by Jane Odiwe
"Here we are. I am so looking forward to seeing my friend, though I have to tell you, it shall be a visit tinged with sadness," declared Mrs Gardiner. "Dear Mrs Butler's lovely husband passed away last year. He was a naval captain until his health took a turn for the worse and an upstanding member of the community, always willing to help those less fortunate than himself. He succumbed to consumption after a long illness and poor Martha is left quite alone. Her only surviving son has gone to seek his fortune in London and is doing well, I believe, and although he has tried to persuade his mother to join him there, she would never consider leaving Derbyshire or the home she shared with John."
"I can easily understand that," said Lizzy peering out at the house before them. "To leave a house full of memories shared with the one you love would not be easy, even if you were going to make a new home with those you adore. Her son must be a generous, affectionate young man to take such care of his mother."
"I have not seen him for some time, but I do remember that he was the very image of his father and with the same gentle ways. I know he would have tried very hard to persuade his mother to join him."
The coachman was at the door in a moment and the ladies stepped down to make their way along the flagged path leading up to the house with its central door set between mullioned windows. They were soon shown into a comfortable yet old-fashioned parlour furnished in country style. On one side of the gleaming mahogany fireplace was an oak dresser displaying a wealth of pewter, illuminated by the bright flames of the fire in the grate, and in the opposite corner, a grandfather clock with a painted face of flowers and cupids stood ticking the hours away. Placed before the hearth an ancient settee draped in chintz and a sturdy settle adorned with blue check cushions were arranged to make the best use of the heat of the coals.
Georgiana looked around her with wonder. Such a cosy room and stuffed with objects of varying interest, though not necessarily of great worth. It had the feeling of what she imagined it would be like to enter a ship, with its low beamed ceiling and dark panelled walls. Every surface displayed some treasure, from exotic shells, oyster pink and glossy with a finish of pearl, to spiky sea urchins and stiff, bony sea horses. A mahogany box brimming with bright fishing flies lay open on the shelf before the window, in between a Chinese bowl decorated with peonies in vivid blue and the skeletal remains of what appeared to be a large and rather sinister looking fish.
Martha Butler bade them sit down after the introductions and immediately addressed the Darcy women, telling them what an honour it was to receive them. "And to see you again, Mrs Gardiner, after all these years and under such splendid circumstances. I cannot think of anything that would have pleased you better than to see your niece as mistress of Pemberley. Lambton was always so dear to your heart and now you have an excellent excuse to visit us both very often, I hope."
"I am very lucky to have been invited to stay so soon and I hope to visit you often, my dear friend," Mrs Gardiner replied.
Mrs Butler glanced at Georgiana who despite herself could not help look with fascination at everything around the room. "It's a very queer room, is it not, Miss Darcy?"
"Oh, Mrs Butler, on the contrary, it is a lovely room, but you must think me so rude for staring."
"Not at all, my dear, and if there is anything that takes your fancy for a closer scrutiny, I hope you will have a look. See these old panels on the walls? My late husband rescued them from a ship he served in that was broken up for scrap. I never felt so far away from him when he was at sea, so long as I could see these lovely pieces of timber worked on and polished by his own hand to fit into my parlour."
"Mr Butler was a skilled carpenter as well as being an admirable sea captain," joined in Mrs Gardiner. "I remember he made you a sewing box on your marriage, a most beautiful object to my mind."
"I have it still, though it is locked in the cupboard this morning. I'll fetch it out in a minute, Miss Darcy, and you can see what my husband had to keep himself occupied during those long days on board ship when he was a mere midshipman."
At that moment the party heard the sound of the front door shutting and a man's voice booming with cheerful resonance to the maid in the hall.
"Oh, my goodness me, I quite forgot to tell you in all my excitement in seeing you again," Mrs Butler declared, her face lighting up with pleasure. "Master Thomas is home for a holiday. He has just finished on a scheme of work at Lord Featherstone's house in Richmond, but I expect he will tell you all about it himself."
