1. VISITING DERBYSHIRE

A small, elegant carriage clipped along the road at a spanking pace. The golden sun shined down hotly on the passengers, but the breeze kept the heat from being overpowering. As the carriage pulled into the quaint little village, an exclamation of delight was heard from the youngest of the passengers, sparking a smile from the older female in the party.

Traveling with the Gardiners was always the highlight of the summer for twenty-year-old Elizabeth Bennet. This year, her relations had planned to journey to the Lake District, but business constraints made a tour of that length impossible. Consequently, Elizabeth, along with her aunt and uncle, Helen and Edward Gardiner, traveled in a leisurely fashion from Elizabeth's home, Longbourn, in Hertfordshire to the village of Mrs. Gardiner's youth, Lambton, in Derbyshire. Along the way, they had stopped to tour many great estates and other sites of interest. They had visited Wimpole Hall and grounds in Cambridgeshire, Boughton House in Northamptonshire, and Carlton Curlieu Hall in Leicestershire.

After several days of traveling, they were to stay at the Chestnut Tree Inn in Lambton, for the next se'nnight perhaps even longer. Upon their arrival at the inn, Mrs. Gardiner had been greeted by the innkeeper, Mr. Burton as an old friend. He had ushered their party to the finest rooms the inn had to offer and quickly arranged for both baths and refreshments for the visitors. As the trio had stopped to tour Chatsworth earlier in the day, they were quite tired upon arriving and retired early after a pleasant meal.

On this, their third morning in the area, Mrs. Gardiner suggested they apply to tour Pemberley. Elizabeth, however, was very reluctant to do so. The owner of Pemberley was Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy with whom Elizabeth claimed an acquaintance, but they argued violently and parted on abominable terms. Wanting to correct the misinformation Elizabeth flung at him during their argument, Darcy had daringly written her a letter and personally delivered it before walking out of her life. Elizabeth had read Mr. Darcy's letter countless times since receiving it and; she longed for an opportunity to apologize to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth regretted her extremely rude behavior when refusing his unexpected proposal. Due to her injured vanity, caused by hearing Darcy call her "tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt him', and the lies of the nefarious Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth had accused him of the worst kind of conduct, and the memory of the event and her behavior haunted her.

"Aunt, my acquaintance with Mr. Darcy is very slight. I would feel uncomfortable intruding upon his family in his home."

Before Mrs. Gardiner could answer, a knock came on the sitting room door. It was the young servant, Hannah, arriving with their breakfast. "Hannah, do you know if the Darcy family is currently in residence at Pemberley or if the estate is available for a tour?" Mrs. Gardiner inquired.

"No the family is not there at the present, ma'am, but they are expected in the next day or two, says me brother, who is an under-gardener at the estate," came the maid's reply.

Mrs. Gardiner turned to her niece, "There, Lizzy, that should put your mind at rest. Shall we tour Pemberley this afternoon?"

"All right, Aunt. If it pleases you, we will visit Pemberley," Elizabeth replied reluctantly.

After dining, the morning was spent in visits to a few more of Mrs. Gardiner's childhood friends who still resided in Lambton. Elizabeth tried to focus on those she met, but she could not dispel a feeling of concern about visiting Pemberley.

So it was that an hour after luncheon found Elizabeth and the Gardiners in the carriage for the five-mile journey to the Darcy estate. Elizabeth could not help but enjoy nature's beauties as they rode through the Derbyshire countryside. The rocks and hills were a sharp contrast to the more pastoral setting surrounding her home. When they turned in at the gates to Pemberley, Elizabeth anxiously looked for the house. More than half an hour later, it finally came into view. The driver stopped the carriage at the top of a rise to afford the visitors the best view of the manor. Elizabeth gasped at the sight that met her eyes.

There before her, nestled into a valley sat an enormous house built of a soft beige stone. A great expanse of green lawns led down to a lake, and on its smooth surface glimmered a perfect reflection of the stately mansion. Rising behind the house was a steep hill of dark woods. Elizabeth 'had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste.' 1 Eventually the carriage began to move again and within 20 minutes it had stopped before the door of the great house.

The Gardiners applied for a tour of the estate and were soon greeted by the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds. As she guided the guests through the house, Mrs. Reynolds could not contain the expressions of approbation which she liberally bestowed on the master of the estate. They toured several drawing rooms (each more beautifully decorated than the preceding one), the large dining room (with a table that could seat more than sixty people) the music room (where stood a new pianoforte the master had bought for his sister), the ballroom (the largest Elizabeth had ever seen), and, finally, the gallery.

