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As the winter weeks went by in Derbyshire, traveling for relatives was not deemed as safe to attempt, and even the post had trouble getting through the heaviest snowfalls on record. So until the weather cleared enough for the post to navigate through the deep drifts, there were no letters from home and family for Darcy and Elizabeth. But it also meant that they had Pemberley to themselves for while longer, which was perfectly fine with them. The closeness of the couple seemed to fill the entire house at Pemberley with an abundance of happiness long missed by many of the staff, so that even with the winter's chill, there was a cheeriness that was usually associated with spring.
A recent snowfall brought wonderment to Elizabeth as she dressed quickly in her fur-lined pelisse, bonnet, and gloves and made her way outside with the intent of creating a person from the snow. Darcy who had seen her from the window soon joined her as she completed a funny snowman. Darcy viewed it with a critical eye, and was about to say he found it lopsided when he turned just in time to be pelted with a snowball. He laughed, and began to scoop the snow for his own ammunition as the war began with snow flying with swift abandon. There was a slight pause as both rearmed themselves.
"Mrs. Darcy, you do not know whom you have assaulted," he warned. "My cousins found my aim quite remarkable in our snowball fights."
Just then he was pelted again, and he let loose his own landing it squarely on the front of Elizabeth's torso.
"Oh, now you've done it, sir, was her reply as she threw her next pellet, knocking his hat off.
He smiled, and said, "I can see that you have some experience of your own in this area." He threw another snowball at her, this one coming closer to her face, hitting her chest.
"Brrrr, that's cold," she laughed taking aim with her final snowball. As she pulled her arm back she noticed he was doing likewise. Both hesitated, knowing that neither would have time to duck, but it didn't matter. Both hurled their bullets simultaneously, each hitting their targets square in the face, which was followed by laughter and coughing as each tried to get snow from eyes, mouths and hair.
He came up beside her and began to flick away snow from her shoulders and curls. Both were still laughing at their childish antics, their breaths visible in smoky puffs. Her eyes were sparkling in the morning sunshine, and he placed his hands on her neck and pulled her to him in a kiss. The heat of her cheeks melted the snow from her face.
He finally paused and asked her, "Have I told you recently how much I love you?"
She panted back, "I do not recall you expressing that fact as yet today, sir." He kissed her again, and she felt more than the snow melting as she held onto him for support.
"You are my heart," he whispered, still holding her head in his hands. "Not a day goes by that I do not think how fortunate I am that you are in my life."
"William, you make me so happy," she replied, tightening her arms around him as her embraced him. They stood frozen in the snow for quite some time without feeling the cold.
Mrs. Reynolds had been walking by a window when she came back and peered out of it, her mouth falling open as she saw the snowball fight commence. She smiled watching the young couple for a few moments more, and then turned to go about her tasks about the house humming softly. She remembered other times when this house seemed so joyous. All the older servants could see the resemblance as well of the long ago times when the master had been a boy and his parents alive. The newer servants just marveled at a lightness that seemed to fill the house where before had been dreary with despair.
All the servants who saw them watched as the two young people showed affection seemingly oblivious to others. Gone was the stern demeanor of the master. He seemed almost serene and was often smiling either because she was with him or he was thinking of her in moments of solitude.
There was a constant sound of music and her singing, and laughter and barking too that the staff had not heard in years. It was almost as though with his bride the master had reverted to a youthful playfulness that his servants had despaired of ever seeing again. Darcy didn't seem to care so much for propriety and decorum as before, and the couple merely seemed happy enjoying each other's company regardless of who was present. And even the dogs became more animated and participated in some of their antics.
One day Mrs. Reynolds heard them laughing, and the dog barking and heard a strange thumping sounds coming from one of the parlors. The butler, Wilkins, had heard the commotion too, and had ventured to the threshold to investigate. Both of the servants cautiously peered into the room where they found the couple seated at the table playing chess, but it wasn't the stately kind that is played in chess clubs with a quiet air. Within a second of one move the other made another causing the dogs to bark at each thump. It was the fastest game Mrs. Reynolds has ever seen played, when he finally said, "Check." This brought on a low woof from the large male greyhound while the smaller female stood by mute but wagging her tail.
"Rollo, hush," admonished Darcy.
"You have bested me again," she laughed and panted looking at the disheveled pieces left the side of the board.
Rollo barked, and wagged his tail.
"Hush," Elizabeth admonished.
"Has that been five now?"
Rollo barked again.
"Hush," Darcy replied.
Darcy saw the twinkle in her eyes and knew what was coming.
"But I had you worried this time on a few moves at least, did I not?" She smiled up at him.
Rollo barked again to which Elizabeth replied, "Hush."
He looked at Elizabeth and smiled.
"You did not," he argued back.
Another bark.
This time both of them said, "Hush." The dog looked from one to the other, gave up barking and put his head down to go into his best sphinx imitation.*
"I did so when you moved your knight to block my rook. You hesitated before you realized my gambit." He finally gave in.
"Yes, you are correct, my love," he admitted. "One day you will best me."
"I doubt that, sir. You have so many more scenarios at your disposal, I fear I will never outdo you."
"Do we have time for another game? How long did that one last?"
He was deftly began replacing the pieces to their starting positions.
"Under a minute," she admitted. "At this rate, I will be below Richard's defeated time." She helped him replace all the pieces to their positions on the board.
"Ah, but you have a worthier opponent to try and best, so your moves are more sophisticated. The time does not matter. Are you ready?" He gazed into her eyes smiling.
With the word "yes" the thumping began again as the pieces changed position at lightning speed until most of them were gone from the board. This game took more time before he said, "Check." And they both began to laugh again. Rollo, having tired of all the excitement curled up on his pillow for another nap.
Mrs. Reynolds shook her head and smiled at Wilkins as both turned to leave the room as they heard the master say,
"Now I must exact my payment for games lost. Let me see. How many kisses do you owe me, Elizabeth?"
She rose and took his hand, and sat on his lap, and his arms encircled her. She put her arms around his neck.
"As many as you wish to exact, sir," she sighed as her lips met his. Suddenly, she pulled back and looked at him with the thought.
"Knight to Queen's bishop four. I could have made that move and forced you to-"
"Exactly, my dear," he said smiling, caressing her cheek with his hand. A surprised expression was evident on her face.
"You were waiting for me to make that move?"
"It would have been the next logical move for a more experienced player. The fact that you thought of it means you are learning at a faster pace than Richard ever did."
"But you still would have won though," she admitted, looking into his eyes smiling.
"Perhaps," he acknowledged, kissing her cheek and cradling her head with his hand. His fingers tangled in her hair as she moved her lips closer to his, and he exacted his payment.
Some of their antics draw even more attention of Mrs. Reynolds one day when she heard dog barks coming from the dining room, and went to investigate. She spied the master and the mistress lying prone under the dining room table, chairs pulled out of the way talking quietly, and Rollo watching them wagging his tail. Mrs. Reynolds leaned her head sideways, arched her eyebrows, and sighed realizing they were on some secret adventure that only young people have, and tried to remember what it was like when she was a young girl in love.
With a shake of her head, she went about her task ignoring them while a smile came upon her face. She knew at last that her little charge of a boy was now a happy young man full of life that he so richly deserved after all his tragedy. Little did she know that they were merely discussing whether the table could be strengthened for adding leaves to increase its size for the additional guests who were coming at Easter?
It was while they were in that unlikely spot that Darcy pulled her to him in so amorous an embrace that she was on top of him. Then he refused to release her, laughing at their position.
"William!" He smiled at her.
He kissed her neck in the spot he knew would make her vulnerable to his advances. She gasped in response.
