Page 110 of Sketching Mr. Darcy
The beauty of Pemberley’s interiors charmed and bewitched Elizabeth as it was more than she had imagined from what she had been told.
But most overwhelming was the realisation that she now owned everything that had belonged to Lady Anne—that she was now the mistress of all those beauties.
It was not the richness, nor the greatness of her status, but the importance of her new position and the power of the legacy she needed to carry.
The day ended with a dinner prepared with much ceremony, which they enjoyed and praised though they did not eat much. Shortly after, they retired to their glamorous apartments.
Molly and Stevens helped them with their baths and preparations for the night, and then both were dismissed, allowing the couple the long awaited and needed privacy.
After a month spent as husband and wife—sharing so much distress, joy, fear, and happiness—and after getting to know each other so deeply and completely in every possible way, the feeling of finally being in the place that would be their home added the last piece to complete their bond and their union .
The exhaustion of the journey and the excitement of the day quickly turned into a passion that burnt them like a flame.
Their lovemaking was meant to tell, to show, and to prove the force of their love and the complete union of Mr and Mrs Darcy.
There was no restraint, no doubt, and no fear to burden their minds, their bodies, or their hearts.
***
During their stay at Pemberley, the master and mistress rarely left the house, however both of them complied diligently with their duties.
Mrs Darcy spent a much time with Mrs Reynolds, acquainting herself with everything related to Pemberley’s household, and the master met with his steward to discuss the progress of the last months since he had left Pemberley.
He introduced all his tenants—who came to greet and congratulate him—to his wife as well as young Tommy and his parents, whose genuine happiness on seeing Darcy melted Elizabeth’s heart.
The new mistress was much admired by the staff for her warmth and kindness, as well as for her interest in everything related to the house.
She also took a keen interest in the food preparation for the master, and the revelation that she had relatives who once resided in Lambton and was remotely connected to Aunt Teresa gained everyone’s genuine approval.
Whenever they had the opportunity, the couple spent time together in the library, for which Mrs Darcy seemed to have the same fondness as the master.
Stevens sternly asked that nobody disturb the master, except himself if needed, and his request was obeyed.
A footman once went to announce a call for the master, but the library door was locked, and Mr Darcy had received the visitor only half an hour later, looking rather displeased.
After that, everybody concluded that Stevens was always right where the master was concerned .
For Elizabeth, the days at Pemberley were as a fairy tale, and she dreaded the moment she would have to return to Town.
She was curious and eager to be involved in everything that surrounded her.
She felt herself blooming at her husband’s side, and each moment meant something new to find, to learn, to experience, to feel.
She finally had the long-desired sleigh ride—twice in one week—and the joy of riding in the snow, covered in blankets along the Pemberley paths, followed her even in her dreams. That was when she finally managed to sleep, which had rarely happened, as their desire and need for each other seemed to increase every day—and night.
On the tenth day of their visit, after breakfast, Mrs Reynolds asked for a private moment with them both. With their approval, she returned with a locked box the size of a large book. Hesitantly, her eyes to the floor, she addressed Elizabeth.
“Mrs Darcy, this box was given to me by Lady Anne two days before she passed away. She asked me to give it to the future Mrs Darcy if I was certain she was the proper match for the master. If not, I was supposed to give it to Miss Georgiana when she turned one and twenty. I have no doubt of what I must do,” Mrs Reynolds said, tearfully handing the box to Elizabeth.
She took it with trembling hands, thanking the housekeeper and glancing at her husband.
“Mrs Reynolds, I did not know of this box,” Darcy said with no little wonder.
“Lady Anne wished it this way. She put inside everything she noted in the last weeks of her illness. I am sorry for not telling you sooner, but I could not betray her trust. I prayed the Lord not to take me to Him before I could accomplish Lady Anne’s request.”
“I understand, and I am grateful for your wisdom and loyalty,” he said warmly as Mrs Reynolds excused herself, leaving the library in haste .
Elizabeth sat on the settee and opened the box nervously. On the top was a brief note on which Darcy recognised from afar his mother’s writing.
