“Although Father appreciated the gesture, it has always seemed like a monstrosity that had been dropped on our grounds to remind us of Mother’s death.”
“Georgie. Do not speak so.”
“But it is true, Wills. Father even said so. Mother would not have liked such a large, out-of-placething.”
“Georgiana.” His tone ceased her conversation and she closed her eyes to feign sleep. Mr. Darcy looked across to Lizzy and he rolled his eyes at his sister’s girlish pluck. She could not help but bite her lip at his boyish response.
“Have we almost arrived?” Kitty asked, arching her back. “How long was I asleep?”
“Not too long, dear. And Mr. Darcy said we should be there within the hour.”
“Yes, but we shall see the house much sooner than that,” Georgiana replied. “Brother, may we stop at the crest of the hill?”
“Of course, Georgie. But do not be frightened for what we may see.”
“All will be well, Brother.”
They gradually ascended through the wood and found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence. Mr. Darcy signaled the driver to stop. The footman opened the door and the unmistakable scent of burnt wood greeted them. Mr. Darcy stepped out first, turning to hand down the ladies. Georgiana and Kitty ran ahead of them and disappeared through a copse.
He grasped Lizzy’s hand and they ran to meet Georgiana. Upon reaching the clearing, they gasped. There, with the glint of the sun reflecting off the lake, stood Pemberley, proud and erect as it had stood for generations.
Tears welled in Georgiana’s eyes, as she reached her brother and buried her face in his chest. “I did not realize how afraid I was until I saw that our home still stood. Forgive me.”
He wrapped his arms around her and lowered his head to kiss her tenderly. “Now, now, poppet. There is no need for tears. Our home is safe.” He continued to soothe her, and her crying turned to gasping hiccups.
“Pray…forgive me,” Georgiana said, addressing the Bennet sisters while wiping her eyes. “You must…think me…such a watering pot.”
Lizzy placed a hand upon her shoulder. “My dear, it must have been so frightening for you to come all this way and not know for certain. I would have reacted the same way…”
“As would I,” agreed Kitty, stepping up to embrace her friend.
“Only neither Kitty nor I have a brother to comfort us.”
Georgiana took a deep breath and seemed to have recovered some of her composure. “Of that, Lizzy, I cannot envy you there. I would not trade my dear brother for all the sisters in the world and only wish you could experience it for yourself. There is no greater feeling of comfort and safety than in William’s arms.”
A glaring silence followed, and Lizzy could only mumble, “I am certain you are correct, Georgiana, but I… I…”
Georgiana herself blushed an indeterminate hue. “Lizzy, you misunderstand me. That is… I do not mean to say… I did not wish… for you to feel my brother’s … I…”
Kitty seemed to be attempting to swallow her rising mirth and even Mr. Darcy’s own countenance glowed. “But the Miss Bennets are to gain a brother very soon. Charles.” He cleared his throat but before he could offer another statement, Lizzy salvaged the moment.
“I know what you meant, Georgie. Never you mind. Now,” she said, calling over her shoulder as she walked toward the carriage and hoping to hide the tremor in her voice, “let us hie to Pemberley. I cannot fathom waiting a second longer when our destination is so desirable.”
Chapter 18
Elizabeth rolledover and burrowed deeper under the feathered quilt, closing her eyes again to the morning sun. After their arrival the previous week, she had been quite in awe of Mr. Darcy and his home. She was not mercenary, mind you, but was enthralled watching him as master of his estate. He interacted amiably with his servants and the few tenants who came to meet with him. He knew everyone by name, and although he was decidedly the master, his level of concern touched her.He is a much different master than my father. These people are a part of him because they are a part of Pemberley.
She peeked out from under the quilts, hearing the sound of the birds outside calling to her. She heard a maid in her dressing room and another had brought in a small breakfast tray.I must be very late indeed.She stretched one last time and threw her legs over the side of the bed, dangling her toes until they touched the rug.
They had a wonderful time at Lord Donnelley’s dinner party the previous evening and she expected a lively discourse with Kitty and Georgiana as to the events which had raised such splendid expectations. Kitty’s charms had captured the attentions of Lord Donnelley’s second son and she had shown great pleasure in his company.Would that not be astounding were Kitty to make a match with the son of a lord? Mama would faint!Lizzy smiled at the notion as she sipped her chocolate and allowed the maid to dress her. After her hair was managed into an acceptable bandeau, she grabbed a scone from the tray and headed down the stairs, anticipating another enjoyable day.
* * *
Fitzwilliam Darcynever ceased to be in awe that she was in his home—she who had haunted his dreams and captivated his almost every thought. To hear her laugh with his sister, hear her kindness to the servants, hear her proclaim with pure delight the wonder and beauty of his library—it was all he could ask for.Not quite all. He closed his ledgers and leaned back in his large wing back chair. His breath caught as he saw her in his mind’s eye standing at Ashby Park with her hair cascading in ringlets down her back.Her skin so soft, her lips so full. He let out a small groan and shook his head to clear the image. Opening the ledger again, he began to scribble notes to discuss with his steward.
Drumming his fingers in thought, he stopped mid-motion when he heard her. That laugh which toyed with him in even in his most alone hours was just beyond his study in the library. He fought the urge to see her by continuing his notes.
That lasted all of two more minutes before the urge was too great. Standing abruptly, he grabbed a book from his shelf, opened the adjoining door to the library but halted where he stood when he found her alone.
