Chapter 14
Stockton Hall
“The house is just charming. I hope you will enjoy living here, Jane.”
Before the Gardiners were scheduled to leave Derbyshire, Elizabeth and their aunt had helped Jane settle into Stockton Hall.
Jane had naught but the clothes she had travelled with along with her, but the ladies were eager to arrive together and help Jane decide if the house suited her.
Elizabeth was eager to determine what, if anything, was lacking and see to it being taken care of.
After all, she had invited her sister to live at Stockton Hall and was expected to be a help.
Her heart was bound and determined that her sister find a cosy home. She would do her best for dear Jane!
They had been pleasantly greeted by Mrs. Bean, the new housekeeper, and Hannah, Jane’s new personal maid.
After touring the small, tastefully decorated house they all agreed it was the perfect place for Jane to recover her peace of mind— her composed expression had already returned.
This was of certain relief to Elizabeth, who discovered she had been a little tense whilst they all had perused the manor to ensure it suited.
“My dear, I must return to Lambton and help your uncle finish our packing. Stockton Hall is lovely, and I believe you will be very comfortable here. What could be better than having your sister but a few miles away?”
“I would not have accepted the offer if Pemberley were not nearby. Living here will provide me with the time to think about all the painful things in my past and focus on where I wish to go from here.”
“Promise me you will come to Pemberley as often as you wish. It is a dream having you living in Derbyshire.”
* * *
While they travelled back to Lambton, Elizabeth took her aunt’s hand. “I need to speak to you about a matter I hope you can help me with.”
“My dear child, whatever is wrong?”
“Actually, I think it is something very good. I believe I could be increasing.”
“How wonderful! Have you told Darcy yet?”
“I did not wish to say anything until I was certain. I have not had my courses since shortly after the wedding, and now I am sick most mornings after breakfast, and I fall asleep every time I sit down with a book or my sewing.”
Her aunt asked her a few questions before stating, “I am not a physician, but I have given birth three times. I have no reason to doubt you are with child! You should be examined by a midwife to be certain, and she can tell you when the babe is expected—although there is no way to be truly accurate.” The ladies embraced, both with happy tears in their eyes. “When will you tell your husband?”
“It happened so shortly after our wedding I think the news will come as a surprize. I shall tell him when I believe it is the perfect time. Thank you for reassuring me—I shall miss you and uncle so much when you leave tomorrow.”
“We shall miss you and Jane and your dear Darcy, but your uncle must return to his business, and I am eager to see my children. We shall stop at the cottage and Stockton Hall before we depart.”
* * *
Pembrook Cottage
The following day was sad for everyone. “Next year we insist you and your children return to Pemberley,” said Fitzwilliam. “By then, several of the guest rooms should be completed. I am certain Aunt Gardiner would agree that Derbyshire is the most beautiful place to spend the summertime.”
“Thank you, Fitzwilliam, we would be thrilled to accept your offer!”
Elizabeth and her husband stood outside the cottage until the Gardiner carriage was out of sight. “Thank you for inviting my family to return.” They walked towards the garden.
“I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed my time with them. Everything you told me is true, and I can understand why you love them so much. Your uncle and I had an opportunity to speak about potential investments, and we shall be partnering in a few business ventures.”
“You need not give my uncle money. With his new position, they are living quite comfortably.”
“My love, I am not giving your uncle anything. He and I believe it is important to provide for the future of our families and we shall all benefit from it. Pemberley has not generated any income for the past year, and before the Gardiners’ visit, I had already considered making new investments.
I trust your uncle’s advice and wish to increase the Darcy coffers.
Together, we are funding new innovations—besides, construction is expensive and I pray we shall have more mouths to feed one day. ”
Sooner than you think, dear husband. Sooner than you think.
* * *
Darcy and Elizabeth were strolling around Pemberley’s lake, and he squeezed her hand.
“I received a note from my uncle—the Matlocks are bringing Georgiana here tomorrow for a visit. We have not seen them since we were married. They probably wish to see if things are better between us now than they were at our wedding. I am certain they will be delighted to see how much we love each other.”
“No more pleased than I, my love.”
