Chapter Eighteen

Elizabeth

A s the carriage jolted over the uneven road, Elizabeth became acutely aware of the tension that enveloped them. Seated beside Mr Darcy, she could scarcely ignore the ominous shadows gathering just beyond the window, nor the apprehension in Maggie’s wide, anxious eyes as she glanced towards the encroaching darkness.

“Miss Bennet,” Mr Darcy’s voice broke through her thoughts, low and steady, a calming balm in the silence. “You must not allow yourself to be overcome by fear. My plan is a sound one, and my uncle possesses all means necessary to aid us.”

Elizabeth turned to him, worry creasing her brow. “But what if the ruse is uncovered? What if they realise our carriage bears no prize before it reaches Pemberley and decide to follow us here?”

“That is unlikely,” he replied, his tone steady and unyielding. “They will not discover our absence until it is too late. I instructed the coachman to go with haste and pause only to change horses. Should they pursue the carriage, they will not know it to be empty until it arrives at Pemberley, by which time we shall be quite safe at Matlock.”

Elizabeth felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. “But how can we be certain? What if they manage to track us here?”

Taking a measured breath, Mr Darcy leaned nearer, his hand brushing hers in a gesture that was both gentle and protective. “I have taken every precaution, Miss Bennet. Pray, trust my judgement. I would not allow anything to befall you or Maggie.”

His earnest gaze, a steadfast anchor in the sea of her fears, compelled her to acquiesce. “I do trust you, Mr Darcy. It is merely the uncertainty of it all that weighs upon me.”

“Then permit me to share that burden,” he replied quietly. “You are not alone in this undertaking. We shall keep Maggie safe. And Matlock is not so far—we will be there in good time, and you may look forward to afternoon tea upon our arrival.” Turning to Maggie, he added, “You will be quite delighted with the repast at Matlock. My aunt secured the services of a French chef once in the employ of the Prince Regent himself.”

Maggie looked up, intrigued, and made an eating motion with her small hand.

“Yes, indeed,” Mr Darcy responded, smiling. “There will be tea and cakes, quite like a feast. You recall all the tales Georgiana told you of Pemberley? Well, Matlock is grander yet.”

Then, leaning towards Elizabeth, he dropped his voice and added, “It is not, of course, but there is no harm in a little embellishment for Miss Maggie’s benefit.”

Elizabeth smiled. “This shall be our secret, then,” she whispered, reassured by his light-heartedness. The rest of the journey passed in gentle conversation, with Mr Darcy entertaining Maggie now and then until the child eventually drifted off to sleep. Elizabeth, though still tense, found herself beginning to relax.

At length, the carriage slowed, finally coming to a halt. Elizabeth felt a flutter of anticipation tempered by a shadow of unease. She exchanged a glance with Maggie, who had just awakened and now peered eagerly out the window, her wide eyes taking in the grand scene that awaited. Matlock lay nestled among the hills, its stately facade rising majestically against the late afternoon sky—a grand testament to both wealth and heritage. Tall columns flanked the entrance, and expansive windows caught the fading light, lending the estate an air of dignified elegance.

“Oh!” Elizabeth exclaimed, her voice tinged with awe as her gaze swept over the impressive structure. “It is magnificent, is it not?”

Maggie nodded, her expression a mixture of wonder and shyness as she beheld the sprawling grounds, meticulously arranged with sculpted hedges, and adorned with Grecian statues that would not have been out of place at the royal palace. She wondered if the cook was the only piece of royalty to have crossed over to Matlock.

But as Elizabeth took in the grandeur, a feeling of intimidation overcame her. “I confess, Mr Darcy, I find myself rather daunted by its stateliness. It appears almost… regal.”

Mr Darcy leaned closer, a reassuring smile softening his features. “Indeed, it has an imposing beauty, but do not let it alarm you. Remember, Miss Bennet, it is, after all, merely a house.”

“A house?” Elizabeth echoed, incredulous. “I daresay it is rather more than that. It is a veritable mansion!”

“True enough,” he conceded with a smile. “But even grand houses are not without their faults.” He nodded towards the facade. “For instance, the east wing suffers a rather persistent draught, and the roof is being repaired come spring.”

Elizabeth could not help but smile at his efforts to dispel her unease. “I find it hard to believe that such an estate could possess anything but splendour, Mr Darcy. It is altogether remarkable.”

His gaze softened. “Splendid it may be, yet it is also a home, complete with its own little imperfections. My uncle, too, is much the same—grand, perhaps, in the eyes of the world, but quite ordinary beneath the surface.”

As they alighted from the carriage, Elizabeth felt her heart quicken at the thought of meeting his family. “I must confess, I have never yet met anyone of noble birth,” she admitted, casting a wary glance towards the imposing entrance. She was accustomed to the company of gentlefolk, but the highest-ranking individual she’d ever known was Sir William, who had earned his knighthood well after she knew him as plain William Lucas.

“You need not fear, Miss Bennet. My uncle is far less formidable than he appears. He will welcome you sincerely and take you precisely as you are. There is no need for apprehension, I shall be at your side.”

“I appreciate your kindness, Mr Darcy,” she replied, feeling her anxiety ease somewhat. Though she did take not of the fact that he’d spoken only of his uncle, not his aunt or other relations.

“They will be pleased to meet you and Miss Maggie,” he assured her, “and you will find them as personable as any. Simply be yourself, Miss Bennet, and let me assure you that there is no need to stand on ceremony.”

As they approached the entrance, Elizabeth felt a flicker of gratitude. With each step, her apprehension lessened, replaced by a burgeoning curiosity. Perhaps this grand estate, like its inhabitants, held charms yet to be discovered, hidden beneath the splendour of its outward grandeur.