Chapter 22
Daylight found Elizabeth deep in a dreamless sleep.
Reluctantly, she moved under the blankets when she heard whispers and footsteps around the bed.
She needed several moments to fully awaken and to realise where she was.
Then she opened her eyes to meet Georgiana’s smile and Sarah’s serious expression.
“Dear Lizzy, forgive me for disturbing you, but breakfast is ready, and I thought you would like to join us before Richard leaves.”
“Oh dear.” Elizabeth almost jumped out of bed. “How did I sleep so late? Forgive me; I will be ready immediately.”
“Do not worry; we are all happy that you rested. William said that you must be tired after our long journey and the excitement of last evening. I will wait for you in my chamber so I can show you to the small room where we like to have family breakfasts. It was my mother’s favourite.”
With the maid’s help, Elizabeth dressed quickly.
Before leaving her chamber, she briefly went onto the balcony, her eyes rejoicing in the beauty of the view.
She breathed deeply, allowing her mind and heart to be revived by the fresh air.
Darcy was right when he suggested this room —there could not be a better prospect.
In the small saloon, Darcy, the colonel, and Lady Hardwick were already gathered. After greetings were exchanged, the colonel addressed Elizabeth.
“Miss Bennet, I am happy to see you if only for a few minutes before I leave.”
“I wish you a safe journey, sir. I hope to see you in good health very soon.”
“As do I, Miss Bennet. I expect that, by the time I return, you will be familiar with Pemberley’s surroundings, and we will enjoy pleasant walks together.”
“I look forward to it, sir.”
The colonel’s departure diminished conversation for some time. Elizabeth could not gather herself enough to begin a new subject. She ate little but had a cup each of tea and coffee.
From the head of the table, Darcy glanced often at Elizabeth and noticed her lack of spirits following the colonel’s departure.
There was no doubt that she enjoyed his cousin’s company and missed his presence.
This revelation did not pain him as much as before.
It was a fact to which he resigned himself —or at least pretended to.
The silence became heavy, so he broke it, addressing the ladies.
“Around noon, Mrs. Weston will visit you. Since we plan to stay here until spring, she will be happy to find that she must provide gowns for three ladies —and for three seasons.”
He then turned to Elizabeth with further details.
“Mrs. Weston owns a shop in Lambton. She is an experienced dressmaker —or so I was told by my mother, my aunt, and my sister. It is a custom that the Darcy ladies order gowns from her during their stay at Pemberley.”
Elizabeth’s face coloured slightly. “I see. But, sir, I assure you that I do not need new gowns. The ones I have are satisfactory, and —”
He interrupted her in a friendly yet determined tone.
“Miss Bennet, I beg you not to debate this subject. We decided some time ago that you would be treated like family. Therefore, anything related to Georgiana will also apply to you unless, of course, you disapprove of it. I dare say neither my sister nor my aunt needs new dresses, but for many years, we have endeavoured to support the people in our area by any means available. So every purchase we make is ordered from the shops in Lambton.”
She was surprised and embarrassed by her thoughtlessness. As usual, she was tempted to believe that he was doing her a favour when, in truth, his gesture was intended not to feed her vanity but to help those in need.
“I see…I thank you for your consideration, sir,” she finally answered, venturing a look at him.
“Aunt Amelia, will you join Lizzy and me for a short ride before noon? I sent word to Mr. Slade to prepare my horse and a phaeton. William is coming too.”
“Not today…perhaps tomorrow. I am not completely rested, and I would only slow you down. Maybe a short stroll in the garden later if you and Miss Bennet will keep me company.”
“Of course,” both hurried to accept then Georgiana continued. “We can stay with you if you wish. There is no urgency; we can go out another day.”
“Nonsense, my dear. I will be perfectly fine; I intend to sleep. Just have someone care for our pets.”
When breakfast was almost finished, a surprising entrance brought liveliness and joy to the group.
A gentleman of middle age bowed ceremoniously and stopped some distance from the table.
Elizabeth observed him closely, intrigued by the unusual strength he conveyed.
He had handsome yet austere features and sharp blue eyes, and he was dressed informally, his long, loose hair falling freely on his shoulders.
Darcy hurried to shake his hand, and Georgiana rose to embrace him tenderly, much to Elizabeth’s astonishment.
“Mr. Slade —such a pleasure to see you,” both siblings declared warmly.
