Table of Contents [Report This]
Printer Chapter or Story


- Text Size +

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.


Chapter 1

Mary gazed out of the carriage window as the coach made its way along the lane to Pemberley, her new home. The scene that passed before her did little to lighten her spirits. Bare trees dusted with snow dotted brown meadows and gently slopping hills. Mary shivered, her feet no longer heated by the warming bricks long cold since their last sojourn at the inn at Brixworth. Mary did not know how she would ever adapt to such weather. The English winter was so different from that of New Sussex where—much to the consternation of her governess—she would often take long walks without bonnet or parasol enjoying the warmth of the sun on her dark skin.

The sight of snow upon docking at port had been a marvel to Mary, captivating her as she watched it cover the rooftops of London. She had read about snow, of course, but experiencing the peculiar precipitation was another matter entirely. She passed a few afternoons trudging through the shin deep snow at Hyde Park, favoring the snow covered lawns over the cleared walking paths, uncaring of the curious looks of passersby. However, as the weeks in London drew long, the allure of snow faded. Piles of brown slush, an unpleasant mixture of horse manure and street filth, soon lined every London road and the prospect of cold toes and muddied petticoats kept her from venturing beyond the townhouse without the aid of a carriage.

Turning from the window, Mary fingered a well-worn letter from Miss Georgiana Darcy. As soon as Mr. Darcy sent word of his acceptance of her guardianship, his sister began to correspond with Mary. They wrote each other describing their various hobbies, enjoyments and other sundry details of their personalities with Miss Darcy expressing the earnest wish that they soon become good friends. Mary echoed this desire and the frequency of their letters increased to such a degree only enjoyed by those who have the luxury of devoting several pounds each month to the post.

Georgiana's letters had been a much welcome diversion during her brief sojourn in London. As she had no acquaintances in London, she neither made nor received calls. On a few occasions, she was permitted to attend an opera or play, making use of her father's private box. It seemed to Mary that many of the audience members paid more attention to her than the performance. Still, she received few visitors to her box and those that made the attempt were turned away. Having spent a month surrounded by indifferent servants and her father's solicitor, she looked forward to Georgiana's company.

However, the anticipation of meeting her friend in the flesh could not undo the anxious knot in her belly that tightened with each mile that drew her closer to Pemberley. Her chief anxiety being the welcome she could expect to receive from the master and mistress of the house. Mary had met and grown to admire George Darcy, but was never afforded the opportunity of knowing her godfather's son. Like his father before him, Mr. Darcy made significant financial contributions to her father's work and had helped to underwrite Lord Farthington's last mission to the American south and his subsequent speaking tour of the northern states. However, she could not speak to his temperament or his character apart from his altruism. His letters had been kind, if not overly warm, expressing his sorrow over the passing of her father and his hope that she would find Pemberley to be a welcome and comfortable home. Mary's sole comfort was that her father's regard for her was such that he would not entrust her to someone wholly unsuitable.

However, Mary had no such comfort when it came to the gentleman's wife. Lord Farthington did not have the opportunity to meet Mrs. Darcy, his work preventing him from traveling to England for the wedding. Her diet of novels had taught Mary that while the master of the house may be kindly disposed toward the orphaned heroine, an unkindly mistress could be the cause of a magnitude of woe. The tone of the correspondence she received from Pemberley led her to believe that her position would be above that of a servant. Georgiana had no need of a lady's companion and her letters were full of such sisterly compassion that Mary doubted that she would be treated as such. Her father's generosity likely ensured that she would not be treated as a poor relation. Her expenses were more than provided for and she was to have a generous allowance. However, Mary knew very little about Mrs. Darcy's temperament, the absence of correspondence from the lady of the house serving to counter the assurances of Mr. Darcy and Georgiana.

These anxieties succeeded in momentarily distracting Mary from her melancholy. Her sorrow over Lord Farthington's death was still keenly felt and was compounded by her separation from her childhood home. Mr. Brambles, her father's solicitor, remained her sole tie to her life in New Sussex. He accompanied her on the tiring trip across the Atlantic and was her companion during the long weeks in London. Mr. Brambles was a gentle grandfatherly man of two and sixty with large bushy grey eyebrows, a slight paunch and an easy laugh. Ever conscious of her state of mind, Mr. Brambles often employed himself with the task of cheering her, whether it was with the present of a new bonnet or the offering of an amusing tale during long carriage rides. While Mary was deeply grateful to him for his efforts and concern, such trinkets and stories affected her mood little.