It was here the housekeeper stopped before a picture of the current master. Elizabeth was breathless at the sight of him. He appeared as she remembered him, stately, handsome, and with the intense look in his eyes that she had always mistaken for dislike. As the other's moved on to view a recent portrait of Miss Darcy, Elizabeth remained before Darcy's portrait. Had I not been so foolish and vain, misjudging you as I did, of all this, I might have been mistress. You did not deserve all of the anger and disdain with which I treated you. If only I could see you once more to apologize. With one last lingering look, Elizabeth moved away to join the others. Upon departing the gallery, Mrs. Reynolds moved towards the main staircase. She would escort the group outside, and the gardener would continue with the tour showing the family the beauty of Pemberley's grounds.

Before they descended the steps, Elizabeth turned to Mrs. Reynolds. "Would it be possible to visit the library?"

"That is not usually included on a tour of the house, Miss." Her tone was a little frosty.

"I understand. I only asked as I have heard much about it from Mr. and Miss Bingley, as well as Mr. Darcy."

The housekeeper looked intently at the young lady before her. The visitor was lovely with dark curls and bright eyes. Mrs. Reynolds had been impressed with the young woman's kindness and the appreciation she had shown for the estate, unlike the detested Miss Bingley who spoke of changes she would make to the stately and elegant interior of the home. "You know the master?"

"I was so fortunate as to make his acquaintance when he visited Mr. Bingley at his estate in Hertfordshire. Mr. Bingley's estate, Netherfield Park, borders my father's estate."

"Well," said Mrs. Reynolds hesitating only a moment, "if you are a friend of the master's, I am sure he would not mind me showing you the library."

"I thank you for your offer, Mrs. Reynolds, but I would not wish you to go against Mr. Darcy's wishes."

"Are you quite sure, Miss, I am sure he would not mind a friend seeing the room."

"Well, perhaps if we only look in from the hallway," suggested Elizabeth. She dearly wished to see if the room was as magnificent as she had heard.

The housekeeper led the way to the library and opened both of the double doors, before stepping aside. Elizabeth stood in the center of the opening and was assailed by the scent of parchment, leather, and furniture polish. The room was flooded with light from a bank of tall windows opposite the door. The furnishings were in navy, burgundy, and hunter green, with numerous settees and plush chairs set about for reading. Two large tables stood before the window. The walls were lined with shelves from floor to ceiling, and it appeared a balcony went around the room creating a second story. There were also display cases containing what appeared to be rare pieces, and two globes, one obviously much older than the other, stood in one corner of the room.

Elizabeth was astounded by all that she saw. "It is, indeed, the most glorious room I have every seen. I am sure it would take more than a lifetime to read all the treasures contained therein." She turned to the housekeeper. "I thank you very much for showing me this marvelous sight. I doubt I shall every seen another room anywhere that can match it." There were reverence and awe in her voice.

"I am pleased you found the room to your liking." Mrs. Reynolds closed the library doors and turned to lead the guests downstairs. She took them through a hallway that led to a terrace on the back of the house. Here they were met by the gardener, who led them through the formal gardens.

Elizabeth wandered quietly not listening to the information the elderly man was sharing with her relations. Her mind was too full of the master of the house. She had long since come to see that she had been immediately attracted to Mr. Darcy, and his overheard comments about her 'tolerable' appearance had hurt more than she was willing to acknowledge. As a result, she had gone out of her way to be disagreeable to the gentleman, and if she were honest with herself, she had to admit that she had enjoyed their verbal sparring very much. There were few men in the environs of Meryton who could match her sharp intellect, and it had been a pleasure to match wits with such an intelligent man.

As her relatives continued to follow the gardener deeper into the formal gardens, Elizabeth took a small path to the right that led to a walled enclosure. The arched door was locked, so Elizabeth found a bench against the wall in the shade of a large oak tree and sat looking at the beauty around her. She closed her eyes and tilted her face to the sky. Elizabeth loved the warmth of the sun on her skin. Opening her eyes, she gazed about taking in the incredible beauty of the gardens of Pemberley. Elizabeth's gaze eventually drifted to the stables, and she noted that the complex was larger than her family's home. Suddenly her cheeks flushed with color, she jumped up from the bench and began wringing her hands. There striding towards her was the man on whom her thoughts dwelt.

