Page 14 of Unwillingly Mrs. Darcy
Elizabeth
4th July 1812
Pemberley, Derbyshire
T he road to Pemberley had been long and, for Elizabeth, unexpectedly fraught. Mr Darcy had taken great care to arrange the journey, breaking it into manageable stages with accommodations prepared at every stop, but they had travelled separately for most of it. Elizabeth remained with Mary and Kitty, while Georgiana and Mr Darcy rode in another carriage.
If Mr Darcy’s intention had been to offer Elizabeth and her sisters the greatest possible comfort, the result felt oddly alienating. She rarely saw him, and when she did, it was at a polite distance, his attention focused on ensuring everything went smoothly rather than on any personal interaction. Elizabeth had found herself struggling to discern his mood.
The journey felt suspended between past grievances and the uncertain hope of a future—awkward, polite, and restrained. It was exhausting.
By the time the rolling hills of Derbyshire came into view, Elizabeth was relieved to near their destination. As the sisters rode in the hired carriage, her thoughts wavered between apprehension and awe. Pemberley had been described to her as a grand estate, but she could scarcely imagine what awaited them.
Kitty, restless from the days of travel, peered eagerly out of the window. Mary, in contrast, busied herself with a small book on philosophy she had insisted on bringing, pausing now and then to make thoughtful notes in the margins.
“She is not at all as I imagined,” Kitty said suddenly, breaking the quiet.
Elizabeth turned to her. “Who?”
“Miss Darcy, of course,” Kitty replied. “I confess, after all we heard from Mr Wickham, I expected her to be haughty and cold. But she is nothing of the sort.”
Elizabeth offered a small smile. “She has surprised me as well.”
Kitty nodded. “She is quite lovely, really. Perhaps a little shy, but very kind. I wonder…”
“What do you wonder?” asked Mary, her tone half-curious, half-dismissive as she paused her reading.
“Well,” said Kitty thoughtfully, “if Mr Wickham’s tales about her were untrue. Perhaps he was mistaken—or even lying.”
The words lingered in the air, heavy with the implications of all Mr Wickham had said and done.
“Mr Wickham has always had a knack for presenting himself favourably,” Elizabeth said carefully. “It is possible that his perspective was biased. What he claimed about Miss Darcy—and her brother—may not have been the whole truth.”
“Perhaps he thought it was the truth,” Kitty mused. “People see what they want to see, don’t they? Maybe he saw what he hoped, rather than what really was.”
Mary looked up sharply. “You are giving him far too much credit. He has rather loose morals.”
“Pray, I did not know you were such an expert on George Wickham,” Kitty teased.
“I am not, but I am in possession of my senses. He tried to charm Miss King until her uncle stepped in, then he tried to charm Elizabeth and then Lydia. He has no loyalty. And as for Pemberley and its master,” she gave a pointed look at Elizabeth, ”I remain sceptical. This arrangement may serve a purpose, but as for happiness…”
Elizabeth sighed inwardly. “I understand your doubts, Mary. I am not entirely certain what to expect, either.”
Kitty tilted her head. “Do you truly believe Mr Darcy is as proud as he seems? Or might he actually be different than we assumed?”
“Different how?” Mary asked.
“Oh, I don’t know. What if he’s secretly a knight in shining armour?” Kitty grinned. “It could explain everything! His helping us to pay for Papa’s treatments, and now bringing us to Pemberley. He might be trying to prove himself, in his own quiet way.”
Elizabeth couldn’t suppress a small laugh, though it was tinged with unease because she knew Mr Darcy meant to prove himself one way or the other. “A knight in shining armour? I think Mr Darcy would bristle at the idea. He is a man of substance and practicality, not romantic fantasy.”
Kitty frowned slightly, but her hopeful tone persisted. “Maybe, but a man can be noble without being sentimental.”
Elizabeth glanced out of the window as the carriage rounded a gentle bend. The trees parted, revealing a vast and verdant expanse. In the distance stood Pemberley, its grandeur undeniable even at this distance.
The conversation quieted as all three sisters took in the sight. The house rose up from among its lovely gardens, its stone facade bathed in the afternoon light. The long approach revealed pristine grounds, and groves of trees as well as flower beds, all arranged to perfection. It was both magnificent and imposing, a reminder of the life Elizabeth had stepped into. No wonder Mr Darcy had not bristled at the cost of the physician. Keeping up Pemberley had to cost a fortune.
Mary let out a contemplative sigh. “It is quite extraordinary.”
Kitty, for once, was speechless, her eyes wide with admiration.
The carriage slowed, and Georgiana and Mr Darcy, who had arrived slightly ahead of them, came into view. They stood near the front steps, clearly waiting to greet their guests. Georgiana smiled brightly and waved, her youthful enthusiasm a stark contrast to Mr Darcy’s calm reserve.
“Whatever awaits,” Elizabeth said quietly to her sisters as the carriage came to a halt, “we must try to meet it with an open mind. Pemberley is not just Mr Darcy’s home—it is mine now.”
“And ours, too, for a little while,” Kitty chimed in, her excitement returning.
As they descended from the carriage, Elizabeth glanced at Mr Darcy. He looked every inch the master of the estate, but when his gaze met hers, she thought she saw something softer—a flicker of uncertainty, or perhaps hope.
Kitty’s words lingered in her mind. Could Mr Darcy truly be a knight in shining armour, trying in his own way to bridge the gap between them? Elizabeth didn’t know. But she resolved, as they stepped into the shadow of Pemberley, to find out.
