Chapter 2

Chapter Two

SUMMER, 1804

A s Mr. Gardiner had promised when he took her from Longbourn, Elizabeth was treated as though she were the Gardiners' own daughter. Though Mrs. Gardiner was expecting her first child at the time, it did not change the fact that Elizabeth was now regarded as their eldest.

Though treated with the love and care of a daughter, Elizabeth always remained conscious of the fact that she was, in fact, their niece and that her first family had cast her aside. She knew they were caring for her out of kindness, not obligation, and this awareness drove her to prove herself worthy of their generosity. She approached her studies with diligence, quickly surpassing the governess who had been hired to teach her the typical accomplishments of young ladies. Recognising her potential, the Gardiners hired additional tutors to teach her subjects more commonly reserved for young men, such as mathematics and the sciences. They never hesitated to provide her with the best masters in any area in which she showed interest.

As a belated celebration for Elizabeth’s fourteenth birthday, the Gardiners planned to take a trip to the Lake District. However, last minute business concerns made such a lengthy trip impossible, so they opted for a fortnight in the Peak District instead. They would stay in the village of Lambton in Derbyshire, where Mrs. Gardiner had grown up. She had been the daughter of the rector there before meeting and marrying her husband. Although her father had died a few years after her marriage, and her mother had moved to London with Mrs. Gardiner’s brother, she still had friends in the area she wished to visit.

The Gardiners left their three children with the nanny, as it was easier not to travel with them. They travelled slowly, stopping frequently to visit several places along the way, and reached Lambton on Friday. They visited a few of Mrs. Gardiner's friends on Saturday and met with others at church on Sunday.

Elizabeth had heard much about the beauty of Derbyshire and, after nearly a week in the carriage, she was eager to explore its charm on foot. Her uncle ascertained from the innkeeper that the area was generally considered safe and reluctantly allowed her to go for a walk provided she did not stray too far and remained on paths.

Stepping out of the inn, Elizabeth felt invigorated by the crisp morning air. Lambton was nestled in a lush, green valley, surrounded by gently rolling hills and meandering streams. As she walked along the cobblestone path that led out of the village, she passed by charming cottages with their thatched roofs, their gardens bursting with colourful blooms. The scent of roses and lavender filled the air, mingling with the fresh, earthy smell of the countryside.

Beyond the village, the path opened up to a sprawling meadow, dotted with wildflowers in every hue imaginable. Butterflies fluttered from blossom to blossom, and bees buzzed industriously, collecting nectar. The sky above was a brilliant blue, with only a few fluffy clouds drifting lazily by. Elizabeth paused for a moment, breathing deeply and taking in the serene beauty around her .

Continuing her walk, Elizabeth followed the path along a clear stream. The water babbled over smooth stones, and she shed her boots to traipse over the rocks, mimicking the flow of the stream. Tall trees lined the banks, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. She noticed a family of ducks paddling by, the ducklings trailing closely behind their mother.

The path took her through a small wooded area. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The cool, refreshing air was filled with the scent of pine and moss. Elizabeth heard birds calling and small animals rustling in the underbrush.

Emerging from the woods, Elizabeth found herself at a tranquil lake. The water was so clear she could see pebbles and fish below the surface. She walked to the shore and sat on a large rock, dipping her fingers into the cool water. The lake was surrounded by lush greenery, with gently rising hills in the background, covered in fields and hedgerows. In the distance, she could see the top of what was surely a large house and she wondered if it was the famed Pemberley she had heard so much of in Lambton.

As she sat, she allowed herself to think about all that had occurred over the last years. When she first left Longbourn, her father and Jane had written occasionally, no more than once a month. Mary, who was just learning to write, infrequently included a line or two to the letters, mostly speaking of what she was learning at that time, but she received nothing from her mother. However, about eighteen months after she left, the letters had become more infrequent, until they finally ceased entirely.

For the last four years, she had heard nothing from her family. Her Aunt and Uncle Phillips wrote to the Gardiners once a month or so, telling the news from Meryton. Her uncle had known many of these people for years, and enjoyed hearing about his former neighbours. By mutual consent, the Phillipses' letters included very little about the Bennets, though occasionally the mention could not be avoided .

After a while, Elizabeth noticed the position of the sun in the sky. Rising from the spot she had discovered, she donned her boots and returned to the inn to tell her aunt and uncle what she had found.

Over the next few days, Elizabeth rose early each morning to make her way to the lake she had discovered. Her uncle permitted it, knowing that Elizabeth had always enjoyed her time outdoors. While she had never complained, she missed living in the country.

For three mornings, she met no one as she walked between the inn and the lake. However, after sitting by the lake for several minutes on that third morning, she turned upon hearing a noise and saw a gentleman approach on his horse.

"Good morning, miss," he said, his voice pleasant, but something in his eyes made Elizabeth wary.

She nodded in greeting. "Good morning. If you will please excuse me, it is time I return to my relations."

"Leaving so soon?" he asked, in a teasing tone that set Elizabeth's teeth on edge. "We have not had a chance to get to know one another yet. I have watched you these last several days as you explored the grounds. Tell me, what do you think of the estate's grounds?"

"My family is expecting me back," was all Elizabeth would say as she began to make her way toward the path. Something about this man, and the fact that he had been watching her on her previous visits, made her extremely uncomfortable.

He dismounted from his horse and put himself in her way. "They would be delighted to know you were with me," he said. "You must not be from here."

“I am not,” she replied, attempting to sidestep him and go around him. He was making her uncomfortable. “Please allow me to pass.”

"Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner; most people here already know me. I am Fitzwilliam Darcy," he said. "I am the master of Pemberley, or soon will be; have you seen it yet? Come with me and I will give you a tour. That will give us an opportunity to learn more about each other."

"I do not care who you are as I have no intention of remaining. We have not been properly introduced and your actions do not make me want to know you at all."

She nearly shrieked when he put his hands on her arms to hold her still.

"That is not very nice," he said. “Stay.”

"No," she replied, stomping on one of his boots. Unfortunately, she was too slight to cause him pain, though she did make him angry.

“Stupid chit,” he cried. “You’ll scuff my blasted boots and then where will I be?” He smacked her across the face, and she immediately reached up and returned the favour, scratching his cheek in the process.

“Bitch,” he cried out as he further accosted her. “I would have made this good for you, but now, I will make sure it is unpleasant. Now, I will ensure I ruin you and your whole family.”

“Let me go,” she cried as she continued to struggle. Her hands clawed at his face and neck, and he slapped her once again before grabbing the neck of her gown and pulling at it, causing it to tear.

She kicked at him then and attempted to free her arms from his grasp. He turned her so her back was toward him as he attempted to subdue her.

Just as Elizabeth began to think all was lost, another man rode up. He quickly jumped down from his horse and, after taking a moment to determine what was happening there, without a word to anyone, struck her attacker across the jaw, forcing the man to release his grip. For several long moments, she watched the two scuffle, each landing several punches, when suddenly, her attacker stilled and did not rise again.

She turned to look at her rescuer and found herself staring into the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen.