Fate and Consequences

by Linda Wells

  Elizabeth opened her eyes and looked out of the window. The carriage had paused, and there below her, seemingly rising from the landscape as naturally as the surrounding hills was a great stone house. “Pemberley.” She whispered.

  “Welcome home.”

  Chapter 34

  “How much time do we have?” Elizabeth demanded.

  “I would say about twenty minutes.” Darcy had fixed his attire, and was sitting back against the cushion, watching with amused fascination as Elizabeth desperately worked to repair the mass of curls that their lovemaking had released over her shoulders.

  “I will never forgive you for this Fitzwilliam Darcy! You knew that we had entered Pemberley!” She glared at him as he held out another pin from the collection in his hand, and failed completely in stopping the smile he wore from spreading over his face.

  “I rather thought that you enjoyed your welcome.” He laughed outright. She grabbed the bonnet to place over her hair, and prayed it would not all come tumbling back down when it was removed. “Come my love, you can not be so upset with me, can you? You started it after all.” He looked at her with contrition and took her hand as she gave her skirt a final tug, buttoned her coat, and finally settled back against the seat, ending her fevered movements.

  Elizabeth looked down at the large warm hand that encompassed hers and was suddenly filled with the memory of the first time he removed her gloves and touched her skin, when he proposed. His loving gaze melted her ire. “No, I am not … I … I just want to make a good impression.” She looked out of the window and saw a new view of the house, which included spotting a stream of people pouring out of the door and lining the steps. She took a shaking breath and Darcy felt her tremble.

  He drew her against him. “It is only the staff assembling to welcome you home.”

  “There are so many.” She whispered.

  “Yes, but they are very loyal and will do their best to help you.”

  “Oh William, I do not want to fail you. I was worried enough over Darcy House, but now when I look at this beautiful place …” Her voice trailed away.

  Darcy turned her around so he could see her face. “It is a house Elizabeth, only a house. And I am just a farmer.” She looked at him and slowly shook her head, knowing how very simplistic that statement was. He brought his other hand to encase hers. “You, my love; are my dearest friend, and lover, and wife. This is the place where we will live, and God willing, raise our children. I never allowed myself to dream of this moment ever happening, but here I am with you, and I can not wait to embrace our future and see what each day will bring. Please do not be afraid. You will only fail me if you do not trust me.”

  “I do trust you.” She reached up to caress his cheek, then smoothed a lock of hair from his forehead.

  “Then believe me when I say that you will be magnificent.” He leaned forward and gently kissed her, then moved away.

  Elizabeth swallowed and nodded, then drawing her shoulders back, smiled. “I will.” Darcy smiled, she was always so positive, but it felt good to be the one reassuring her for a change. “But I do wish that I was not appearing before everyone in a state of dishevelment.”

  He sat back and laughed. “I like you that way!” Exacerbated, she sighed and returned her gaze out the window. They soon rolled up before the house, and footmen jumped to open the door. Darcy stepped down first and turned to hold out his hand. Elizabeth took one last moment alone inside of the carriage to steel herself. She closed her eyes and said a prayer to give her strength and to be all that her husband needed, then placed her hand in William’s palm, smiled, met his glowing face, and stepped down. Darcy kissed her hand and turned to face the shivering staff; who stared at him in wonder.

  “The Mistress of Pemberley, Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.” The crowd broke into loud applause and Elizabeth smiled.

  “I am sure that I will soon meet you all, but I believe that you will agree; that would be best performed indoors!” The servants laughed and Darcy entwined his fingers with hers. He started to bend and she shot him a warning look and whispered. “Do not even think of carrying me inside!”

  He chuckled and squeezed her hand. “I just wanted to see what you would do.” He laughed at her raised brow, and giving her hand a tug, they quickly mounted the steps and entered the foyer. The servants followed, and returned to their duties, but not without sending surreptitious looks to their new mistress as they passed.