“Welcome to Pemberley,” Georgiana said brightly, her soft voice carrying a note of excitement. “I do hope you will find everything to your liking.”
Kitty beamed at her. “It’s all so grand already, Miss Darcy. The estate is even lovelier than we imagined.”
Georgiana’s cheeks pinked slightly. “I am so glad you think so. There is much to see—the gardens, the park, the lake—it’s one of my favourite places to walk. I can show you anytime you wish.”
She continued eagerly, gesturing towards the sprawling grounds. “And the library! Oh, Elizabeth, I know you enjoy reading—my brother has the most magnificent collection. We will spend hours there, I am sure.”
Elizabeth offered Georgiana a grateful smile, touched by her efforts to make them feel at home.
Mr Darcy stepped closer to Elizabeth, his expression a mixture of formality and quiet sincerity. “I’ve asked that my mother’s chambers be prepared for you,” he said. “They are among the loveliest rooms in the house, with excellent views of the gardens.”
Elizabeth was caught off guard by his thoughtfulness, her surprise evident. “Thank you, Mr Darcy. That is most kind of you.”
“Anything your sisters require,” he continued, his gaze turning towards Kitty and Mary, “will also be arranged. Pemberley is at your disposal.”
Kitty clasped her hands together. “Oh, thank you, Mr Darcy! Do you suppose we might take the carriage to Lambton soon? Aunt Gardiner has told us so much about it, and I’m simply dying to see it.”
Mr Darcy’s mouth curved in a slight smile. “Of course. We will arrange an outing at your earliest convenience.”
Mary, though less effusive, was no less curious, and spoke up. “I should like to see my chamber first. There is much to do—I must write to Mama and let her know we have arrived safely.”
Georgiana inclined her head. “Of course, Miss Mary. I think you will find your room quite comfortable, though perhaps not as quiet as the library, should you wish to write in peace.”
Mr Darcy gestured towards the doors. “Shall we?”
The group stepped inside, the grandeur of Pemberley’s entrance hall eliciting a collective gasp from the Bennet sisters. High ceilings arched above them, adorned with intricate moulding, while the polished marble floors gleamed in the soft light streaming through tall windows. A magnificent staircase wound upwards, its banisters carved with elegant patterns that spoke of craftsmanship and history.
Waiting at the base of the staircase was an older lady. Mr Darcy had told Elizabeth all about Mrs Reynolds, the housekeeper. She smiled at them, her demeanour both professional and warm.
“Welcome home, Mr Darcy,” she said with a slight curtsy, before turning to Georgiana. “Miss Darcy, it is a pleasure to have you back.”
Georgiana greeted Mrs Reynolds with evident fondness, then introduced her to Elizabeth and her sisters. “This is Mrs Reynolds. She has been with us since I was a child and oversees the entire household.”
Elizabeth smiled politely. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Reynolds.”
“And an honour to meet you, Mrs Darcy,” Mrs Reynolds replied with a kindly expression. “We are so delighted to welcome you to Pemberley.”
Elizabeth felt a slight flush creep into her cheeks at the title, but she managed a gracious nod.
Mrs Reynolds turned to Kitty and Mary, greeting them as well, before indicating that refreshments had been prepared in the drawing room should they desire them after the tour of the house.
The steward, Mr Somerville, joined them next, introducing himself and offering assurances that any practical needs regarding the estate would be managed promptly. His efficient manner made it clear Pemberley’s operations were in steady hands.
Georgiana took charge of the tour, leading the way through grand halls, richly appointed sitting rooms, and the library, which drew audible gasps from Mary and Elizabeth alike.
“This is magnificent,” Elizabeth murmured, marvelling at the towering shelves filled with books of every description.
Mr Darcy stood nearby, observing her reaction with a hint of quiet satisfaction. “It is yours now as well,” he said simply, before excusing himself to attend to estate matters.
As they moved on, Georgiana proved to be an adept guide, balancing information with her natural warmth. She pointed out features of the estate with enthusiasm—the artwork in the gallery, the guest quarters, and the central dining room, which was both impressive and welcoming.
Mary was content to observe, clearly taking mental notes on everything she saw, while Kitty chattered incessantly about all the possibilities for their stay.
“I had no idea Pemberley would be so splendid,” Kitty said as they entered yet another grand room. “No wonder Aunt Gardiner was so eager to tell us about it!”
Elizabeth was quieter, taking in everything with measured contemplation. Georgiana’s sweet and unassuming nature, coupled with Mr Darcy’s efforts to provide for her family, began to form a complex picture in her mind. As they ascended the staircase to view their chambers, she found herself wondering if she had ever truly understood him—or, indeed, his world.
“Your rooms are here,” Georgiana said, opening a door to reveal a beautifully appointed suite. “I do hope you find them to your liking.”
“They are lovely,” Elizabeth assured her, though a small knot of unease lingered in her chest.
As they settled into their chambers, Elizabeth watched Georgiana return to her brother’s side and saw them converse quietly before Mr Darcy headed down a hallway. He might seem aloof at times, but he clearly cared deeply for his sister—and, it seemed, for ensuring Elizabeth felt welcome in this new life.
Whatever lay ahead, Elizabeth resolved to approach it with grace, curiosity, and courage. Pemberley was hers now, for better or worse—and so, too, was Mr Darcy.