Chapter 16

"Lydia my dear child come here" Mr Bennet said gently. Lydia joined him "We are going to have a talk tomorrow regarding your temper" he said with a smile.

"Yes papa" although her face was contrite her eyes twinkled.

Darcy still hovering near Elizabeth was relieved to see the colour returning to her cheeks she looked up at him and gave him a small smile to reassure him, he smiled at her in return.

The last of the guests had finally arrived Mr and Mrs Witham and their daughter Judith and Mr Hargreaves. After introductions were made and more wine was brought Darcy had spoken to the housekeeper to delay dinner by half an hour. Mr Witham was impressed with Hargreaves friends and knew he would allow his only daughter to marry him if the newly courting couple should wish it.

Dinner was a fine affair. Mr Bingley had left all the details to the housekeeper and her choices had been very well thought out. He looked over to his darling Jane and his heart soared only a few more days and they would be off to the North to visit his relatives then on to the Lake District. Darcy had given him a map of the area and shown him some of the paintings he had of the area which Bingley had been glad of.

Mr Warner sat quietly talking to his Mary they would travel to his home in Staffordshire, Pointon Park had been in his family for a couple of hundred years. He would take her around the area especially the roaches and Thor's cave. There would be so much for her to discover and he would see it all through her eyes.

Darcy touched Elizabeth's hand under the table and he felt her fingers wrap around his hand. A slight pressure from her had him smiling in return. "I am quite recovered" she whispered to him.

"If he had hurt you in anyway, I will not say what I would have done to him" Darcy's eyes were filled with pain at the thought of losing her

"I am here and unhurt, he cannot hurt me again and so glad the only person to compromise me is you" her grin did much to calm him as did her words.

"I look forward to compromising you on a very regular basis" he gave her a wolfish leer that sent a peal of laughter into the room, and a frisson of delight down her body.

##################

The church was full, family friends and some well wishers waited and watched as the three brides on an uncle's arm glided down the aisle to their grooms. Darcy's breath caught when he saw Elizabeth in her beautiful dress a small veil draped over a matching bonnet, Georgiana was ready to take the bouquet to free her hands as did Kitty and Lydia for their brides. The groomsmen looked on with pride and the church fell silent for the service. Each bride had a new gold band on their fingers and Darcy had also chosen to have one made for himself to wear, it was a replica of Elizabeth's just larger to fit his finger he knew he would wear it for the rest of his life.

Bags of rice had been brought and the husbands with their wives stepped out into the sunshine to the rice being scattered over them. They all ran to their different carriages as they all made their way to Matlock House as the Earl wanted to throw a wedding breakfast for the newlyweds. Lady Castlemaine was still dabbing at her damp eyes at the lovely ceremony and how well her son and new daughter had looked together. She was pleased with his choice of Mary and was already growing close to her.

The food was delicious and wine was flowing. Toasts were made when suddenly Darcy stood. Everyone silenced in anticipation "Firstly I wish to thank Elizabeth for saying yes" he smiled down at her "and secondly I wish to thank Richard, before I went to Hertfordshire he made me a bet, which I won not only did I get a spanking stud horse but my normally shy self that has difficulty when meeting new people forced me passed that reticence so I raise my glass to my wife and my cousin thank you"

Richard was overcome he had replaced Duster from his father's stock but Darcy more like a brother to him was shy he had been watching him for some time and was pleased with how far he had come and what he had gained and that wasn't just Elizabeth. He looked up and down the table. No Miss Bingley and her snide remarks to put a damper on things. Bingley was a lot happier and he had also gained a good woman. He didn't know Warner so well but he liked what he saw. He saw Mr Bennet looking at him and raised his glass in a salute. He had heard from Wellesley earlier that Mr Collins was heading for the gallows and had already stood trial. He decided he would wait until the respective brides and grooms had gone before letting him know. He saw his cousin Anne speaking to Georgiana, Kitty and Lydia. She was looking so well the old rose of her gown was most becoming. She must have felt him watching her as she looked up and smiled softly at him he raised his glass in a silent toast to her. They did not realise that Lady Catherine and Lady Jessica were watching the interchange. The two ladies looked at each other and nodded their agreement.

############

It had been a relaxed journey into Wales by the Darcy's they had stayed in some very nice inns on their way through the Cotswold's making a general heading of north west. In the carriage they had a good supply of books and their discussions or just looking at the view wrapped in each others arms. They had a picknick lunch from the last inn and appreciated a well cooked ham in a honey brine, roast beef and chicken and some cheese. The bread had been fresh from the oven that morning and the delicious smells were very tempting as was his wife's lips Darcy thought to himself. Elizabeth saw the look that came over his face and snuggled closer. She too was enjoying married life.

