Chapter 28 #2
“Oh yes, that proverb, the one that was written specifically about me.” Elizabeth held up her hand to admire the ring. “I like this very much, indeed. Even better than Miss Wright’s monstrous carbuncle.”
“I have no pleasure in the world superior to that of contributing to yours, my dear. Regretfully, there was insufficient time to commission a special ring. I found that one in Bristol. The glittering diamond in the centre symbolises us and the purity of our love. The little pink rubies alternating with emeralds are meant to be flower petals and leaves, the love encircling us.” He put his arms round her.
She snuggled in. Intimate communication was just one of the gratifications of marriage.
“Actually, sir, I might have something for you after all. Something that might compensate for my lack of a marriage portion, although at present it is nothing more than information. While I was chatting with young Mr Clark last evening, he mentioned a desire to be proprietor of a hotel. The property he inherited in Minehead is far too small for what he has planned, so he will put it up for purchase. Once he secures enough investors for his scheme and a suitable location, he intends to build a grand hotel. In a joking manner, he asked whether you might be interested in selling Strandsmere Park.”
“I am, once the surrounding road improvements have been made. Then it should be a rather sound investment.”
“I know. And when I mentioned such, he seemed delighted and said we would always be welcome to stay at his hotel free of charge. What do you think?”
“I think you are a superlative wife.” He kissed her nose. “And I regretfully think we must leave our bed without delay and prepare for the first stage of our journey to Pemberley. Your family should be rising to begin their return to Hertfordshire, although they were invited to remain here longer.”
“You are too kind, sir. Mama told me that you covered all their travelling expenses. But I can scarcely believe my father agreed to bring my entire family here in such a whirlwind manner.”
“The men who love you would do anything within their power to ensure your happiness. Now, rouse yourself, superlative wife, for we must hasten.”
While donning a banyan and slippers, he continued.
“As much as I had hoped you and I might be independent of other companions today, Georgiana is, of course, coming with us. As is Fitzwilliam, at least as far as Bridgwater. From there he will hire a post-chaise to take him back to London. I hope you will forgive the rush, my dear. Due to the autumn harvest, a honeymoon trip is an impossibility, but we shall stay at only the finest accommodations along the way to Derbyshire.”
Elizabeth shyly slipped out of their bed and into a dressing gown. “Good heavens!” she cried, looking in a mirror. “I shall never get a brush through this hair. And I shall require assistance in readying myself. Might there be someone at my disposal?”
“Yes, of course. Georgiana’s maid will be here shortly. Meanwhile, Graham and I shall be in my dressing room trying to undo whatever you did to my hair, madam.”
“Do not forget about having to stop at Cliff House on our way. We must bid them all a fond farewell. Also, for some reason, your sister insists she needs to collect a guinea from Miss Althea while we are there, and she— Why do you grin, sir?”
“Why?” He gently took her face in his hands. “Because I am a very happily married man, that is why.”
“I thought you might be smiling because, with Miss Althea staying at Cliff House until the Bakers and Miss Hughes go with Mr Clark to Bath next month, we have avoided taking her there and encountering her family. I do feel sorry, though, for those acquaintances with whom they are staying. The Wrights do tend to impose themselves on the kindness of others, and you, my excellent husband were, and are, too kind.”
It rained the entire way from Wyman’s Cove to Bedminster and then to Gloucester.
Through it all, Hector travelled warm and dry inside the carriage, on the floor, in the way of Darcy’s big feet. On the rear-facing seat beside the gentleman was Heiress Tottle, confined to a cage constructed of withy branches from Willow Bourn’s banks.
Across from Darcy and the unhappy feline, Elizabeth and Georgiana grinned when a little white paw reached through the cracks in the wickerwork basket.
With all her might, the cat tried to take her frustrations out on the Newfoundland dog fifteen times her size.
Hector wisely and safely remained beyond a furry foreleg’s reach.
After spending a night at the fashionable and genteel establishment simply known as ‘The Hotel’ on Temple Row in Birmingham, the travellers set off again the next morning. The rain had let up only slightly.
When they reached Derby, the precipitation had eased to nothing more than a shower.
Spirits in high flutter as they later turned in at the lodge, Elizabeth watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods. By the time they entered the large park, only a few determined raindrops softly pattered upon the coach’s roof.
While gradually ascending for half a mile, Elizabeth’s husband and new sister pointed out to her every remarkable spot and point of view.
She had not noticed the absence of raindrops until the sun peeked out from its hiding place behind a grey cloud and cast a golden glow upon a large, handsome stone building.
Although she thought that to be its mistress would be one of those intimidating undertakings requiring great courage, Pemberley House held her regard for only a moment.
What had captured Elizabeth’s attention was the full, vivid rainbow directly above her new home.
Mr and Mrs Baker had mentioned the ancient Celtic tribes of southern Germany and their gold and silver coins curved like a bowl.
Centuries later, farmers ploughing fields after a heavy rain began finding regenbogenschüsselchen.
Discovery of those ‘rainbow cups’ or ‘rainbow bowls’ led to the belief that rainbows, wherever they touched the earth, left behind pots of gold coins that would bring good fortune and health.
As the colourful arch in the sky began fading away, Elizabeth gazed fondly at Mr Darcy and knew she had found a treasure more valuable, more dearly precious, than a mere pot of gold at rainbow’s end.