“That is an excellent idea. When I was a boy, I always had a journal to write down my thoughts and discoveries. Perhaps Mama and I can take you to Hatchards where they have a lovely selection of journals.” He smiled. “I am sure we can find one that you will like.”
“Oh, yes, Papa. I would like to have my own journal, and Mama can write down what I tell her, just like she did in her little book.”
“A journal of your own is a lovely thought, Anna,” Elizabeth commented. “When we write in it, we can also include some small drawings and I can show you how to fill them in with coloured pencils.”
Anna’s face suddenly became animated and she let out a little giggle. “Mama, when we get our new book, I think we should write down what you told me about fishing with the cousins. We can draw a picture of the old shoe they caught instead of the big fish!” Again she giggled.
“Papa, Mama said the boys laughed so hard when they pulled up the old shoe that they scared all of the fish away and did not catch anything else all morning.”
“I am not surprised. If you remember, when I took you fishing at our pond, we had to be very quiet and wait patiently for the fish to bite.”
“I do remember.”
“Since Mama likes to fish, I think we should take her fishing when we go back to Pemberley. What say you, Elizabeth?”
“I would love to go fishing with the two of you, and maybe Aunt Georgie, too.”
“Oh, no, Mama. Aunt Georgie does not like worms and never goes fishing with us. But I can hold them in my hand; Papa showed me how. And later he took me to the Nature Room and showed me how to use Grandmamma’s microscope and we looked at some of the things we found.”
“Elizabeth, my mother loved the study of plants and flowers, and had made it her practice to catalogue as much of the flora on our property as she was able. Her many journals are stored in that room and in our library. When I was a boy, the two of us spent hour after hour in the Nature Room, although I admit my interest lay more with the collection of living creatures. After Anna was born, I refurbished the room with the hope that my children would one day enjoy it as much as I did. Anna and I will take great pleasure in showing it to you, will we not, little one?”
“Yes, Papa. Mama, you will love the Nature Room.”
“I shall look forward to it. From what both of you have said, I gather it must be a fascinating place, and filled with many treasured memories for you, William.”
He nodded. “It does hold many memories, years’ worth.”
“When I was a child,” Elizabeth continued, “my mother could not abide us bringing any living thing into our house. Patches, who was an excellent mouser, was the only exception. Happily, on occasion my father took me fishing with him at the stream, and sometimes the Lucas boys invited us to fish at their pond.”
“Anna, did you tell Mama about our pond?”
“I did.”
“Good. Since Mama has never been to our home in the north, she must be curious about Pemberley. Even though we have not been there since your birthday, I wonder if there is something else you might like to tell her about what you remember.”
Much like her father, Anna’s face became serious while she was thinking. Her forehead crinkled a bit and her jaw was firmly set. Then suddenly she sat up tall, sweetly smiled and said, “Mama, on my birthday we had cake and then Papa took me on his big black horse so we could give treats to the children for my special day.”
“How lovely!” Elizabeth exclaimed.
“Last March, for Anna’s fourth birthday, Mrs. Reynolds arranged to have some baskets distributed to our tenants in her honour. For part of the day, Anna and I rode alongside the wagon and visited cottages where there were children.”
“I am pleased to hear it,” said Elizabeth. “‘Tis a wonderful gesture, and over time I shall look forward to meeting all of the families who live at Pemberley. Jane and I did much for our tenants at Longbourn, and I would like to continue the tradition with Anna and Georgiana.”
“Your efforts would be welcomed. Aside from what Mrs. Reynolds does on our behalf, the estate has not had such care since my mother was mistress some twelve years ago. Currently we have thirty-six active tenant properties in addition to our home farm. It would be a sizeable undertaking, but whatever you would see fit to do will be greatly appreciated by our people and by me.” William reached across Anna’s lap and took Elizabeth’s hand. “You will make a fine mistress, Elizabeth. Never doubt that. I am already very proud of you.”
She squeezed his hand and lovingly said, “Thank you, William. I shall take great pleasure in doing my part.”
“I know you will.”
Eager to join in, Anna placed her little hands on top of her parents’ hands, saying, “I am proud of you too, Mama.”
“Why, thank you, Anna. Your praise means much to me.” When they all released their hands, Elizabeth added, “William, I was thinking, with Georgiana’s arrival tomorrow, it will be our first night together as a family. I should like to extend our celebration past today and have a special dinner for her.”
“I heartily agree. It will be good to have her home with us.”
“It need not be too elaborate, mind you, but I am sure Cook could provide me with some of your family’s favourite dishes for the menu. I shall speak to her as soon as we return home. Georgiana may be a bit weary after her journey from Kent, but Iwould like to make the gesture, and I am sure the colonel would enjoy a good meal after his long day, too.”
“I agree.” William chuckled. “I have never known Richard to turn down a good meal.”
