds took Elizabeth's measurements even though she had not a stitch of clothing on her person. She was still curious as to why a maid was not doing this, or even helping to write down the numbers, but before she could ask Mrs. Reynolds had departed.

With nothing to do and nothing to wear, Elizabeth climbed back in the bed. Sleep was another luxury she planned to fully indulge in now that she could. She had had no bed, or bedroom at the posting inn and her sleep was never enough or restful. Which was why she fell asleep almost instantly.

Had to take it down as I published it on Amazon. All parts are in one book in Kindle Unlimited on Amazon now!