"Not fair," she whispered. "Not fair, by far, sir."
He continued his ministrations whispering back, "All is fair in love." His mouth lowered to a spot where he knew she would find most desirous, but would also make her stop his advances.
"Please," she whispered, but she didn't make him stop.
"Please, what?" he asked, his hands exploring her bare neck and then down her arms.
"William...please," she managed to say. The gaze in her eyes encouraged him, but the two words she whispered spoke volumes of what she did and did not want. He swallowed, and smiled fingering the opening of the front of her dress, knowing exactly what he did and did not want.
Rollo decided it was finally time to voice his opinion with several loud woofs, and he went around in a circle and barked again. Darcy looked around to see that though they were alone at present, all the doors were opened.
"Yes, perhaps you are right," he finally decided. "It would be best not to shock the servants too much this day."
And he began to exit the spot under the table, holding her hands to help her out. The dog seemed to agree that more room was needed for all of them to play, and he jumped up slightly at their coming out of their cave to be with him. Elizabeth was smoothing out the wrinkles from the front of her dress when Darcy grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the hallway door. Rollo followed them as they exited the room.
The dining room table was forgotten for now as they silently walked up the staircase. Darcy stole a side-glance at her when they reached the landing. He decided to let the servants think what they will, and picked Elizabeth up in his arms and began to carry her down the hallway. Rollo romped beside them thinking they were going outside to play.
"You are the most important person in this house, my love," he said softly as they reached the door to their chambers. "Let the servants think that I am the happiest of men to have you here with me."
He could see as she hid her face in his neck, eyes closed, that even her hands seem to be blushing. When he hesitated, she finally lifted her head and opened her eyes to stare at him. That was when he kissed her in front of the footman who had happened by. He opened the door for them with a soft, "allow me, sir." He smiled shyly as he caught their eyes.
Clearly, if he was any indication, the servants accepted and were pleased with a master who could brave propriety to show his wonderful wife public displays of affection and regard on occasion.
Rollo was left in the hallway as the footman closed the door to him, and walk on down the hallway. The dog stared at the door for a few seconds, and then made a 'humph' sound as he curled up for a nap beside his master's door.
They were not seen again by any of the servants that day for quite some time afterwards.
Author's note: Our large greyhound sits just like this at times. First the front legs go down while his rump is still high in the air. Then he shuffles the back feet down, and looks just like the sphinx except the only things actually touching the floor are his feet and the bottom of his chest. And to see them excitedly turn circles in place is quite a feat. For such big dogs they are actually very graceful.
"What news does the post bring, Elizabeth?" he asked stretching his back muscles as he put the final paper in the finished pile. Looking at his pocket watch, he decided it was time for tea, and rose and pulled the bell cord. Then he came over to Elizabeth's chair, and leaned on the back to be nearer to her.
"It seems that the weather in Hertfordshire also took a cold turn, and Mama was unable to visit for a fortnight," she related re-reading Jane's letter again.
Darcy smiled at her, raised his eyebrows and acknowledged, "It seems as though the weather is working to the advantage of both married couples then."
"So it seems," she agreed smiling.
A knock on the door was answered and a request for a tea tray was made.
As the door closed again he asked, "Did she make mention of any further developments of the Smithson estate?" He stoked the fire to provide more warmth.
"No, but if they decide on it would you not be apprised of it by Charles?"
"Perhaps, although his letters are often times illegible and incoherent. I gather Jane at least has the ability to write an intelligent correspondence."
"William, that is unkind," Elizabeth laughed.
"Spoken like your sister, Jane," answered Darcy. "I am thoroughly admonished."
Another knock to the door was answered and one of the servants brought in a tea tray setting it down on the table between them. Darcy handed her a cup and made one for him self also.
When Darcy sat down beside Elizabeth in the twin chair he continued with his conversation.
"But does she say that Charles and she are still to come at Easter?"
"Yes, in fact," said Elizabeth leafing through more letters, "my entire family has decided to descend upon Pemberley at the same time. Papa writes that Mama insists on coming to celebrate the Lord's rising by bringing Mary and Kitty with them. And are Richard and his parents still to be expected as well? And what of Georgiana?"
"I am not sure of Richard's plans due to his duties," replied Darcy sipping his tea. "However, I had a letter from my Aunt and Uncle Matlock stating an intent on coming. They want to have Georgiana stay with them for the remainder of the time, and bring her with them at Easter. I gather from my aunt's letter though that she would rather be here with us or in London continuing her studies with Mrs. Annesley."
Elizabeth's brows knitted at his inference that perhaps Georgiana was unhappy with her aunt and uncle. "Your aunt implies that Georgiana is not content to be with them? I would have thought that she got on well with your relatives. I was under the impression that they were a very amiable couple more in the same vein as Richard."
Darcy smiled and shook his head sipping more of his tea.
"They are amiable and kind for the most part. But sometimes I fear they do not always agree with how I have raised Georgiana, and tell her as much in veiled comment, or try to encourage her to be more social, stay in town more frequently to mingle with high society."
"You would think," Elizabeth teased, "they could see how that technique failed miserable with one Darcy offspring. Why would they continue to use it on the second?"
"As you have already been witness to, Elizabeth, my family is a persistence lot," he countered.
"Yes," she replied in a completely teasing tone now. "I had noticed that about one in particular. Had he not been, I would not be present here today."
He replaced his cup on the tray and retrieved hers when she handed it to him. But when she began to pull her hand back, he held hers asking her to "Come."
"But it is so very warm here under all my blankets," she smiled.
"I will keep you warm, Elizabeth," he answered. She looked into his eyes and couldn't resist the offer. She pushed her blankets onto the floor, and rose from her chair to sit with him in his. He embraced her against him, the normal warmth of his body radiating to hers. His hand cradled her head as he kissed her. She tried to curl her feet up against him.
"Your feet are freezing, Lizzy," he said pulling her legs into his lap, and beginning to rub some warmth into them. She leaned against his chest and sighed, and came back to their conversation.
"So the Matlocks must be contended with?" she asked directly.
Darcy was silent for a moment trying to find the correct words to describe them to Elizabeth, who jumped to the wrong conclusion.
"Please, do not tell me they are similar to your Aunt Catherine? There will be enough chaos here without having to deal with that too, William."
He began to laugh. "Now how can the parents of Richard be anything like Aunt Catherine? No, they are nothing like her. The truth is you will probably get on well with them."
"Good. I doubt I will be able to remain charitable to them had I felt I were at an inquisition," Elizabeth said nuzzling further into the space between his body and the chair, her hand sliding under his vest between buttons. He stopped rubbing her feet, and turned his gaze on her face, her closed eyes, her contented smile. He kissed her forehead and whispered.
"Oh, there will be an inquisition, all right. They will want to know if you are worthy of their nephew." He kissed her again, this time at the temple.
Her eyes opened then, and she shifted positions slightly to see his face and he bent to kiss her again, but she pulled her head back and smiled at him, arching her brows.
"And while I am defending myself at this inquisition, pray, where would this said nephew be?"
He smiled, and pulled her head back within range of his lips, and teased, "You need not fear. I will be directly behind you...using you as my shield." He smiled.
"Well! Should I leave to go prepare myself for the battle of wits that is to come?" She asked starting to rise, but his arm pulled her close to him.
"Nay. You are more than a match for them, I assure you."
"Indeed?" His hand caressed her cheek and he smiled at her.
"After mere moments of conversation with you, they will find out what I already know. And they will adore you just as I do."
She opened her mouth to say more, but his lips stopped any more conversation for a while.
