Page 74 of I Thee Wed (Pride And Prejudice Variation #2)

The Darcy carriages arrived at Matlock House on the afternoon of the third day of travel.

Charlotte looked out the window on her side, hoping to catch her first glimpse of Matlock Hall.

She was able to see the large stone house beyond the grove of trees each time the road curved to the right.

Lady Helen’s butler stood at the top of the steps before they had descended from the carriage, and three footmen waited below to receive the guests.

The party was ushered into a well-appointed drawing room, where they were told that tea would be brought shortly.

Tall windows let in the soft afternoon light, and the room, though elegant, was comfortable.

Charlotte followed the others into the room, trying not to appear as nervous as she felt.

She glanced around, taking in the marble fireplace, the fine damask upholstery, and the tapestries that lined the walls.

She had never been in such a home before.

Her years at Lucas Lodge had not prepared her for the grandeur of such a residence.

Lady Helen turned to her with a gracious smile. “Miss Lucas, you must be tired. Please sit and take some refreshment before you continue on to Pemberley.”

“Thank you, Lady Helen,” Charlotte said. She took the teacup and a cake, then listened as Lizzy and their hostess made plans for a visit to Pemberley. She did not speak at all, but took everything in.

Charlotte’s thoughts centered on her friend and the generosity she had demonstrated towards her, even after all that had passed between them. That Elizabeth had cared enough to invite her to Derbyshire in the hope that she might find a match humbled her.

When they rose to leave, Lady Helen embraced Elizabeth and Georgiana and promised to join them at Pemberley by mid-July at the latest. Georgiana kissed her aunt’s cheek, and Lady Helen stepped out to see them off.

They ascended into the carriages, and thus began the final stage of the journey to Elizabeth’s home.

The little cavalcade arrived at Pemberley as the sun dipped behind the hills.

The stone building was large and stood upon high ground, backed by a ridge of wooded hills.

In front, a stream of some natural importance widened and drained into a small lake, and no artifice marred its charm.

The banks of the stream were left in their natural state, and the landscape displayed the beauties of Derbyshire.

Charlotte caught her breath as she gazed upon the scene that lay before her. She had never beheld a place where nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an owner’s awkward taste. She leaned forward to take in every angle of the prospect.

Elizabeth watched her friend with quiet amusement. “From your expression, Charlotte, I believe you are feeling much the same as I when I first saw this lovely place.”

Charlotte looked enthralled. “Lizzy, this corner of Derbyshire is charming. It reminds me of the enchanted forests we used to dream of as young girls.” They both laughed at the memories her words evoked.

Charlotte’s mind was racing as the carriage drew slowly up the drive.

So this is Elizabeth’s home. This is the life she lives, yet she has not forgotten about me.

She cringed as she recalled the smug remarks her mother had made after Alexander had turned away from Elizabeth.

She remembered, too, how she had not spoken in Elizabeth’s defense.

And yet here she was, possibly at the start of a new life in a new county.

She felt a sharp sense of contrition and gratitude.

At last, the carriage stopped before the house, and footmen came forward to open the doors. She stepped out and followed behind Elizabeth and Georgiana. When they entered the vast entrance hall, with its polished tiled floors and the painted ceilings high above, her heart stirred again.

Elizabeth turned and smiled, then reached out and took her friend’s hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze, the same gesture they had shared in childhood, when words were not needed.

Charlotte knew then that the rift had been repaired.