She was certain the servants above stairs had already noticed the Child & Co. crest on the carriage. Surely none of them would believe she was just a casual acquaintance of Georgiana’s. What countess would truly lend her carriage to a young woman of no consequence for a three-day journey to Derbyshire?
Elizabeth flung herself onto the bed, tears stinging her eyes. Who was she, really? Not long ago, she’d been simply the second daughter of an obscure country squire—not a countess, not a great lady, and certainly not prepared to play mistress of Pemberley. She resolved to repair the breach with Georgiana and hoped the next few months would pass without any need for her to interfere in Pemberley’s affairs. Soon enough, Mr. Darcy would return, and she could quietly make her way back to London.
* * *
Chapter 10
Pemberley, April 1813
From: F. Darcy
Thomastown Harbour, Killucan
Royal Canal Co., Broadstone, Dublin
New Dublin Packet Co., Liverpool
Pemberley, near Bakewell via Buxton
Dearest Georgiana—
I am safely arrived in Ireland and have come by canal boat from Dublin to Thomastown, where I have taken lodgings in the company house by the harbour. It is a modern two-story building with pitched slate roof and rendered chimney stacks to either end—I should be very comfortable here. In truth, Thomastown might as well be the very heart of oblivion itself, so removed is it from all the comforts of civilised company. There is no point in describing its environs—which I have yet to discover—so I will start my description of Ireland at Dublin.
I had not thought beforehand, but Dublin is the second city after London in His Majesty’s dominion, and likely the third in Europe—and while it yields in extent to London, yet it does not in architectural beauties, of which I was largely ignorant. It is seated at the end of a large and spacious bay, to which it gives its name, and into which the River Liffey disembogues itself.
Of necessity, I could not spend much time in the town, and hope to see more during my extended sojourn in the country, for needs be I shall spend much time at the offices of the Royal Canal Company which are located at Broadstone, a miledistant from the town’s centre. I contrived to view the city from an elevated situation, from Lord Nelson’s monument—a view equal to any I have seen. The expansive bay to the east below the city, the variegated beauties of the adjacent county, and the neatness of the blue slating, with which the houses are universally covered, greatly contribute to the grandeur of the prospect. That being said, the shops are handsomely fitted up, with considerable taste, and so near is the resemblance of several streets to some in the metropolis of England, that you might imagine you were in London. I did not take the time to seek out any drapers or milliners—if you wish, please send me a list of any Irish linen and lace that you may find a use for.
Perhaps the grandest building is the Bank of Ireland, where I was obliged to go for permission to have my chest of Pemberley Pennies allowed into the country—I shall write of that later. The building was originally designed for and, until the Union between Great Britain and Ireland in 1800, was occupied as the Senatorial Hall of the Irish Parliament. And it must be acknowledged that not only the British Empire, but Europe, could not boast of one so spacious and stately. For architectural beauty, it is supposed to have no rival. Perhaps more to your interest are hung two large pieces of tapestry, well executed by Robert Baille. One is a representation of the memorable Battle of the Boyne, and the other, the Siege of Londonderry.
I shall mention but one further architectural masterpiece—the Castle of Dublin, the whole of it far superior in beauty, extent, and elegant apartments to the Royal Palace of St. James’s. I can do it no justice, and once I am returned, we must take a tour of Ireland and give the country the attention it so rightly deserves.
My dearest sister, I have not enquired about yourself and whether you are well. I felt miserable indeed in leaving youto manage Pemberley by yourself, trusting that Mrs. Reynolds and Baxter will ease any burdens that you might carry as mistress. Has Mr. Adkins, the representative of Child & Co., come? I received a note from Lady Jersey that I should address my correspondence to him—please pass on the direction above. I am told he is a most proper person—the third son of a gentleman—and his wife is very pleasant. Perhaps they will prove to be good company while I am away.
I failed to mention that I called upon Lord FitzGerald, the 3rd Duke of Leinster, whose father was an investor in the Royal Canal. He is a very pleasant young man of about one and twenty who has agreed to assist me, particularly with recalcitrant landowners who wish to extort more money for the purchase of their land than it is worth. He is a frequent visitor to London and, as he does not keep a townhouse in Town, I suggested he stay at Darcy House. I believe we both would enjoy his company—but that is for the future.
I shall send this letter by mail to Dublin, thence to England. There is not time enough now to write a more complete account, for I intend to walk the surveyed line of the canal from Thomastown to Mullingar, accompanied by John Rennie, the chief engineer, who seems a very knowledgeable man, having worked with Watt on his steam engine. With his assistance, I am confident the canal can soon be completed. Of my journey by passage boat along the canal from Dublin, I shall write in a later letter, once I have the leisure.
Bless you,
Your loving brother—William.
* * *
“Miss Elizabeth, such wonderful news—I have received a letter from William!” Georgiana took a wax-sealed letter from thesilver salver brought to her by Winthrop. She and Elizabeth had both just sat down to breakfast, which Elizabeth was pleased to see consisted of toast, some cold meats, cheese, and coffee or tea—not the elaborate meal that some country houses insisted upon.
“Has he been gone so very long?” she asked, thanking the butler as he poured coffee for her and tea for Miss Darcy.
“Some four weeks, for he travelled by way of Liverpool, then by packet to Dublin. He says he took passage to Thomastown by canal boat. What an adventure,” said Georgiana, avidly scanning the letter. “Oh, he met the Duke of Leinster—and has invited him to stay next at Darcy House in London. The duke! Why, he is the only non-royal duke in the whole of Ireland—how marvellous.”
“Does your brother give his direction? For I need to write to him, as he likely believes that Mr. Adkins has come to Pemberley and knows nothing of my appointment.”
“Yes, he talks of Mr. Adkins and requests me to pass on his address in Thomastown. Perhaps, if we both write, we can reduce the expense… Should we reply by express? No! To Ireland would be far too expensive. William wrote the direction via Dublin, Liverpool, then Bakewell; I believe we should use the same, but reverse it.”
“To be sure, that would be the quickest route—is it not how your brother travelled? Once we have breakfasted, let us retire to the study; you to write your letter and I, mine,” said Elizabeth, enjoying her coffee, made exactly to her taste. “I suggest we send our replies to Liverpool by messenger; otherwise, the post could be delayed or lost, for there is no mail coach direct from Bakewell to the port. By the bye, is Mrs. Younge unwell? For I have not seen her this morning.”
“She does not rise early,” replied Georgiana. “To confess the truth, the hours before breakfast are generally quite my own.Though she is agreeable enough, I cannot help but think we share few interests.”
“That is unfortunate, for a companion to be at odds with her charge.”