Both she and Darcy had the habit of walking early as a sort of meditation and renewal of energy to ensure their fortitude for the hustle of the new day. Sometimes they talked, but more often than not, a silence overcame them as each enjoyed the wonders that nature brought to their eyes as they walked down the path reveling in the fact that they now both had someone to share their walks with, to hold hands with, to stop along the way and share a kiss or two.
They had stopped on a small hill overlooking the main house. Elizabeth ventured close to the edge and Darcy's arms encircled her to keep her safe. She leaned against him and they both observed that even at this distance, the servants were busy with preparations of the coming guests over the Easter season, now merely weeks away. She sighed.
"The time is short now," she said as she felt his arms tighten around her, knowing she was thinking about the deluge of family soon to descend upon their home that for the moment was quiet and serene.
"Yes," he agreed. "Did we decide who was actually destined to arrive first?"
"I believe you mentioned that Georgiana and your aunt and uncle would be the first. They are to arrive within ten days time before Easter, followed by my family several days after."
"Perhaps that will be for the best. You can become acquainted with them before the rest are due." She nodded, feeling a longing growing in her of their soon to be lost solitude.
"And what of Georgiana? She decided to agree to their plans of remaining with them until this visit, but can we not prevail upon her to stay once she has come? I am sure she will love to be here in the springtime with all the abundance of blossoming foliage and trees."
He nuzzled his lips on her neck and whispered, "My sister is not as appreciative of nature the way you are, my love. But I agree with you that she would be perfectly amiable to spend the springtime with us here."
"And your aunt and uncle, how long would they be expected to stay?"
"Not as long, I am sure. His estate is quite as large as this one, and so with the springtime comes a busy part of year. They will most likely depart after a mere two weeks."
"Enough time to get to know them then," she whispered back, tightening her arms on his. Her heart began to race at the closeness of him. She tried not to pant.
"And what of the Gardiners? Did they not also wish to be present for the Easter season?"
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. I just received a letter from my aunt yesterday saying that they are very disappointed that they could not be away from London at this time, but hoped that the invitation could be extended for the summer months."
"That is disappointing then. I know how you wanted to have your aunt come to visit, and I have grown quite fond of my discussions with your uncle when he is not at the trout stream. You may write and say that the invitation is of course extended to the summer, and to bring all their children this time. They seemed to be amiable when we visited them in town."
"Yes," agreed Elizabeth, "they are dear sweet cousins. I think they would enjoy being in the country during the summer." She inhaled softly as his hands shifted their position.
"What of Charles and Jane and the rest of your family? Have you any more news?" She felt his heart pounding against her back, or was that hers?
"The last letter from Jane mentioned that she and Charles had a letter from Mr. Smithson about his estate that he stills is intent on selling, and wishes that they take a tour of it while they are here. But we mustn't say anything in front of Mama. She would be beside herself with a case of nerves, and be vexed for the whole holiday."
"Then it will not be mentioned," agreed Darcy, tracing feathery kisses on her cheek, watching her blush with anticipation. "We will simply be cordial while your parents are here."
"I just hope Mary and Kitty will enjoy Pemberley," she said as she licked her suddenly dry lips.
"Why would they not?" he asked, beginning to feel flushed as he took in her fragrant scent. "We could simply put a bed in the library for your sister, Mary, and your father as well since I am sure that is where we will constantly find them both," he teased. "And as to Kitty, well, we can see if there are any dances nearby to escort her to in order that she find amusement."
Finally he could contain himself not longer, and turned her to face him as his lips found hers. She felt a hunger for him as well as they both thought their private time was going to be limited when all the family shows up. They both allowed themselves these liberties in this quiet solitude until she finally had to pull away from him panting.
"William...please," she whispered, which he knew full well it's meaning. And he slowed his ardor, satisfying himself with merely kissing her temple, trying to curtail his desires. He leaned his head against her forehead, and panted, his breaths warm against her face. As she tried to calm her own breathing, she laughed softly and teased him.
"I realize that both of us appreciate our natural environment, but surely neither of us would want such an audience witnessing our endeavor."
He couldn't help laughing softly at her statement as images of woodland creatures staring at them should they succumb to such a temptation. He used it to help calm him as he gently massaged her back.
"I doubt any of the forest residents would learn anything new from our actions, Elizabeth," he teased back.
With that she too began to laugh and come more to her senses, both still giggling as they now gently held each other.
"Come," he said pulling her away from the precipice, and back into the lane. "Let us go to the stables to see how the horses have faired during these weeks. I am sure Sampson will happy to see we haven't abandoned him."
"Will he still have his thick winter coat," Elizabeth asked laughing. "When I saw him last he reminded me of those wild ponies on the moor."
"Yes, he will still be quite bushy, and only begin to lose it once the weather warms more. Perhaps we will see if he if willing to be ridden after all these weeks rest. I am sure he has put on weight from the lack of exercise. Would you like that, Elizabeth?"
"Yes, if you ride along side me on Simian. He has turned out to be a fine horse as well."
"He has indeed," replied Darcy as they walked down the path toward the stables. "It is a shame that he will not have a chance to sire any foals, but perhaps that was the sacrifice he had to endure in order to survive."
"I know very little of horse husbandry, but it is not a common practice in order to calm a stallion not intended for breeding? How soon would it have been accomplished?"
"His scars are quite old so I assume he was very young when it was done. But the other scars about his chest and down the left side of his face and especially down his left cheek suggest such abuse as makes me ashamed to know my fellow man can be so cruel to one of God's creatures." He shook his head sadly.
Elizabeth was silent for a while as a repressed memory suddenly flashed into her conscious mind from long ago when she was a child. She slowed her walking to the point that Darcy noticed as her hold onto his arm tightened. With a concerned look on his face, he stopped walking and held her in front of him.
"Elizabeth, what is it?"
He mouth opened but no words came out. She then looked into his eyes as she began to pant.
"I...just now remembered...the horse was almost upon me...and it had a large gash along his left cheek where the man's whip had cut him."
"But surely there were many abused horses in London, Lizzy. You can't be certain that Simian is the one from your past."
"You are right, of course," she said trying to calm herself of her disturbing memory. He hugged her to him wanting to comfort her from that nightmare of so long ago.
"And even if he were the same horse then, he is such a docile creature now, Lizzy. There is no need to fear him," he whispered, still holding her until he felt her calm.
"I do not fear him, William," she answered back finally smiling in the security of her loving husband's embrace. "Simian is so gentle, I would never be afraid of him, especially now that he has you as his master. You have given him such care and warmth that he is completely at ease now with all who come around him."
He bent his head and kissed her softly remembering it was she who had actually tamed the horse of it's fears when on her first visit to Pemberley, just as she had tamed his own heart.
He smiled down into her lovely face, and she returned a smile. He pulled out of their embrace and strolled on toward the stables arm in arm.
Since their wedding had been during the winter there was little time for horseback riding, but now that the spring had come in all its loveliness Darcy had been eager to take Elizabeth for gentle rides along the paths and meadows to show her why he loved Pemberley so dearly. So before the family arrived they began each day with a ride.
At first the rides were short, as Elizabeth needed time and experience to be familiar with riding atop Sampson, holding his reins, controlling the great horse. And she became more confident at riding sidesaddle as the days went by. And although a stallion, Sampson's Andalusian* heritage of even temperament, stamina, lightness and balance made him an excellent mount for Elizabeth. Eventually she came to enjoy the excitement of a gallop in the meadow with Darcy beside her on the gelding, Simian. That horse had become so complacent in his happiness at being home and with his brother that Darcy never saw any misbehavior from him. He responded with a willingness of spirit to Darcy's gentle touch and training to become his brother's equal in behavior and temperament.