Just as she spoke, the door of the parlour opened to admit a tall young man with an air of affable good nature and with such pleasing looks that Georgiana, who had started to become quite at ease, felt quite unequal to meet the eyes of those that alighted so eagerly upon her countenance.
Chapter 5
Thomas Butler, the apple of his mother's eye, was twenty-one years old and generally convinced those on first acquaintance to the impression of dashing good looks by his lively disposition, rather than by the evidence of a handsome countenance, though most would agree that he was a very good-looking young man. He was possessed of a fine figure and gentlemanly appearance which, combined with his happy manners, resulted in the appearance of wholesome affability. After the inevitable introductions and Mrs Gardiner's enquiries as to his health and well-being, he disappeared momentarily before returning with a dining room chair, which he placed in careful proximity next to Miss Darcy and sat down. Georgiana felt disquieted by this rather bold behaviour but was relieved when he neither spoke nor looked in her direction.
Mrs Gardiner spoke again. "Your mother has told me that you have been in London and Richmond of late, Mr Butler."
"That is correct, Mrs Gardiner. I have been trying to make my way in the world by seeking my fortunes abroad. I suspect my mother has not told you of all my ventures, but after having been a drawing master and artist, I decided to try my hand at landscape gardening, for which I have discovered there is a great demand by those who are blessed with lots of land. I am fortunate that amongst my father's friends were those who were eager to help me make suitable introductions, and Lord Featherstone decided to take me on. He seems delighted with the improvements I have made to his estate and I too am much pleased with the whole experience, which has been profitable in more than one direction."
"And what sort of improvements did you offer to Lord Featherstone for his estate, Mr Butler?" asked Elizabeth. "Are they all picturesque?"
"I would like to think, Mrs Darcy," Tom answered carefully, "that although I take into consideration many of the ideas that influence my clients as to their wishes, that the practicality and usefulness of a design are my first considerations. I am sure you are aware, ma'am, that not all design based on the 'picturesque' is either entirely functional or sensible. I do not think the landscape at Pemberley was created on such principles."
Elizabeth laughed. "No, indeed. I think the designer of Pemberley's grounds did an excellent job; the whole effect is natural without pretension. I believe the majority of the work done was executed many years ago. Did you ever look over the estate?"
"No, Mrs Darcy, I have not had that pleasure, though I would dearly love to see a landscape I have heard much talked about," answered Mr Butler.
Elizabeth turned to Mrs Butler. "You must come, you must both come and visit us. I do not know enough about the gardens myself, but I know Georgiana would be only too happy to show you around. Georgiana is something of an artist herself and has executed many sketches of Pemberley grounds."
Georgiana cast her eyes down to her lap and immediately answered, but in a timid voice scarcely audible to her audience, "Oh, but Lizzy, you praise me too highly, they are just the drawings of an amateur."
Tom turned to Georgiana. "I am sure if Mrs Darcy commends them to us all they must be good. Do you paint as well, Miss Darcy?"
"I love to draw and paint, though I think I find pastels most satisfying," Georgiana managed to answer, blushing as she regarded young Mr Butler, who leaned
forward so as not to miss any of her quiet speech.
"I would be very interested to see your vision of Pemberley," Mr Butler added. "You are very fortunate to have had such wonderful inspiration for subject matter on your doorstep."
"I am indeed. I never was so happy to draw or paint if I was outside in the countryside I love so well. I have not had the opportunity lately as I have been in London for some considerable time, but now I am home I hope to start work on my portfolio once more."
"Ah, yes, London has its amusements but it is not so conducive to the creative spirit, I agree. And in London there are so many diversions and other distractions that one runs out of time for leisurely pursuits. I only associate London with work, Miss Darcy, I confess."
"Do you have much chance to pursue your own painting, Mr Butler, if you are busy designing gardens?" asked Elizabeth.