"Ahh, Pemberley. Is it not a fair sight, Miss Farthington?" Mr. Brambles ventured, breaking the silence that pervaded the carriage for the majority of the day's journey.

Mary returned her gaze to the carriage window to see the great house of Pemberley finally coming into view. The house sat on a modest rise and overlooked a sizable lake, now frozen over. The light grey stone of the building melded perfectly with the surrounding snow covered grounds. Mary shivered and turned her eyes from the window. She could not concur with Mr. Brambles' assessment. She had rarely laid eyes upon a residence that exuded such frigidity.

Mr. Brambles regarded her with pale blue eyes, his lips curved in a sympathizing smile. "I know Derbyshire is nothing like New Sussex, but it is my sincere hope that in time you will find happiness here. It was your father's wish as well."

Mary sighed. "I will try to be so for his sake."

Soon after, their carriage stopped before the main entrance of the house. Several footmen quickly descended upon their coach, handing down the lady and elderly gentleman and seeing to their trunks and bags. Taking Mr. Brambles offered arm, Mary made her way up the steps. They were shown into the foyer where the family stood waiting to receive them. Mary assessed the tall dark haired gentleman whom she assumed to be Mr. Darcy as he stepped forward. He was very much like his father, possessing the same imposing height, lanky build and dark features.

"Mr. Brambles. Welcome to Pemberley," Darcy greeted as he bowed slightly at the waist.

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Your warm reception humbles us," Mr. Brambles replied as he returned the bow. May I introduce Miss Mary Caroline Farthington."

Mary stepped forward and curtsied to the gentleman. She cautiously raised her eyes to Mr. Darcy's and was calmed to find them gentled as he regarded her.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy," Mary began. "Thank you for welcoming us into your home."

"You are very welcome, Miss Farthington. In time I hope that you consider it your own," Darcy replied. "May I again express my condolences for the loss of your father. Lord Farthington was an excellent man and England is made poorer by his early passing. Let me introduce my wife and sister who have been eagerly anticipating your arrival."

A woman about a head shorter than herself with curly brown hair and lively brown eyes stepped forward matching Mary's curtsey before taking both of her hands into hers. A gentle smile graced her round face as she squeezed Mary's hands. Mary felt some of her fears lessening under the woman's kind attentions.

"You are very welcome to Pemberley, Miss Farthington. I wish that more pleasant circumstances brought about our first acquaintance. It is my hope that you will find as much pleasure and peace within Pemberley's walls and on its grounds as I do."

"Thank you, Mrs. Darcy."

"Call me Elizabeth, dear," the woman replied with a final press of her hands. "You are family afterall."

Mary exhaled before giving Elizabeth a tremulous smile. "Elizabeth, please call me Mary."

"Mary," Georgiana stepped forward, her blond curls bouncing as she dropped a quick curtsey. " I am so pleased that you have finally come."

Mary dropped Elizabeth's hands, her smile widening as she turned towards her friend. She looked just as Mary had imagined her; petite with wide hazel eyes set in a heart shaped face. Mary returned Georgiana's curtsey.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well," Mary replied. "I already feel as if I know so much about you from your letters. I look forward to getting to know you more."

Georgiana expressed similar sentiments, excitement over Mary's arrival written over her features.

Elizabeth smiled encouragingly at Mary before introducing her son. Little William Bennet clutched at his mother's skirt and peered up at Mary with wide dark eyes and unruly curls.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, young Mr. Darcy," Mary ventured curtseying slightly. She found herself instantly enamored with the little one, enchanted by his shyness and large eyes. He was no more than four years old, at best, and still unaccustomed to meeting strangers. He stared up at her wonderingly before replying to her greeting with a muffled "good evening" and retreating behind his mother. Elizabeth apologized for the boy's manners while a maid collected the child to return him to the nursery.

Mary was relieved when Elizabeth offered to show her to her rooms and happily followed the petite woman up the grand staircase to the third floor. Mary marveled at the décor of Pemberley as they made their way to their rooms. The furnishing and décor, although rich and ornate, was tasteful, a testament to the elegant sensibilities of several generations. Elizabeth first took them to Mary's quarters, which were just across the hall from Georgiana's. Georgiana seemed pleased at these arrangements and was eager to know if Mary approved of the room. Mary conceded that she could find nothing lacking in her chambers and that she liked them exceedingly. Her quarters consisted of a large bedroom with a fireplace and an ample sitting area complete with a writing desk. The dressing room was also well appointed and all of the areas featured walls decorated with lavender wallpaper adorned with a vine and leaf motif. Mary thought that the fireplace was her favorite feature of her quarters and envisioned spending many mornings seated close to the flames in an effort to escape the chill of winter.