Their rides through the surrounding area gave Elizabeth a first hand knowledge of the workings of the estate. She met many of the tenants who worked the fields near the main estate and in the neighboring villages. Wherever she went, the villagers and tenants alike were impressed with Elizabeth's knowledge of their plans to help bring better yields to the crops as well as her knowledge in the use of herbs to alleviate various maladies. Her recommendations to make their lives easier carried a lot of weight with both the tenants as well as Darcy.
When she suggested one day of the possibility of opening a school for those children of the tenants in order that many of them could learn to read therefore to help with agricultural endeavors as well as more literary pursuits, it was taken under advisement as a sound idea. Darcy said he would like to get together with some of the other landowners to see if the idea could be implemented. And that was how the first of several schools in the area was established in the later years.
Knowing how some of the gentry felt about the education of women, Elizabeth also endeavored to change some of those attitudes by requesting some classes be established for those young girls who had an interest in reading and writing as well as mathematics which some men deemed too difficult for the feminine mind. But Elizabeth was persistent in her explanations of the benefits to the gentry as well as the tenants that a better-educated woman could aid them in their goals as well. Few girls were encouraged, but those who had the inclination and capacity to learn in the neighborhood were allowed to participate, becoming more knowledgeable in the arts and the sciences to the benefit of all.
So in the short amount of weeks Elizabeth began to ease into her role of a revered mistress of the manor much like the former Mrs. Darcy of times passed. All the tenants began to accept her in her new role and were extremely happy she had agreed to marry the lonely man who lived at Pemberley.
Darcy was becoming so content now that he expressed a desire to remain mostly in the country, taking prodigious care of all things related to the estate so that it continued to flourish. He wanted only to venture into town whenever business compelled him, or for the occasional trip to see and opera or the theater.
He even began to shed his jacket unless he went out, feeling more comfortable in a shirt and vest with his only remnant of society being his cravat, but a much simpler one.
At breakfast on one of the last days before their company was due to arrive, while she and Darcy were discussing the proposed school for the tenant children, Elizabeth brought forth the idea of adding classes for girls in herbal medicines that perhaps the midwife in the area could teach.
"There will be much resistance with this idea," Darcy replied knowing what his neighbors thought of midwives versus doctors who had more formal training.
But Elizabeth countered with, "Yes, I realize that, William, but do you know how many infants and mothers were at risk from lack of medical attention and the shortage of doctors?"
"I am sure that fact may be true, Elizabeth, but it does not change the attitudes of those who feels that doctors are more qualified."
He watched as she silently agreed with his statement while sipping her coffee. He knew this was disappointing to Elizabeth, and tried to relieve her distress about it as he handed her a muffin, which he covered with her favorite topping, marmalade. She took it, still not smiling.
"You have come up with so many plans to aid all the tenants, Elizabeth," he said. "Some ideas are just too revolutionary at present to be accepted by the general populace." He poured his coffee and sat down beside her taking her hand in his.
"Yes," she acknowledged as her brows knitted in thought. "I just wish they would realize that both aspects have a place in all our lives."
"One day," he promised, "I am sure there will come a time when both forms will be accepted or perhaps merged into one."
She looked in his face, and smiled finally agreeing with his assessment of the situation.
"You are quite right. There are some who already accept both and merge them. Others will follow." He kissed her hand knowing that all her suggestions were worth discussion, and he loved her all the more for trying to help those tenants that dwelled in the surrounding area. She began to eat the offered muffin.
"I hope you are prepared for onslaught that will descend on us beginning tomorrow when Georgiana returns along with my aunt and uncle." His voice was teasing. She smiled.
"I am eager with anticipation, William," she teased back sipping her coffee. "I have missed Georgiana a great deal more than I thought possible, and hope she will agree to stay once she has come."
"As do I, Elizabeth," he agreed, beginning to consume his breakfast.
*Author's note: I always envisioned Sampson as being an Andalusian with its Purebred Spanish Horse qualities. In 1562 Emperor Maximilian II brought the Spanish horses to Austria to found a stud farm in what is now known as Bohemia. His brother, Archduke Charles of Austria founded the stud farm in Lipizza in 1580 to produce horses that are known today as the Lipizzans. When I researched this I found a quote by a Classical Master, the Duke of Newcastle: "Spanish Horses are the most intelligent, the most handsome and the most noble in all the world", and he found only one fault, that of 'Having too good a memory: because it uses this to govern itself and to anticipate the will of the rider.' Now doesn't that sound just like Sampson?! If you want to see my idea of Sampson go to http://www.bhs.org.uk/Breeds/Andalusian.htm
The morning began in a wonderful fashion as the sun streaked in from the slightly opened curtains onto the couple sleeping peaceful in an embrace. Darcy awoke first as the sun shone into his eyes. He moaned at not having had enough sleep for a day that may be trying, although he didn't let Elizabeth think so. When he looked down upon her still sleeping form beside him, however, he knew the day would hold many pleasures and surprises because of her. She had her hands and her head resting gently on his chest. He heard her soft breathing of sleep as she snuggled even closer to him.
He kissed her head, his arms tightening around her, trying to recall what his life had been like before her. How it paled next to the brightness of his existence now with her. Their joy was so overwhelming, he knew that his relatives would not fail to see it when they came, and be happy for him.
He tickled her arm, and she stirred, but didn't awaken. He repeated the gesture with a soft, "Elizabeth, it is time to get up."
But he merely heard her moan and not wake from sleep. He tickled her arm again and then said, "We must get up now if we are to ride before breakfast."
He heard her moaning a denial at the thought of such nonsense, and snuggled closer to his neck for warmth.
He smiled, and kissed her temple and whispered, "Do you not wish to ride Sampson today, my love?"
She sighed, her eyes still closed, and she mumbled back, "I require more sleep."
To this remark he smiled, remembering that it was at his insistence that she was awake most of the night, and how willingly she participated in their enjoyment of their last night alone in the house. The images were still vividly intense in his mind as he gazed down at her still contentedly sleeping form.
He kissed her face again and then began to rise from the bed to allow her sleep more. But her hands gripped the front of his shirt, and she cried softly, "No, stay."
He whispered, "You sleep more, my love while I-"
But when he saw her eyes open with a sudden fearful expression, he froze in word and motion.
"Don't leave me, William," was her whispered pant.
So seldom had he seen her show fear, he knew he would do anything to alleviate it.
"Never, my love," he promised.
He cradled her head, his cheek caressing hers, his lips touching her ear.
"Shhhh, I am here, Lizzy," he whispered. "I will not leave you. I promise. Calm yourself."
He kissed her lips and engulfed her in embrace so complete to let her know he now had no intention of going from her side.
In such security, she began to calm, and finally she sighed. He thought such an unusual emotional outburst must be due merely to stress of the coming guests and the lack of adequate sleep.
"Go back to sleep, my love. I will be here when you awaken." He held her and she again drifted off to sleep. As he felt her peaceful breathing so near him, he too was soon lulled back into a restful sleep, and when they awoke a few hours later, they both felt ready to greet the day and their guests.
The carriage came up the drive in the late afternoon as the couple waited on the steps holding hands, ready to welcome the passengers. The crest of Matlock blazoned on the door meant that Lord and Lady Matlock had finally arrived at Pemberley. The carriage came to a halt; the coachman jumped down and opened the door and out stepped his Lordship himself and Elizabeth drew her first impression of the man.
