Convenience of That Kind: Pride & Prejudice variation by Elin Eriksen

Author:Elin Eriksen [Eriksen, Elin]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2022-04-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5 The Inconvenience of Pemberley

Pemberley rose majestically in front of a snow-covered ridge. As the carriage drew to a halt, Elizabeth chuckled mirthlessly.

“Charlotte was right, you do have reason to be proud.”

“I am just a custodian, charged with preserving Pemberley for future generations.”

A potent topic that needed further contemplation when they were at leisure to do so. At this moment both were anticipating meeting Miss Darcy.

“Modesty! You continue to surprise me, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth remarked as their footman opened the door and let down the step.

Miss Darcy and Mrs Reynolds were waiting in the hall, where black and white marble floors led towards a grand staircase. Elizabeth let her eyes trail upwards and gasped when her gaze reached the painted ceiling. The mural, she would later learn, was painted by Louis Laguerre. She was so caught up in admiring the splendour, she almost forgot her new sister and housekeeper.

Rather embarrassed by her inattention, she greeted Miss Darcy, who was a fully grown girl of similar age to her youngest sister, but the resemblance ended there. Elizabeth immediately sensed that Miss Darcy was exceedingly shy and tried to draw her out but got monosyllabic answers in reply.

Darcy had more success and enveloped his sister in a fierce hug, assuring her of how happy he was to see her. Georgiana was thawed by her brother’s obvious affection and wished them both joy. Elizabeth felt a strange pang in her heart when she saw the look of pure love Mr Darcy bestowed upon his sister. Their platonic marriage did not necessitate such fervent emotion, but her heart yearned for passionate exchanges, despite her mind being dead set against it. Her heart did not seem to understand that love would lead to devastation, not pleasure, in this particular circumstance...

Mrs Reynolds was next to congratulate them, and she did so with warm sincerity. As they had been unable to send a message to alert the household of their exact arrival, she fussed and fretted that the bathwater was not ready, but Darcy assured her it was not necessary. Elizabeth was more eager to explore her new home which started with her luxurious mistress’s chamber.

The vast estate was too much to examine in one afternoon. Darcy chose to show Elizabeth the main rooms of the gallery, dining room, breakfast room, parlour, and the music room but he saved the best for last, the library. Two storeys of tremendous bliss, by Elizabeth’s standards. Large windows provided ample natural light and large Chesterfield leather chairs added comfort. An awestruck Elizabeth let her fingertips brush the spines of the books while she strolled along the shelves.

Darcy remained forgotten, leaning against the door frame. He probably could have left without her noticing, but he appeared too amused by the sight before him to leave. His desk was most likely stacked high with unopened correspondence after being away for so long, but the pleasure of watching his wife had him riveted to the spot.

“I could stay here for all eternity,” Elizabeth whispered.

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