Chapter 40 #2
When the carriage paused at the crest of the hill overlooking Pemberley, Mrs. Bennet leant out of the window, her usual chatter abruptly silenced.
The grand estate spread before her was unlike anything she had ever imagined.
Its sheer size and elegance rendered her momentarily speechless, a rare occurrence for the verbose woman.
She had always fancied herself the mistress of a grand house, given Longbourn’s prominence within the society of Meryton, but truly Pemberley was nothing like she had ever seen before.
As she gazed at the house, a strange sensation stirred within her—a feeling of awe and an uncomfortable awareness of her own shortcomings.
The sheer scale of the estate, its stately architecture, and the impeccable grounds all underscored the magnitude of Elizabeth’s new role as mistress of such a place.
Mrs. Bennet had believed Elizabeth and Mrs. Hargrove when they spoke of her faults, and she had resolved to change, but seeing Pemberley made her feel the weight of her own insignificance.
A fleeting thought crossed her mind—how could her Lizzy, her headstrong, sharp-tongued daughter, possibly manage such a household?
It seemed inconceivable. Elizabeth had always been resourceful, more perceptive than she had given her credit for.
Perhaps she was capable in ways Mrs. Bennet had never fully understood.
“I cannot believe it,” she murmured, more to herself than to anyone in the carriage. “My Lizzy, mistress of such a house… My, my, what funds must Mrs. Darcy have for redecorating. I hope Lizzy has not already done too much, for I look forward to advising her on how to do it in the latest styles.”
Jane, sitting next to her mother, reached over to cover the hands her mother was twisting in her discomfort.
“She is doing well, Mama. The housekeeper is competent, and she and Lizzy get along well. Lizzy learned much from your example in managing the household and is not intimidated by the scale of doing so here. She has said there has been little need for redecoration at present, other than to restore a few things. Her own rooms, of course, she is having done in a style that suits her own tastes. I am not certain she would welcome your input there.”
Mrs. Bennet nearly laughed at such fulsome words.
“Jane, you know very well that without Mrs. Hill, Longbourn would not run as smoothly as it does. I did little to train any of you girls in managing any house, much less one so grand as this. Lizzy will need to decorate it in a very fine fashion, with all the latest furnishings. Mr. Darcy has relations who are titled; how will I ever act when I face them? How will any of my daughters face them?”
“Mr. Darcy’s titled relations will not be in residence.
In fact, from what Lizzy has said, I do not think that they will see that part of the family very often.
You know that Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins’ patroness, recently passed away, her title was only a courtesy title.
The colonel said he has little to do with his father, the earl, and Darcy has also distanced himself from that part of the family for the time being. ”
Mary remained quiet, though she would ordinarily have found a quote from Fordyce to be a fitting contribution to the conversation.
However, she had come to understand that not everyone shared her appreciation for his wisdom.
Uncertain of how to respond appropriately in this particular situation, she chose to remain silent.
They noticed a bustle of activity as they grew closer to the door, and saw Elizabeth and Darcy at the open door to the house. A moment later, their new brother was standing by the carriage as it stopped, allowing the footman to place the step before waving him away.
“Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Mary, we are delighted to welcome you to Pemberley. I hope your journey was pleasant,” Darcy greeted.
“It was very, pleasant, my dear Mr. Darcy. Thank you ever so much for sending the carriage to bring all the way from Meryton,” Mrs. Bennet effused as she stepped down from the carriage.
“You are very welcome, Mrs. Bennet,” Darcy replied before turning to hand the other ladies down.
“Your house is so very fine, Mr. Darcy!” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, her voice brimming with unrestrained enthusiasm.
“I must say, you must be ever so pleased to have me here. After all, Lizzy has never taken as much interest in fashion or decor as I have. I daresay she will need my advice in redecorating these splendid rooms. A house such as this must truly reflect your immense wealth and importance!”
Darcy’s jaw tightened as he suppressed a grimace, his expression betraying only the barest hint of his irritation.
“Mrs. Bennet,” he said with forced civility, “please, let us move inside to escape this chill. Elizabeth has arranged for tea to be served in the family sitting room. Should you prefer to go directly to your rooms to refresh yourself after your journey, she will be happy to accommodate your wishes.”
He gestured towards the house, his movements precise and composed, though the tension in his shoulders was evident to anyone observing closely. Mrs. Bennet was not one of those.
At Mr. Darcy’s words, the family moved to the front door, held open by a footman.
Jane and Mary trailed behind their mother, who had eagerly accepted her new son-in-law’s arm as he escorted her inside.
Elizabeth walked on his other side, her expression serene as she listened politely to her mother’s effusive praise of the house.
Jane and Mary exchanged a glance, observing the scene before them. The carriage was already being moved to allow for their luggage to be unloaded and taken to their rooms. As they entered, maids approached to assist them with their outerwear.
Amidst the bustle, Elizabeth slipped away from Darcy’s side and moved towards her sisters. Almost without their realising it, she enveloped them both in a warm embrace, her smile bright with welcome. “I am so glad you are finally here,” she said softly.
Jane returned the embrace with equal warmth, while Mary, though more reserved, allowed herself to relax in her sister’s arms. “It is a lovely house, Lizzy,” Jane said, her voice full of quiet admiration. “I know you told me a little of it while at Longbourn, but it is even more than I imagined.”
“It is very large, different than Longbourn,” Mary added, her tone contemplative as her gaze swept the grand entrance hall. “But I am glad to see you looking so happy here.”
Elizabeth’s smile widened as she linked arms with her sisters.
“Come,” she said warmly. “There is so much I want to show you, and I am certain you will grow to love Pemberley as much as I do. After tea, we can take a tour, or if you prefer, we can save it for tomorrow. Your rooms are ready if you would like to rest first, but you are also welcome to join us for tea to warm yourselves.”
She paused, her expression softening as she continued. “I have placed the three of you in the family wing. Jane and Mary, your rooms adjoin and share a sitting room for your comfort. Please do not hesitate to ask for anything you might need. Mama will be across the hall from the two of you.”
“Thank you, Lizzy,” Mary said. “I am looking forward to our visit; it will be a relief to be away from Mr. Collins.”
Elizabeth laughed at that. “I am glad to provide succour to my sisters. Now, come, let us have some tea and conversation.”