Page 14 of The Shades of Pemberley

D uring the ensuing days in Hertfordshire, Elizabeth found herself grateful more than once for the longstanding and well-known state of her engagement to William.

So ubiquitous was the knowledge of their future together that instead of the gossip that might arise in response to his sudden departure to the north, most of their neighbors focused on the ill fortune that had led to the delay of her nuptials, though many commented on the wonder of William’s new position in society.

“I believe the entire community joins with me in apprehending that you cannot be married soon enough,” said Charlotte, summing up the thoughts of her neighbors.

“At least Lizzy will not endure rumors of a quick marriage brought about by suspect means,” added Penelope Long, another of Elizabeth’s dear friends.

“No, indeed!” laughed Jane in what was for her a rather demonstrative way. “We have all known for years that they belonged together. If anything, most believe the length of their courtship tends toward unseemly delay rather than haste.”

“You may all laugh,” sniffed Elizabeth, raising her nose to affect a haughty disdain, “but at least I know William will return.”

“Trust me, Lizzy,” said Charlotte, “if he does not cut short his time in the north to return to you as soon as may be, I shall eat my bonnet.”

The presence of excellent friends intent on teasing her helped Elizabeth endure those days of her fiancé’s absence.

As an engaged couple, the exchange of letters was permitted, and Elizabeth and her beau made good use of this benefit.

Elizabeth read his description of Pemberley with awe, for the estate appeared to be even greater than she had thought, and her expectations had not been insubstantial.

How she would manage such a grand house, she could not say, though she refused to allow the reports of it to intimidate her.

Colonel Fitzwilliam sounded like an excellent man and one she would esteem with ease, while William’s accounts of Georgiana Darcy wrenched at Elizabeth’s heart, though she read his estimation of her improving spirits with hope for her peace of mind.

William did not need to suggest that Elizabeth extend her hand in friendship to the young girl, for she determined at once to offer it when she was in Miss Darcy’s company.

Following her intuition, she requested and received permission to exchange letters with Georgiana through William, and though she had never met the girl, correspondence soon sprang up between them.

Elizabeth did not know when the proposed visit to Pemberley would come about, but she anticipated it, for she wished to learn as much as she could about her new home.

Mrs. Bennet was, of course, interested in Elizabeth’s accounts from her letters, which she shared with all her family when she received them.

Other than Lydia, who could not tear her attention away from the officers, her family all listened, discussed, and speculated about William’s doings and the place that Elizabeth would call home after her wedding.

As a family comprising young women, it was not a surprise that teasing was the order of the day.

“It appears you are to become a grand lady, Lizzy,” said Jane, much to her sisters’ amusement. “I could never have imagined my sister becoming mistress to such an estate as Pemberley appears to be.”

“Do not forget us!” exclaimed Kitty—Elizabeth suspected her sister’s outburst was only half in jest. “We will count on your introduction into your level of society!”

“Oh, I do not give three straws for anything from London,” sniffed Lydia with disdain. “I am content with the company of the officers.”

As the girl was full of such statements, they all took the simple expedient of ignoring her. Elizabeth was not the only recipient of her family’s fire.

“What of Jane?” asked Mr. Bennet, casting a laughing glance at his eldest. “Now that Elizabeth is to rub shoulders with members of the highest sets, do you not wish to set your sights higher than that Bingley fellow Darcy brought to meet us?”

Jane colored and looked down, much to Elizabeth’s diversion—Jane had confided to Elizabeth more than once that though her acquaintance with Mr. Bingley was not of much duration, she had found him a most agreeable man.

Mr. Bennet suspected this as did the rest of the family, and while Mrs. Bennet regarded her eldest with an intense sort of interest, she said nothing to prompt Jane to speak.

“The trappings of high society have no interest for me,” said Jane when she had mastered her discomposure.

“Mr. Bingley is an agreeable man, but I have no notion of his interest in me. I am content to discover my future when the time comes, and do not wish to reach higher if Mr. Bingley proves himself agreeable.”

