~~P&P~~

The final lag of their journey was much shorter and very pleasant. The new lovers both sought to enjoy the last hours of their wedding trip to the fullest by bestowing increasingly inappropriate attentions on each other. Elizabeth wondered why they had not partaken in such distractions since the beginning of their trip but knew that it was the anxiety that their honeymoon was drawing to an end that had encouraged her to engage in such gloriously unladylike teasing. Thank goodness they had an enclosed carriage, although it did not allow them to fully submit to their desires and so both were forced to withdraw from their interlude an hour before reaching Pemberley in order to regain their respective composures.

They arrived at Pemberley shortly after one, and were greeted by Georgiana, Mrs, Reynolds and what seemed to Elizabeth to be a collection of servants from at least three different estates. As soon as Fitzwilliam had helped her to the ground Georgiana ran forward calling "sister" but came to a halt just in front of Elizabeth. It was quite clear to Lizzy that Georgiana was about to hug her but had restrained herself at the last second probably questioning if her affection would be welcomed. Elizabeth quickly sought to reassure the girl by opening her arms and saying "I have missed you as well sister."

Fitzwilliam was warmed by the genuine affection and care that Elizabeth bestowed his sister but also just a tad jealous that Georgiana hadn't even acknowledged him before launching herself towards Elizabeth. He cleared his throat "you know you haven't greeted me with such enthusiasm since you were a little girl, Georgie."

Lizzy and Georgiana released their embrace, Georgiana turned to her brother and hugged him as well, saying "do not be jealous brother you know I adore you and am so thankful that you have secured me such an amazing sister."

"Oh, so my worth is only in regards to my bringing Elizabeth into our lives?" he teased.

Georgiana blanched "that is not what I meant bro..."

Elizabeth cut her off "Fitzwilliam do not tease her, you already agreed that I could monopolize her attention for a few weeks since I have been missing having a sister around for over a month."

Georgiana was pleased that obviously Lizzy had petitioned for her company as it helped quash any remaining insecurities that Lizzy would only be a sister to her out of obligation. Georgiana adored Lizzy and already considered her a sister in every sense of the word but worried that her affection was far greater than Lizzy's since she never had a sister, but it seems as if Lizzy held her in the same regard that she did Jane and Georgiana could not be more thankful.

"You are a bit early, thank goodness we sent our best rider to watch for you so we would have time to compile our greeting" Georgiana remarked.

Mrs. Reynolds came forward and curtseyed "welcome back to Pemberley Mrs. Darcy. I have assembled the staff for you but understand if you would like to wait for introductions."

"Not at all Mrs. Reynolds" Lizzy responded "I see many familiar faces from my previous visit and am eager to attach names to the recollections, however surely your messenger was over zealous when assembling the staff, it appears that we must have collected the staff of our neighbours as well" she half teased, half questioned.

Mrs. Reynolds chuckled relieved that Mrs. Darcy did not seemed changed from the pleasant young lady she met months ago by her new status. "Of course not mam, although several are only part-timers but they wished to come show their respect as well."

Elizabeth moved to greet the staff "I am looking forward to meeting all of you however as there are many more of you than I expected I beg you patience in remembering all your names, I will do my best."

"There is no need to worry about that mam, I will introduce you to the staff you will see most often and you can learn the others when you have cause to interact with them." Mrs. Reynolds suggested.

"Nonsense" Elizabeth replied "they have taken the time to welcome me most graciously and I shall repay the kindness at the very least by learning their names" Elizabeth added kindly.

All of the staff felt their respect for the new mistress grow, many had been there many years and were use to kindness and respect from the Darcy's but all have heard of, and even experienced from some of Pemberley's guests (i.e. Miss. Bingley), a lack of regard for servants and it was not uncommon to hear of employers who did not even bother to learn their servants names. They felt relief that the new mistress did not appear to have such and inclination.

Elizabeth moved forward and greeted the first, luckily she knew her and it built her confidence to be able to greet her by name "hello, Mrs. Annesley, good to see you again."

Mrs. Annesley curtsied, and Mrs. Reynolds moved forward to continue the introductions. "This is Sara, she is to be your second lady's maid when Laney takes her breaks, which she will do now since she has been travelling with you for so long on your trip" she said dismissing Laney to rest.

"Hello, Sara I am sure we will become fast friends just as Laney and I have become."

Sara was pleased that her mistress would even entertain the idea of a friendship with a servant, and made a mental note to question Laney latter.