They had reached a small town called Oswestry on the border of England and Wales and decided to stay there overnight. An inn was found and rooms bespoke with a private dining room. The husband and wife that ran the inn took an immediate liking to the newly married couple. The Darcy's had decided not to advertise their title's, on the journey. Settling in the dining room with a glass of wine each Mrs Compton and her daughter brought in their meal. Simple but tasty fare with a variety of vegetables with the steak pie. For dessert they had an apple crumble with custard. Replete with good food they decided to make it an early night.

#########

Colonel, Fitzwilliam sighed deeply as he stepped up to the front door of the Bennet's residence in London. The Butler let him in and he handed off his hat and gloves. "Make sure we are not disturbed" he said to him. The butler nodded.

Entering Mr Bennet's room quickly and shutting the door. Bennet raised his eyebrows at this but said nothing except to greet his guest. He offered a selection from the drinks tray and took a wine for himself.

Richard sat in the chair opposite the older man and studied his glass of wine. He made an inner decision and looked up at Bennet. The older man seemed to be waiting for him. "Collins was hung yesterday, he also had a priest for a deathbed confession" Richard paused here and took a long slug of his wine. "He confessed that he and his father caused the accident that killed Mrs Bennet. They followed you regularly and that trip back from St Albans was meant to do you in" Richard took another sip of wine. "Collins has also been often at Lonbourne spying on you and your daughters. For that he wouldn't give a reason just that he thought them beautiful"

Mr Bennet felt staggered at the information, it had been later than usual that they had left St Albans the bookshop had several books that had interested him and Mrs Bennet was busy choosing fabrics for some dresses for the younger girls. Now knowing that that man had hung didn't make him feel any better. He sighed deeply and looked at Richard "He could have attacked one of my jewels at anytime and I couldn't have stopped him."

"Bennet they are safe now and you will never be bothered by him again" Richard got up and took Mr Bennet's empty glass and recharged their glasses. "But if you need them I know some former soldiers that through injury cannot fight anymore but they can still do protection duty, luckily its only Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia that are still at home"

"Well there is always work to be done on the estate so maybe two new men acting as footmen or grooms would be helpful" Bennet said slowly.

"I will sort this out for when you return to Longbourn" Richard was relieved to have this painful conversation over with.

"My poor Fanny, we had so much more time and things we wanted to do" Bennet's eyes had a faraway look in them. He emptied his glass and placed it on the table next to him.

#############

Elizabeth looked around the mistresses suite of rooms. Mrs Crosby and her daughter were showing the Darcy's the property of Flint Lodge. The property was in fairly good condition even though it had lain empty for some time.

"Would a message be sent to the steward, I thought he would have been here" Mr Darcy said coming in from his rooms.

"Oh La, once he heard of the new owners he upped and left very smartish" Sarah Crosby said.

The Darcy's looked at each other and their hearts sunk what mess would the books be in. Well the sooner they started looking into things the sooner they could go to Pemberly. They had decided not to visit the property of Mr Darcy's in South Wales.

Mr Darcy had a steward in mind for this property and got a letter off to him. He had trained under his father's steward Wickham together with his brother. Hinds would tread with honesty.

"Well we could use some more women to help in the house and gardeners is cook sorted for help in the kitchen? Maybe we should go there next" Elizabeth was already walking towards the door.

"Yes my lady, women and men are easy to come by I will send a note with Sarah to some women who have worked here in the past" Mrs Crosby said.

The cook Mrs Lewis was very happy to be receiving extra help in the kitchen and requested two girls for the washroom. Mrs Crosby made notes as they talked. They walked over the rest of the ground floor which was in very good condition. Elizabeth ordered tea to be sent to the study so that they could make a start on the books. The study was in disarray papers everywhere. Mrs Crosby came in with the tea and some welsh cakes. She looked around her and apologised profusely saying the steward had never let her in here to clean. Elizabeth could feel the woman's discomfort as if being called out on slovenliness. "Mrs Crosby we understand and it will take a little time to sort the papers out but the study is comfortable and I thank you for doing as much as you could"

Mrs Crosby nodded and removed herself to sort out the pantry with cook. Darcy had unearthed a map of the estate and was studying it. "You have a slate mine that will come in handy for roofing on our other estates" he smiled at his wife.

"Well I am sure we can come to some monetary arrangement" she laughed at him and he joined her. They were very comfortable with each other and looked forward to a very happy marriage. Working steadily, they unearthed the account books these hadn't been touched in a very long time. They knew the former earl of Flintshire had been sickly for some years and unable to supervise the staff. Mrs Crosby and her husband who tended the vegetable plot and the farm animals were honest. Their daughter Sarah was also glad to have The Countess and her husband. She was courting the manager of the slate mine. As it was just the two of them, they didn't bother changing for dinner. Cook had excelled herself with a haunch of roast lamb. Vegetables from the garden with some boiled potatoes with sprigs of mint. Elizabeth and Darcy both preferred plain food and were pleased to have it served.