After giving Elizabeth and Georgiana her favorable opinion of the room, Mary was introduced to her lady's maid, April, a pretty girl of around eighteen.

"April is one of our most trusted and loved servants. Her sister, Betsy, serves as my maid and I am sure that you will get along famously."

"Thank you again," Mary began, taking the woman's hand in hers. "I am very grateful for your kindness in welcoming me into your home."

"There is no need to thank me, Mary," Elizabeth began, her countenance warm. "It is the least that we could do. We are practically family, are we not? And family is always welcome at Pemberley."

The anxieties that plagued her since her departure from New Sussex began to fade in the light of Elizabeth's sincere welcome and Georgiana's eagerness. Mary took a deep breath, not wanting to embarrass herself with a shower of tears in front of her new acquaintances.

"Of course."

"Excellent," Elizabeth replied with a gentle smile. "Now, I am sure that you are tired and would like to rest before dinner. I will leave you in April's capable hands."

After Elizabeth and Georgiana left, Mary turned to April with a shy smile.

"Well, I believe Mrs. Darcy was correct in her estimation. I am quite tired and long to refresh myself after such a long journey."

"Very well, ma'am. I can ready a warm bath for you, should you desire one and the footmen will have your trunks up in a few moments. Would you care for some tea in the meantime?"

"Yes, I'd like that very much. Thank you, April."

After a long hot bath, April helped Mary change into her attire for dinner and assisted her in carefully taming her unruly dark tresses. April was attentive to Mary's careful instructions, combing her tightly curled locks from tip to root in small increments, applying a lavender scented hair ointment and weaving the hair into two long braids which they then pinned up. Mary was well pleased with the finished product. Elizabeth had chosen her lady's maid well.

Upon Mary's insistence, April switched the cream gown she had laid out for a simple black gown with a square cut neckline and long sleeves. April was much displeased by her new mistress's choice of black attire for dinner and prevailed upon her to wear some livelier ornamentation in contrast. Mary agreed to this compromise, wearing a delicate silver chain with a mother of pearl pendant that shown brightly against her warm skin.

Upon examining herself in the mirror, Mary was happy for the slight compromise, the mother of pearl pendant being a gift from her father upon her sixteenth birthday. Despite the pleasing picture before her, Mary still found defects with her gown, hair and choice of ornaments; her nervousness over the ensuing meal coloring her judgment. While she was encouraged to find the Darcy's a kind and welcoming family upon their introduction, she was still very conscious of the fact that these strangers were to be her new family. Mary knew that there was still a great deal to learn about the Darcy's and for them to learn about her. A host of quirks and eccentricities of character were yet unknown to her that could make her stay at Pemberley less pleasant than her easy introduction indicated.

Mary was pleased to find that the dinner hour was not one to be dreaded. She found herself engaged in lively conversation and laughing in spite of herself at Mrs. Darcy's gentle teasing of her husband. Mr. Darcy was all smiles during dinner, his eyes sparkling with good humor. While Mr. Darcy seemed the picture of pride at first glance, his wife had a way of revealing his warm caring nature to all. They chatted at length about their mutual interests in literature, finding that they both had a lively appreciation for John Milton. Mary found their exchange to be a comforting reminder of home. Lord Farthington would often engage Mary in good-natured intellectual debates, taking great pride in developing his daughter's cognitive abilities. Mary thoroughly enjoyed those times together with her father, and missed them intensely.

Georgiana and Elizabeth spoke but little for most of the dinner hour, however, being less inclined to discuss Paradise Lost as they were to learn more about their new family member. When Mr. Darcy was drawn into conversation with Mr. Brambles on the latest debates before parliament and the upcoming sessions, Georgiana saw her opportunity to draw Mary into a conversation of their own.

"You wrote in your letters that you are a lover of music, much like myself. Would you give us the honor of hearing you play?" Georgiana asked shyly, hoping sincerely that her request did not offend her new friend.

"Yes, doing so would give me much pleasure. However, I must beg that you also honor me by playing as well." Mary replied warmly.

Georgiana's face brightened. "Thank you, Mary. I will oblige you and play, although I fear I may not be as proficient as yourself. Now that you are come here, perhaps we could practice together and learn a duet."

