Chapter 2.14 #4
“I just love my boys,” Lord Brightmore declared, with a loving smile at his wife.
“In fact, I love all children, but then again, it is easy for me to say that as long as my wife is the one who takes care of them. And I love my wife, too,” he whispered, while he placed a soft kiss on his wife’s hand, and was rewarded with a loving glance.
The servants arrived and invited them to their chambers, so the discussion ceased, but Elizabeth continued to think of it even after she entered her splendid room.
She admired the furniture for some time, then opened the balcony and stepped out to enjoy the view. Yes, Mr Darcy had been right once more: Matlock was a wonderful property, and the gardens, the groves, the hills deserved—nay demanded—to be known on foot, step by step.
She unpacked and lay on the bed a moment; it was established that they would all meet downstairs for dinner, so she had time to rest, but she did not feel tired at all.
She wondered what her aunt was doing and was tempted to search for her then changed her mind.
Most likely she was resting. She went to the balcony again and looked along the outside wall.
There were a few windows open, but she could not spot where the others’ rooms were.
The Manor seemed to have countless rooms all around.
Her attention was drawn by a mix of voices in front of the house.
She looked down and stood still, her sight held by the image in front of her.
There was her aunt, walking around the yard with Lord Matlock, Lady Selina and Georgiana; in a near garden, all four children were laughing and clapping.
Near them, two ponies waited, and a few steps away stood Lord Brightmore and Mr Darcy.
Each of the gentlemen took two children and put them together on a pony, then held the reins and walked them around.
Thomas Brightmore, the eldest, who was riding with Edward Gardner, demanded that his father release the reins, as they were grown enough to ride alone.
His father refused to listen, and the boy insisted until his mother stepped away and whispered a few words to him and the boy became silent immediately, enjoying the peaceful and safe ride.
From the balcony, Elizabeth covered her lips with her hand to stem her laughter.
Mr Darcy lifted his eyes and saw her. He waved to her with a small gesture, and she waved back.
It was all that was needed for Georgiana and Lord Matlock to spot her.
After a brief hesitation, Elizabeth took her spencer and left the room.
The joyful party in the yard welcomed her. Edward and Eleanor, her little cousins, barely had time to breathe while they told her everything they saw since they arrived.
“How is your room, dear Miss Bennet? Are you comfortable?” asked Lord Matlock.
“Surely your lordship is mocking me. I do not think the mere word ‘comfortable’ could be fairly used in regard to your estate. My room is magnificent, thank you.”
“I am glad you like it,” the earl replied, pleased by the compliment. “I confess I love my home, and I am glad my children seem to maintain a strong affection for it.”
“I have rarely seen a place so beautiful. I saw Rosings, too, and it is impressive, but Matlock is much more…alive. I do not know if you understand my meaning.”
“I do understand your meaning, Miss Bennet. I thank you; your words bring me joy.”
“It is beautiful,” she repeated while turning around.
“You must see Pemberley; you will absolutely love it,” Lady Selina intervened.
“I love my home, but I have to admit, Pemberley is the most perfectly situated place I have ever seen. Besides all the care my uncle and my cousin have put in it, nature has given it everything one could hope…perfectly situated, indeed.”
“I cannot deny that,” the earl admitted, and Elizabeth had little to reply. She saw Mr Darcy watching them with interest, but she was not certain whether he heard their words.
“Will the children not disturb the other guests?” Mrs Gardiner inquired. “I know they are resting before dinner; perhaps we should take the children inside until—”
“The other guests have rooms in the opposite wing; their windows are to the back gardens. This wing is for family only,” the earl explained.
Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner quickly looked at each other, their surprise obvious while trying to properly comprehend the earl’s words, neither of them finding anything to say.
Lord Brightmore approached together with Mr Darcy. The children had been taken off the ponies to resume their play in the grass.
“Darcy, when do you plan to go to Pemberley? We were just talking with Miss Elizabeth Bennet about it,” asked the earl.
He hesitated a moment, then answered as his eyes turned instantly to Elizabeth.
“I am not certain yet. I promised Bingley I would stay at Netherfield for a while. I have some business to discuss with Mr Bennet, and I think this would be a perfect time. It is likely that we will go to Pemberley for the summer.”
“Seems a well thought plan, indeed. Bingley will be thrilled that someone finally accepted his invitation. That is—if he does not decide to take the step in the mean time.”
The conversation stopped abruptly as the children became tired and restless. Mrs Gardiner and Lady Selina, together with the governess, retired to their rooms. Lord Matlock had some business to attend to, while Lord Brightmore followed his wife.
As there were only the three of them, the moment turned slightly awkward. Elizabeth needed to gather herself after the revelation that he planned to return to Netherfield. He had business with her father?
“Ladies, would you care to join me for a short walk? If you are not very tired, I mean.”
“I am not tired, but it depends on Georgiana. If she wishes to…” Elizabeth said.
The girl hesitated a little then looked from Elizabeth to her brother.
“I am a little tired, I confess. I would rather rest before dinner. But you should not abandon the walk because of me.”