In 2021 I started a novel called ‘Song of Pemberley’ but never finished it. Between selling my house in Texas, packing up everything and moving to Illinois, a number of things fell to the wayside until lately. Now, I’m working on playing catchup, and you know how much fun that is. However, since I am coming up with new novels, that’s not quite so bad.
One of them that I am thinking about finishing regards a song, but not any ordinary song. It’s one that involves water.
A few years back I did some research on cascades which are waterfalls that fall in stages down a steep rocky slope. When it comes down to it, most cascades have their own song or sounds that they make as the water flows over rocks and soil. And the songs will keep changing over time because the soil will shift and the rocks will wear down. That is, unless, there are attempts to keep the original song.
The picture above is of a small cascade made up of water, rocks, and steps. I would have liked to have heard the song it would sing.
Since my ideal of Pemberley is Chatsworth House in Chatsworth Derbyshire, United Kingdom, this home will be a major point of discussion in this book, especially the cascade. And, yes, the cascade does sing, however, it doesn’t have rocks like a regular cascade. It is made of steps and has been a popular part of Chatsworth since 1690. Although it is made of steps, they are not identical, therefore, as the water falls, it also sings a song. I’m sure it is most pleasant as falling water has always been rather soothing unless it was a torrent or flood.
Unfortunately, because of time and wear, the Chatsworth Cascade has been closed for repairs estimated at £7.5 million pounds.
In the meantime, please enjoy the beginning of ‘Song of Pemberley.’
Chapter I
Jane, Elizabeth, Kitty, and Lydia Bennet hurried out Longbourn’s front door as the Gardiner’s coach came up the drive. Although the air was cold, the snow that had prevented the family’s visit for the holidays had disappeared allowing them to finally come for a short stay with the Bennets in Meryton, a small town in Hertfordshire just north of London.
“Izzy, Izzy.” Little Edward’s voice could be heard, loud and clear, within the coach’s confines much to the dismay of his mother.
“Edward, Lizzy knows you are here. Give me a moment, and you can give her a hug.”
Breaking free of his mother’s arms and quicker than his father, Edward threw open the door and leaped into his cousin’s arms.
His cousin, Elizabeth Bennet, however, was more than prepared for her young relative as she caught his wild maneuver and spun him around much to his delight.
While his mother gave a sigh of relief that the two cousins remained on their feet, laughter surrounded them as the other family members and servants either laughed in delight or joined his mother in sighs of relief that no one was injured.
“I swear, Edwin, that young man will be the death of me yet.”
Her husband, Edwin Gardiner, laughed, gave his wife a hug, and said, “Aren’t you pleased that we only have one like him for now, Maddie?”
Madeline Gardiner glared at him for but a moment, then she succumbed to the giggles that ended as quickly as they had begun. Frowning and looking askance at him and then laying a hand on her slightly protruding stomach, she sighed. “I’m hoping that we have another little girl,” she muttered.
Gardiner chuckled as he stepped out and then handed his wife out of the carriage. “My love, I will be pleased with whatever little one we are blessed with…including another Edward. But I do hope we have a healthy child that moves a little bit slower.”
From inside Longbourn, they could hear Fanny Bennet screech that the Gardiners had finally arrived. Edwin and Madeline just rolled their eyes and prepared to abandon their coach with their eldest child, Olivia, who was five years of age and much quieter than her three-year-old brother, the daredevil.
Gardiner barely had time to give instructions to his driver and groom who accompanied them before his sister bustled out the front door and grabbed him in a bear hug.
“Welcome, welcome, Edwin. I am so glad you and Maddie and the children were able to come for a short while. We missed you at Christmastide and Twelfth Night. Come in, come in. We have hot tea and coffee and sandwiches and something for your sweet tooth as well.”
“Sounds delicious, Fanny. Give us a few minutes to get our trunks unloaded and settled in our rooms, and we will meet the family downstairs.”
“Oh, Madeline. You are coming along nicely, I see.” With that comment, Fanny proceeded to give her sister-in-law a hug also, though not quite as vigorous as the one her brother received.
“I am pleased to see you too, Fanny.” Mrs. Gardiner kept her composure and refrained from rolling her eyes at her sister by marriage because she understood some of what made Mrs. Thomas Bennet such a boisterous woman. Her nerves were the major culprit as the lady worried excessively about her family, especially her daughters.
With Longbourn Manor entailed to a cousin of Mr. Bennet, Thomas Bennet’s wife worried about being thrown into the hedgerows if anything were to happen to her husband. And her fears were not amiss as Bennet was inclined to do the least possible, in regard to the estate, and spent the bulk of his time in his study immersed in a book. Thus, the estate’s income was smaller than it could have been and ensured that the Bennet daughter’s had insufficient dowries to attract eligible young men. It truly was a worrisome thing for Mrs. Bennet.
Jane, Mary, and Elizabeth greeted their aunt and uncle, took Olivia by the hand and escorted both children into the house to get them settled in the nursery. Their other sisters were already in the main drawing room along with Mr. Bennet as the two maids readied the tea and other refreshments. It was good to have family all together even if it was just for a short time.
*****
What is Chatworth’s cascade?
The Chatsworth Cascade is a historic, gravity-fed water feature in the garden of Chatsworth House, built in the late 1690s, that has been a centerpiece for over 300 years. Powered by water from the surrounding moors, it features uniquely shaped stone steps designed to create different sounds. Due to structural damage and significant water leakage from centuries of use, it is currently turned off and undergoing a major restoration project, which has received a £4.6 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
What it is:
- A gravity-fed water feature that descends approximately 60 meters down a series of stone steps, mimicking natural waterfalls.
- A Grade I listed landmark and a remarkable example of late 17th-century engineering.
- A popular spot for visitors to enjoy picnics, paddling, and the sound of the water.
History & Design:
- Designed by the French hydraulics engineer Monsieur Grillet and completed in 1696.
- A “Cascade House” was added at the top of the slope in 1702, designed by Thomas Archer.
- Water is collected from the moors above the house and channeled through a ring pond to the Cascade.
Current Status & Restoration:
- The Cascade has been turned off due to severe water damage and structural decline.
- A major restoration project, called “Celebrating the Cascade,” is underway to preserve the feature for future generations.
- The National Lottery Heritage Fund has provided a £4.6 million grant to support the £7.5 million project.
- Chatsworth House Trust is also fundraising with a public campaign to raise funds from visitors.
Public Engagement:
- The restoration project aims to make the Cascade more accessible and engaging for visitors.
- A public fundraising campaign allows visitors to “sponsor a stone” as a way to contribute to the restoration.
- Learning programs are being developed in collaboration with local schools and charities to promote nature and well-being
Since Chatsworth’s cascade is a very popular part of the property, I’m sure the public will be delighted when it is reopened. In the meantime, I will be weaving it’s story into mine.
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