He was tall, but not as tall as Darcy, and his hair was a sandy color with just a touch of grey. His face seemed kindly and showed creases of a middle age, but his eyes were bright blue, the color of the sky. Elizabeth inhaled as she noted that they were the same color as Darcy's mother's eyes in the portrait. He was attired in an expensive topcoat and matching vest of dark olive green, and his countenance was one of an austere, proud man. He looked up at the house wondering when he had last been here, and then his eyes fell upon Elizabeth, the same smile shown on his face as that of her husband when amused. She smiled back at him invitingly. This Lord who was used to quivering people afraid to even look him in the eye was totally mesmerized by this young woman, so confident and regal, with such an openness and warmth that for a moment he was left speechless. Elizabeth finally broke eye contact as she curtsied before him.
"Lord Matlock, we are honored you have come. Welcome again to Pemberley."
Her eyes were again upon him, but he had recovered himself and took her hand and kissed it smiling
"I assure you, the pleasure is mime."
He turned and handed his wife out, and again Elizabeth curtsied, finally looking at the regal woman standing before her. She too was of a middle age, but also wore her age with dignity and grace. Her burgundy colored gown rustled with the stiffness of the expensive silk as she walked toward them. Elizabeth's muslin print frock seemed more rural in comparison, but the difference didn't seem to bother Elizabeth in the least.
"Lady Matlock, you are most welcome here," was her reply as she smiled at the older lady who remained neutral in her response.
"Yes, I am sure," was her response, as she looked Elizabeth up and down taking in her somewhat countrified appearance. Her eyebrows went up as though she had already assessed this new Mistress of Pemberley, as nothing of any substance, and wondered why William would choose such an apparently unsophisticated wife. But Lady Matlock was wise enough not to be swayed by appearance alone even if her sister-in-law had remained so decidedly against this marriage. She would wait until a more in depth conversation with this young woman that would either confirm or deny what Lady Catherine had attested to in her missives.
Elizabeth continued to smile through what seemed an affront and a snobbish attitude. She heard her father's voice in her head saying, 'the rich can offend whomever they choose. We are of a more noble bent and do not succumb to such nonsense.' And she tried to talk to this regal woman about her experiences on the trip from Matlock.
Darcy, having greeted his uncle and aunt warmly left Elizabeth's side to hand Georgiana out of the carriage. As her shoe alighted on the footstep of the carriage she threw her arms around her brother's neck and kissed his cheek happily. He hugged her tight and whispered a 'welcome home' in her ear with such sincerity she was taken aback by his changed demeanor, and smiled into his own smiling face. He finally let her down to the ground, and she immediately came to Elizabeth, who had been trying to converse with Lady Matlock, and grabbed her in an equally warm hug. Formalities were forgotten when tears of joy erupted from Georgiana's eyes. Darcy, being ignored for the moment, turned to converse with his aunt while Elizabeth greeted his sister warmly.
Elizabeth tightened her hug, and whispered, "Oh Georgiana, I am so happy you have returned. I have missed you so."
"I...I was not sure I would still be welcome now that you are the mistress of the house."
Elizabeth's mouth dropped opened as surprise covered her face and she asked, "Where on earth did you ever get such an idea as that?"
Georgiana stole a glance toward her aunt who began to speak with Darcy and her husband. Georgiana's eyes were down cast again. Elizabeth touched Georgiana's chin and made the girl look up at her. She whispered so only Georgiana heard.
"This has been your home, long before I was ever invited to share it with you. Never, ever think that you are not welcome here."
Elizabeth's eyes were intense upon Georgiana's.
"This will always be your home for however long you wish it to be. Do we have an understanding now?"
Georgiana nodded and smiled and hugged Elizabeth's neck again and whispered,
"I knew I would be happy to have you as a sister," Elizabeth's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she whispered back smiling,
"And I you."
Lady Matlock observed all without comment, as her husband and nephew were carrying on a conversation, and finally the party was escorted into the house.
"And where are we to be put up this time?" asked Lord Matlock smiling. "Surely not the master's chambers this time."
He knew that Darcy had offered them his father and mother's chambers when last they came because he had no intention of using them with his father so newly deceased. But as Darcy and his uncle exchanged looks, the older man knew times had certainly changed his nephew. Darcy smiled and said softly,
"The guest quarters are extremely nice too. I will have Jenkins show you to your rooms to freshen up."
"Georgiana, come," ordered Lady Matlock to Georgiana who was still arm and arm with Elizabeth in private conversation. The young girl looked up in mid-conversation and meekly replied,
"I will freshen up later, aunt. I wish to speak to my sister for a while longer." Georgiana's hand tightened on Elizabeth's arm.
Lady Matlock did the most marvelous impression of Lady Catherine as her eyes narrowed and a frown formed on her mouth. But she decided to pick another battle, and turned to go up the stairs.
"Very well, but I do not want to hear of you overtaxing yourself, and not being able to join us for dinner," the commanding voice said over her shoulder.
"No ma'am," was Georgiana's soft reply even as she smiled at her own daring. Elizabeth squeezed her hand to show Georgiana her approval, and they both giggled and hurried to the music room.
Darcy smiled as he watched their departure, and then noticed out of the corner of his eye that his uncle had not joined his wife up the stairs, but rather watched the entire exchange with the eyes of a general watching a skirmish as the prelude for the battle due to commence before long. Darcy finally turned his eyes to his uncle's and both independently knew the personalities of their wives would bring about a lively clash of wills to dinner as soon as the party sat down to the meal. Lord Matlock sighed.
"Dinner should prove interesting," he said at last smiling.
"Of that I have no doubt," was Darcy's reply.
Then his nephew surprised him by laughing softly out loud, something Lord Matlock had so seldom heard that he couldn't help but smile.
"What is so amusing, William?"
"I just imagined cutlery being flung across the dinner table, and wondered if perhaps I should change the menu to finger foods."
At this even Lord Matlock joined in the laughter, and slapped Darcy on the back and asked, "Do you still have that well stocked wine cellar? I should like to partake in a glass of your best port."
"Come, then. I have some in my study where we can talk, as I am sure that is your true motive."
"You know me too well, son," was the warm reply. Truly, thought the older man, he had never seen Darcy so at ease, so amiable, so...happy.
They sat down in the two matching wingback chairs, each with a glass of Darcy's port, and silently sipped the wine, enjoying its light aroma, savoring its rich flavor.
"Your father was very fond of this vintage, was he not?"
"Yes, I believe he was."
"And do you not know why?"
"No, I have not the recollection of his reasons for favoring this particular wine."
"It was because it was the wine that Anne preferred. They would share a glass each night before retiring."
"How do you know of this?"
"As her older brother, she shared parts of her life with me. This item she let me be privy to shortly after her marriage to your father."
Darcy smiled, but remained silent as his uncle continued his narrative, remembering the glass of wine on her nightstand each night when he would bring in Georgiana to kiss their mother.
"It seemed that she had been quite nervous on her wedding night, and asked for a glass of wine to steady her. Your father gave her this port, and she never drank any other kind of spirits."
Darcy sighed and he smiled, and said, "Thank you for telling me such a wonderful anecdote about my parents. I have often wondered about the glass of wine I remember seeing when I was young."
They were silent as they both sipped from their glasses. Lord Matlock gazed at his young nephew that he had felt as much a father to as his own children, and noticed how changed was his demeanor. Gone was the austerity, and sternness. There seemed to be a calmness about him that was never present before that he could recall. Darcy finally gazed at his uncle and smiled.
"I must say your wedding took both of us by surprise. Neither of us had any idea you were interested in anyone particular, and the next post we receive tells us of your finding a girl in Hertfordshire. And your friend Bingley married the sister. William, I always knew you were a man of action once you set your mind to it, but your swiftness put us in shock with your news."
