“Yes, Aunt.”
Goodbyes were said to the children and the three left the house for Ballards bookshop.
The Carriage
The ride to Ballards was proving to be quite enjoyable, with Mrs. Gardiner relating stories about her precocious sons and Elizabeth adding her own amusing commentary. Pleasantly, these tales reminded William of his youth.
“Mrs. Gardiner, ‘tis a shame your sons do not live in the country,” he remarked. “Growing up as a child at Pemberley was extraordinary. When we were not away at school, my cousin Richard and I would spend hours riding about the estate exploring and looking for adventure. Not to mention our lake and pond were well stocked and we could fish and or swim until our hearts were content.” He chuckled. “It was truly a boy’s paradise.”
“To be sure. Lambton and the surrounding area, being relatively untamed, have endless possibilities for a boy’s imagination,” she remarked. “Every harvest season, my children look forward to visiting a farm just outside of the city where my cousin’s family resides. I agree; city life is far different from that of the country. Is it not, Lizzy?”
“True, and as much as I have enjoyed being in Town with you and Uncle, I do miss Longbourn and my daily rambles. Mr. Darcy, while we do not have the advantage of the peaks, we do have a small rise which I would walk to nearly every day, weather permitting. Oakham Mount is a favourite as I can see for miles while enjoying the peace and solitude an early morning has to offer.”
“Then may I assume you prefer walking to riding?”
“Indeed I do.” Her smile was engaging. “You have discovered yet another of my passions. I love being out of doors, and I find walking is the best mode of transportation, since the horses are usually in want at the home farm.”
He nodded in understanding. “My estate in the north is unmatched where nature is concerned, and I am sure you would enjoy the many trails and paths Pemberley has to offer.”
“It sounds fascinating.”
“Lizzy, you would love the grounds,” Mrs. Gardiner affirmed. “The park itself is very large, with a great variety of pleasing foliage. When my family toured the estate, I remember passing through a deep wooded area as the road ascended a rise. Upon reaching the top, one could see the valley below and the magnificence of the manor house. Mr. Darcy, what we saw of your estate was beyond our expectations and I must add one of my fondest memories before marrying Edward and moving to London.”
“I thank you for saying so.” He smiled proudly at her assessment. “I hope that someday you will have the opportunity to visit the area again and experience its pleasures with your own family.”
“That would be my wish, as I spent some of my best days growing up in Lambton.”
Lady Gwendolyn had said Elizabeth Bennet was a country girl at heart. Though Anne was raised at Rosings Park, she had never longed to return to her home in Kent, let alone spend any significant time at Pemberley. William could not help but think of Elizabeth in that setting, taking in all nature had to offer. Yes, there, and in his library.
Ballards
Arriving at Ballards, Elizabeth’s excitement could not be contained. Peering through the windows then entering the shop, she was in awe of each and every display. The stacks were many, and she could not help but run her gloved fingers along the spines of several books before picking up one that caught her attention.
“Mr. Darcy, I have never seen such an extensive collection of used books and all in very good condition, I might add. Just look at this first edition ofLyrical Ballads.”She pulled off one of her gloves and carefully turned the pages one at a time. “I believe this is something my father would enjoy, as he often debates the merits of both Wordsworth and Coleridge.”
“Ah, yes, I have this book in my library and know it well.The Rime of the Ancient Marineris in this first edition, and one that I have long pondered in the study of its meaning.”
She looked at him curiously. “I wonder, does your comment imply that you are a man who might face an inner struggle such as the mariner did?”
William suspected her remark was meant to tease, but his response was serious. “Perhaps, but for far different reasons, I assure you. The dilemmas I often face stem from the daily decisions I am forced to make. Everything I do affects many under my care, and my choices cannot be taken lightly.” His look was imploring, wanting her to understand. “Forgive me,” he abruptly said, turning his head, the breath hitching in his throat. “It was wrong of me to speak of such.”
“Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said quietly, lightly touching his forearm and causing him to turn back and look at her. “I have little knowledge of what you must have faced since inheriting and later with the loss of your wife. In all sincerity, please know that I am not ill at ease and would not mind if at some time you might wish to share your burden.”
He looked down at the small ungloved hand which rested on his arm and impulsively placed his own on top hers, feeling its warmth. In all the years he had been with Anne, never once had she touched him in this manner or shown him such consideration.
“You are too kind.” He smiled shyly, looking into her luminous eyes. “I appreciate your willingness to listen. Perhapsone day.” He nodded and removed his hand, prompting her to do the same.
Elizabeth had not expected such frankness from him, but it was not unwelcome. She needed to know more of this man who puzzled her exceedingly if she was to consider a courtship and possible marriage, should he choose to offer.
Attempting to lighten the conversation, she said, “I believe I shall purchase this book for my father. He will enjoy adding it to his collection. Now, I have only to find something amongst all of these treasures to fuel my own pleasure. Perhaps something by Cowper; he was born in Hertfordshire, if you remember.”
“Yes, I am aware. His poem,Light Shining out of Darkness, is a great favourite of mine.”
“I know it well,” she said, her smile beguiling. “It gives one hope, does it not? For even at life’s darkest hour, we can anticipate the morning’s beam, a simple ray of light to lift the gloom of despair and give us the expectation of something better.”
“The expectation of something better,” he murmured, surprised yet again by her depth of understanding. “Yes, it is a lovely thought, and I might add, beautifully put. Miss Elizabeth, it seems you are a poet at heart.”
“I claim to be nothing of the sort,” she said while blushing and defensively arching a playful brow. “You see, I, too, have pondered the meaning of Cowper’s poem.”