"I paint whenever I can, Mrs Darcy, and especially when I am at home here in Lambton, for it not only gives me immense pleasure, but it is essential that I keep my hand in it for my work. I use my paintings as a way of presenting my work to my employers."
"I see, how very interesting," Lizzy replied. "I'm sure we would all like very much to see how your designs are executed."
"I have one of my books here, but forgive me, I feel rather as if I have taken over the conversation. Mama, I am sorry to be commandeering your guests."
Martha Butler smiled indulgently at her son. "No, indeed, it is a pleasure to see you young people talking about the things you enjoy. And I have missed having a house full of people with such lively conversation. Tell me, Mrs Darcy, do you share this love of painting?"
"I enjoy looking at paintings very much," said Elizabeth, "but I have to tell you that I am only tolerably capable with a pencil and nothing I ever produced was good enough to put in a frame." She looked toward the young couple who were still engaged in conversation on their favourite pursuit. "Two artists with a love of drawing," said Elizabeth. "How I envy them. Now what I should like to see is how they each perceive the same scene. Wouldn't that be interesting?"
Elizabeth was so pleased to see Georgiana emerging from her usual shy state of being. Still quiet, but with more animation than she usually displayed, she looked to be entirely engrossed with Mr Butler's conversation.
"I'm sure we would all love to see your designs, Mr Butler," interrupted Mrs Gardiner.
Tom looked up and grinned amiably before begging his leave for a moment. He returned minutes later with a large book bound in green cloth which he placed on the dresser where they all gathered to inspect it.
"I like to present my clients with a view of their grounds as they are at this moment in time and with one as they might be once altered by my design," he began, turning the pages of the book to show how he achieved this through overlays on the original paintings.
"How very clever," enthused Elizabeth, "and your work is exquisite. I would love Mr Darcy to see what you have done. There are many fine works of art at Pemberley, some of which have been collected by my husband. I know he would appreciate your fine talent."
"Mrs Darcy, you do me a great honour by your praise," Tom said quietly, as if taken aback and unprepared for such an admiring speech.
"Well, it is not often that one meets with such passion or dedication and application, Mr Butler. I wish you every success in your endeavours."
The conversation turned back shortly after this exchange to reminiscences of old times between Mrs Gardiner and her friend. The workbox was fetched out for Miss Darcy's inspection, and they all admired the skill and handiwork of the lovelorn sailor who had carved such affection into an object his wife still treasured. After another half hour passed, it was time to go home. The party rose to say good-bye, everyone agreeing that they hoped it would be possible to meet again very soon.
Elizabeth repeated her wish of seeing Mrs Gardiner's friends at Pemberley. "I do hope you will make a visit soon, Mrs Butler, and do come too, Mr Butler, if you are free to do so."
As the Pemberley ladies gathered their belongings together, Tom observed that the weather outside had taken a turn for the worse. The skies were grey and it had started to rain.
"Do not worry," said Elizabeth, "I have my umbrella which we can share. We have only to walk to the end of the path."
"I'll fetch another," cried Tom, reappearing in a second with a large green silk umbrella. Mrs Darcy and her aunt followed the maid to the front door. "Please allow me, Miss Darcy, to escort you to the carriage," Tom insisted, stepping out and putting up the umbrella before Georgiana had a chance to pass through the doorway into the rain. It was coming down very fast now, dripping off the eaves and gurgling in the gutters.
"How kind he is, even if he strikes me as a little bold," thought Georgiana, as Tom held the umbrella over her head down the length of the path, insisting that she take especial care on the wet flagstones. The other ladies could be seen being settled in the carriage by the coachman and as Georgiana stepped up to take her place, Tom held out a small package, which he pressed into her hand.
"I thought you might like to make a study of this," he said, smiling down at her. There was no time to look at the contents of the rumpled paper which she hastily pushed into her pocket and besides, Miss Darcy's confusion made it impossible to look, let alone speak any words of gratitude. Once inside, she steeled herself to look out of the window to make the effort of returning his smile and managed to wave as the carriage moved off. The small package felt hard and knobbly, but though Georgiana was most curious to know what lay within the wrappers, she did not want to draw attention to it. She had a feeling that her sister Elizabeth might take the opportunity to tease her about Mr Butler and she did not think such raillery could be borne at present. Besides, Tom Butler, though kind and gentleman-like was rather too sure of himself for her liking. And that was part of the trouble. Georgiana did like him, but his charm and manners reminded her too well of someone else she had at one time preferred to any other and too much for her own good. Men were not to be trusted, she decided, as they trotted along away from Lambton village, and was thankful that it was unlikely that she should see much of him in the foreseeable future.
Chapter 6
Once home, Elizabeth could not wait to tell Mr Darcy all about their new acquaintances and rushed along to the room where he spent a portion of his day working on estate matters with his steward. Lizzy was glad to find him alone and ran to his side, stealing a kiss before there was any chance of them being disturbed. She had soon told him all about their visit to the Butlers' house in Lambton and about how impressed she had been by young Thomas. "I'm sure you would like him, my love, and it would be something to help the family. I do not know how Mrs Butler fares financially and whether her husband left her well provided. I am sure she has a comfortable home, but that she is not wealthy is plain to see. The fact is that her son Thomas provides for her and he is only just starting off in his chosen profession. What do you think, would you be prepared to meet him? I'm sure we could think of something that needs doing on the estate."
"By all means, my dear. If they are friends of Mrs Gardiner's I am sure they must be decent people. A widow's lot is very hard and it would seem her husband was a commendable gentleman. Let it be your scheme, my love. You decide what should be done; I'm sure we could do with another prospect and a temple or two up on the higher reaches of our grounds. Perhaps we should give your proposal a name. What do you think? Mrs Darcy's Dell has a good ring to it, don't you think?"
"Fitzwilliam Darcy, I believe you are teasing me. Well, I shall take on the challenge and you shall see. Mr Butler and I will make something quite new for posterity that will combine elegant improvement with sense and economy."
Mr Darcy turned back to his desk and picked up a pile of papers waiting to be dealt with.
"I know what that shuffling of papers means," cried Elizabeth. "You have a lot to do and are trying to get rid of me. Very well, I shall go, but on one condition only," she said, standing next to him and
giving him the benefit of a long look from her fine dark eyes.
"I have conditions of my own, you know," Mr Darcy said, taking her with a swift movement into his arms and holding her so tightly she thought she might stop breathing altogether. "If you will kiss me, Mrs Darcy, I promise never to shuffle another piece of paper as long as I live."
Elizabeth willingly submitted, allowing Mr Darcy to kiss her as many times as he wished. She did not consider herself to be artful, but she did wonder as she gazed up at him if now might be a good time to try and talk to him about his aunt and how he might write to her with an invitation to Pemberley. A further fifteen minutes of temperate persuasion, gentle reasoning, and considered rationale punctuated with the caresses of a loving wife did the trick.
"You must show your aunt that you are undaunted by her behaviour and forgive her folly, for you are the greater person for not allowing such a resentment to take hold. Please invite her to Pemberley, Fitzwilliam. I do not want to cause a permanent rift between you and your family. After all, Lady Catherine is your dear mother's sister. I am sure Mrs Darcy would have expected you to do what is right. Ignore her pettiness: Georgiana is quite correct. You'll see, Lady Catherine's bark is worse than her bite; she will not be able to resist coming to see us, if only to observe what she perceives as the downfall of Pemberley under my influence."
"It is one of my greatest faults, I know: implacable resentment. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself."
"I know you can and will, my darling. Please promise me that you will write to Lady Catherine this very afternoon and attempt a reconciliation."
"At one time I used to say that once lost, my good opinion was lost forever, but you have taught me not to be so rash, so decided in my pronouncements, my outbursts of temper. I promise, Elizabeth, I shall do what I can."