Darcy remained silent; merely smiling at his uncle, knowing his own inquisition was far from over.
"And she is a gentleman's daughter with an estate that is entailed away? Frankly, William we thought you would have at least perused the higher social circles before lowering yourself to this choice."
With this remark, Darcy closed his eyes and sighed at the audacity and arrogance of such a statement in his own house to his face. But honesty and bluntness were part of his uncle's nature, and Darcy accepted it along with his caring for him as a son. Still remaining silent, he again stared at his uncle and smiled. He would not be baited into defending his actions, not even to his uncle.
"Can you not at least explain to me your choice of wife?"
Darcy shook his head, and the only reply he would give was, "You need only to speak with her yourself, Uncle Henry. Then if you still need an explanation, I will oblige you. But truly, I know your are quite astute, and will need no other reasons for my choice once you get to know her."
Lord Matlock stared at his nephew after this enigmatic statement, and finally gave up receiving any additional information.
"I must admit, I have never seen you so content. Even as a child when your life was happy, you were never as serene as you are now," he said instead.
Darcy acknowledged as much with, "I agree I have never been thus, but am so now, utterly and completely."
"She has bewitched you then?" He teased, draining the last of his wine from his glass.
"You can say that, as she also done with the house servants, the gardeners, the grooms, my dogs, the horses, the birds, Mrs. Reynolds's cat." Darcy smiled at his uncle and they both rose to remove themselves to the music room.
"Then she has the power to charm?" Darcy smiled at his uncle, remembering of his face as he first gazed upon her just outside.
"As you have already witnessed and been affected by," was Darcy's reply as he motioned for his uncle to follow him.
"That was wonderful, Georgiana," he actually gushed. "Never have I heard you play so beautifully."
Eyes down cast now in embarrassment at his having overheard her playing, she spoke just above a whisper. "It was just something that Elizabeth found for us to play together, uncle. She is so excellent on the piano that I can play my harp to accompany her."
He looked to Elizabeth's raised eyebrows, as they both knew this was not the case at all, and that it was Elizabeth who was accompanying Georgiana, but neither wished to argue the point to the already embarrassed girl. He bowed his head to Elizabeth, and turned his attentions once again to Georgiana, taking her hand and kissing it.
"Regardless of the ownership of leader, the music was beautiful, niece," he said softly smiling at her.
"Thank you, uncle," she said with down cast eyes. Then adding," I-I appreciate all your encouragement," she finally looked up, holding his gaze for what to Georgiana seemed an eternity. She actually smiled at him with a confidence he had never seen in her eyes.
He kissed her hand again before turning to the tea table. Clearly, he thought, this young woman at the piano was affecting even his niece. And he wondered what means she was using to effect this change? He returned to the couch beside Darcy as the girls sat together on the piano bench choosing a piano duet to perform next.
He watched how Elizabeth moved and smiled, how her eyes sparkled as they looked into Georgiana's now less fearful ones, and how even her voice sounded musical and warm. And she touched Georgiana's shoulder to encourage her to be courageous in the face of the intimidation of an audience. He was hypnotized as he watched Georgiana smile and nod in agreement, and hug Elizabeth as if they were as close as true sisters could be. While he watched Elizabeth hug the young girl, she closed her eyes and her face radiated such warmth and devotion. Sudden awareness transformed his face, as he realized how Elizabeth used her charms. She quite simply...loved...people...animals...whatever she focused on. And her love radiated from her like a sunburst through the clouds to be shared by all around her. He swallowed as he witnessed this first hand as Darcy sat beside him.
"William," was all he could manage to say as he looked at his nephew, and he tried to regain some of his faculties once more. "Your aunt and I have spent months trying to pull Georgiana from her fearful shyness to open up to people. Your wife manages to do so in a span of mere minutes."
"Uncle, have you still the need of an explanation?" Darcy asked quietly as the piano duet had begun.
"No," admitted Lord Matlock, calming himself in order to carry on some means of conversation. "I think this exhibition is clear enough for even an old misanthrope such as myself to have an understanding of her talents. She is a treasure."
"She is indeed," he acknowledged, adding, "worth more than any possession I own."
"I hope you will be very happy, son," Lord Matlock said still watching the two girls playing the piano, enjoying their time together.
"Thank you, uncle. I plan to."
After the last notes from the piano died away, both girls rose, and smiling approached the gentlemen who rose from the couch. Darcy reached for Elizabeth's hand to keep hold of as he returned her smile.
"I would like to go to my room now to freshen up for dinner, William," Georgiana said joyfully and without shyness. She tiptoed and kissed his cheek, and did the same to her uncle, and then turned and swept out of the room in graceful confidence. They all watched her depart, and Elizabeth felt Darcy's hand squeeze hers, and she gazed at him, raising her eyebrows.
Lord Matlock, being very astute, noticed them ignoring him and merely stated, "I think that is my cue to depart for my chambers as well." And he too left the room and ventured up the stairs knowing where to find them.
While still holding her hand, Darcy was not the least embarrassed at putting his other hand gently on her neck and pulling her to him, kissing his wife in the silence of the now deserted room. She acquiesced without any apology. He breathed in the lavender about the room, and whispered in a raspy voice.
"I think you have made another conquest in the person of my uncle." She knitted her brow as his lips returned to hers again in such a way that left her breathless.
"My...intentions were only to make Georgiana feel welcomed in her own home." His lips were upon hers again, and she held onto his arms as he deepened the kiss.
"Your charms work exponentially, Elizabeth, not only with the person you focus upon, but even to those merely observing you."
"Indeed?" She felt his arm move from her waist to her back as he pulled her closer to him, her head now resting on his chest, his breath warm next to her ear, trying to calm her own breathing.
"I fear your aunt will not be so easily swayed by my actions."
"She is a formidable woman, it is true, but quite adept. She can recognize attributes beyond the superfluous. She will come around in time, Elizabeth. Have no fear."
"The is nothing I fear when you stand beside me, William." She pulled her head from his chest to stare into the eyes of her now most trusted friend, her husband. He smiled down at her.
"We have time to have a walk in the garden before dinner."
"I would like that, William," she replied.
She turned and gathered up her shawl thrown upon the back of one of the couches, and he opened the French door for them to remove themselves from the music room and onto the balcony, then down the stairs into the gardens directly beside the house. They strolled silently arm in arm among the slowly emerging flowerbeds and plants that would soon be in full bloom of spring. He put the shawl about her shoulders as they came to a bench where they sat talking quietly. His arm around her shoulder, his hand tangling in her curls, her head resting on his shoulder close to his face, his lips kissing her temple using all his powers of restraint to keep his actions if not chaste, at least not wanton. She was not faring much better as her thoughts drifted back to the night before as she tried not to pant.
He saw her blushing. "Of what are you thinking, Lizzy?"
"No, I should not even voice what is on my mind."
"You are thinking about last night," he stated.
"What you must think of me for harboring such private thoughts, and in broad daylight," she sighed. He smiled as he whispered in her ear.
"I confess to also fostered similar thoughts."
"William...please," she whispered truly embarrassed at the topic of their discussion. He cradled her head, and looked intensely into her eyes.
"I love you so dearly, and my only wish is to show you such joy in every way possible."
He kissed her so tenderly and repeatedly, curtailing any other conversation.
Unbeknown to Elizabeth they were being observed from one of the upper most windows of the guest quarters. Lady Matlock watched the young couple's interlude as her husband came up behind her and saw what she was staring at. He put his arms around her waist, and rested his head on her shoulder. They both stared silently at the young couple in the garden.
Lady Matlock spoke softly. "See how tenderly are his addresses, Henry. What does he see in her?"
