Chapter 25
They entered the exquisite house, walking through the elegant halls and surrounded by so much beauty that it left them speechless.
Fortunately, the colonel and Bingley carried on a lively discussion until they entered the drawing room to rest. The servants carried their luggage to their chambers, and drinks and refreshments were served.
Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh sat near Elizabeth as the latter tried to involve the former in the others’ conversation.
But Elizabeth scarcely saw or heard anything as, in her mind, more tormenting thoughts were spinning, making her dizzy.
Just when he knew they were about to arrive, Darcy prepared everything for their reception, made certain that they would feel comfortable on his estate, then left—just to avoid seeing them or, more precisely, seeing her.
Pemberley meant nothing without Darcy although every inch of it reminded her of him. She felt she should not be there since he met her presence with his absence. She had to leave—to escape—as soon as possible.
∞∞∞
An hour later, the guests were invited to retire to their chambers. It was early afternoon, and the weather was still warm. After such a long journey, rest was the perfect remedy.
A maid took each family member to their chambers. Elizabeth was led by Janey, a girl younger than she, who kept expressing her hope that everything was to Miss Bennet’s liking.
“Here it is, miss,” Janey said, opening a door and inviting Elizabeth in.
They were both uneasy but for different reasons. Elizabeth stepped in hesitantly then froze. A vase of fresh roses was the first thing she noticed; then the stunning sight of the lake and gardens beyond her balcony came into view. Only then did she observe the exquisite furnishings of the room.
“Here is your luggage, miss. I took the liberty of arranging your gowns in the closet. Here is an adjoining room you may use for bathing. You already have some warm water here. And this is the desk and…please let me know what you need,” Janey said, obviously nervous.
Elizabeth smiled at her. “This is fine for now, thank you. Everything is perfect. I shall rest a little.”
“Do you need help to wash or dress?”
“No indeed.” Elizabeth laughed. “I shall be fine; do not worry.”
“Very well, miss. If you need anything, just ring from here.” The maid bobbed a curtsey and left.
The staff’s efficiency and diligence showed once more the importance placed upon their guests by the master and mistress of the house.
Elizabeth realised she should be content and grateful, but her distress was stronger than anything else.
He did everything for their comfort then departed.
His presence would have said more than all the fresh flowers and handsome furnishings.
She paced the room, touching the roses. Who had brought them? Were roses in all the chambers? She planned to ask her aunt and Jane if she were brave enough to do so.
She felt the room was prepared to suit and please her; everything looked just as Elizabeth herself would have arranged it.
It gave her a sense of comfort and peace that, for a moment, relieved her torment.
The view from the window gave her a perfect view of the lake and the gardens, and she was lost in the beauty for a moment.
The first thought that crossed her mind was that he might have chosen the room especially for her.
But she dismissed it, angry with her own foolishness.
He left before she arrived, so he could not have more interest in her preferences than in those of any other guest. All the rooms at Pemberley were probably as charming, and she was silly to assume too much.
She glanced at the large and seemingly comfortable bed. Although not tired at all, she felt completely exhausted—mentally and emotionally. All the hopes she dared not admit to herself had vanished.
Elizabeth mustered her courage and decided to bathe and change her gown. Though she did not want to be alone, she also could not bear the others’ joyful dispositions.
She recollected Miss de Bourgh; her state had greatly improved, and without a doubt she was happier and healthier at Pemberley than she was at Rosings. She looked very much at home. Was she?
Had Darcy finally decided to do what everybody expected and marry his cousin?
Anne and Georgiana behaved like sisters with each other, under the colonel’s careful supervision.
They all appeared to be a happy family. What was she doing there, disturbing their peace?
He might still have feelings for her; he might still find it hard to face her, but since he decided to leave, he had determined to break any connection to her.
She looked outside; Jane and Bingley were walking arm in arm—along with Anne, Georgiana, and the colonel, followed by her uncle and aunt. The children were certainly asleep.
She wished to join them but could not find the strength. Everything reminded her of Darcy, and it was too much to bear.
She was there only because he had invited her when they were in London and then renewed the invitation through several letters.
They were not addressed to her, of course, but in each of them, he did mention her one way or another.
