Charlotte ran to the window and watched as the large carriage drew up, followed closely by the second, smaller conveyance. A groom took Mr. Darcy’s horse as he dismounted, and moments later, he opened the carriage door and handed Elizabeth down.
Mother and daughter waited at the open door, smiling. Elizabeth held out her hands. “We are here. My dear friend, are you ready to begin your adventure?”
Charlotte laughed. “You always used to say that very thing just before you dragged me into some scrape.”
Elizabeth looked impish. “Yes, like the time we followed the boys into the pond in a rowboat that leaked? Sir Lucas had to come and rescue us.”
“And how about the time we climbed into the bull pen?” Charlotte looked baffled. “How did we survive into adulthood?”
Lady Helen and Georgiana stepped from the carriage and now stood beside Elizabeth, who made the introductions.
Lady Helen inclined her head gracefully. “Miss Lucas, I am glad to meet you. Elizabeth has been eagerly anticipating this holiday. I am happy you were able to join us.”
Charlotte curtsied. “Tea is ready. Will you come in?”
While the travelers drank their tea and then retired to refresh themselves, Charlotte’s trunk was secured. Farewells were brief, and the Darcys and their guests resumed their journey to Derbyshire.
Chapter 69: Pemberley
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 inviteher 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 thesmug 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.
Chapter 70: Meeting the Rector
Charlotte had arrived at Pemberley the week before, but already her appearance was so altered that she had to look twice at her reflection in the mirror to convince herself the change was real. Miss Horatia Stevens, Elizabeth’s personal maid, had been taken into confidence regarding Charlotte’s hope of finding an eligible suitor, and the maid had taken a particular interest in the guest’s appearance. Every morning during that first week, Horatia experimented with a new hairstyle until she found one that suited Charlotte’s face and the shape of her head.
On the very first morning, Miss Stevens stood before her mistress’s friend with her fists on her hips and said, “Miss, I am going to speak plainly now. Please do not be offended, and do not cry. Mrs. Darcy told me that you wish to attract a gentleman, and I will help you, but you must also help yourself.”
Stevens removed the ribbon and pins that held Charlotte’s tight topknot fixed at the crown of her head, and the hair fell nearly to her waist.
“The back of your head is flat, and your forehead is quite large. Because of this, all the suggestions I make today will be in an effort to conceal those two prominent features.”
Charlotte was stricken, and the maid could read it in her face.