“No, Jane, I could not have imagined it of you,” said Mr. Bennet. “That is a sensible position, indeed, for the list of those who have been burnt reaching for the sun is beyond number.”

Mrs. Bennet regarded this all, and to Elizabeth’s eyes, a protest hovered on her lips.

In the end, she said nothing, much to Elizabeth’s relief.

She thought she understood her mother’s thinking.

Jane had been the child she had depended upon to save the family from genteel poverty, but William’s interest and engagement to Elizabeth had upset her thinking, though she was not displeased with the result.

Now that Elizabeth was to join the first circles through William’s elevation, surely her eldest daughter, with her beauty and sweet temper, could aspire to the same, or perhaps even higher.

With Elizabeth’s example with William, Mrs. Bennet would not push her daughter in a direction she did not wish to go, but it did not mean she would not think of such things.

At present, it was all academic anyway. Until William completed his present duties at Pemberley, they could not marry, and until William returned, Mr. Bingley could not return to Jane’s company.

Jane would not experience high society and what it offered until Elizabeth married, so nothing could proceed until these events took place.

As difficult as it was to wait when she thought she would be married already, Elizabeth determined to be patient.

William would return as soon as he was able.

DARCY’S DAYS DIFFERED from Elizabeth’s, for if he missed her and wrote letters of his doings with equal zeal, he was engaged in gainful employment, for there was much to do to accustom himself to Pemberley’s management.

In those days, he spent much of his time in the saddle with Fitzwilliam for company so long as the weather remained fine.

On days when the cold descended or snow fell, they remained closer to home, Darcy studying the books at the direction of the steward, learning something of Pemberley’s finances.

As Darcy learned early, the estate was in excellent financial condition, and estimates of the Darcy income and fortune were far lower than the actuality.

From what Darcy could determine, the ten thousand pounds rumored in town was the income of Pemberley itself and did not include satellite estates and other investments that comprised the Darcy portfolio.

To all those interests, Darcy could add his holdings in Hertfordshire along with certain investments he held himself, and some other accounts managed by Elizabeth’s Uncle Gardiner, leaving Darcy in a situation which would be the envy of many.

For a time after making this discovery, Darcy could barely understand the extent of his wealth and good fortune.

“That is by design,” said Fitzwilliam when Darcy commented on the subject.

“The Darcy family is an old and respected one, as you well know, but the Darcys have never appreciated the scrutiny of society. If the true extent of their wealth was known, they might attain as much attention as the nobility.”

“Yes, I can understand that. To own the truth, I have little liking for attention myself.”

Fitzwilliam eyed him with amusement. “Beyond the obvious family resemblance, there is no doubt you are a member of the family, for few avoid notice so assiduously as the Darcys.”

“It is even more to my benefit that I am already betrothed,” said Darcy. “I have no wish to wade in the shark-infested waters of the London marriage mart.”

“Aye, that is the truth!” laughed Fitzwilliam. “If you take my advice, you will solemnize your union before you introduce yourself to society at large. Many young ladies would scheme to take your lady’s place, given an opportunity.”

It was excellent advice, and Darcy had no trouble accepting it.

Though he appreciated the letters as a substitute for Elizabeth’s presence, Darcy missed her terribly, especially since had matters been otherwise, their marriage would already have taken place.

Darcy did not know how soon the wedding could be arranged after his return, but he hoped it would not be long—he had no desire to wait.

“As I have settled into the estate,” mused Darcy, “I think it is time to invite my betrothed for the promised visit.”

Fitzwilliam eyed him and nodded his agreement. “That would be for the best. As it is now February, I cannot imagine we will be here for longer than the middle of March before we go to the south. If you wish her to see the place before you return, the time is now.”

Agreeing, Darcy put his plan into motion, writing to both Elizabeth and his mother at once, offering an invitation for them to join him before the end of February.

If Elizabeth stayed for a week, she could learn what she could of the place, return to Longbourn thereafter, and Darcy could join her in Hertfordshire perhaps two weeks later.

The thought of Elizabeth walking the halls of Pemberley put a spring in his step.