Author's Notes: there might be some minor historical anachronisms in this fic; I researched Coniston a fair bit, but could not find the exact date of the first hotel or steam-boat there. So rather than get too bogged down in the details, let us enjoy the story, and I hope any anachronisms may be forgiven. Also, I know that tourism is a controversial topic right now, but "Old Will," the boat pilot (captain) is an extrovert and a businessman, so he's generally pro-tourism ;) His opinions are his own, not necessarily mine.
All was peaceful out on Coniston Water. The village was already rather quiet to begin; as the hour grew later, the few boats on the lake all returned to shore. The silence was broken only by fish sometimes leaping from the water, or the beating of bird wings on the air, or Elizabeth's occasional questions.
The pilot they'd hired was friendly, and most willing to answer Elizabeth's questions. Elizabeth quite liked him; his skin was weathered by the elements and wrinkled by time, but he had a gentlemanly air, with a jaunty cap and a ready smile. Though Darcy might have preferred to take out a boat by themselves, it was not done; local pilots were knowledgeable about any shallow or rocky places to avoid, and could row unbothered even against the wind. "Old Will" also knew about the landmarks of the area, and served as an unofficial tour guide of sorts; Elizabeth was particularly delighted to hear that one distinct rock formation had been affectionately dubbed "Old Man."
She must have commented at least a dozen times upon how beautiful it was, and then at least twice apologized for repeating herself, then apologized for repeating that. Neither the pilot, however, nor Darcy, seemed to mind her effusions; indeed, they both seemed quite pleased by her enthusiasm. Darcy seemed content to listen to their conversation, with only occasional interjections of his own. For the most part, he observed Elizabeth, and when her hand found his on the rough wooden bench, he smiled at her when she gave his fingers a joyful squeeze. There was much to capture Elizabeth's attention; so much beauty to absorb, that even she was often left in awed silence.
As they grew near shore again, however, Elizabeth had a few more questions to ask before they docked.
"I'm quite glad this was our first excursion," she said gratefully to Old Will, the pilot. "Do you often take visitors out in this way?"
"It's only recently folks have started to take a real interest in Coniston," said Will in answer to one of Elizabeth's questions; "ever since one of the area poets wrote such fine lines about the Lakes up this way. Someday soon, I suppose they'll all want to go on a steamer boat, but for now, I've got customers from time to time, yes."
"And are you glad, or annoyed, that such nosy tourists have begun descending upon your village?" Elizabeth asked with a smile, but a slightly nervous look in her eye.
"Oh, it's not as quiet as it once was; they're building an inn now, and a railway, and the like," answered the pilot. "But that's the way of things, and I suspect it will do a lot of good for our young people, having the opportunity to work. I don't mind meeting new folks, myself."
Elizabeth, feeling relieved, said, "My husband planned our entire trip, and Coniston was just the place he wanted to start. I think he was quite right."
"Quite right, indeed," the pilot said with a nod. "And as long as you're here, if you want another boat ride, just look for Ol' Will. Or young Will, for that matter - my boy. Only don't take a steamer. These waters have been here for a thousand years, and they're meant to be explored slowly."
Elizabeth nodded her agreement. "We plan to dine when we return to shore," she said next; "do you have recommendations for an establishment?"
"Oh, the Hart and Stone, to be sure," Old Will said easily. "'course, there are finer establishments for you, but if you want the real Coniston, that's the pub for you."
A short while later, Elizabeth and Darcy disembarked; amid Elizabeth's profusions of gratitude, Darcy paid the pilot handsomely.
Darcy, who had held Elizabeth's hand to steady her as she stepped out of the boat, had kept her fingers clasped in his ever since.
"Are you warm enough?" he asked solicitously.
"Quite; thank you," she replied; her cheeks were pink from the cool breeze on the water. "We shall be inside again soon enough."
"The cottage is a bit of a walk," Darcy reminded her.
"Oh." Elizabeth hesitated for a moment before asking, "I thought... that is, you do not wish to go to the Hart and Stone?"
Darcy was then silent for a moment before replying slowly, "I did not see a need to do so; I have engaged an excellent cook for our lodgings."
"To be sure," Elizabeth said; "only, I thought we might enjoy dining at a pub with locals."
A frown flitted across Darcy's face, but it was gone almost instantly as he schooled his features.
"We will do as you wish," he said.
"I do not wish to make you unhappy," Elizabeth hastened to add. "We can return to the cottage if you truly would mind. I only thought it might be amusing to observe people we do not know. Perhaps we shall make a new acquaintance worth keeping."
"I would prefer to observe only you," Darcy replied, "but I have no real objection to dining at a pub if you would enjoy it."
"Well, you shall have plenty of time for that, sir," said Elizabeth with a smile, "so if you are certain, then let us go. Mr. Will said the pub was near, and I would like to eat soon."
Elizabeth took Darcy's arm and held it close as they walked. She was grateful that he was willing to accommodate her wishes, in spite of whatever discomfort he might feel around people beneath his station and wholly unconnected to his family. Perhaps his pride had not entirely gone (a man could not be expected to unlearn, in less than twenty months, twenty years of instruction in his own importance). If that was the case, Elizabeth was confident he would overcome it with time and practice - and so practice they must.
If he was merely shy, Elizabeth was glad to carry the conversation; if he wished to spend time with his wife alone, she would ensure he had plenty. But at long last, Elizabeth was fulfilling her dreams of seeing the Lake District, and she meant to deny herself no enjoyment - including a dinner at a charming pub with friendly locals.
"It is right that you should encourage me to expand my acquaintance and to grow more at ease speaking with strangers," Darcy said at last. "It is not my nature to do so, yet... you have challenged me and improved me as no one else dared." He gave Elizabeth a small smile. "And if it will give you pleasure, then it will give me pleasure, as well."
"You are the best, most generous man I know. It will give me pleasure, I promise you, to dine privately with you tomorrow," Elizabeth said; a fair compromise. "Forgive me for being selfish in asserting my wishes. It is only because of you that I am able to fulfill this dream of visiting this county at all."
Warmly, Darcy replied, "Then we both of us have had our dreams fulfilled, now that you are my Mrs. Darcy."
Author's Note: I know, I know, people just want to read a happy honeymoon fic where Darcy is perfect, and *everything* is perfect, but... I just think that it would be difficult for Darcy to overcome his pride and reserve completely overnight. Austen makes it clear that it's not that he CAN'T talk to other people, just that he doesn't want to. For example, he ignores or insults everyone at the Meryton Assembly, but after he falls in love with (and is scolded by) Elizabeth, he's extremely kind to the Gardiners despite their living in Cheapside. He's working on it, for Elizabeth's sake and because he now knows it's the right thing to do, and I give him kudos for that, but we have to give him some time. Elizabeth, too, is imperfect, and her eagerness to see the Lakes combined with Darcy's eagerness to make her happy might mean a little sacrifice.
I have a LOT of ideas for Darcy and Elizabeth's vacation - but if you have a request for something in particular you'd like to see - for example, "I'd like to see them interacting with locals at the pub" or "I just like Elizabeth/Darcy goodness" - please let me know (as long as it's not M-rated; I've decided to keep this story K+rated for my personal comfort level and to be inclusive of all readers)! Coming soon: a romantic hike, poetry readings, Darcy tries to teach Elizabeth to ride a horse, Lizzy wants to explore a mine, and the Darcys visit a castle with a spooky history!