Behind the house was a gently rising hill with trees dotted about, to the left Lizzy could see a vast vegetable and herb garden, a conservatory, and beyond that very extensive and well-maintained stables. In the centre and to the right of the manor house at its rear was an area with benches with various flower beds full of colour and a fountain in the middle of it all.
In front of the manor she saw verdant gardens that, although well maintained, still retained the look of not being overly manicured or ordered as some were wont to do. There was a stream that wound its way lazily until it spilled into the lake in the front of the house beyond the formal gardens.
Beyond the stream was the very inviting forest calling out to Elizabeth to explore its paths and secrets. In the centre of the formal gardens Lizzy could see a divine rose garden that sported more benches strategically placed at random intervals for one to sit and enjoy the sights and aroma from the magnificent roses.
There was a gazebo in the garden where she could imagine many relaxing hours spent out of doors reading or enjoying the company of her very soon to be husband, when the weather permitted.
In her mind’s eye she could imagine them sitting in the gazebo with their future children, sipping chilled lemonade and enjoying the natural bounty that she saw before her. On the other side of the stream, nature was allowed its head and there was no attempt to improve what nature and God had designed.
“Do you approve my love?” asked her fiancé.
“William your estate is spectacular; I understand now why you and Georgie light up whenever you talk about Pemberley. I have never seen a place nature has done more for and where the natural beauty has been so little counteracted by the awkward tastes of man.”
“I just knew you would love your new home.” Georgie gushed with a glow of happiness.
“William,” James looked at his soon to be brother, “promise us we will ride and explore a lot of Pemberley while we are here.”
As William looked at his eager brothers to be he smiled indulgently, “I will have a lot of estate business to catch up on,” he bit back a smile as their shoulders fell, “however, Richard and Charles know the estate well and while I may be busy, they will be available to go with you so you will not be bored. That is a solemn promise. In addition, I promise to join you whenever I am able.” He winked at James, who couldn’t contain his excitement at the prospect.
Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam stood behind his beloved Mary. ‘I need to talk to Uncle Thomas, I will beg if need be, but I, we, do not want to wait almost a year to find the bliss William will have in a short time when he marries his beloved Lizzy,’ he thought as he looked longingly at the Bennet that he was courting.
As William looked at the glow on his fiancée’s face, he smiled, “I am very pleased you approve Elizabeth, especially as your approval is the most important one to me.”
After absorbing the Bennets’ approbation for Pemberley, a very happy and proud Fitzwilliam Darcy suggested that everyone return to the carriages so they could make the short journey to the house.
Lizzy could see her beloved had no improper pride, anyone would be proud of such a home, she was already.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
The coaches came to a halt in front of the manor house in an internal courtyard. Standing at the base of the wide half dozen stairs leading to the house’s massive doors in anticipation of their first look at the new mistress were the butler and housekeeper.
They had both received glowing reports from the Killions at Darcy House and wanted to see if there really could be such a wondrous lady as had been described to them.
Before they arrived, Darcy had explained Douglas had been promoted to butler fifteen years before while Mrs. Reynolds had been the housekeeper since he was six. He further explained all retainers who did not have family to go to after retirement were given one of a good number of pensioner cottages that the Darcys had built for their loyal staff over the years.
As soon as the conveyances drew to a halt, footmen all wearing the distinctive green and gold Darcy livery materialised and opened the doors and placed the steps for the occupants to descend and others started to unload the trunks of those staying at the estate.
From up close the house looked even more impressive. Once everyone had alighted, the Bennets who were the only ones in the party previously unknown to the two head staff members were introduced and received polite bows and curtsies.
Darcy took special pleasure introducing his fiancée as the soon to be mistress of Pemberley to the two senior members of staff. Both Reynolds and Douglas were already impressed by the gentility and amiability they could see in the Bennets.
The lady who would soon be the mistress after the master married her in a little more than a fortnight seemed, at first blush, to be completely without artifice. Mrs. Reynolds smiled as she watched herdear boyas the happiness radiated from him. He was the best landlord and best master that could be and there was not a single servant or tenant who would contradict that fact.
Based on the longing and loving looks that passed between the couple, the senior staff members were very happy to see that this exquisite young woman loved the master, seemingly not his possessions.
When Mrs. Reynolds spied Bingley and the Hursts, she scanned the rest of the party then let out an audible sigh of relief when she noted Miss Caroline Bingley was not a guest.
As they all entered the house, Lizzy could see right away, that like Darcy House, Pemberley exuded wealth and comfort with only the best of everything, but also was in no way ostentatious or gaudy. The furniture was acquired for comfort, not to impress.
Darcy had told her the house had four more stories above the first floor and an extensive cellar and cold room below. There was an extremely impressive marble grand staircase that rose up from the rear of the entrance hall with various doors that lead off on both sides. The vaulted ceiling went all the way up to the second floor and was tastefully painted with a fresco. Georgiana, as she was still hostess until she gained Lizzy as a sister in about three weeks, led everyone to the larger orange drawing room for refreshments.
As they entered, Lizzy turned to William and gained his immediate focus, “When we return here from our wedding trip William, am I to be given a map so I do not get lost and cannot be found for days on end? How am I to learn to be mistress of all of this?” she asked playfully with a subtle hint of impertinence.
This caused a round of good-natured laughter from the whole party. “My dearest, departed sister Anne was intimidated when she first married George, and she grew up at Snowhaven which as you well know is quite large, but it only lasted some few days. And you, Lizzy, have always stated your courage rises at every attempt to intimidate you,” the Earl countered.
“That is true, Uncle Reggie.” Jane laughed gently then looked at Lizzy. “This house will be another challenge for you; however, we all know how you enjoy, and rise to, a challenge.” Jane supported her sister in the best way possible, reminding her that she was happier when she was faced with new things than when things were the same.
“Yes, my Lizzy,” Fanny said affectionately as she squeezed one of Lizzy’s hands, “remember this is only a house. You and all of my girls have been well educated in the running of a house. However, like ours, I can already see this is a home, not just a house for show. That, my dear, you know very well how to maintain. It only takes love and a plan for dinner,” Fanny teased her Lizzy, winning a laugh from many in the room.
