Chapter Twenty-One #2
In the coach the dog slept at her feet or curled up on her lap. Darcy feigned annoyance, but he enjoyed her enthusiasm. “I cannot wait for someone to ask what wedding gifts I presented my wife. They will think I have married a soldier when they hear you asked for a horse, a gun, and a hunting dog.”
“I keep telling you I am a foolish woman, sir.” She put the pup down on the floor and crawled into his lap. “You do not think me without any feminine qualities, do you, William?”
“I admire all your feminine qualities, Mrs. Darcy.” He pulled her closer to enjoy the heat of her kiss.
Arriving at Pemberley, Elizabeth alighted from the carriage to be greeted by the staff lined up along the drive and entryway.
On his arm as usual, Darcy cupped his free hand over hers and held it tightly in place.
He feared she might consider taking flight at her first observance of the change in her life.
Darcy took his time and permitted each of the staff members the courtesy of acknowledging their new mistress.
Darcy introduced Elizabeth to key staff members, and she made an effort to learn as many names as possible in such a short time.
To see her comment on the flowers offered by several of the children and her reaching to touch the hand of many of those in attendance had pleased him.
She knew not what impression she made on those eager to know something of the woman he had chosen for his wife, but Darcy had missed not one reaction.
Elizabeth’s approachable manner and genuine smile made her an instant favorite.
He knew his good sense at marrying a woman who was both handsome and in possession of pleasant airs had impressed them.
At the top of the entrance steps stood Georgiana, Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. Howard, and Mrs. Annesley.
Georgiana fidgeted in place as she waited her turn to greet her brother and Elizabeth.
Darcy caught her hand to pull her to his side while introducing Elizabeth first to Mr. Howard and then to Mrs. Reynolds, though they both knew something of her from her visit with the Gardiners.
Darcy stood in awe of Elizabeth’s command of the situation.
Mrs. Reynolds, who held the Darcys in warm regard, was beside herself with joy with Elizabeth’s arrival as Pemberley’s new mistress.
“I am pleased to welcome you back to Pemberley, Mrs. Darcy.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. I will be depending on your guidance. Mr. Darcy’s trust in your ability to run Pemberley will be invaluable to me as its new mistress.
” Such accolades won over Mrs. Reynolds.
Then unexpectedly, Elizabeth presented Mrs. Reynolds a quick embrace.
Although Darcy realized Elizabeth’s motivation had come more from the memory of the woman’s part in bringing her and Darcy together, the unabashed enthusiasm displayed increased Elizabeth’s regard in the opinions of those on staff who observed it, and Darcy found nothing to which to object.
Elizabeth dropped her eyes quickly. She belatedly realized her embracing Mrs. Reynolds was a break in decorum, but Darcy slipped his arm around her waist to pull her closer and to assure her he was not upset with her impetuous act.
They both greeted Mrs. Annesley, and the two elderly women reentered the estate together.
No one remained but Georgiana. Darcy and Elizabeth turned towards the girl who bubbled with excitement.
The three embraced repeatedly and talked over one another in greeting.
Happy as he had ever been, Darcy entered the main hallway with Elizabeth on one arm and Georgiana on the other.
In a rather formal act, Elizabeth had taken his arm for their first ascent of the staircase: a symbol of their marriage.
They left Georgiana in the second-floor drawing room, and Darcy escorted Elizabeth to their chambers.
Beforehand, he had given orders to bring the pup to Mrs. Darcy’s dressing area.
At the top of the staircase he said, “For many nights last fall at Netherfield, I fell asleep imagining you standing on this very staircase. Now my dreams are complete. You are no longer simply beckoning me to join you. You are now at the top and entering our chambers as my wife. Life is good.” He bent to kiss her gently.
“It is pleasant to no longer to be waiting for you.”
When the weather permitted, Darcy and Elizabeth rode out across their land each morning.
He had chosen a horse of a gentle nature but deceptively fast, for he knew Elizabeth’s nature.
How quickly she learned to ride pleased him.
A natural on horseback and not easily intimidated, Elizabeth’s spirit played out as they raced across valleys and over rises.
They were often seen spurring their mounts on, laughing and chasing each other at a whim.
Those of finer societies would have objected to their exuberance, but they recognized no such censure.
They were together. Darcy introduced her to his tenants, making a point of her learning something of each family.
His ability to call all his tenants by name and to listen to their concerns impressed her, and Elizabeth expressed her pride when they were in the privacy of their chambers.
Along with Mr. Howard, they examined the fields and the smaller structures on the estate.
At first, Mr. Howard was uncomfortable with the idea, but he soon found Mrs. Darcy’s ability to adapt to each situation fascinating.
Darcy protected his wife, but he also shared all aspects of his life at Pemberley with her.
Mr. Howard openly declared that he knew of no relationship like the one he viewed at the great house.
Mrs. Darcy was privy to plans for expansion, renewal, repair, and refurbishing of the estate.
Darcy was adamant about her need to be a part of every decision affecting his holdings.
Watching Elizabeth spend time each day with Georgiana satisfied Darcy.
The two played music and took long walks.
They spent time with their needlework and assisting the new vicar in administering to the poor.
In Darcy’s view, even though Elizabeth was at Pemberley only a short time, an outside observer would have thought her to be born there.
One afternoon, they walked the path upon which they met that eventful day in August. They walked hand-in-hand reliving the feelings of finding each other again.
“I was embarrassed you found me here. I had thought you would think of me currying for your favor once again.” Elizabeth paused in the shade.
When it did not chase the game birds by the stream, the pup trailed after his wife in a playful looping action.
“Elizabeth, all I thought was God had provided me a second chance. I had decided I would not gamble away my opportunity, that I would declare my devotion to you and hope you would receive my intentions!”
“Now, we have been married for more than a month; God moves in mysterious ways.” She snaked her arms around his neck.
“Even when hope of our finding love was against us, I still hoped.” Going up on her tiptoes, she kissed him.
Darcy nipped at her ear as he brought her into his embrace.
His gaze settled on her lips, and Elizabeth leaned in where only their breath separated them.
“You married a shameless woman, Mr. Darcy. I choose to kiss you before God and anyone who may be watching.”
“Mrs. Darcy, I do not seem to be withdrawing from your advances.” Frozen with desire, he did not move.
The blush spoke of her need. “Where does that leave us?”
“I believe our walk has come to an end,” he said, not releasing her. “Some quiet reflection in our chambers could resolve your question.”
“I believe you are correct, Mr. Darcy.” She swallowed hard with anticipation. “Come, Hero,” she called to the dog.
“Must that dog always go where we go?” he teased. “I knew I would regret giving you what you wanted.”
“If that is our sad truth, we have a dilemma,” she countered. “Because what I want is you.”
Darcy’s ardor grew quickly. “I am a man who dotes on his wife.” He caught her hand and led her towards the house.