If Only In His Dreams (28 page)

The following day went as planned.  The weddings went off without a hitch.  The Gardiner family had arrived an hour before the weddings and was on hand to give his dear niece away to the man she loved.  Sir William Lucas look
ed
as proud as a peacock to be escorting his daughter to her groom and her future as the Mistress of Longbourn.

Once the ceremony was finished, the couples made their way to sign the register and then stepped outside to accept the congratulations from their family and neighbors.  Everyone made their way to Longbourn for the wedding breakfast.  Finishing the breakfast, Elizabeth nearly shoved some of their neighbors who seemed to be dawdling around when the newlyweds wished to be alone. 

The Darcys were packed and ready to leave for Pemberley.  Richard was prepared to take his ladies home as soon as the wedding breakfast was finished.

After Elizabeth gave her brother and her sister a teary farewell, she entered the carriage and was on her way to
finally see her new home in the wilds of Derbyshire.

Chapter29

The trip was taken slowly, allowing Lady Anne and Elizabeth time to rest along the way.  The movement of the carriage was adding to Elizabeth’s nausea, though she had some of Mrs Hill’s peppermint tea with her for when she needed it.  Lady Anne’s leg was nearly healed and she was able to make her way with the use of a cane.

Taking three days to travel from Longbourn to Pemberley, the family was anxiously awaiting the sight of the grand estate.  Lady Anne was pleased to see how dear their home was to her children.  Looking at Elizabeth,
Lady Anne watched
to see her reaction when they would come around the next bend in the road which would allow for a breathtaking view of the grand estate.
  And when the carriage rounded the bend, the expression Elizabeth wore made the others in the carriage smile.  It was obvious that she was pleased with her new home. 

“I remembered the area being quite pleasant, as the ruggedness of the land is priceless.  But I never knew that a house so grand could be made to fit in with the surrounding nature as if the house sprung from the ground like a tree or bush.  This is truly heaven.” 

“Would you like to stop for a few moments to take in the view or are you ready to enter your new home?” Darcy asked.

“I am ready to arrive at our home.  And I believe I am in need of a hot bath and a nap after spending so long on the road.”  Seeing her husband’s eyebrow rise with concern, Elizabeth continued.  “You are well aware of my preference to being out of doors.  I have never been one to travel in a closed in carriage for long, for I feel as if I am trapped indoors while all the beautiful scenery is passing me by.  I
felt this way even before my current condition, only now I am easier to become fatigued.  That is not unusual, is it Mother?”

Lady Anne smiled at her daughter in law.  “It is indeed normal.  My dear boy, do not fret over your wife being fatigued easier.  It is the body’s way of protecting itself from over doing.  Resting more often helps the body become stronger while a child is within.”

This calmed Darcy’s worry considerably.  “Then we will arrive at the house within half of an hour.  I will request a bath drawn for you my love.  Would you care for some refreshments before your bath?”

Elizabeth smiled.  “Perhaps somet
hing light would be pleasant; s
ome tea and maybe some biscuits.”

The carriage came to a stop in front of the grand house and as soon as the door opened, Darcy stepped out and handed down his mother and sister before taking his wife’s hand and assisted her in exiting the carriage.  The servants had lined up on the
steps leading to the main entrance door.  Darcy held his wife’s hand to his lips and placed a kiss on her knuckles.  “I wish to introduce to you, Mrs Elizabeth Darcy; my wife and your new mistress.”

The servants began clapping in approval.  The elderly lady at the top of the stairs smiled in a clear sign of approval.  Leading Elizabeth to this lady, Darcy introduced her.  “My dear, this is the woman I have told you so much of these past months; Mrs Reynolds.  Mother will tell you how dear Mrs Reynolds is to us, as well as to the entire estate.  She is truly the one who runs the house, as she keeps everything in order, even if we are not here.”

Lady Anne took hold of Elizabeth’s other hand as she hobbled up the steps and into the entry wa
y.  Servants came from what seemed
to be the shadows and assisted the Darcys in removing their outer wear.  “Elizabeth, if you ever have any questions pertaining to the estate, if our devoted Mrs Reynolds is unable to assist you, the world must be c
oming to an end.  Mildred is
well informed as to all that happens on our estate.”

“Lady Anne, your praises are bias.” Mrs Reynolds stated.  “Mrs Darcy, I cannot tell you what joy your marriage has brought to all of us at Pemberley.”

“I thank you, Mrs Reynolds.  I look forward to knowing you and everyone else better over the coming months.  I do so enjoy being here in Derbyshire again.  It is as beautiful as when I was a child.”

Seeing that Mrs Reynolds was confused, Darcy spoke. “Mrs Darcy’s aunt was from Lambton and when my dear wife was but a child, they took a holiday visit to the area.”

“Your aunt’s family hail
s
from Lambton?  Might I inquire as to the family name?”

“Blaine.  Her father owned the mercantile.” Elizabeth said as she smiled.

“Helen Blaine?” Mrs Reynolds asked.  Seeing Elizabeth nod her head, Mrs Reynolds smiled.  “I remember Helen very well.  So she married your uncle then?”

“She is now Helen Gardiner, married to my mother’s only brother.  They live in London and
have a sweet family.”

“Goodness, what a surprise.  The niece of Helen Blaine is now Mrs Darcy.  Her family was greatly admired and has been missed since Mr Blaine’s death.  Mrs Blaine moved away with her son.”