Fitzwilliam Darcy's massive black stallion clip-clopped along the dusty road. Truthfully, he was relieved to have had a reason to leave the rest of his party behind at the inn a half day's journey from Pemberley. Darcy needed the time to think and to overcome the troubling thoughts which had plagued him continuously since April. His disastrous proposal to Elizabeth Bennet while she visited at Hunsford near the estate of his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, had cost him the good opinion of the only woman whom he would ever love. Darcy needed to put the loss behind him and find a way to move forward. The problem was he could not picture a future that did not involve Elizabeth. A vision of her swam before his eyes. Her unruly dark curls and sparkling eyes stirred him as no other woman he had ever known.

Darcy's unrelenting thoughts of Elizabeth Bennet were not the only reason he was glad to leave the rest of his party behind. He needed separation from Caroline Bingley. Darcy enjoyed having his best friend, Charles Bingley, visit his estate, but his patience with Charles' sister, Caroline, was wearing thin. She had set her cap for him upon their first meeting several years ago. As a result, Darcy was careful never to show her any particular attentions. Unfortunately, his consistently distant behavior did not deter Miss Bingley from pursuing her desired goal. Darcy knew she had no real affection for him, but she desperately wanted to rise to the first circles of society. One would think their long acquaintance would have made Miss Bingley realize Darcy's dislike for society, but she could not see past her desires to how incompatible the two of them truly were.

Try though he might, Darcy could not banish the thought of Elizabeth Bennet from his mind. Her loveliness was breathtaking. The dark eyes and luscious curls were often his undoing. She had a quick, intelligent mind and a sharp wit. He recalled each of their encounters from his first seeing her at the Meryton assembly, to his disastrous proposal, and the last glimpse of her as she accepted his letter before leaving Rosings. He often wondered what her reaction to his missive had been. Did she still hate him, or was she able to accept his explanations and grant him some measure of forgiveness? Darcy wished with all his heart that Elizabeth was a member of the upcoming house party. He had often imagined her in his home and regretted that it would most likely never happen. Wallowing for a month after her rejection of his proposal, Darcy eventually realized that many of her criticisms about him were true. As a result of his epiphany, Darcy spent the next month trying to improve his behaviors. He promised himself, that should he ever be privileged enough to meet Elizabeth again, Darcy would apologize for his poor proposal and demonstrate to her that he had taken her reproofs to heart.

Pemberley was only a few more miles. Veering from the road, Darcy allowed Beowulf to have his head, and the stallion soared over the fence that separated the road from Pemberley's land. Giving the horse a gentle kick, they raced across the fields headed for the stables.

As Darcy arrived in the stables, he jumped from the saddle, patting his horse affectionately, before turning him over to a groom. Stripping off his jacket, Darcy stepped up to the pump giving the handle a pull or two, then ducked his head underneath the water to cool himself off from his hot ride. He retrieved his hat and coat, settling them over his arm, and moved in the direction of the back terrace to make his entry into the house. Darcy needed to clean up quickly and meet with his steward. He looked out at the gardens as he approached. They had been his mother's pride and joy, and he made certain they were well maintained in honor of her memory. A flash of color in his peripheral vision caused his head to turn. The sight that met his eyes stopped him in his tracks. There before him stood Elizabeth Bennet. Assuming the heat was causing this most pleasant illusion, Darcy closed his eyes for several seconds. When he opened them, the vision was still there, but it had changed. Darcy caught her eye and noted the expression of shock on her face. The shock quickly turned to discomposure, and her pale face flushed with embarrassment.

Darcy had often dreamed of her enjoying the gardens at Pemberley and was momentarily lost in the illusion, but it was quickly shattered when Elizabeth hurriedly spoke. "I beg your forgiveness, Mr. Darcy. I should not be here. I would not have joined my relatives for a tour, but for the fact we were told the family was away from home." Elizabeth twisted her hands in nervousness. "Please excuse me. I will await my relations in the carriage; you will not be bothered by me." Elizabeth looked nervously about wondering which way she should go. The look of fear and distress in her large dark eyes reminded him of a doe he had once seen in the forest.

As she started to move towards him, in the direction of the stables, Darcy realized he needed to stop her or she might walk out of his life again. He put out his hand to stop her and quickly bowed to her in proper greeting.

"Please, Miss Bennet, there is no need for you to leave. I am pleased to see you again. What are you doing in Derbyshire?"

Mr. Darcy's words were a shock. He was pleased to see her? How could that be after the way she had treated him when last they meet. Elizabeth looked at him carefully, but there was no anger in his expression. What she did see in his expression was pleasure and, perhaps, hope. Hesitantly Elizabeth answered. "I am touring the countryside with my aunt and uncle. Mrs. Gardiner grew up in Lambton and very much wished to see Pemberley again."