  Their outerwear was quickly removed, and Elizabeth was relieved that her hair stayed up. An older woman approached and curtseyed. “Mrs. Darcy, this is Pemberley’s housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds.”

  Elizabeth bowed her head in acknowledgment. “I have heard many wonderful things of you, Mrs. Reynolds, from both Mr. and Miss Darcy. I do look forward to your guidance as I learn my role.”

  “It will be my pleasure Mrs. Darcy.” She studied the small, obviously nervous, glowing young woman, then looked to Darcy and was struck by how young he appeared. His face was lit with a warm smile and his eyes were sparkling with happiness. In all of her years of knowing him, she had never seen such an expression on her master’s face, and she nearly gave over to tears with the sight of it. “Mrs. Darcy, bath water has been ordered, and your clothes have been unpacked. Your family is waiting for you in the yellow drawing room. Miss Darcy has planned a special dinner in honour of your wedding tonight.”

  Elizabeth was a little startled to realize that as mistress, this information would be told to her, not William, but she recovered quickly. “Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds, we will go and greet our family and would appreciate the baths in a half-hour.” Mrs. Reynolds nodded, and looked back to Darcy who was standing and watching with pride as his wife took charge of their home. The extraordinary change in him warmed the woman who had witnessed so much sadness in his life.

  “Come my love, it is time that you met the Earl.” He took her arm and placed it on his, then led the way up the grand marble staircase. Elizabeth began to take note of her surroundings. “It is just beautiful, William. I look forward to my tour.” She gave him a brave smile.

  “I look forward to taking you, and I am sure that Georgiana will as well.” He tilted his head and saw her obvious attempt to remain calm, but her trepidation was clearly reflected in her expressive eyes.

  “I have no doubt of needing many. I have confidence that I shall frequently be lost for quite some time.” She turned her head around, and began to focus on the overwhelming splendour.

  This time Darcy felt her body tremble as she clutched his arm. He needed to find a way to relax her. He kissed her forehead, bringing her eyes back to him. “Shall we put up signs indicating the proper direction?” He suggested with a smile.

  Elizabeth laughed, and Darcy placed his free hand over hers, giving it a squeeze. She relaxed a little. “That is an admirable idea, but it would take away from the décor. I believe that I will have to rely on a good memory, and perhaps a scattering of breadcrumbs.”

  His smile grew. “The mice will thank you for that, but not Mrs. Reynolds, I fear.”

  She gratefully fell into his warm eyes and leaned against him as they walked. “Well, then I will rely on my wit. I have no desire to raise her ire so soon in our acquaintance.”

  Darcy kissed her hand and stopped outside of a door, and looked down at her. “Do not be nervous. You know that they questioned my choice, but that was because they care for me, not because they do not like you.” Elizabeth nodded and bit her lip. “You are beautiful, your hair is perfect so stop fretting over it, and they will love you as I do.” He brushed his lips over hers. “Ready?”

  She let out a deep breath and smiled. “Into the examination, Mr. Darcy!”

  He shook his head and turned the handle, opening the door. They stepped in and immediately the occupants stood. “William! Elizabeth!” All possibilities of a dignified and elegant entrance were destroyed when Georgiana ran to them. She eagerly embraced Elizabeth then turned to her brother who gave her a hug. “Oh, I am
so glad that you are home! We were watching the sky, it looks like snow, and then we received word that you were seen entering at the lodge, and oh, how the servants flew about! It was fascinating! I never knew such activity! Bells rang, and they were calling out directions, it was so exciting! How was your trip? Was it terrible? I want to hear all about the wedding! What did you wear? What did you do in London?”

  “Georgiana!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “My goodness, what has become of you?” She laughed and took her sister’s hands.

  Calming, she blushed and peeked at her astonished brother’s expression. “I … I decided to think only of the past as it gives me pleasure.” Darcy’s eyes met Elizabeth’s. He knew where that phrase had been learned.

  She blushed this time. “You have decided to move on?” Georgiana nodded. “Good for you!”