“What a joy to see you finally home,” he answered with a deep, hoarse voice. “Forgive me, I came too early and interrupted your breakfast. I will return later.”
“You will do no such thing, sir,” Lady Hardwick intervened with apparent severity.
A smile seemed to soften Mr. Slade’s countenance. As Darcy insisted he stay and join them, the man stepped forward and bowed to the countess. She stretched her hand to him; he took it and placed a reverent kiss upon it.
“Lady Hardwick, we are as honoured as we are pleased by your presence. Your ladyship seems not to age at all. You are still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”
“Nonsense, nonsense! You are the one who appears unchanged for the last two decades, Mr. Slade. I am very happy to see you too. Come, sit by me.”
He seemed to reluctantly accept when his attention was drawn by Elizabeth.
“And may I ask who this lovely young lady might be? Dare I hope that someone has finally stolen the master’s heart?”
Elizabeth’s cheeks turned crimson, and embarrassment took away both her breath and her voice. She glanced at Darcy and saw him equally troubled; even worse, she sensed Mr. Slade’s scrutiny of her face, so she struggled to smile and form a jesting reply. The countess, however, spoke first.
“Sadly, no —rather the young mistress’s heart. Miss Bennet is Miss Darcy’s dear friend, and she will spend the next months with us.”
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Bennet. I must apologise; I did not saddle a mount for you, but I will do so at once. Just let me know what kind of horse you prefer.”
“I prefer any horse to keep its distance from me,” Elizabeth joked. “I am a poor rider, I am sorry to admit. I learned to ride when I was a young girl, but have not done so in the last ten years. I much prefer to walk.”
“I regret hearing that —not that you like to walk but that you dislike riding. I hope you will change your mind very soon. There is nothing more pleasurable then discovering the beauty of Pemberley on horseback. Besides, Miss Darcy is a most proficient rider —as is Lady Hardwick.”
“I was, my dear Mr. Slade; now I am fond of neither riding nor walking. I much prefer the phaeton. Things change.”
“Perhaps, but the spirit remains as young and as brave as ever. Your ladyship proves it. And I did remember your preference for the phaeton. I had it prepared with two white horses, and I will be honoured to drive it for you.”
“My dear Mr. Slade, your gentlemanlike manners are dangerous for a lady’s heart. But the phaeton is for Miss Bennet as I was determined to spend the day in my chambers; now I am reconsidering.”
“Aunt Amelia, since Mr. Slade will join us, you have nothing to worry about. You should come if you feel well enough,” Georgiana pleaded.
The countess hesitated for a moment.
“Very well, I cannot argue with you all. I will come. I need refreshments and a little port for later, and a comfortable blanket to rest upon. And Miss Bennet —you will need a heavy gown. The drive will take more than two hours, and it is rather chilly outside.”
“Your wishes are my command, dear Aunt,” said Darcy. “Everything will be arranged to your liking.”
As Elizabeth returned to her room to change, she thought of the enjoyment both Darcy and Lady Hardwick had in making plans and the persuasion Mr. Slade had over the countess.
She had to admit, though, that her ladyship was right: Mr. Slade looked as handsome as he was powerful, and he seemed a difficult man to refuse.
The ride along the lanes of Pemberley was the most pleasant Elizabeth had ever enjoyed. The beauty of the park amazed her, and the company of the countess —under the lead of Mr. Slade —was simply joyous.
The Darcy siblings trotted in front of them, and once again, Elizabeth marvelled at Georgiana’s skills.
In riding, the girl looked the embodiment of confidence and bravery.
Her delicate figure on a white and chestnut horse contrasted with the impressive stature of her brother, who rode a stately black stallion. He looked powerful; she looked agile.
From time to time, Georgiana would return to the phaeton to be certain Elizabeth was having a pleasant time; and indeed, she was.
Mr. Slade kept the phaeton at a higher speed than Elizabeth was accustomed to, and yet she felt completely safe as the man held the reins with strength and confidence, careful of his passengers’ comfort.
Lady Hardwick also appeared in an excellent mood, and she seemed to shed her earlier fatigue and enjoy the ride.
The novelty of the wind playing in her hair and caressing her face, as the horses moved through the beautiful grounds, created an intoxicating sensation within Elizabeth.
And when they were again in sight of Pemberley House, the image of the impressive building —perfectly surrounded by nature’s beauties —added to her exhilaration.
∞∞∞
The joy of her first day at Pemberley did not diminish for Elizabeth in the following weeks —quite the contrary.