"Again?" asked Mr. Darcy.

"Aunt Gardiner indicated her family once toured the house during the holiday season."

"I see. I hope your aunt is enjoying her day, then." Darcy looked around, wondering where these relatives might be. He saw an older couple across the garden in company with his head gardener. "Would you be so kind as to introduce me to your relations, Miss Bennet?"

Elizabeth felt her mouth drop open in surprise and quickly closed it. "I would be happy to do so, Mr. Darcy."

Darcy was about to offer his arm when he realized the current condition of his attire. He quickly returned his hat to his head and, with difficulty, shrugged into his jacket. Realizing that dust covered his coat sleeve, Darcy spoke sheepishly, "Please forgive me for not offering you my arm, Miss Elizabeth, but I have just arrived and fear the dust of the road is still upon me."

Elizabeth gave him a tentative smile as he extended his arm for her to step onto the path. Walking beside her, he quickly navigated the paths which would bring them to where Elizabeth's relations stood. When they stopped before the couple, Darcy turned to Elizabeth and waited for her to make the introductions.

"Mr. Darcy, please allow me to present my uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner or Cheapside. Aunt, uncle, this is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the master of Pemberley.

Elizabeth watched Darcy carefully as she gave him her relations address, but there was not a flicker of surprise of a hint of hesitation in his response.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. How are you finding Pemberley?"

"It is everything delightful, Mr. Darcy," Mrs. Gardiner responded with a happy smile.

"Indeed, Mr. Darcy," added Mr. Gardiner. "I believe it is the finest estate we have seen during our travels."

"I am pleased to hear that. Have you seen the house yet or are you starting your tour here?"

"Mrs. Reynolds was very kind in showing us the house. We thought to spend some time in the gardens before returning to the inn in Lambton," Mrs. Gardiner answered. "It is as lovely as I recalled."

"Yes, Miss Bennet mentioned that you were from Lambton."

"You would not remember it, sir, but we met frequently in the past." Darcy cocked his head to the side and looked at Elizabeth's aunt thoughtful. As he stared, a smile grew on the lady's face, and she immediately saw when recognition appeared in his gaze.

"Would your family name have been Thompson, Mrs. Gardiner?"

Helen Gardiner gave a soft laugh, and her smile increased as she nodded.

"Your father was Mr. Thompson who owned the bookshop," Darcy stated confidently.

"Yes, he was."

"As I recall, it was you who made sure that I always received a treat when I accompanied father to the bookshop." Helen Gardiner nodded again.

"It was a sad day for me when you left Lambton, as there were never treats to be had in the bookshop after your departure." Elizabeth marveled at Mr. Darcy's expressive countenance. She could easily see his happiness at the memory where he had, in the past, always worn an inscrutable expression in every situation in which Elizabeth encountered him. Darcy continued, "I have only just arrived, but would love to join you on your tour of the park if you would permit me a few moments to refresh."

"We would be gratified to have you join us if it would not inconvenience you. Shall we continue to wander here while we wait?" asked Mr. Gardiner.

Looking at Mrs. Gardiner, Darcy asked, "Are you a great walker like your niece?"

She gave a small laugh and exchanged a look with her husband before answering. "I fear there are few who profess to be as great a walker as Lizzy.'

Darcy wished to laugh with her but would not risk offending Elizabeth. However, when he noticed she, too, was laughing, he felt safe in agreeing. "I was fortunate enough to have her company on a few rambles in the past. She is a very intelligent young lady and has an uncanny knack for seeing the truth in most situations. I have learned much by my association with her."

Elizabeth was startled at his words and immediately thought he was referencing their time in Kent in an attempt to embarrass her. However, she reined in her anger and looked at him to try to determine his meaning. In his expression, she saw only sincerity, but deep in his eyes there appeared to be something more. What it was, she could not be sure.

Darcy turned to his gardener, "Mr. Greenwood, would you please ask the stables to ready the Landau for a tour of the park." The gardener immediately moved to carry out his master's instructions.

Mrs. Gardiner was quick to demure. "That will not be necessary, Mr. Darcy. Though I am not a great walker like Lizzy, I am sure I can manage a tour of your park. There is no need to put yourself to such trouble."

"It is almost ten miles around the park here at Pemberley, Mrs. Gardiner, and I would not wish you to tax your strength in this heat." All three of his companions looked shocked to discover the size of Pemberley's park lands.

"Now, if you will excuse me; I shall return to you as quickly as possible."

1 (1) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Chapter 43 (or Volume 3 Chapter 1)