Chapter 9
The park was very large, and Elizabeth, with great anticipation, could hardly wait to see Pemberley House.
The carriage gradually ascended for half a mile, until she found herself at the top of a considerable hill, where the wood ceased and she caught sight of the house situated on the opposite side of a gentle valley.
She had the coach stop so she could take in the view—this was the place where she would live for the next three months, all being well in Ireland.
She smiled when Jarvis and Tom, the coachman and under-coachman, took advantage of the pause to give the carriage a final polish—the black lacquered surface shining in the late morning sun, two postilions holding the horses steady.
“Tilly, you must see the house!” called Elizabeth to her maid. “I suspect you’ll have scant opportunity to climb so high once we’ve established ourselves there.”
“Oh, Miss Elizabeth, would you look at that! What a grand sight it is. And to think we’ll be calling it home—why, my mum’ll scarce believe it. Imagine me, living in a house so fine!”
“Well, Tilly,” said Elizabeth. “I’ve been in many fine houses in London, but never to live in one.
My uncle’s house in Gracechurch Street would fit many times over inside Pemberley.
As I spoke of it on the journey, you, James our footman, and I are guests of Miss Darcy, so you should expect a certain respect.
But it is we who impose on them, and they may resent our intrusion into the household.
‘Tis best to tread lightly, until we find our place. While the Gardiners refer to me as Miss Elizabeth, please speak only of Mrs. Elizabeth—for that is how I am known at Child two coachmen, postilions, a footman, and a maid waited beside it.
The carriage door had been closed—certainly no further passengers were alighting.
“We were expecting Mr. Adkins and his wife.”
“My apologies, Mr…?” Elizabeth paused, for the butler had not introduced himself.
“Winthrop, ma’am. I am the Pemberley butler.”
“Very pleased to meet you, Winthrop. Mr. Adkins was unable to travel, and I have come in his place. There was no purpose in sending an express—it was a fast trip from London, the roads dry and the bank’s equipage is first class.”
Elizabeth handed the butler her card. “I should like to present my credentials to the mistress or the steward, at the earliest opportunity. If they are at home, I would be pleased to meet with them now—the journey from the last post-house was short, and there is no need to refresh myself.”
Winthrop took the card—Mrs. E. Bennet, Private Secretary, Child thus, my honorific Mrs. Elizabeth.”
“B-but we were expecting an accountant, Mr. Adkins and his wife…”
“Mr. Adkins’s wife fell ill. They are expecting their first child, and the physician thought it unwise for her to travel.
The gentleman was experienced in estate management, in addition to being a senior accountant with the bank—an ideal choice for this assignment.
Unfortunately, none of the other accountants or junior partners have such experience, all being from London or similar large towns. ”
“But Miss Elizabeth… Mrs. Elizabeth. Oh, I am so confused! Are you not from London?” Georgiana looked at her with some puzzlement.
“Indeed not. I stay with my aunt and uncle, but I have lived, until recently, on my father’s estate at Longbourn, Hertfordshire.
I know something of estate management, for my father is rather indolent—I managed the accounts, and, together with my sisters, saw to the tenants and other matters that arose.
But you must assist me, Miss Darcy, for Longbourn is but a fifth of the size of Pemberley.
Moreover, I have no objection to your calling me Miss Elizabeth—for that is how I was introduced to you. ”
“Oh, this is so wonderful. To have you here in Derbyshire with me. I so much enjoyed our visits with Richard in London.” Georgiana clapped her hands with glee.
“Now, before I retire to my room to change, could you please call in Mr. Winthrop, your housekeeper and the steward, if he is available. I need to introduce myself to your senior staff. My understanding is that Mr. Darcy does not wish any others to know of my position and Child let me explain. I know Miss Darcy from London, and we are already well-acquainted.”
Georgiana’s face lit up. “Oh, we had a wonderful time at the museums and galleries,” she interjected. “Mrs. Elizabeth is the kindest person.”
Elizabeth smiled. “But, more to the point, I am also the official representative of Child & Co. If you wish you can examine my credentials. I suggest you do review them, then store them in a secure place, as they are highly confidential to Pemberley’s interests.
” She placed a folio of documents on the desk.
“My role here is not to interfere in the running of Pemberley—not the house, the offices, the stables, nor the farms. If I overstep, I will not take offence if you tell me so.” She paused, aware that the dynamics of the estate had subtly changed.
While Miss Darcy was mistress, and Baxter steward, ultimately, until Mr. Darcy returned, it was she who was authorised to deal with any and all issues of estate business.
Mrs. Reynolds inclined her head respectfully. “We are at your service, Mrs. Bennet. The staff will be discreet, and your documents will be kept in the strong box, under my key.” Her voice, though gentle, left no doubt she would tolerate no lapses in propriety nor breaches of trust.
Baxter, the steward, regarded Elizabeth with open curiosity. “May I ask, ma’am, if there are any immediate instructions or matters you wish us to address? The spring sowing has just begun, and there are several tenants’ leases due for review this quarter.”