Lady Anne’s health had vastly improved, and although it would never be a full recovery, she was thankful that she had become well and was enjoying life once again. She was able to attend balls and parties in Pemberley during the summer, spend a few weeks in London during Easter, and reside in the blissful peace of Hertfordshire for the rest of the year. Mr. Darcy had sold off his properties in Scotland in order to purchase Netherfield for his family and he could not be happier to see his wife and children in their current situation.
Mr. Darcy hoped that in about a year when his son would complete his university education, that Fitzwilliam would be able to have his Grand Tour in Scotland and Ireland instead of the continent, and that he could splurge his wife with a trip to the oceanside as well. He had been already granted permission from Mr. Bennet to invite Lizzy to Pemberley this summer and to Ramsgate next year, and looked forward to pampering his daughter and Lizzy, who was like a daughter to him already, as much as he was able.
Chapter 3
June 1805
Pemberley was positively the most beautiful place Lizzy had ever set her eyes and she could not contain her excitement and exclaimed at every tall tree she saw as the carriage approached the grand house.
“Oh, Georgie, I thought you lived in a dark, gloomy castle with ghosts from generations before but this is what I imagine paradise to be like.” Lizzy breathed as she beheld the sight of the exquisite mansion, “It’s magnificent but inviting, and monumental but peaceful. What great blessing you have to make this your home.”
Georgiana giggled, “It’s a nice home but it’s the same to me, whether here or Netherfield or Darcy House in London. As long as my family is with me, I’m happy wherever I am. I can’t wait to show you my favourite places here, Lizzy. You will love Pemberley and Derbyshire is very beautiful.”
Lizzy squeezed her friend’s hand, “I shall be quite happy to spend the rest of my life here, Georgie. I love Hertfordshire but the landscape here is striking and I can’t imagine a more beautiful place. I’ve travelled so little and it has been thrilling to go to Kent and now Derbyshire. It’s amazing.”
Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne softly smiled at the young girl of twelve. “Mrs. Reynolds has been made aware of your preferences, Lizzy,” Lady Anne spoke, “and your rooms will be next to Georgie’s. You will have your own maid to attend you and I only ask that you have her accompany you if you should decide to head out on your own. The estate is ten miles all around and as much as I know you will wish to explore every inch of it, it would take you years to see it all and we must return you safely to Longbourn in September.”
“Aww... I understand, Mrs. Anne,” Lizzy nodded. “I do wish to see it all but I think it’ll take a month alone to get accustomed to the great house alone. It is so large! The next three months will speed away too quickly and I must slow down to enjoy every moment.”
“Do not forget,” Mr. Darcy added, “that you must continue your lessons with Miss Carter. Fitzwilliam will arrive in a week and he plans on continuing your fencing lessons but you cannot neglect your studies.” He smiled.
Lizzy nodded and looked at Miss Carter, “But of course! I’ve begun to read Isaac Newton’s works and am most eager to conduct some of my own experiments in the Laws of Physics, and Will said he’ll show me how to use a telescope when he arrives. I’m most happy to be here and I promise I’ll not get into too much trouble this time.” She beamed. “No more sarcophaguses or riding alone. I miss my horse but there will be many enjoyments here, I’m sure!”
Mr. Darcy smiled, “Your safety is a priority but you will have many amusements. There is a curricle that Fitzwilliam uses and as long as he is willing to drive my dear girls, you will be able to spend much time out of doors as you like.”
The girls looked at each other and clapped their hands in joy. “Come along now,” Lady Anne spoke. “We are here, girls, and no running, Lizzy. You are a young lady now and we will practice, even if I will allow you to wear your uncle’s old clothes occasionally.” She winked.
Lizzy agreed and stepped out of the carriage with a huge smile, imagining all the adventures she would have the next months.
~*~
“I believe you have grown even taller, Fitzwilliam,” Mr. Darcy embraced his son. “You are now well over six feet tall and you will grow more yet.”
William beamed, “I hope so, father. There is a certain satisfaction of being the tallest in the room and I can see over the heads of the crowd. I can spot people I do not wish to speak with and escape their path before they can approach me.” They both laughed. “It is good to be home, sir. I look forward to spending my time here in peace before I return for my last year at school. I cannot believe it, father. I am eager to finish my final year of schooling and I look forward to my grand tour next year. It will be an incredible journey.”
Mr. Darcy smiled, “I am very pleased to hear that you plan on travelling through England to Ireland, then Scotland to head to Sweden then return home. It will be a long journey but worth the time. I was pleased to make Mr. Knightley’s acquaintance and his sons seemed to be very good young men when we were introduced in London. The elder son, George Knightley, is similar in his personality to you, Fitzwilliam, and he is how I would imagine you when you are