"I think he knows her to have a kind heart that extends to all living things."
"She appears to be so fragile just now, Henry. They remind me of-"
"Of Anne and George Darcy," he finished her sentence. "But they are not. She is not fragile as was Anne, and she has other gifts."
"Indeed?" Lady Matlock drew her gaze from the young couple in the garden to her husband's warm eyes. She trusted his abilities to judge character with his first impression. They were never off the mark. "Tell me what you have discerned of her in so short a time."
He smiled at her, and teased. "You do not wish to discover the endowments of the new Mistress of Pemberley on your own? Why, wife, I am surprised that you would have me give my opinion before you have had an interview with her yourself."
She gazed again out from her window to see how Darcy held Elizabeth so lovingly against his chest as they sat on the garden bench. His aunt knitted her brows and let out a long sigh that expressed her wish that Darcy, as much a son to her as her own flesh, never have to repeat his depression of loss at the death of his mother. Her husband tightened his arms about her. "I do not wish for him to be hurt again should history repeat itself in them."
Her husband sighed. "Would it ease your mind to know that she is more like you than Anne?"
"Tell me your thoughts, Henry?"
He sighed and whispered close to her ear. "When I stood beside her, I felt a strength in her that goes beyond the physical."
"Are you saying she is ethereal, Henry? Come. Come. I know you have more sense than that."
"Darcy has told me she has bewitched everyone and everything in this house with her charms."
"Henry, do not talk nonsense. You know I do not have the humor for it."
"All I can say about her is that you and she are kindred in many ways, dear wife. You will discover this when you interview her." He turned her head and kissed her lovingly.
"Henry! What are you about? It is not even nighttime."
"My dear, if William can show his lovely young wife displays of affection in the public venue of a garden, why can't I not kiss my own sweet wife in the privacy of our bed chambers?"
She acquiesced as he repeated his actions whispering, "Indeed, she has even affected you, my dear."
"But perhaps not in a pernicious way?"
"Perhaps not," was Lady Matlock's reply turning around in her husband's embrace to have him repeat his actions.
When dinner was announced, Darcy sat at the head of the long table with Elizabeth at his right, and Georgiana on his left. Lady Matlock was beside Elizabeth, and Lord Matlock sat beside Georgiana. Lady Matlock noted that no one sat at the other end of the table, which would have been Elizabeth's place, but realized that with only the two of them here, naturally Darcy and Elizabeth would prefer to be seated closer.
The first course began in silence accentuated only by the rustling sound of her expensive canary yellow silk gown as Lady Matlock moved. Both Elizabeth and Georgiana had opted for a less austere attire of soft mulled cotton. Elizabeth was a peach print in tiny white roses while Georgiana's gown was of double print blues with violets, which brought out her eyes against her blonde tresses. The gentlemen were both dressed in stylish vests and overcoats, Darcy's in a forest green while the earl preferred a royal blue shade.
Finally Lady Matlock began to converse across the table to Georgiana as the first course was being served.
"Earlier, I heard the most wonderful music coming up through the stairway, niece. Was that you playing the piano?"
"No, aunt. I was playing the harp. Elizabeth was at the piano."
"Oh."
There was silence again as the servants departed from the dining room after the first course was served. Then it was Lord Matlock's turn to begin conversation as they all began to dine.
"And how do you find Pemberley, Elizabeth? Is it to your liking?"
"It is, indeed, Lord Matlock," replied Elizabeth with the warmest smile on her face to talk on a topic that she so enjoyed. She added, "Having only been here in summer with all the profusion of color of that season, I am having a delightful time watching all the beginnings of it during this springtime season."
"You were here before?" Asked Lady Matlock.
"Yes, my aunt and uncle and I were on a holiday visiting the area where she grew up as a girl in Lambton."
"Oh?"
"He has a successful import/export business in London, aunt," acknowledged Darcy to answer her next question.
"I see." She was thinking, relative in trade. Good heavens.
Darcy smiled as he thought fondly of their visit, and added, "Mr. Gardiner is quite an avid fisherman, and had a delightful time beside the trout stream when he was here last."
"I am glad to hear that I am not the only one who finds enjoyment of that sport," replied Lord Matlock raising his glass in salute of another fisherman.
"He has many other interests as well," Darcy further ventured. "He and I had many a debate on the merits of Milton and Chaucer, and has even solicited me in some quite demanding chess games as I recall."
"Nothing that caused you worry, I am sure," teased Lord Matlock smiling, knowing of Darcy's mastery of that particular interest.
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and smiled, and added, "There is only one who has taken up my challenge, and given me much worry of my title of late."
The earl paused in eating as he realized to whom Darcy was referring, and glanced at the young bride.
"Indeed? I had not thought chess to be something that a woman would find any interest in. And how would you describe his performance, my dear?" asked Lord Matlock looking directly at Elizabeth over the rim of his wine glass. She stared back at him, and a smile crossed her face.
"Quite insightful in his anticipation of his opponent's strategies, Lord Matlock. I find him to be an extremely worthy combatant." She stared at him smiling without false modesty to her own abilities. He knew a challenge had been thrown his way, and he smiled back.
"Perhaps you would care for another opponent to try and best?"
Her smiled radiated with confidence he had seldom seen in a woman. "Whenever you would oblige me, sir, I would welcome the chance to help improve myself."
"Chess is not a pursuit for women," interjected Lady Matlock in a most Lady Catherine like response. "They have not the wit for it."
No less than three sets of eyes fell upon hers as she stared from one to the other, finally resting on her husband's.
He smiled and glanced over to Elizabeth and said, "We shall see, will we not?" He raised his glass in salute as he was obviously putting forth his own challenge to the young woman, who smiled back, unperturbed.
"At your earliest convenience, sir."
Darcy tried to stifle a smile and Georgiana was silently watching the entire exchange with surprise as well as pride that Elizabeth would talk so to such a formidable personage as her uncle. Lady Matlock did not seem to be as easy with Elizabeth's behavior. Georgiana nervously drank more water to keep from staring at her aunt's displeasure.
Having the main course served, Darcy began a new topic of interest that even Georgiana wished to participate in, that being Elizabeth's endeavors to start a school for the tenant children.
"What a marvelous idea, Elizabeth. I had always wished that the tenant children William and I visit would have the opportunities of some form of education. It would be a great help to them as they grow and become more active in the community."
"Those were my thoughts exactly," agreed Elizabeth smiling at the shy girl across the table from her.
"But that is not your responsibility, William," argued Lady Matlock. "What have the other landed gentry to say of it? Surely they did not agree."
"Actually, the opposite is true, aunt. All the ones I have discussed this with seemed pleased that the subject had at last been brooked, and like Georgiana, have expressed an interest in the establishment of such an institution."
"Really?" she replied as she sipped her wine, and thought more on the idea, finally realizing it to be a sound one. "Yes, I suppose it would be of some benefit to those who could not afford a more formal means of education."
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows as she stared smiling at Georgiana across the table who, although looked down at her plate, was smiling at the softening of her aunt's stand.
"I am sure then that you and the rest of the gentry will have the idea implemented in due time, William," Lady Matlock stated, which brought an end to the topic.
There was even less of a pause as a new subject was broached this time by Lord Matlock.
"And what other avocations interest you, Elizabeth?"
"Well, as you know I am fond of music." Here she smiled at Georgiana, and then added, "I enjoy walking the park around the grounds, and William has introduced me to the joys of horsemanship. I also like to read-"
To this comment he interrupted her with, "Then you have availed yourself of William's extensive library. He has such a collection, I doubt even I would ever read them all."
"I agree his collection is quite impressive, but found many there that I had already read from my father's own library."
