Elizabeth gave a wry smile. “If sometimes less than palatable to her audience. As for my other sisters, Kitty and Lydia are very young yet. Kitty is sweet, but tends to go along with whatever Lydia says. Hopefully, she will come into her own one day.”
“And what is Kitty’s special talent?” Darcy asked.
“She does not like to say it, but she is quite good at watercolours. She might pursue painting more if Lydia did not so loudly proclaim it to be dull.” Elizabeth sighed. “And Lydia — well, she ensures Longbourn is never dull. She is very interested in clothes and ribbon, and haberdashery.”
“She designs hats?” Darcy asked. It was an odd thing for a country gentleman to allow his daughter to engage in.
“Oh, no, not making them. Buying them,” Elizabeth said with a wry smile. “Unfortunately, I think she will be a great burden to her future husband someday if she does not learn to use some economy.”
“I am sure your mother will guide her in that area,” he said.
“I am not so sure,” she replied. “Mama is the one Lydia takes after most.” She let out a sigh and waved at the mountains. “I love these hills. It feels as if I have come home after a long absence — as though I was always meant to be here.”
Darcy’s chest brimmed with pride. “I am glad to hear you say it. I want this to feel just as much of a home to you as you felt at Longbourn.” He hesitated. “As much as is possible, anyway.”
“I am sure it will. In time,” Elizabeth said. She took a deep breath, her chest expanding with the crisp, fresh air. Though inwardly chiding himself for acting the cad, Darcy could not tear his eyes away. After several seconds, he forced himself to look at her lovely profile instead.
“Tell me about Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth went on. “I should like to greet my new cousin properly.”
“You will like him, I am sure. Fitzwilliam is a splendid chap and a loyal friend. He is a few years younger than I — a true gentleman with a thirst for life and adventure.”
“Your cousin serves in His Majesty’s armed forces? Which branch?”
“The Regulars. And a more honourable man you will never find, nor one with more conversation. He was there for me during some of the hardest times of my life. First with my mother’s passing, and then with my father’s.” His mind flashed to that fateful morning when the letter had come from Wickham, announcing that he had stolen his sister away to Scotland. But of that day, he would prefer not to speak. “Anyway, he is the second son of the Earl and Countess of Matlock. My aunt and uncle could not be prouder of him.”
“He sounds quite dashing,” Elizabeth replied. “I am glad he will be here for the Christmas festivities. He will add greatly to the gaiety of the season.”
“I agree. It has been many years since we hosted anything for Christmas, besides very small parties — only for family.I wonder if it might be time to open the house and invite the neighbours for some Christmas festivities.” He remembered the elaborate parties his parents had given before Georgiana was born. How long ago that had been! But Darcy could still remember vividly how the house had been alive with dancing, music, and laughter. The house had lain silent for far too long. It had never bothered him before.
But with Elizabeth’s arrival, he had begun to think it time to bring Pemberley back to life.
“I think that is a splendid idea. Oh, and I shall make presents for all the village children. Nothing too extravagant. But my sisters and I always enjoyed making little handmade trinkets for each other to celebrate the holidays. Do you think that would be suitable? I should not wish the neighbourhood to think me eccentric.” Elizabeth looked at him inquiringly, pinning her lower lip between her perfectly white teeth. His heart rate spiked from that one small gesture.
“You will endear the people to you even more than you already have if you were to lavish their children with little gifts. As for the funds, please let me know how much you will need over and above your quarterly allowance, and I will see that the money is transferred into your account.”
She raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Oh, I did not mean to come begging for more money. The eighty pounds you gave me will barely be touched, with the gifts I have in mind. Even so, I thank you.”
“It is no trouble at all. I should like to help, if you would allow me?” His voice caught in his throat. “Perhaps the gifts can be from both of us?”
Her lower lip quivered, and he wondered if she was saddened thinking of the traditions she would not be able to share with her family that Christmas season. Or had he offended her by wanting to be included? He had not meant to…
“I would like that very much.”
“Truly? You need not agree just to pacify me.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No, not at all. I think it would further establish us as a couple in the eyes of everyone from the village. And perhaps we shall learn even more about each other as we work on the gifts.”
“It’s settled, then. Tell me what you need from me and I will be at your beck and call.” Darcy laughed privately at himself. It had never before occurred to him to prepare gifts for the village children. The baskets sent to the poor, as well as the gift of fruit from Pemberley’s orchards and a sum of money to help them through the winter months, were a more substantial benefit.
But Elizabeth was not wrong. Gifts for the spirit were important as well. And Darcy suspected that the addition of a little present for all the children would be received extremely enthusiastically.
Turning back towards the house, Darcy broached a question that had been considerably on his mind. “How are your lessons with Lady Catherine? Dare I hope she is beginning to mellow a little?”
Elizabeth laughed. “Oh, perhaps a little — a very little. The lessons are well enough. You will see, I will win her over in the end.”
“I have no doubt of it. You have been very clever and very generous. Most ladies would have wanted to see her out of the house as quickly as possible.”
“I thank you. Truly, I think Lady Catherine only wanted someone to listen to her. It goes to show that a little kindness and patience will go a long way,” she laughed. It was a pleasant sound that sent warmth all through him. “I wish all family problems could be mended so easily.” Elizabeth glanced up at him and halted on the path. She took a breath, as if she were building up the courage to ask him something.
