Chapter 34

Chapter Thirty-Four

S everal days later, the Darcys drew nearer to Pemberley. They had taken the journey slowly, making frequent stops to ensure Elizabeth’s comfort, as she found travelling by carriage increasingly uncomfortable now that she was with child. Though she had visited the grand estate before, this was her first arrival as its mistress, and the realisation filled her with a quiet sense of awe.

Elizabeth gazed out at the sweeping landscape as their carriage approached the familiar estate, taking in the rolling hills, the manicured gardens, and the grand fa?ade of the house itself. It was a sight that had once taken her breath away, and now, knowing it was to be her home, it stirred something even deeper within her. She was aware that she was stepping into a new chapter of her life, one where her influence and presence would shape the lives of those who lived on the estate.

Darcy, sitting beside her, sensed her reflection and reached for her hand. “I can see your thoughts turning, my love,” he said gently, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “What is on your mind? ”

Elizabeth turned to him, offering a soft smile. “It is strange to think that this place is now my home. I am eager to begin my role as mistress, but I would be lying if I said I was not nervous.”

Darcy’s expression softened, and he squeezed her hand reassuringly. “You will be wonderful, Elizabeth. The household will thrive under your care, and you will bring life and warmth to Pemberley in a way it has never known before. My mother was a remarkable woman, but you … you are something entirely different. The people will love you.”

Elizabeth’s smile grew, her heart swelling at his words. “I hope you are right. I shall do my best, for your sake and for the sake of all who depend on us.”

As the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the grand entrance, the staff stood in neat rows, waiting to greet them. Elizabeth took a steadying breath and glanced at Darcy, who offered her a reassuring nod. Together, they stepped out of the carriage, and as soon as Elizabeth’s feet touched the gravel, she was welcomed with curtsies and bows from the assembled servants.

“Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy,” the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, said warmly, her eyes shining with pride as she curtsied deeply.

Elizabeth smiled and nodded in return, her heart lifting at the sound of those words—home. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Mrs. Reynolds, Darcy led Elizabeth inside, his hand resting protectively at the small of her back. As they entered the grand hall, Elizabeth was struck once again by the beauty of the house—the high ceilings, the elegant mouldings, the rich tapestries that adorned the walls. Yet this time, it did not feel intimidating. It felt welcoming, and she could already envision the life she and Darcy would build within these walls.

As they made their way toward the drawing room, Darcy leaned in close and whispered, “Are you ready for the tour, Mrs. Darcy? I want to show you every corner of your new domain. ”

Elizabeth laughed softly, glancing up at him. “Admittedly, it has been a few years, but I believe I have seen most of it already.”

“Ah, but not from this perspective,” Darcy replied with a playful grin. “Everything looks different when you know it is yours.”

Elizabeth squeezed his arm, her heart lighter now. “Then I look forward to seeing it all again, through new eyes.”

Together, they wandered through the halls of Pemberley, Darcy pointing out small details and telling her stories of his childhood and family. Elizabeth listened intently, her love for him growing deeper with each story he shared. By the time they reached the gardens, the sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon, casting a golden glow over the estate.

Darcy stopped and turned to face her, his eyes full of quiet affection. “You belong here, Elizabeth,” he said softly. “I have always believed it, and now that you are here, it feels complete.”

Elizabeth smiled, her gaze sweeping over the land before settling on him. “Yes, Fitzwilliam. I believe I do. Now, there is one room in the house that I was never permitted to see before, and I would be interested in seeing it now.”

“Which room is that, Elizabeth?”

“The master’s chambers, Fitzwilliam. Do you think I could see that room now?”

Several weeks later, Darcy sat in his study after dinner, reviewing ledgers and estate accounts. It has been a long day, full of meetings with his steward and a few of Pemberley’s tenants who were having issues of some sort. To his surprise, Elizabeth entered, carrying a few documents of her own .

“I have been thinking,” she began, settling into a chair across from him, “about the tenants at Ashford Farm. When I spoke with them today, it became clear that their cottages are in need of repairs, especially before winter. I would like to see them improved.”

Darcy glanced up, surprised. “You met with them today?”

“Yes,” she replied calmly. “I have been trying to get around to introduce myself to all of the tenant families, and today I spoke with several of the women.”

Darcy set his pen down, the line of his jaw tightening. “Elizabeth, it is not that I do not appreciate your concern, but you should not feel it necessary to involve yourself in the estate’s daily business. That is why I employ a steward. I manage those affairs myself.”

“But I am part of this estate now,” Elizabeth countered. “As its mistress, I should be involved. The tenants, particularly the women, should feel comfortable coming to me, and if I can help, why should I not?”

Darcy’s brow furrowed as he leaned back in his chair, clearly trying to temper his reaction. “Elizabeth, you have a kind heart, and I admire your wish to help. But estate management is complex. It is not just about listening to grievances and making decisions on the spot. There are processes in place, and changes cannot be made without considering the long-term impact.”

Elizabeth bristled. “I am not asking to make decisions on the spot. I am merely suggesting that improvements are needed, and I would like to work with you on them. I do not want to be shut out of these matters, Fitzwilliam.”

Darcy sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I am not shutting you out. But you must understand that this is how estates have been run for generations. The master handles these matters, and the mistress oversees the household. It is not about denying your involvement but about maintaining order. ”

“Order?” Elizabeth’s eyes flashed with indignation. “So, I am to sit by and mind the house while you make all the decisions? That is not the marriage I thought we agreed to.”

“Elizabeth, that is not what I meant,” Darcy said, exasperation creeping into his voice. “You are my equal in every way that matters, but some responsibilities are?—”

“Are yours alone?” Elizabeth interrupted, her tone sharp. “I did not marry you to be relegated to hosting dinners and arranging flowers while you govern all that is important. We are supposed to be partners, Fitzwilliam, not master and mistress in the old sense. Even when I visited all those summers ago, your father and you appreciated my help with the tenants and in training Georgiana to assist with them.”

Darcy paused, realising the depth of her frustration. He had not meant to belittle her involvement, but he could see now that his words had unintentionally done so.

“I did not intend to make you feel less than my equal,” he said quietly. “But Pemberley’s management has always been a burden I carry alone, and it is difficult for me to share it. Georgiana did help in small ways, but she never visited tenants, not after that summer with you.”

Elizabeth softened slightly, but her resolve remained. “I understand that this is difficult for you, but I want to share that burden. I love this place, just as you do, and I want to contribute to its success. I will not be content to sit in the drawing room while you make all the decisions. We promised to be partners, and that is what I intend to be.”

Darcy studied her for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. “You are right, my dear,” he finally admitted, his voice filled with the quiet sincerity that always accompanied his more profound reflections. “We are partners, and I should not have assumed you would be satisfied with a lesser role. Let us discuss these matters together from now on.”

Elizabeth smiled, relieved that he was willing to compromise. “That is all I ask. Together, we can ensure Pemberley thrives. ”

Darcy nodded, standing to join her by the fire. “Together, then,” he agreed, wrapping one arm around her shoulders, while gently caressing the small bump that was becoming more obvious on her abdomen. “I love you, Elizabeth. Forgive me?”

“Of course, William. I love you as well.” Leaning up, she kissed him, and as always seemed to be the case, their passions quickly rose, leaving them with little else to discuss that evening.