  A clearing throat caught their attention and Darcy held his hand out for Elizabeth. They stepped forward. “Uncle Henry, Aunt Ellen, James, oh and you too, Richard… May I present my dear wife, Elizabeth. Dearest, this is the Earl and Lady Matlock, the Viscount … and you know Richard.” A little smile was playing around his lips, his eyes were twinkling, and he was entirely incapable of being formal. His family stared at him in awe.

  Elizabeth saw his mirth and delighted in the sight, however, she did manage to curtsey. “I am very pleased to meet you all … including you, Richard.” A warm smile appeared and Richard began to laugh.

  “It seems that I am the ugly stepchild here.” He stepped forward and kissed her rosy cheek. “I am delighted to see you looking so well, Elizabeth. And what exactly have you done to my cousin?” He held out his hand and they shook. Richard looked back to her then raising his brow, took in his cousin’s similarly imperfect appearance. “If ever there was a man who looked satisfied with his situation …”

  “Careful, Cousin.” Darcy glared. Richard stepped back, laughing louder.

  “Mrs. Darcy, it is good to meet you at last.” Lord Matlock had been watching everything and kept sending knowing looks to his wife, who was smiling at Darcy’s obvious happiness.

  “I am very happy to meet you as well, sir.” Elizabeth said and smiled warmly at him.

  Lady Matlock stepped closer. “Our family had its share of turmoil over these past few months, my dear, and I cannot begin to imagine what state my nephew and niece would presently be living in were it not for you coming into their lives. I first wish to thank you for your care, and I wish to welcome you. My son and niece have spoken very highly of you, and even after seeing you for only a few moments, I am already sure that William has made precisely the match that he needed. I will be glad to help you any way that I can, in your household or in society.”

  Elizabeth could not believe how quickly she had earned such a blessing and looked to William. He leaned and kissed his aunt’s cheek. “Aunt Ellen, I cannot thank you enough for your support.”

  She patted his hand. “No my dear, to see your face lit up with joy is reward enough. I never imagined seeing such an expression on you. If this is the woman who coaxed it out, I will be eternally grateful to her.”

  Elizabeth blushed while looking from her then up at William. “Thank you Lady Matlock. I can only tell you that William is most capable of inspiring the most heartfelt joy in me, and I am honoured that he would wish me for his wife.”

  “Aunt Ellen.” She smiled. Elizabeth nodded and Darcy squeezed her hand.

  James had stood, taking in the scene, looking first with amazement to Darcy then settled his gaze upon Elizabeth. When her eyes turned to meet his, he suddenly felt his brother’s fascination, and approached. “I admit that I have been the one who doubted this match from the moment I first heard of it, more so than my father or brother, but Darcy,” he looked over to him, “I understand your convictions now.” He bowed to Elizabeth, and took her hand, kissing it. “Please accept my apologies for ever doubting you.”

  “Of course.” Elizabeth was overwhelmed, then the Earl took her hand from his son.

  “Thank you, my dear. My sister was the last mistress of this great house. She neither wanted nor appreciated the role. I am convinced that at last Pemberley has the mistress it deserves.” He kissed her hand then gave it a squeeze. “Please call me Uncle Henry.”

  “I will.” She looked up at William.

  Darcy regarded her with pride and turned to his uncle. “I believe that we would like to change and rest after our journey. I understand that Georgiana has something special planned for dinner, so we will meet with you all again in two hours?” They all nodded, and Darcy held out his hand to Elizabeth. She started to reach for it and he leaned down and scooped her up in his arms.

  “William!” She cried and blushed furiously.

  Darcy laughed and kissed her lips. “You know that I have been thinking about this, my love!” He nodded to his family and strode out the door.

  They stood staring at each other, listening to the receding sound of Darcy’s boots, and the mixture of his deep chuckle and Elizabeth’s bubbling laugh. “Incredible.” Lord Matlock said.

  “Lucky dog!” Richard exclaimed.