Darcy raised her hand and kissed it. “Were there ever two people more in love than us?”
* * *
When their guests arrived, Colonel Fitzwilliam had unexpectedly joined them but Georgiana had not. “Is my sister unwell, my lady?” Darcy asked. He had been looking forward to seeing Georgie again.
“She is quite well, Fitzwilliam. Shortly before we were to leave she received a large package of new music from her master in London. She was anxious to look through it but promised to visit soon.”
Lady Matlock’s new niece was wearing the face cream they had purchased together, and the lady smiled as she touched her own cheek.
They sat together and talked and laughed as they all enjoyed tea and refreshments.
Darcy could not believe his relatives would embarrass him so thoroughly by regaling his wife with descriptions of his more outlandish childhood escapades.
Before the guests departed, his aunt pulled Darcy aside.
“I am gratified to see how well you and your wife are getting along.”
“We are very much in love, my lady, and will always be so.” Could he be more pleased to say those words with a full heart?
Before he entered the carriage, Richard asked Darcy, “Has Elizabeth’s sister visited yet?”
“Yes, she arrived when she travelled north with her aunt and uncle last month. She told us she had been discontent living in Hertfordshire, so we offered her a small estate I own nearby, and she recently moved there. She visits us several times a week.”
“I may see you sooner than you think.”
“You are always welcome here.”
* * *
A week after the Matlocks’ visit, Jane was visiting the Darcys when the colonel arrived.
“Richard, may I present my wife’s sister, Mrs. Horton. Jane, my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam of His Majesty’s army.”
“I am delighted to meet you, Mrs. Horton. Your sister has often spoken of you.”
“I am pleased to meet you as well, Colonel.” Jane was all that was polite in her demure smile.
Darcy took one look at Richard’s face and his expression told him that he was already smitten by Jane’s beauty and gentle demeanour. Her sister, on the other hand, was understandably wary around him as she was with all men. Perhaps it will take more time for her to be sure of what she wants.
Elizabeth poured the tea. She, Darcy, and Richard chatted amiably while Jane was mostly silent during the conversation.
Why would that be? Darcy did not understand women.
Perhaps a moment alone with her sister would help Jane.
Darcy rose and waved towards the manor house.
“Richard, have you seen the rebuilt staircase yet?”
“No, but I believe I am about to. Pray excuse us, ladies.” He finished his tea while he stood.
* * *
“Mrs. Horton is everything lovely.” The men walked together towards the manor house.
“She has endured a great deal of sadness. We hope that by living so close by, we can both help her feel better.” They walked in silence for a moment.
“Richard, I saw you staring at Jane—are you planning to call on her again? If you are, I must make myself clear—she is my sister and I will do anything possible to keep her from being hurt. If you bring her any grief, I may be forced to run you through.”
“I know you are joking but I would like to get to know her better, which leads me to tell you I must leave for London soon to resign my commission. I have already sent in the paperwork and now I must appear before my superior officers. I admit I am jealous of what you and Elizabeth have. I never thought I would settle down but my old bones are telling me it is time.”
“I am happy to hear it—your entire family will be relieved when you are permanently out of harm’s way.”
“Will you tell me more about Mrs. Horton?”
“She is always kind and Elizabeth said she is a very good judge of people.”
“So, the two sisters confide in each other?”
“I swear sometimes it appears as if they can read each other’s minds!”
“The next months should be interesting—interesting, indeed.”
“Will you call again before you leave for town?”
“Yes—nothing could keep me away.”
* * *
When Darcy and Richard returned, only Elizabeth remained. She explained that her sister was fatigued and had chosen to take the carriage back to Stockton Hall.
“Perhaps I shall see her again soon.” Richard then took his leave and quit the cottage.
Darcy looked towards his wife for an explanation, but she simply shrugged her shoulders. “How did Jane seem when she left here?”
“All she said was that she was tired. We should not push towards anything she is not ready for.”
“Yes, my love, I agree.”
* * *
During the second encounter between the Colonel and Jane, Darcy suggested they all walk along one of Pemberley’s many scenic paths. Richard and Jane walked beside their hosts. “You are fortunate to be living so close to your sister, Mrs. Horton.”