Return to Hertfordshire

Happy Holidays!! For those of you who celebrate it, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and now we are diving into the December holiday season. May I add my wishes for a joyous season and time spent with those we love most. Please remember to take some time for self-care and enjoy a cup of tea and a good book from time to time. To help you along, it is time for another excerpt from my work-in-progress (WIP).

For those of you just joining us, I have returned to school and am unable to do the research that I like for my monthly posts, so instead I am sharing my current WIP (unedited). If you want to get caught up or reread the prior posts, here are the links (in the proper order):

What if?, What if? Part II, The Letter, Elizabeth’s Perspective, A Walk at Rosings, A Walk at Rosings Part II, What to Do About Wickham, Return to London, Meet the Gardiners, Meet the Gardiners Part II, Meet the Gardiners Part III, Return to Hertfordshire, The Problem with Wickham Part I, The Problem With Wickham Part II, Elizabeth Arrives in London Part I, Elizabeth Arrives in London Part II, A Walk in the Park, After the Park, A Trip to the Museum, Darcy House, An Audience with Mr. Bennet Part I, An Audience with Mr. Bennet Part II, Mrs. Bennet’s Reaction, A Walk to Meryton, and A Night at the Theatre.

Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley are escorting the ladies back to Hertfordshire this month. This is a little shorter than the last few scenes, but I will try to make it up to you next month.

The Darcy carriage drew to a halt before the inn and Darcy stepped forwards once the door was opened, and the step was set. “Bingley and I have reserved a parlour and tea while the horses are being changed.” He handed the ladies out, placing Elizabeth’s hand upon his arm before leading them inside.

“Is this why the two of you rode ahead?” she asked. “I thought you had become bored by our conversation.”

Darcy chuckled. “I never tire of speaking with you, my love. We were simply seeing to your needs.”

“And it had nothing to do with Bingley challenging you to a race?” she asked innocently.

“I was correct,” he said with a theatrical sigh. “I have recently seen a similar expression on my sister’s countenance. My days of quiet and control are coming to an end.”

Her delightful peel of laughter caused him to chuckle. “You, sir, are quite ridiculous.” She leant closer after glancing over her shoulder. “And I suspect you are pleased to see your sister so happy.”

“You are correct, of course. I suspected you would be a wonderful influence for her and have been quite pleased that I was not proven wrong.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I am uncertain if your arrogance and pride are rearing their ugly heads again.”

“Ah,” Darcy held up a finger, wagging it from side to side. “But as I have mentioned before, even if there is a certain superiority of mind, pride must be kept under good regulation.”

Her eyes narrowed and her lips twitched. “I do not remember you saying it quite that way before.”

“Perhaps life lessons have adjusted my thoughts,” he said with a slight lift of his shoulders.

“Life lessons?” she asked.

“Oh yes, I have returned to the schoolroom recently and have had several tutors. You have taught me humility and your uncle has urged me to relinquish responsibility for issues that are not of my making.”

She nodded. “My sisters.”

“You did not seem disappointed when I mentioned spending several months at Pemberley alone.”

They had arrived at the parlour and Georgiana, Mrs. Annesley, Jane, and Maria Lucas began removing their outerwear. Elizabeth continued to hold Darcy’s arm and met his gaze.

“I believe I would like to stretch my legs a bit more, sir. Might we take a walk before refreshing ourselves?”

Darcy nodded. “Bingley, Elizabeth and I will be in the small garden behind the inn. We will return shortly.”

Once outside, Elizabeth laid her head against his arm. “I was a bit surprised when you suggested Georgiana remain either in London or at Longbourn, but a bit relieved as well. There will be much to do and learn once we arrive at Pemberley. We will want time alone, and I will have to learn my way about and where I fit. Your home has run without a mistress for over a decade, am I correct?”

“It has.”

“Your housekeeper will need to know that I am not planning on overturning her ways in a fortnight.” She blushed. “And you and I will have to learn how to work together. It will be easier to do so without worrying about our sisters.” Elizabeth looked up at him and smiled bashfully. “I thank you for considering these things.”

Darcy brushed a light kiss over her lips. “Do not thank me, my dear. Thank your uncle. It was he who reminded me that we would want to be alone for a longer period of time than I was allowing. Of course, I have no desire to share you, but I also did not want our sisters to feel abandoned.”

“And they will not.” She patted his arm. “May we return now? I find I am a bit hungry after all.”

“Of course.” He turned them back towards the inn. “You are certain that Lydia will not be too disappointed about not going to Pemberley with us immediately. I did tell her that we would have to discuss it, but I also feel as though I have made her a promise.”

“A promise without a date,” Elizabeth replied. “And we will fulfil part of the promise by providing her with a companion to begin her training. If Mrs. Annesley and Georgiana return to London, we will simply find someone else to fill the role.”

Darcy nodded and opened the door to the parlour.

So, what do you think? Will Lydia be miffed that she isn’t going to Pemberley right away? Will Georgiana be overwhelmed by the Longbourn ladies? We will find out next month!

See you after the New Year!!