  “I will be damned.” James whispered.

  “Finally.” Lady Matlock nodded with satisfaction.

  Georgiana smiled and held back her tears. “I have a home.”

  DARCY LAY back in the enormous bed and looked down at his Elizabeth’s sleeping face nestled on his chest. Tenderly he traced the curve of her jaw, and then wound a curl around his finger. His other hand held her nude form to his, and he rested his cheek against the top of her head, closing his eyes. At last. Years and years of lonely nights, some spent in this magnificent room, and many more spent in first the nursery, then his boyhood bedchamber, were at last a memory. Elizabeth’s soft steady breathing gave him so much comfort. The sound effectively drove away the screech of the howling wind outside of the window. He was safe, he was warm, and he was loved. At last.

  He thought over the conversation he had with his uncle and cousins after Georgiana’s wedding feast. To say that he was surprised with their easy acceptance of Elizabeth was an understatement. He knew that Richard had written to them with his recommendation, and certainly he and Georgiana had told of their experiences in Hertfordshire, but somehow, that deeply ingrained streak of pessimism did not allow him to hope for such an extraordinary outcome. He suspected that they were accepting her for his and Georgiana’s sake. The family saw the change in both of them, and were, in truth, giving Elizabeth a chance. He had no doubt in his mind that she would win them over on her own merits soon enough, but in the meantime was grateful for their kindness towards her, whatever the motivation. They were to depart in the morning and Georgiana would remain. So, he wondered, what should they do next? He thought over his conversation with Bingley.

  It was tempting, he supposed, to simply hole up in this house and never leave again. Truly it was what he desired. But … he was married now, and at any time Elizabeth could come to him and announce that their first, hopefully of many, child was on his way and now he must think of him. He could not limit his children’s opportunities simply because he felt anger and disdain for society. The souls of the past, and the image of the future inhabitants of this room were all seemingly gathered outside of the drawn bed curtains, and he felt the responsibility he carried for them all. It was up to him, and Elizabeth, to correct the mistakes of his parents, and his sister, and to assure that the Darcy name was as great and respected as it ever was. They would have to return to London in the spring.

  Aunt Ellen would be key in this plan’s success. She would act as Elizabeth’s sponsor. She would educate her in the proper and expected behaviour in the drawing rooms of society. She would teach Elizabeth how to walk, speak, dress, perform, entertain … his head spun with the details, and he knew that his occupation in all of this would be to give her a comforting shoulder and willing ear to abuse when her fear of failure or indignation over the absurdity of it all became too much. Georgiana, he decided, would remain at Pemb
erley. Perhaps Mary Bennet could come and keep her company. He and Elizabeth would go to town alone.

  Darcy felt Elizabeth stir and he opened his eyes to see her watching him. A sliver of light from the fire fell through a crack in the curtains upon her. “You are lost in thought, my love.”

  He smiled and caressed her cheek. “I have been caught.”

  “Putting away the ghosts of this room before we move into the beautiful haven you created for me?”

  “Hmm. In a way, putting them aside and preparing for the future.”

  “You wish to return to London.”

  “No, I do not wish it, but I know that we must.” He pulled her up so that she lay on top of him, covered her with the counterpane and kissed her nose. “How did you know?”

  “I imagine that you heard a similar speech from your uncle as I did from your aunt tonight.”

  “Ah, so it was a two-pronged attack. They did not waste time, did they?” He smiled and kissed her softly. “Well, what is your opinion my good wife?”

  “I believe that they likely are seeing this with much more objectivity than you can, and as I am truly inexperienced in the whole realm of the first circles, I believe that I should bow to their superior knowledge. As much as I do not relish this, and would prefer a simple life here …” She sighed. “We must go.” Gently she stroked the unruly strands of hair that fell across his forehead. “I know that it will not be easy, and I realize that I must still prove myself. My greatest hope is that I will not embarrass you, but I am willing to subject myself to your aunt’s moulding if it is of benefit to our and our children’s future.”