Page 23 of Elizabeth is not a Bennet
Derbyshire
The Next Evening
The sinking sun cast the forests surrounding the wood with a stunning golden tint, gilding the edge of every leaf and needle and warming the fur and feathers of small animals rustling among the underbrush.
“We are a mere five miles from Pemberley now,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said, breaking the quiet, and both of his companions peered eagerly out of the windows.
Elizabeth stared out at the distant hills, rising majestically skyward in a striking patchwork of sun-washed winter beige and deep shadow. Silence held sway in the carriage, the passengers spellbound by the beauty before them.
As much as Elizabeth looked forward to arriving at their destination, she readily admitted that it the journey had been the most pleasant one she had ever undertaken. Mr. Darcy’s carriage was truly excellent, warm and snug against the chill hanging in the air, so well-sprung as to make the passengers feel as though they were riding on air. He had arranged for them to overnight at an excellent inn, charmingly named the Firefly and the Fig. The beds were good, the sheets aired, the private parlor where the small party had dined snug and cozy and warm, the dinner itself delectable. The cousins had shared a room, with beds across from each other but not so far that whispering was inconvenient.
Mary had confided that she liked the colonel very well. Elizabeth was not surprised, as she had already observed that the two of enjoyed one another’s conversation. The pattern had held through the second day of travel, too, the colonel’s easy manners and irrepressible cheer drawing out the more reserved Mary. It was an interesting dynamic, and one Elizabeth had enjoyed observing. The two participants were quite unalike, but then, she reflected, she and Mr. Darcy were equally unalike, and the pull of attraction between the two of them had become undeniable.
It was a pity, Elizabeth thought, that nothing would come of Mary and Colonel Fitzwilliam’s nascent friendship. The military man had made it plain that as a second son living on allowance and army wages, he was in search of an heiress to wed, and Mary’s dowry was minimal. Still, she thought it was good for her placid cousin to be the object of admiring attention – not that Mary was plain, but it was too easy for her to be overshadowed by Jane’s ethereal beauty, or Lydia’s vibrant loveliness. Kitty, also quieter, had a winsome sweetness about her, and benefited from Lydia’s constant company. Elizabeth hoped that maybe, away from Mrs. Bennet’s constant chatter and Lydia’s vitality and Jane’s stunning beauty, Mary could truly blossom and return home in full bloom.
The carriage attained the top of the hill, trundling around a curve through the thick parkland. Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled at his fellow passengers and said, “Now, in just a moment, you will see the mansion itself. It is truly grand in the spring and summer when all of the plants are green and flowering, but I find it still impressive in the autumn and winter.”
Elizabeth turned eagerly towards the window just as they emerged atop a breathtaking vista. Pemberley spread below the carriage on its hill, the opposite slopes crowned with an imposing house of golden-brown stone, green lawns falling away from the base of the house to a brisk watercourse splashing along through wild banks scarcely touched by human hand. Only the lightest of touches had been brought to bear on the banks and paths, a gentle shepherding of nature rather than the ruthless mastery imposed in the most vaunted gardens. Behind the house arose hills of trees in glorious color, gold and red and orange and yellow and brown; a glorious backdrop.
As for the house itself, it was a magnificent brick structure, modern, well built, with expansive wings on both sides of the main section. In the distance rose a glassed-in conservatory, and a multitude of windows doubtless provided a great deal of light in the interior. Smoke rose from a number of chimneys, reminding one of warm fires and cozy rooms.
“Oh,” Mary sighed beside her, and Elizabeth fully agreed. For all that the beauty of Pemberley had been described to her, its glories had been understated.
They started down the driveway, crackling gravel beneath their wheels. Down through another copse of trees, evergreens and blazing deciduous alike, and out onto the drive with the neatly cut lawns spreading to their either side. Ahead of them, several windows of the house were ablaze with light in welcome, and Elizabeth looked up with curiosity as they passed into the shadow of the great house.
The carriage slowed to a graceful stop, and a moment later, the door was opened from the outside. Colonel Fitzwilliam exited and then handed out Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth looked up at the grand stone steps which led to the front door and felt slightly short of breath.
“It is magnificent!” she exclaimed.
“It is,” the colonel agreed. “Miss Stowe, Miss Bennet, welcome to Pemberley!”
/
Jane’s Bedchamber
Longbourn
Three Days Later
Jane looked out the window at the autumn sunshine, dipped her pen and bent her head to her paper.
