Page 85 of A Different Impression

His silent departure hurt, although it did not surprise her. She had said what needed to be said. Whether he chose to consider her words or retreat once more into indifference was no longer her responsibility.

CHAPTER 35

Returning to Pemberley

By the time Darcys’ carriage departed London during the first week of June, Darcy House had been left to the servants. Anne and Miss Lucas had removed to Matlock House, whilst Richard had returned to his bachelor lodgings, preferring his familiar rooms once the Darcys left Town. Miss Lucas had accepted his request for a courtship, and he had already travelled to Meryton to obtain Sir William’s blessing.

He was now in the process of selling his commission, and the articles of partnership concerning the horse-breeding enterprise had been signed by Anne, Richard, and Darcy. A smaller manor house on the Rosings estate was also being renovated for Richard’s use. Despite insisting that he was in no hurry to marry, his frequent enquiries about the work suggested that he hoped to establish a home with Miss Lucas sooner rather than later.

Bingley escorted Jane and Mary to Longbourn, his carriage accompanying the Darcy party until their routes separated near Meryton. Mary had declined an invitation to Pemberley, explaining that she believed she ought to assist her father through the summer. Before she left, she promised Elizabeth that she would write honestly of whether matters improved. Darcy privately doubted they would. Of Elizabeth’s sisters, Mary had most readily understood the confrontation with their father, having discovered how quickly his regard diminished whenever she ceased to be useful to him.

Although Elizabeth’s nausea had eased considerably, Darcy refused to hurry their journey north. They travelled for six days rather than the customary three, stopping frequently so that she might walk, rest, or visit places that attracted their interest. Her comfort—and the safety of their child—mattered far more to him than reaching Pemberley quickly.

They arrived late on Saturday and retired almost immediately after bathing and eating. Six days in a carriage had left the entire party stiff and weary, but Darcy’s eagerness to see Pemberley drew him from bed early the following morning. Leaving Elizabeth asleep, he rode out to examine several matters mentioned in his steward’s recent letters.

When he returned, he found Elizabeth breaking her fast in their sitting room.

“Good morning, dearest,” he said. “Give me a moment to change, and I shall join you.”

She nodded and continued sipping the peppermint tea that had become part of her morning routine. Although her nausea had nearly disappeared, the tea still helped settle her stomach before she ate.

“You were up and about early,” she observed when he returned wearing his robe.

“I wished to ride whilst the morning remained cool and see how matters stood. Nothing appeared amiss, although I am certain the steward will have much to discuss tomorrow.”

As they spoke of the estate, Darcy guessed what Elizabeth intended.

“You mean to begin visiting the tenants this week,” he said as he sat down next to her.

“Of course,” Elizabeth replied, smiling at him. “I have seen few of them since the beginning of the year and I need to spend some time with them now.”

“Then allow me to accompany you whenever possible,” he insisted. “If I cannot, please promise that you will take a footman. You do not yet know the estate well enough to wander alone, particularly in your condition.”

Elizabeth relaxed against his chest. “As much as I should like to accuse you of excessive protectiveness, I know you are right. I shall not wander alone, and I would be pleased to have your company whenever possible.”

Darcy drew her closer. “I suspect Mrs Reynolds has already begun preparing baskets for you to distribute. She will have anticipated your wishes.”

“You know me very well, William.” Elizabeth smiled as she settled more comfortably against him. “I rather think Mrs Reynolds has recognised in me the same concern for Pemberley’s people that she has always admired in you.”

For a moment, Darcy hesitated, uncertain how Elizabeth would receive the suggestion. At last, he decided that candour would serve him best.

“Dearest, once our child is born and you have fully recovered, would you allow me to teach you to ride?” he asked, trying to disguise his eagerness. “I know you are not particularly fond of horses, but the ability would be useful to the mistress of so large an estate. There are places I long to show you that can be reached only on horseback. We could begin with our steadiest saddle horses and allow you to choose your own mount. You could ride double with me, of course, although I suspect you would prefer the freedom of riding beside me.”

She shifted in his arms so that she could look up at him. “I had already considered it before we discovered I was with child. Part of me wishes to allow my fear to govern me, but I agree that riding is a skill I ought to learn. More than that, I believe I should enjoy the freedom it affords. Pemberley is far too large for me to tramp about as I did in Hertfordshire.”

An impish smile curved her lips. “Besides, I am no longer a mere miss. I am now Mrs Darcy of Pemberley. Aunt Susan took great pains to impress the significance of that exalted position upon me whilst we were in London. Apparently, the Mistress of Pemberley rides.”

“Apparently?” Darcy repeated, suppressing a smile.

“So I am informed. Since Mrs Darcy’s excessively protective husband would never allow her to come to harm, she must trust him.” Elizabeth assumed an expression of exaggerated resignation. “Very well, my dear William. I shall bow to your wishes—on this one occasion. Pray do not allow the triumph to make you insufferable.”

“I shall endeavour to bear my victory with becoming humility,” Darcy teased, although his voice softened as he anticipated the pleasure of having her ride beside him.

They remained nestled together for some time, speaking of little things. Darcy caressed the growing curve of Elizabeth’s abdomen and conversed with their child, describing Pemberley and the responsibility their family bore towards its people.

Eventually, and with considerable reluctance, they rose to dress and seek their sisters. They found Georgiana and Kitty practising in the music room. The girls agreed to accompany Elizabeth to some of her meetings with Mrs Reynolds so that they might begin learning the duties of an estate’s mistress. They also proposed an excursion to Lambton for cloth from which they could make garments for the babe, the tenants’ children, and families in need.

Whilst the ladies continued discussing their projects, Darcy sorted through the post that had accumulated during their journey. Their plans reminded him of a letter he had received from the rector at Kympton shortly before leaving London, describing several pressing needs within the parish. He resolved to make similar enquiries of the rector at Lambton. Between their lessons, instruction in estate matters, and sewing projects, Georgiana and Kitty would have no shortage of useful occupations.