Page 14 of Elizabeth’s Choice

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Elizabeth stared out the window of the carriage and gawked at the sight of the grand mansion. She had heard of Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy’s massive fortune but had no idea that their family home was as large as a palace. She stuttered, “How could you bear to not spend all of your time here? You stay here only three or four months out of the year?”

Georgiana giggled, “I am here about half the year but it is true. William only stays three months in the summer and another one for Christmas.”

“I do not understand it,” Elizabeth shook her head, “Pemberley is likely the most beautiful place in the world but I suppose when one is used to it, one takes it for granted." She faced Darcy and enquired, “And where do you spend your time during the rest of the year?”

He replied, “Usually a month in Kent for Easter with our aunt and sometimes two or three months touring my other properties in England. I remain in London during the season, even if I do not necessarily enjoy being there.”

“When you finally marry, perhaps you will be at Pemberley more often, William,” Georgiana added, “and although I have yet to approve of Miss Bingley, I will do my best to accept her if you believe she is worthy.”

“Miss Bingley? Is that Mr. Bingley’s sister? I had expected to meet Mr. Bingley some time ago but have not yet had the pleasure. Why would you not approve of Miss Bingley?”

Georgiana grinned, “I think she is too snobby but William thinks she is pretty,” she stuck her tongue out at her brother, “but she is not good enough for him and Richard thinks the same. William is to spend two months in autumn with her and I am of the mind to join him to sabotage any plans she might make to entrap him!”

Elizabeth watched the gentleman’s face colour in embarrassment and wondered how beautiful Miss Bingley must be for Mr. Darcy to take interest. She felt as though her stomach was in knots and did not understand her own reaction but attempted to change the topic. “I wish you the best, Mr. Darcy. Now, can you tell me more about the libr…” but was interrupted.

“Actually, I do want Georgie to come with me to visit Bingley this autumn, as coincidentally, his new home will be in Hertfordshire. I cannot recall the name of the place but I understand you will be in Hertfordshire also and perhaps I might even request your hospitality to host my sister there.” He eyed Elizabeth closely and continued, “Hertfordshire is only four hours from town and Richard might be interested in visiting often also.”

Elizabeth nodded her head happily and smiled at Georgiana, “Of course, you are most welcome! I am to take residence at Ashworth in October and can show you all the sights in the area. How wonderful that you can meet Jane also and I know you will love her! I hope Mr. Bingley’s new home will not be too far so Mr. Darcy does not miss Georgie’s company.”

Elizabeth turned her head as the carriage came to a halt and she saw the line of servants awaiting them in front of the entry. “All these people work for you? I am most eager to meet your butler and housekeeper to ask them how in the world they manage your home!”

They exited and Darcy nodded to several of his servants and then introduced the guests to his butler Mr. Watkins and his housekeeper Mrs. Reynolds, “Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mrs. Annesley, Miss Darcy’s new companion. Miss Bennet is to be given all the freedom here as Miss Darcy’s special guest during the next three months.”

Elizabeth commented to the butler and housekeeper, “I will attempt to be on my utmost best behaviour but am known to be quite wild and enjoy spending my time out of doors. I will warn you in advance that you might see me shockingly dressed in an unusual fashion at times but please feel free to ask me any questions you would like and I would love to spend some time speaking with each of you as well. Thank you for the hearty welcome.”

Darcy could see Mr. Watkins and Mrs. Reynolds’ pleased expression to have an amiable guest in comparison to last year’s horrid ladies and smiled to himself but wondered why Miss Elizabeth would want to speak with his servants. He thought perhaps that she wanted to know all the sordid details of the mansion to find how much it was worth, like Miss Bingley and her sister had done last year, but he shook his head, knowing that this guest was the complete opposite of Bingley’s sisters.

As they walked further into the home, he spoke to the ladies, “I gave Mrs. Reynolds instructions to prepare Miss Elizabeth’s bedchamber in the family wing, since it will only be the four of us. She will be located next to you in the Primrose Room, Georgie, and Mrs. Annesley will be in the Lavender Room.” He faced Elizabeth and continued, “We can give you a full tour of Pemberley after you have rested for a bit, if you wish.”

Elizabeth asked, “Could I trouble you for a horse and a stable boy to guide me so that I can ride out for a while? I have been sitting too long for the past three days and would love a ride in this beautiful countryside.”

Darcy lifted one brow as he replied, “I was actually thinking the same and had planned on going out in a half hour. Would you like to join me?”

She nodded happily, “That would be perfect, sir. Georgie, would you like to join…” she turned and saw Miss Darcy quickly hiding a big yawn. “Oh, perhaps you can rest now and I can get a tour from you before dinner?”

The young lady gladly agreed and they went upstairs with Mrs. Reynolds guiding the way. Elizabeth entered her bedchamber, where her maid Susie was already preparing the room for her, and sat on the side of the bed, admiring the decor of the room with a large bouquet of fresh flowers in a vase, and wondered how Mrs. Reynolds might have guessed that yellow roses were her favourite.

Chapter 10

“Mr. Darcy! I must speak with you immediately,” Elizabeth barked at him while he was passing the staircase on his way to his study. “Now, sir.”

Darcy’s eyes broadened with her harsh tone but he replied, “In my study, if you please,” and showed her the way.

As soon as they entered the room, Elizabeth crossed her arms and hissed, “How could you be so high-handed? I returned from our ride outside to find Susie still unpacking my trunks and I could not understand where the extra trunks came from. She said there were a full dozen dresses that she had not known about and confirmed with Georgie’s maid that all were meant for me. I just spoke with your sister and she said that it was on your order that the modiste made the dozen dresses. I will repay you for them and refuse to owe anything to you but am beyond angry with you that you would scheme such a thing behind my back. What were you thinking?”

Darcy attempted to speak but could not get a word in otherwise as she continued, “Why did you do it? Do you think I am poor and cannot afford to pay for my own clothes? I have funds aplenty and you need not be charitable to me. I can, I will pay you for my stay here and do not dare think I will take advantage of yours and Georgie’s generosity! I am the daughter of a gentleman and am no beggar, sir!”

He chuckled, “I would never make such an error, Miss Elizabeth, but you must know that it is I who owe you a tremendous debt and why I was so… “high-handed” in ordering more dresses, do you not? I still have two more debts and I never meant to offend you. I know you are perfectly capable of funding your travels but also heard about how frugal you are and knew that you would not agree to it so why I told Georgiana to arrange for it. You must see from my point of view, that if my sister had not met you, if she had not your friendship to guide her regarding Wickham and Mrs. Younge, a horrible adversity could have befallen her and I would have been most pained to see her suffer. I owe you a debt far greater than a dozen dresses and will refuse any repayment.”

He approached her and lifted up her hand to kiss it tenderly, “We consider you like family already and if you should decide to accept Richard, you will be our cousin and be welcome at Pemberley at any time of your choosing. Please forgive me and I promise I will never assume what you want for yourself. You are perfectly capable of making your choices and owe us nothing. I promise to wait for your decision on the next two debts and will not be so high-handed again.”

Elizabeth could only laugh as she retorted, “You always get what you want, do you not? I would not have fathomed that you are such a smooth talker. Fine! I will accept the dresses and even thank you for them. I find it difficult to remain angry with you when you have been so kind. You are still my rescuer from ten years ago, after all, and I suppose I must find a way to save you someday. I always repay my debts also. Do not forget.”

Darcy bowed with a large smile and Elizabeth left the room. He sat on his chair to think about the intriguing woman and thought of how she might become a part of his family, but hopefully not by marrying Richard.

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