"And what kind of books do you prefer?" asked Lady Matlock wishing to know if Elizabeth would expound on the attributes of the newer novels so prevalent in young girl's minds of late.
"I prefer poetry, plays both ancient and new, histories, essays, inspirational works of those such as Donne and Cowper, as well as many other authors to improve my mind."
Lady Matlock froze in her motion and stared at her husband across the table, her eyebrows raised, impressed at this surprise answer.
"You do not desire to read the newer forms of fiction?"
Elizabeth smiled, and blushed as she thought of her younger sisters, and indeed the younger girl across from her.
"I admit that I have read a few of the novels published of late, and find that Mrs. Radcliffe has a remarkable way of weaving a story, Lady Matlock."
"Ah," replied the older woman smugly, sipping her wine.
"But I also enjoy Shakespeare who has his own remarkable way to weave a story, does he not, aunt?"
"Most certainly," agreed Lady Matlock ignoring the fact that this young woman had just referred to her as a family member. She wasn't so sure she was pleased with that familiarity as yet.
"Perhaps you would like to have a discussion of the attributes of both forms of fiction," Elizabeth offered wishing to get to know this woman better.
Darcy tried not to stare at anything in particular, as he knew his aunt had taken Elizabeth's comment as a challenge, this time directly at her. He sipped his wine carefully, and began to notice where all the knives on the table were placed. His aunt stiffened and turned her head to stare directly at Elizabeth who appeared innocent of any artfulness.
"Why would you want to have such a philosophical discussion with me?"
"Because you expressed an interest in the subject," offered Elizabeth, then suddenly realizing her own error in interpreting the Lady's comments. "You do not wish to discuss the comparison?"
"No, I am afraid my knowledge of both subjects is limited, and would not be able to voice much more than an opinion without particulars to prove my statements."
"Then if my own misunderstanding has caused you any distress, I heartily wish your forgiveness if I have offended you."
Elizabeth said this with such sincerity that Lady Matlock smiled and became calm realizing Elizabeth's statement had not been a challenge at all. Darcy smiled and forgot the cutlery once more.
"That is quite all right, my dear," acknowledged Lady Matlock going back to her plate again.
Now Georgiana opened up to begin a subject she most desired to hear more of.
"Elizabeth, have you received any more correspondence from your family as to their arrival at Pemberley?" This was all Georgiana could get out before the need to breathe.
"Yes," Elizabeth smiled, now having a subject, which she could truly enjoy. "Jane's letter came in the post just last week stating that they are all anxious to be included in our Easter holiday."
"I so wish to have the opportunity to play with Mary again. We had a lovely time playing duets at Longbourn."
"Another musician then?" asked Lord Matlock smiling. "This will be a lively place indeed when they come. We should have a party, invite a few of your neighbors over for a night."
"My sister Kitty would be very grateful if we did, I am sure, uncle. She is one who enjoys the amusement so," remarked Elizabeth smiling at him.
"And as he had always said, Bingley loves nothing more than a country dance," said Darcy smiling at Elizabeth remembering his friend's comments.
"Very true, William," laughed Elizabeth back at her husband. "Have I time tomorrow to go to the study and write a post informing them of our tentative plans?"
Lady Matlock raised her eyebrows at the referral of Darcy's office as now being a shared space."
"I believe there would be time yet," Darcy acknowledged without the slightest bit of discomfort at her implication.
"You use his study for your own correspondence?" Lady Matlock asked.
Darcy and Elizabeth smiled at each other with the memories of the snowfall and their beginning the habit of sharing the room.
"It was at my request, aunt, that she come in to read her letters from home while I worked. Once begun, we found the activity so enjoyable that we have made it a habit of sorts."
"Of course," was all Lady Matlock said as she noticed how Darcy smiled at his wife.
The meal ended with the entire party deciding to proceed to the music room for coffee instead of separating. Both Elizabeth and Georgiana performed to the delight of all, after which Lord Matlock made Elizabeth promise to play a game of chess with him the following day.
She smiled, and blushed saying only, "I warn you, sir, that I have already bested Richard at the game."
Lord Matlock laughed and replied, "Young woman, even I can best Richard at chess. His gifts of strategy seem to be limited to his superb military tactics, but perhaps he was distracted by your perfume."
"Come. Come, Lord Matlock. You can not suppose that men are so distracted by an aroma as to be put off their game," she laughed pretending to be affronted.
"Looking at you, and knowing my son," replied the older man smiling, "I am sure that was the case."
"What does that say for your having bested him?"
"Only that I am a better player."
"And I am not? And have to use feminine wiles to achieve the same result? Sir, I am offended," she said as her voice and eyes laughed at him in such a way as to disarm him.
"That was not my intention at all," he began to defend himself, then seeing that she was teasing him, he smiled adding, "as you are well aware." They both began laughing.
Darcy, who had been with his aunt and sister at the piano, came up to them at this point and gently took Elizabeth's hand in his own, and silently stood beside them. She continued her tease with her husband.
"Your uncle has insulted me, and I would have you defend my honor," she said, her voice sounding jovial to belie her words.
"Pistols at dawn, is it? Or perhaps I should simply run him through with my sword? What means should I use to defend you?"
"Hmmmm. Confirm the time it took for me to best your cousin in chess."
"Under a minute," confirmed Darcy to the surprised Lord Matlock.
"I rarely make one move in that amount of time," replied Lord Matlock.
Elizabeth and Darcy both began to laugh, and he whispered loud enough for his uncle to hear.
"I fear this will be a very long game." She sighed and shook her head.
"Very well. If it must be, then I shall need to bring a book to read in the interim."
"See here. Now who is being insulted?" Then they all broke into laughter, which drew the attention of Georgiana and Lady Matlock who were at the piano conversing.
"Of what are you talking? We must have our share in the conversation," she commanded in her best Lady Catherine imitation.
Both Darcy and Elizabeth would have reacted to such a statement with mirth had they not gazed at each other in such a way that even his uncle could not mistake it.
"I would relate it to you presently, my dear, but am beginning to feel fatigued by all this merriment on top of our traveling today. Perhaps we should retire."
Lady Matlock stared at him in silence and then with the knowledge of years of marriage, she understood his conveyed meaning.
"Yes, my dear. I too am suddenly quite fatigued. Georgiana, perhaps we will continue this conversation tomorrow."
"Of course, aunt," was Georgiana's surprised response as she was oblivious to the ways of unspoken communication of married people.
"We will see you in the morning then," added Lord Matlock as he took his wife's arm and departed the room.
Darcy squeezed Elizabeth's hand, and she closed her eyes as she inched closer to him, wanting to rest her head on his chest.
"Georgiana, would you mind playing that piece by Beethoven that you have been practicing?" asked Darcy not taking his eyes from Elizabeth.
"Fur Elise?"*
"Yes," he whispered. "That one, if you please."
She found the sheet music, and began to play the soft refrains as Darcy slowly pulled Elizabeth to him in a gentle embrace. His hand drifted up to her hair, and he closed his eyes inhaling the lavender. He swallowed at her nearness to him. When Georgiana glanced up from her music, she almost lost her place as she saw William kissing Elizabeth tenderly. Regaining her composure, Georgiana forced her eyes back to the music, and did not dare look up again. And when she came to the end of the piece, she held her breath and dared to gaze up again only to find that she was alone in the room. She sighed.
Author's note: Of course I am thinking of Beethoven's "Fur Elise" although Georgiana would also be familiar with his "Moonlight sonata" otherwise known as 'piano sonata #14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2' both of which can be listened to at http://members.madasafish.com/~andysresourcecentre/classical.htm