The next day they decided to visit all the tenants and make sure they were in good repair. Darcy had a pencil and paper ready to write any lists of repairs. After a fruitful day they found themselves on the shore of the river Dee, Elizabeth had never seen such a large body of water. She found the air refreshing and knew it would be one of her favourite walks. The following day they planned on visiting the slate mine. While Mrs Cosby was serving that day she mentioned a group of artisans living just on from the slate mine. Enquiries into they type of art they were happy to hear of painters and a husband and wife that made pewter jewelry and another that made welsh love spoons.

The slate mine fascinated both Darcy's. The mine manager Mr Davies showed them around a shed where they found the slate used for other things besides roofs. Elizabeth took a fancy to a slate with handles used as a cheese board whilst Darcy liked a wine rack. The manager said they would be sent over to Flint Lodge. Darcy knew he would need slate in the next year or so for the cottages roofs when he started the major refurbishment during the summer months so he decided to get his overseer down to visit which meant staying even longer but he really did like this area.

The artist had set out her work and Elizabeth spent a long time looking at the various pictures. She really was very good. "We could have these shown in a Gallery I know in London" Mr Darcy said to her. "Especially the river views with the different lighting"

Elizabeth agreed "I would love the one at both sunset and sunrise, they are slightly different aspects but you have caught the colours so well. I also love your depiction of Snowdon with the mist" as they carried the prices Elizabeth reached for her purse but Darcy stopped her "A wedding gift from me to you, or at least part of it."

The artist was thrilled and told the Darcy's her husband would be able to frame them which they agreed to also covering the extra cost. Elizabeth wanted them in their private sitting room. Darcy also chose a couple of paintings to take with them to Pemberly one of them especially for his study. He asked Mrs Williams if she painted portraits but she declined saying she had never felt up to the task as countryside was more forgiving but she did know of two such artists and if they wanted she would contact them so their work could be viewed which Mr Darcy agreed to.

The pewter jewellery was stunning and also some of the sculptures mostly dragons which Elizabeth was very taken with. Choosing what looked like a family of Mother Father and three baby dragons frolicking it would be perfect on her desk once it was clear of the mountain of paperwork. Darcy bought the dragons and selected some jewellery for both Elizabeth and Georgiana. The artist a young man boxed it all up and Darcy paid for it all. Elzabeth saw a cravat pin decorated with moonstone so bought that for Darcy. They both knew they would be back to see all the artisans again. Darcy sent off a letter to the gallery owner that he knew extolling the beauty of the paintings and the sculptures.

The next day dawned to rain so they decided a day in the office to tackle as much of the paper mountain that they could. Mrs Crosby supplied plenty of tea and cook had baked some more welsh cakes which they found to be delicious. Mrs Crosby promised that tomorrow they would be able to try bara brith.

Mr Hinds arrived at Flint Lodge the next day. From what he had seen so far he liked. It was the same type of undulating landscape that he loved. Large rivers and small streams. His cottage was well appointed and comfortable. He would near enough be his own man. He unpacked quickly setting out his shaving equipment in readiness of the next day and made his way up to the lodge.

Sarah Crosby opened the door to Mr Hinds and smiled a welcome. The Darcy's were still in the study having made great inroads into the old paperwork. They welcomed Mr Hinds, Darcy was especially glad to see him. They chatted about Pemberly for a while before turning their attention to Flintshire. Darcy had the map out of where the tenants were and Mr Hinds was appreciative of all the details.

Dinner was soon announced the Darcy's had again not bothered with changing for dinner so as not to make Mr Hinds uncomfortable. The Darcy's spoke of the mine and the small artists colony and hoped to expand it. They also decided to ride out to cover the area weather permitting otherwise studying the books if it rained.

It took about a week for Mr Hinds to cover the whole of the estate and visiting tenants with the Darcy's. With talking to the tenants they found out what grew best they also decided to add to the animals on home farm and make the vegetable plot double in size. Seed was ordered and distributed and it was a joy to see the horses tilling the soil in readiness for planting.

Mr Giles Williams arrived from London after Darcy's express. Always looking for new artists he always dealt honestly with everything that came his way. He was thrilled with all that he saw. Good painters were ten a penny in his eyes truly excellent painters needed the exposure of his gallery. He was expanding to include a section of jewellery and sculptures so happily spent several days with the artisans and looking over the area and liking what he saw. Happily meeting the two portrait artists that Darcy had commissioned to paint Mrs Darcy and himself one painting for Pemberly and one to kept here at the lodge.

A large amount of mail was delivered the next day, letters from her father, sisters and aunts all sent letters. Darcy had also letter's, from family especially Georgiana who included a letter for Elizabeth. Mrs Reynolds had also written to him. As he read through, he exclaimed in shock. Elizabeth looking up from her correspondence remarked on it. "Mrs Reynolds writes that Caroline Bingley visited in the hopes of finding us there. Miss Bingley went on her way soon after not knowing where we are for our wedding trip as Mrs Reynolds didn't tell her"

Elizabeth looked at him in shock "what can she want with us on our wedding trip"

A/N sorry about the thick line within the story have not been able to remove it