Page 30 of The Heir and Spare
“I am, Aunt. And Lydia is also. She is as well as can be. Mary and Kitty have joined us, but Jane sends her regrets.”
Her aunt’s smile grew. “Your mother has been keeping me abreast of the updates there. Though I can hardly account for her grand effusions at times. She acts as though a wedding will happen tomorrow one minute and not for many months the next.” She fanned her face.
“They are very much in love and quite pleased with themselves. That is all anyone knows at the moment, even Jane.” Lizzie grinned. “And I have not seen a more deserving human for this kind of happiness. She is all smiles.”
“Pleased I am to hear it.” Aunt turned to the others, hugging and kissing them in turn. “And now we must freshen up, for I have a grand treat for you this very afternoon.”
“What is it, Aunt?” Kitty walked with the skip of the young still. She twirled once for good measure then turned inquisitive eyes back on their aunt.
“How would you like to take a guided tour of Pemberley? It is the grandest home in the area, and has the finest library as well as sculpture garden of any I have seen.”
Lizzie’s heart clenched and she began to shake her head.
“Are the family in residence?” Mary placed a hand on her forearm and she sent a grateful glance in her direction.
“No. They only open the house when no one is home.”
Lizzie nodded, relief filling her. “Then we must. Let us see this grand house, shall we?”
They were all freshened up and ready to ride in the Inn’s open chaise and four within the hour.
“The countryside is the loveliest I’ve seen.” Lizzie breathed in the soft smells of earth and a hint of something green. “I’d give a lot to walk these meadows.”
“And you shall. Why not?” Her aunt laughed. “We can employ the Inn’s servants, if you like.”
“I’d very much like.”
“And I shall go with you.” Mary surprised her with a new interest in walking.
She nodded. “Thank you. I welcome the company. But be aware. Once I begin, I find it difficult to stop. There is always something else to discover, isn’t there?”
Mary laughed. “Especially in a new place.” She shrugged. “I imagine it will be good for me. I’ll try not to disrupt your plans with complaints or wishes to rest.”
“Very good, Mary.” Aunt Gardener smiled with a great warmth. “I look around at you all, and I feel so overwhelmedwith happiness. You ladies are some of the finest I know. How good it is to be your aunt.” She patted their knees in turn as they faced each other in the carriage.
Soon all talking ceased as they entered the lane to the great Pemberley estate. Lizzie was certainly speechless, and the others as well, it seemed. Every vista was lovely. Every turn brought new glorious things for the eye to feast upon. The grounds were cared for, it was obvious, and in a way that allowed plants to be wild and free. Not much trimming or containing of glorious flowers and rolling shrubbery. Winding stone walls made their way across large expanses of grass. As they turned another bend, a great pond came into view and in its reflection, Lizzie saw Pemberley for the first time.
A figure with a familiar gait walked toward the stables to the right of the house and for a moment, Lizzie was certain she’d seen Mr. Darcy, but then she shook her head. It could not be. The family was not in residence. But even still, the thought of seeing him like that, after knowing how he’d aided her sister, after thinking she’d never see him again, caused such a pounding in her heart she could scarcely catch her breath.
“Are you well, Lizzie?” Her Aunt Gardener reached a hand over to touch her forehead and the sides of her face.
“I—perhaps I just need a moment. I’m a bit lightheaded.”
“Don’t tell me Lizzie will take to the vapors like Mama!” Kitty fanned herself and pretended to fall back in a dramatic faint.
“No, Kitty. I shall not be fainting.” She looked away as though to enjoy more of the vista, but her eyes scanned the area near the stables to prove she’d imagined things. She saw no one further. No matter. They would tour the home and then be gone from the place before any sight of Mr. Darcy.
With deep breaths, she counted slowly until they arrived at front of the door. Every place has a feel about it and this could be nothing but elegance. Understated, comfortable elegance. Thefront stairs were grand and beautiful stone. She was awed by it all. Mr. Darcy was the master of all this? She swallowed and then stepped up to the front door.
The butler had kindly eyes. “Whom shall I say is calling?”
Aunt Gardener smiled. “Good afternoon. We are the Bennet sisters and Mrs. Gardener and hoping for a tour of the lovely estate? I used to live in Derbyshire and have such fond memories.”
A woman about the same age as Aunt Gardener approached with similar kindly eyes to that of the butler. “Welcome. You have come at the perfect moment for a tour. I have some time this morning dedicated to just such a pursuit before some responsibilities later.”
“Thank you.” Mrs. Gardener stood at her side and the two began chattering away about Derbyshire and some of the local families.
Lizzie smiled and took in her surroundings. The home was lovely and obviously very fine but not extravagant, not overstated, not wasteful. Things seemed comfortable, useful and organized. She smiled. There was such a strong aura of Mr. Darcy himself she could almost smell his soap.