My dear daughter,
I take the liberty of addressing you in such a way because, if my son chose to share his life with you and Mrs Reynolds decided to give you this box, I am sure you would be as dear to me as my beloved Georgiana.
You will find here everything that I thought and wished and struggled to accomplish.
I beg you not to take it as a burden but as a kind and gentle request to try to bring to completion some of the things that might bring relief and joy to the people around you.
Which and when you will do them, is entirely your decision.
I shall be happy only knowing you took the time to acknowledge them.
I am proud to say without a doubt that you found yourself a most worthy husband, as very few are.
I pray to the Lord to bring you all health and a long, happy life.
As you will see, Pemberley can give you everything you need for that, if only you will bring love, warmth, and joy to live within its cold and often too silent walls.
Most sincerely, Your loving Lady Anne
Elizabeth did not attempt to stem the tears that flowed down her cheeks, and she carefully wiped the drops from the paper, while Darcy watched her at the edge of his own feelings.
She spent the next two hours reading every piece of paper that Lady Anne had generously struggled to write down as a legacy with her last strength.
At the end of it, Elizabeth just nestled in Darcy’s arms. She was silent for such a long while that he thought she had fallen asleep, except he heard her sigh from time to time.
He placed a trace of warm kisses along her temples, jaw, on the tip of her nose, and on her closed eyelids then whispered:
“Would you like a ride before dinner? It could be by carriage or by sleigh, as you prefer.”
“Could we walk? I would like that very much.”
He briefly kissed her lips. “Of course. It is good that you reminded me—I will send Stevens to order you two pairs of heavy winter boots right away.”
She laughed, her heart still heavy, prisoner of the powerful emotions she just experienced and content to be in his safe embrace.
Under the surprised looks of the staff, they left the house arm in arm, walking with no direction or time constraints, enjoying the winter chill, the snow falling slowly, and their solitude.
Their stroll lasted a full hour although they did not leave the vast back garden. When they returned, their clothes were half frozen, their hair wet with melted snow, their faces red, and their hands entwined. It was no surprise that they hurried to their rooms, asking not to be disturbed.
Just before dinner, they lay tightly embraced in Darcy’s bed, warmed by the strong fire and their united bodies, and hot from passionate lovemaking. Elizabeth’s head was resting upon Darcy’s heart when she suddenly rose and looked into his eyes.
“William, I would rather not return to London. Could we please remain at Pemberley?”
He was not as surprised as she expected.
“We can do whatever you wish. Will you not regret losing the enjoyment of the Season?”
“I care little about the Season. There will be time for it in the future. I want to see Pemberley during an entire year—spring, summer, and autumn. I want to find ways to finish the school Lady Anne planned for so long. I want to feel useful. I want to be with you throughout the year. And do not worry—I shall not be a burden if you need to travel for business. I have had enough of London lately and so little of Pemberley.”
“We will stay here for as long as you want. I would like nothing better.”
“Can you arrange for Georgiana and Mary to join us since Mrs Annesley will be leaving?”
“Of course. And I am thinking to invite your younger sisters too, sooner than we arranged with your parents. Their company will be a nice—although a little overwhelming—diversion for Georgiana, and they might help you with the school project.”
“That would be wonderful if Georgiana approves.”
“As for my business travel—I will find a way to reduce it. I will take James with me several times and slowly pass the task to him. He might hate me even more, but as you once said, he will not have the luxury of refusing it two years from now. Then we shall see.”
“An excellent plan, I might say.” Elizabeth smiled as his arms tightened around her.
“I will also bring Janey and the children when the Gardiners come. Hopefully, Peter will be healthy enough to travel by then. They will like Pemberley, and I like to have them around.”
“Yes, I too. They will always be part of the family to me.” She then laughed, caressing his face and placing soft kisses on his jaw. “Indeed sir, you think of everything.”
Darcy gently pulled her on her back then leant closer until she could feel his breath. Just before his lips captured hers, he whispered hoarsely, “I shall always take care of everything for you, my beautiful wife.”
“And I shall always take care of you and our happiness, my beloved husband.”