Page 85 of Roses from Pemberley
The morning passed more quickly than the previous one and, late that afternoon, Elizabeth and Darcy found themselves sitting in the garden while their mother and sisters remained in the drawing room with Jane and Bingley.
“I would like to thank you for this,” said Elizabeth, tilting her head towards the house.
Darcy smiled but said nothing.
“You know what I mean, do you not?”
“Yes, I think so.”
She was tempted to ask why he did it, but realised that she knew the answer. He would do anything for her, it seemed, because he loved her. And she was now an extension of himself.
And then as if afraid that she would thank him again, Darcy brought up a different subject. “I know that my aunt has been able to keep Mr. Collins from coming to Longbourn, and she likely can continue to do so for some time. But eventually he will come.” She looked at Darcy and he continued, “Keeping this in mind, Bingley and I have discussed purchasing Purvis Lodge for your mother, Mary and Kitty. Bingley himself has no problem with hosting them at Netherfield for the foreseeable future. And they might also come to live with us at Pemberley if it is their wish. Nevertheless, I thought that Mrs. Bennet might prefer to have a home of her own, whereshewould be mistress,and continue to welcome her friends…” His voice trailed off as he looked questioningly at Elizabeth.
She smiled and took his hand. “I believe you are right, Darcy. For there is nothing so comforting, is there not, as living in the environs of your home and being able to see your friends? But is Purvis Lodge not costly? I am certain that a cottage in Meryton shall suffice - ”
“Yes, it shall suffice,” he said, interrupting, “but I would not wish for your family to live in a home that is merely sufficient. If we purchase Purvis Lodge and have it renovated, then your mother and sisters may truly feel content there…and not feel the loss of your father so keenly.”
“But that is an entire house, Darcy, which will require servants and maintenance! How can I allow you to do such a thing? Especially after - ”
“Elizabeth.”
“Yes?”
“We can afford it; we have the money. And it shall be no hardship.”
She closed her eyes and sighed.
“Think of your mother,” he said.
“But I think ofyou!”
He chuckled. “And I am gratified that you do.”
They fell silent. Elizabeth stood up, regarded the bed of lavender beside them and rubbed her neck. He came to stand behind her and put his arms around her waist. And she could imagine standing in the same way with him at Pemberley or Darcy House, many more times in their lives.
“Very well,” she murmured. “I thank you yet again. But would you mind speaking to my uncles? I am certain they will wish to be involved in some way.”
“Of course, Elizabeth. I shall speak to them today.”
CHAPTER 37 Moving Forward
The funeral was held the following day. Services began at the church in Meryton, then the gentlemen proceeded to the gravesite. The casket was carried by Darcy, Bingley, Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Philips and Sir William Lucas. Also in attendance were Richard, the earl and other gentlemen of the neighbourhood. The day was overcast and cold, which was not uncommon in the spring. Elizabeth stood in the distance, following the progress of the men as they made their way up the hill to the graveyard. Her mother and the other ladies waited at Longbourn, while Caroline Bingley travelled with her maid to London. She watched as the coffin was lowered into the ground, then heard the vicar speak.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…
She cried and the wind blew. Her father, her childhood, were slipping away. Soon she would no longer live here; would no longer walk these paths, apple in one hand and book in the other, only to find a lovely place to sit and read of an afternoon. She would never again sit in her father’s library and discuss books with him. She would never again hear him laugh at the follies of their neighbours. She would never again see him at his desk, spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose, smiling into a text and sipping a glass of sherry. She would never be teased by him again, nor hear him tease her sisters and mother. She had lost one man, almost at the same time as she gained another. One, a symbol of her youth, and the other a symbol of her womanhood. She could not go back and would not even allow herself to lament over it. Her father would not have wanted it.Be off with you now, Lizzy,he would have said. And so she would. Her tears fell, and it began to rain.
She saw the men disperse, though one of them separated from the group and walked towards her.
Darcy.
“Elizabeth. I should have known you would be here.” He handed her a handkerchief, removed his coat and slipped it over her shoulders.