Longbourn
19 th November, 1811
Dear Lizzy,
It is peculiar not knowing exactly where you are, and I know it will take some time for you to receive this since all letters are being sent to our Uncle Gardiner’s house first.
I hope that your journey was a good one, and that you are well settled.
Mr. Bingley continues to show me a great deal of attention, and I grow more attached to him every day. I am hopeful … but I must not reach too far ahead. For now, we spend as much time as possible together, and we will see what the future brings .
Mr. Collins is still here but plans to leave on Saturday. He was indignant when Mary disappeared without warning. For a day or two, he seemed confused as to what to do next, but now he is paying Charlotte Lucas a great deal of attention.
He is not a sensible or wise or handsome man, so I do not know what Charlotte thinks of his regard, but I believe that all of here are very pleased that Mr. Collins has been spending considerable time at Lucas Lodge…
/
Darcy’s Sitting Room
Netherfield Hall
Three Days Later
Darcy nodded at his valet, Percy, and happily took a seat near the window, where the autumn sunshine shone through the glass. Percy had just given him a pile of letters, and he hastily separated them into dull business letters and two missives from Pemberley, one each from Richard and Georgiana .
He was most anxious to read his sister’s letter but thought he had best read Richard’s first; the better to understand the lay of the land.
Pemberley
Darcy,
You will be pleased to learn that the journey went smoothly and that our guests are most comfortable in their new quarters. Georgiana is doing well too, and seems to appreciate having companions close to her own age. Miss Bennet and Georgiana are both musical enthusiasts, and Miss Stowe is, as anticipated, in joyful awe of the library. Whenever we cannot find her, we send a servant to the library, and inevitably she is there!
The weather has been rather cold, so there has not been much walking around, though Miss Stowe is most eager to explore the great outdoors. Be assured that I will keep her safe.
I spoke privately to Georgiana about Wickham so that she would not be distressed if Miss Stowe and Miss Bennet mentioned him. She was glad that I had not punched out his teeth, because I might have hurt my hand in the process.
My ward is such a dear girl!
I will need to return back to duty in the next few days, which is regrettable, but such are the demands of military life. I have spoken to your steward and butler about Miss Stowe, and she will be well guarded.
Sincerely,
Richard
Darcy found himself smiling at these words as his usually sedate imagination immediately conjured up a picture of Miss Elizabeth Stowe, dressed in her favorite green dress, with a tan parasol swirling over her bonneted head, with her other hand resting on his own arm as they strolled along the stream. Of course, at this time of year, such walks would need to be brisk, but knowing Miss Stowe’s active nature, she might well enjoy striding beside the stream in a cold breeze, staring down at the water as it swirled along the banks.
Georgiana’s letter was equally encouraging.
Dear Brother,
Oh, how happy I am that you sent Miss Stowe and Miss Bennet here! I confess to being quite shaken over Miss Stowe’s injury, though; how absolutely dreadful! Miss Stowe seems very brave and yet also very honest. She has told me how distressed she was, and that it did make her afraid. How could anyone not be afraid under such circumstances?
Miss Bennet is not as adept in her music as I am, but she is enthusiastic and has waxed eloquent over the wonders of the new pianoforte you purchased for me recently. It is marvelous, Brother, with such a wonderful sound!
Mrs. Annesley is a charming and kindly companion, but oh, how enjoyable our dinners are now that Richard and our two female guests are here!
The only thing that would make it better would be for you to be here as well. Richard says you will come soon, and I am counting the days until we are reunited.
With much love,
Georgiana
There was a tap at the door, and Darcy looked up in surprise. “Come in?”
The knob turned, the door opened, and Bingley entered, looking harassed. “Darcy, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is here.”
Darcy was on his feet in an instant. “What?! ”
“Lady Catherine is here and is currently sitting in the drawing room insulting Netherfield’s rooms, carpets, furniture, everything!” Bingley hissed. “Is she always so rude?”
Darcy had, by this time, straightened his coat and was hurrying towards his friend, who stepped to one side.
“Not always, but far too often,” he said, rushing down the stairs at a rapid gait. He could hear Bingley following more slowly behind him, and chose not to wait before marching into the drawing room where Lady Catherine had taken the wingbacked chair near the fire. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were seated side-by-side on a loveseat, looking confused and aggrieved.
“There you are, Darcy!” Lady Catherine declared, standing up to glower at her nephew. “In my day, a gentleman did not hide in his sitting room when he was to be…”
“Why are you here?” Darcy interrupted coldly.