Chapter 14 #2
“You seem to have many duties, Mr Darcy. I mean Fitzwilliam. You always speak about them.”
“Forgive me, I know I am quite the dull fellow. My cousin Richard reminds me of that at least once a week.”
“You are not dull. I just meant that no gentleman of my acquaintance mentions his duties so often. Yours must be more numerous, or you are more diligent than other men.”
“I never thought of that. I grew up knowing my heritage was related to my duties and responsibility to many people who depended on Pemberley and its master. My father was known as the best master and landlord, and I am trying to follow in his footsteps, to honour his name and his memory.”
“According to my uncle and aunt, you have certainly succeeded. You have reason to be proud of that,” Elizabeth said in earnest.
“I hope so. It is not a matter of pride but one of necessity and honour! The tenants, the household, the good people in the small villages around Pemberley — all their lives depend, in one way or another, on the estate. Pemberley must thrive, so all these people can live well and in peace. That is my responsibility, together with my care for my family.”
The light conversation she had initiated had grown serious; his tone was grave and his countenance dark. Outside the carriage, the wind had become stronger, blowing the leafless trees and the few people who had ventured out.
“It is getting colder. It may even snow soon,” he said.
“I always loved the first snow at home.”
“So did my mother and my sister,” Mr Darcy answered, his voice more of a whisper.
“And you did not?” she asked, smiling at him with a growing desire to be able to comfort him from the torment that troubled him so deeply.
“I did, but for a master and landlord, snow meant more problems to be resolved. Even before I inherited the position, I was aware of the responsibilities it carried.”
For a while, there was silence; only the sound of the wheels and the whistle of the wind was heard. He continued to stare out of the window, seemingly lost in his thoughts again, and she refrained from disturbing him.
“We should be there shortly,” he finally addressed her, then wrapped his arms around himself, rubbing them. “It is very cold, and sitting still in the carriage has made it worse,” he said.
“I am quite comfortable in this blanket,” she replied. “Next time, we should have two. I shall ask to borrow one from my aunt for when we return.”
They arrived and he stepped down, then stretched out his hand to her. She took it, then his arm, holding on to it until they had entered the house. Within seconds, the freezing air had already made her shiver, and unconsciously she hugged his arm tightly, seeking warmth.
The choir of children’s voices, together with Jane’s, warmed Elizabeth immediately. She embraced her sister tightly, then smiled at her father, who was standing a little behind.
“Papa, Jane dearest, I have missed you so,” Elizabeth greeted them tearfully. “Allow me to introduce my husband, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy,” she added. Mr Darcy came closer, surrounded by the Gardiners’ children, and bowed politely.
“Mr Bennet, Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.”
“Likewise, Mr Darcy. It is a great pleasure to meet you,” Mr Bennet said.
For half an hour, they all engaged in conversation while enjoying hot drinks to thaw their frozen bodies.
Elizabeth felt warmer by the moment, from the tea as well as from the joy of seeing her sister and father and watching her husband talking amiably to them.
Elizabeth enquired about her stepmother and sisters, and Mr Bennet replied that they were all in good health.
The dinner party was mentioned, and Mr Bennet said he was happy to accept the invitation as he would only stay in London for three more days. Jane, however, was to remain until after Christmas.
“It could be very cold that night and may even snow,” Mr Darcy said, “so if you come to dinner, I would strongly suggest you all stay overnight. It would certainly be easier to drive back to Gracechurch Street in the morning, in full daylight, than in the middle of the night. Your coachman would be grateful to rest by the fire rather than wait for the summons, I am sure. You should bring the children, too, of course.”
At this, a din of eager voices pleading with their mother followed, until Mrs Gardiner silenced them with a meaningful stare.
“We shall see,” she replied. “Considering the weather, we shall probably accept your invitation, Mr Darcy. And the children may come only if they promise to go to bed at their usual hour — and behave.”
Another burst of enthusiasm, this time of promises readily offered, made everyone smile, and Mrs Gardiner finally granted her acceptance.
Elizabeth gazed at her husband with a sudden warmth in her heart, impressed by his care and his consideration for any details regarding the well-being of others.
He certainly took his responsibilities for his family seriously, as he had told her earlier, and he did so without even realising it.
It was just his nature and his sense of duty.
After a while, Mr Gardiner excused himself and invited Mr Darcy to his library, explaining he had a private matter to discuss. The two of them withdrew, and Elizabeth was finally alone with her father and sister, while Mrs Gardiner took the children to their rooms.
It was time to ask in earnest what was happening at Longbourn and to receive straight answers, though Elizabeth anticipated them with no great pleasure.