After their terrible second fight on the Bingleys’ wedding day, such insistence showed her that maybe he had felt remorse and wanted to express his regrets in a way the others could not perceive.
It was obvious that he wanted her at Pemberley, but then why did he leave?
What was he trying to prove by bringing her there, offering to host her in his home, and then running away?
“Miss Bennet, come join us!” the colonel called to her when he saw her at the window.
The others waved to her, and she laughed through tears, waving in return. After more insistence, she had no choice but to yield, so she hurried downstairs, looking around as she tried to remember the way out.
In the main hall, she stopped to catch her breath and startled when Mrs Reynolds called her name.
“May I help you with anything, Miss Bennet?”
“No, thank you, you are very kind. I am only trying to find the door. I am expected for a walk.” She smiled.
“Then please come with me,” the lady offered. “How do you enjoy Pemberley so far?”
“Very much. I am completely enchanted and overwhelmed. But who would not be?” she answered honestly.
“Indeed, who would not be? I feel fortunate to be part of this family. What more can one hope for but to spend an entire life surrounded by such beauty and having the best master ever?”
Elizabeth smiled in approval as Mrs Reynolds continued.
“So, what an astonishing coincidence. You are Mrs Gardiner’s niece, who is the sister of the long-lost Gilbert Wilson, who was the late master’s best friend.
Forgive my boldness, but all of Lambton is talking about it.
We would never imagine that one day we might see him again.
He took several rooms at the inn, I heard.
We hope to see him at Pemberley too. Fate has a way of playing with us, I tell you. ”
“True, Mrs Reynolds. So many coincidences are rather incredible. One has to live them in order to believe them.”
“I understand you also know the master; is it not a pity that he is not home?”
“A great pity,” she genuinely admitted.
“He is such a remarkable young man—and very handsome too. Is he not handsome, miss?”
“Yes, he is.” Elizabeth blushed. “And I understand he has excellent skills in managing his estate. I have heard he is very good at business too,” she continued to change the subject from his appearance.
“He is excellent at everything he does, miss. And he is such a goodhearted, generous man; few can measure up to him. He inherited all the best traits of his parents.”
“I am sure he did,” Elizabeth declared in earnest. Her heart was pounding again as she recollected his image in so many moments they had spent together.
“Miss Bennet—here you are!” the colonel called her. “Thank you, Mrs Reynolds; we shall take care of her from here.”
“Oh, Lizzy—what do you think of all this? Can you believe we are truly visiting Pemberley?” Mrs Gardiner spoke with deep emotion.
“I was just telling Mr Gardiner how upset I was to hear Mr Wilson preferred not to come. How is that possible? He must have long wished to see Pemberley again after so many years, and I am certain my uncle George Darcy would be thrilled to know he had returned. No matter what disagreement he had with Darcy, it must be put aside.”
“I look forward to meeting Mr Wilson,” Georgiana said shyly. “I am still astonished by the news that he is alive and has returned. It is like a fairy tale.”
“Well, I shall take care of this tomorrow. I plan to bring him here even against his will,” the colonel said in jest.
“Let us hope that will not be necessary.” Mrs Gardiner smiled. “We shall return to the inn and speak to him sensibly.”
“Should we not invite him to dine with us, Mrs Gardiner?” Georgiana offered kindly.
“Your invitation is most generous, Miss Darcy, but I would suggest postponing it. My brother has expressed his desire to be alone for the present. I imagine he wishes to reconnect himself with the neighbourhood he missed so.”
“I understand,” Georgiana agreed. “Then let us take a stroll around the lake. Mr Gardiner, my cousin Richard will show you where you may catch fish if you like. Perhaps Mr Bingley will join you.”
Elizabeth took an instant liking to Miss Darcy. Her candour and kindness matched her delicate beauty, and she grew angry remembering how poorly Wickham had spoken of her.
There was no doubt that her brother had spoken warmly about them since Miss Darcy treated all of them as close friends.
Elizabeth felt thankful for all the attention bestowed upon her relatives. Mrs Gardiner—as the daughter of a shop owner in Lambton—was finally given the chance to experience Pemberley as a guest of consequence.