“She passed away near ten years ago.  She was
always a favorite of ours
whenever she visited Aunt Helen.  I will never forget how she would bring us sweets with every visit.
”

“Well, I am sure that you are all tired from the travel and would wish for baths and something to eat.  I had water ready to heat for baths as soon as your carriage was seen entering the grounds.  Trays are being prepared to take to your rooms with some hot tea and some cold meats and cheeses. We will serve supper later
than usual
this evening, as you will most likely wish to rest for a little bit as well.”

Lady Anne laughed.  “What did I tell you, Lizzy?  Mrs Reynolds is a miracle.”  Seeing Mrs Reynolds’s eyebrow raise, Lady Anne smiled.  “Lizzy was just telling us on the way here that she wished to have a bath, something to eat and a rest.  Here you have already prepared for her wishes before even meeting her.”

“Mrs Reynolds, Lady
Anne has told me a great deal with
regards to you, though she did not inform me that you are a mind reader.  Your thoughtfulne
ss is greatly appreciated
.”

Elizabeth was led into her rooms and she gasped.  She had not expected to find such a room so situated.  “These are my rooms?”

“They were Mother’s, though she moved from them after our wedding so you would be in the Mistress’s chambers.”

“It was not necessary, Mother
.” Elizabeth exclaimed.  “William and I could have taken different apartments.”

“No, Lizzy, it was only right for you both to be in these rooms.  You are the current Master and Mistress of Pemberley.  And as I have discussed, I will be moving to the Dowager cottage on the estate.  You deserve this time together, after all you have been through in the past months.  And Lizzy, do not fear offending me by making any changes to your rooms.  It is yours
now;
make it to your liking.”

Elizabeth’s eyes grew round.  “Mother, it feels as if I were in a meadow on a spring day.  The colors and textures are so comfortable and inviting.  I cannot imagine changing one thing in these rooms.”

Smiling at his mother and then his wife, Darcy pulled Elizabeth into his embrace.  “I knew that you would love these rooms.  I have often felt these rooms made me forget I was inside the grand house.  You are correct in stating it is like being in a spring meadow.”

Everyone went to their rooms, Lady Anne utilizing rooms down the hall for the evening before she moved to the cottage the following day.  Baths were taken and trays of refreshments were enjoyed before the family settled in to rest before supper.

Darcy entered his wife’s bedchamber to rest with her.  Lying on the bed beside her, he propped himself up on his side and allowed his fingers to roam freely over her body.  When it came to her belly, Darcy
tenderly caressed over her midsection for several moments.  All the while his thoughts were consumed with the knowledge that inside was a new life growing daily, a new life which formed by his love for his wife.  Though he still worried for her safety, he was coming to enjoy the fact that Elizabeth was carrying his child.

Elizabeth watched the emotions playing over Darcy’s expressive face.  “Are you well, my beloved?” She asked him.

With a chuckle, Darcy looked into her eyes.  “I should be the one to ask you such a question, dearest.  Are you truly well?”

“I am.  I could not be happier with my condition.  I pray our child has your eyes.  I love looking into your eyes.  It makes me feel as if I was wrapped in your love and it brings me such comfort.”

“I wish for a little girl
with your curls,
and with your strength of character.” Darcy reached over and began to play with one of her curls which had escaped from her plait.

“I will remind you of your request when you have to deal with our daughter being so stubborn that she will not listen to you.”  Elizabeth laughed.  “You wish for a daughter, not a son?”

With a sheepish grin, Darcy continued to play with her curls.  “I can wait for a son to come next.  I wish for a daughter first.  And I do not have to have a son to leave the estate to.  As there is no entail, I can leave it to a son or daughter.”

“Interesting,
I believe that more people should be so open minded when they plan the future for their children.  Far too many people fail to treat their daughters as well as they do their sons.”

“Something I never plan to do, my love.  All of our children will be treated fairly and with love. 
How could I ever treat a child borne of our love unfairly?”

“I am pleased to know that you are planning to be as loving a father as you are a husband.  Thank you, my love.” Elizabeth’s hand caressed the side of his face, pushing a wayward strand of hair from his brow.

“Rest now, my dear wife.  We will have plenty of time to discuss our children later.  First, we need to care
for
my children’s mother.”

The couple moved into their familiar position to sleep.  It had become their custom to cuddle together, with her back against his chest and his arms wrapped around her possessively.  Elizabeth knew that she was loved by her husband, and she felt secure
in his embrace.  Sleep came easily
when in his arms.  She knew not how she had ever been able to sleep before she married this wonderful man.

Chapter 30

The days flew by as the family settled into their new environments.  Lady Anne and Georgiana had comfortably made the dowager cottage their home.  Being close enough to spend time with the newlyweds, yet giving the couple some well-deserved privacy gave everyone what they needed.  As the weather grew warm, many days the ladies would spend their time in the gardens or near the pond that had become one of Elizabeth’s favorite locations.  During these times, Darcy would take advantage of his wife being well looked after so he could concentrate on his work.  Elizabeth would often spend time in his study reading while he poured over his correspondence, but when he rode out with his steward, Darcy was pleased that his mother and sister would be with Elizabeth.  Though he tried desperately to control his fear from his former dreams, Darcy
found that he was comforted by her being with his family.