On the road to Pemberley, 27 July 1812

After a little over a week secluded from the world, the Darcys left London for Pemberley. They had invited the Gardiners for dinner a week after the wedding, and in that conversation, it had been decided that the couple would go first to Pemberley before they left for Scotland. After all, both locations were in the north, and Pemberley was not that far out of the way. They had travelled north slowly, on the first day stopping for tea at Netherfield with Bingley along with Jane and Mary, who were visiting with the express purpose of seeing Elizabeth.

Elizabeth had suggested the arrangement in a letter sent to her sister a few days before their departure, not wanting a repeat of the evening before the wedding when Lydia and Kitty had loudly begged for a season in London and all that went along with it. When that had been refused, they had begun to ask for gifts of ribbons and dresses and all manner of other wishes they hoped she would fulfil. Elizabeth had informed them coldly that she was not their fairy godmother, and her new husband was not responsible to provide for her sisters in this way, causing them to flounce away.

Mrs Bennet had proven to be little better in her demands, her indignation flaring at the suggestion that her younger daughters were not suitably refined for London society. When Elizabeth proposed the idea of a season for the girls in a year or two, with the Darcys graciously providing a governess to ensure their readiness, her mother scoffed dismissively. According to her, she and Jane had managed perfectly well without such nonsense. Her daughters were already making their mark in society, with the youngest captivating all with her vivacity and beauty. Mrs Bennet even proclaimed, with an exuberance that caused Elizabeth great embarrassment, that if Elizabeth could secure a grand husband like Mr Darcy, then surely Lydia could capture a duke.

Refusing to entertain her mother's outlandish assertions and uncertain how to respond appropriately, Elizabeth walked away from the conversation, much to Mrs Bennet's displeasure. Throughout this ordeal, Darcy stood by Elizabeth's side, his hand casually resting on the small of her back in a silent display of support. While appalled by the behaviour of Elizabeth's family, he admired her resolute stance toward them. When her family turned to him, imploring him to yield to their demands, he made it clear that sponsoring the girls' endeavours in town would be Elizabeth's decision. He emphasised her authority as the mistress of their home to invite guests as she saw fit. Elizabeth beamed at Darcy, appreciating his unwavering support and his trust in her judgement. It was evident that he respected her autonomy in deciding when and how her family could visit their new home.

That evening, before he departed Longbourn, he pulled her aside to embrace her and reassure her. "I love you, Elizabeth, and nothing they do will change that. I appreciate how you handled them."

She sighed as she snuggled into his embrace, "I am so sorry, Fitzwilliam," she whispered. "I should not be surprised by their demands, but I do not want to give into them either." They had spoken quietly for a few more minutes as he reassured her, and they had spoken once again about dealing with obstreperous relatives in the future.

Due to this behaviour, when Elizabeth and Darcy planned their departure from London, they elected to bypass Longbourn and visit only Netherfield. Although it was not strictly proper for Jane and Mary to visit Mr Bingley on their own, Jane agreed because she wished to see Elizabeth again before her wedding and had persuaded Mary to join her.

"Jane, Mary, it is so good to see you," Elizabeth said upon entering and finding her sisters there. "Mary, you and Georgiana got along so well; perhaps you can come to Pemberley with Jane and Mr Bingley in October and stay with her for a time. Now, tell me, how are things at Longbourn."

Jane and Mary greeted their sister with equal pleasure. The three talked for many minutes ignoring the gentlemen entirely, much to their amusement. Bingley and Darcy retreated to the billiard room, where they played billiards and occasionally spoke of business or estate matters.

The two older sisters managed a few minutes of private conversation where Elizabeth gave her sister advice about her upcoming wedding night, reiterating the advice of their aunt to trust her husband and allow him to lead. She had not said too much, as Mary had merely stepped out for a few minutes, but made an effort to reassure Jane in the few minutes they had to speak in private.

"Jane, know that what Mama will tell you is entirely wrong. Aunt Gardiner's advice to trust your husband is what you should listen to," Elizabeth whispered.

Jane blushed brightly but nodded, not even knowing how to respond to this advice. "Thank you, Lizzie," she finally said. "I am sorry you will not be here for the wedding, but I will see you soon in Derbyshire. Are you happy, sister?"

"I am very happy, Jane," Elizabeth replied. "I do hope you will find equal felicity in your marriage, and seeing how much Mr Bingley loves you, I feel certain you will." The two sisters hugged and were joined in a moment by Mary.

After a too-short visit, it was time for the Darcys to depart, and they turned again toward the north, stopping at an in about 10 miles beyond Meryton that first night. The three-day journey was made in five, as they stopped frequently and travelled slowly, allowing Elizabeth frequent opportunities to walk and see the sights as they went.

Darcy had rarely enjoyed a journey so much as he did that trip to the north with his wife. He relished every opportunity he had to hold her — and there were plenty of those — and found joy in pleasing her. However, his favourite moment of the journey was when they stopped at the top of the rise and exited the carriage. Darcy had playfully encouraged Elizabeth to close her eyes, which she did under protest, and he led her to the stop where she could view Pemberley in all its majesty. She had been entranced at the sight of his home, and rarely had he felt as proud as he did at that moment, knowing that Pemberley pleased Elizabeth.

"I think it may be a good thing I had not yet seen Pemberley when you asked me to marry you the first time because I would have accepted for the house alone and would never have learned what a dear man you are," she had teased him. He had kissed her in reply and whispered sweet words of love in her ear. They boarded the carriage again and rode in silence until they reached the house.

They remained at Pemberley for only a few days before boarding yet another carriage to travel further north. It was just enough time for Elizabeth to begin to become slightly acquainted with the woods and fields, and she had allowed her husband to talk her into horseback riding, which had proved a far more pleasant diversion when with her husband since it enabled them to visit some far more private locations than could be discovered on foot. Darcy and Elizabeth had spent several enjoyable afternoons riding about the estate, only to return dishevelled and dusty just in time to prepare for dinner.