Elizabeth’s heart raced, and she held her breath while her eyes searched for the object of Mrs. Gardiner’s awe. When she finally noticed it, her sigh matched her aunt’s.
“Take the path towards the lake, and from there follow the road to Lambton,” Mrs. Gardiner instructed the coachman, then added, “Wait till we get closer, Lizzy.”
The carriage rode steadily through the large park, and a great variety of ground was revealed to their eyes.
Her uncle and aunt spoke animatedly, but Elizabeth’s mind was too full for conversation and too busy to admire every remarkable spot.
They gradually ascended for half a mile until they reached the highest point, where the wood ceased, and their eyes were instantly caught by the stunning image of the house situated on the opposite side of a valley, still a significant distance away.
It was an impressive building, standing well on rising ground, having a stunning lake in front of it and backed by a ridge of high, woody hills. The building looked handsome, and the grounds were flawless, without any artificial appearance. Elizabeth was delighted, thinking she had never seen a place so beautifully situated.
At the same time, a cold wave of sadness and sorrow enveloped her, while she began to realise what it meant to be themistress of Pemberley. The notion that Mr. Darcy had offered her all that beauty and a position probably desired by many other women seemed difficult to believe, and the recollection of her rejection became even more tormenting.
“It is no wonder that Mr. Darcy is such a proud man,” Mr. Gardiner uttered. “I would be too if I owned such an estate. He must be very severe and fastidious in judging women since he must select the worthiest one to be the mistress of all this.”
While her uncle spoke mostly in jest, it mirrored Elizabeth’s thoughts well, and she felt a sharp pain in her chest.
“Being the mistress of Pemberley is also a great responsibility,” Mrs. Gardiner added. “Lady Anne Darcy was admired by everybody. Her memory and legacy must be precious to her son. I wonder when and who will take her place.”
Elizabeth smiled despite her turmoil. For a moment, she imagined how it would have been if she were already Mrs. Darcy and could welcome her uncle and aunt to Pemberley. Her brief reflection, however, vanished when her reason told her that Mr. Darcy would likely not appreciate visits from her relatives from Cheapside. Even if she had not despised him when he proposed, even if her feelings had been favourable towards him, she could not have agreed to enter into a marriage which would separate her from her family.
The carriage was following the road through the park, getting closer to the house, and now allowed a full view of its splendour.
“Dear aunt, we are not going any closer to the house, I hope!” Elizabeth said.
“No, my dear. At least not today. We shall go to Lambton and enquire whether the family is at home. If they are not, I shall try to persuade you to return for a proper visit.”
“If the family is not at home, I might be easily convinced.” Elizabeth smiled.
Several minutes later, they spotted a few men at work. They glanced at the carriage only briefly, then returned to their duties.
“Look, Lizzy, that is the greenhouse! And look at the gardens. Is it not charming?”
“It is wonderful,” she admitted in a small voice. “Wonderful,” she repeated, her heart pounding.
“Oh, it looks even lovelier than I remember,” Mrs. Gardiner continued. “I truly hope Mr. Darcy is not as arrogant and unpleasant as you said, Lizzy. I would be very sorry for the legacy of his parents. And for this beautiful place that he owns.”
“I believe once you come to know him better, Mr. Darcy might have other qualities that overshadow his arrogance,” Elizabeth answered, trying to sound light. “Owning Pemberley is certainly one of them.”
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the sound of loud barking, and from near the lake, three dogs — seemingly rather large ones — ran through the trees towards them.