"That sounds like an excellent idea, Georgiana," Elizabeth broke in smiling broadly. "Although I fear that you are being too humble. I have never heard someone play as well as you, Georgiana. I suspect that you are both quite accomplished at the pianoforte and will make perfect practice partners."

Soon after, Elizabeth rose to signal that it was time for the ladies to withdraw to the sitting room while Mr. Brambles and Mr. Darcy retired to the library for a glass of port. Georgiana and Mary followed her to the sitting room where they could engage in more casual conversation.

"Mary, I trust your journey here was not too tiring," Elizabeth began.

"It was quite agreeable, thank you. We traveled from London where we resided for a month while Mr. Brambles saw to some business regarding the estate. I looked forward to the journey to Pemberley, as I found myself quite shut in at the townhouse there."

"So you did not attend any concerts or plays, Mary?" Georgiana asked as she seated herself next to her.

"We went to the opera once. However, Mr. Brambles was quite engaged and I spent most of my days alone in the townhouse. I have no friends or relations in town and so had no cause to leave cards with anyone. Consequently, we had not the pleasure of entertaining anyone."

"You must have been very bored, then. I could not imagine spending so many days without a companion for pleasant conversation." Georgiana continued, her brows wrinkled in sincere worry.

"For my part, I was not so very bored. I did find it confining in that I was not free to walk about and relish the fresh air as I am used to in New Sussex. However, I made use of my time in exploring my father's library. I took the time to reacquaint myself with Homer and Virgil and to indulge myself in writing. I do look forward to enjoying the fresh air of Derbyshire and the freedom to wander the grounds."

"Then we have one essential thing in common," Elizabeth replied, "A love of nature and long walks. Tell me, was your home in New Sussex given to fine constitutionals?"

"New Sussex was exceedingly beautiful. I have been gone from there these six months and I must admit I do miss it greatly. Our home was not far from the beach. In fact, my rooms had a lovely porch from which I could see the Atlantic. The ocean waves would lull me to sleep and the smell of the salty water was refreshing," Mary took on a faraway look, her mouth spreading involuntarily into a wide smile.

"Every morning before breakfast I would steal down into the kitchen and take a piece of bread or fruit to tide me over and walk for an hour or so on the beach without shoes or stockings. I miss the feel of the warm wet sand giving beneath my toes as I made my way along the coast collecting shells here and there. Not far from the house was a great rock with a smooth flat surface that sat on the beach. I would climb on top of it with my journal and charcoal pencils and sketch and write poetry.

"Sometimes in the evening after the dinner hour, Lord Farthington and I would walk along the beach as well. We wouldn't say a word, each of us too absorbed in the sounds of the ocean and the power of a dark sea that stretched before us as far as the eye could see. I can remember the feeling of standing there trying to see through the darkness. It was like worship, like God was resting there."

Mary stopped her speech and looked down at her hands as if embarrassed, tears threatening to spill from her eyes at the recollection of her father and her home. "I apologize. I sometimes forget myself," Mary sighed deeply, her voice slightly chocked.

"There is no need to apologize, Mary." Elizabeth replied, smiling warmly. "You describe New Sussex as the perfect paradise. No wonder you miss your home so."

The ladies where soon joined by Mr. Darcy and Mr. Brambles. Elizabeth rose to greet her husband and seated herself in a chair across from him so that they could chat briefly as Georgiana engaged Mary in conversation about Georgiana's last season in London. After persuading Mary and Georgiana to delight them all with music, the Darcys, Mr. Brambles and Mary soon retired for much needed rest.


Mary's next few days at Pemberley were consumed with touring the house and grounds by carriage and being introduced to all of the essential staff members, including Mrs. Reynolds, the head housekeeper. Mr. Brambles spent his entire day in Mr. Darcy's company, attending to business matters and coming to an agreement regarding Mary's inheritance. Georgiana took it upon herself to personally show Mary around Pemberley, freeing Elizabeth to see to other matters. Mary found the house pleasing although its size and number of rooms caused her some confusion when trying to find her way about. The estate included a breakfast parlor, an east facing parlor for the afternoon, a westward facing parlor for evenings, a solarium filled with exotic plants and flowers, an impressive library, a music room, two dinning rooms, a grand room used for balls, ten guest chambers, two kitchens, two lower floors of servant quarters, six main quarters complete with sitting rooms and dressing rooms and a myriad of hallways, staircases and other rooms of which Mary lost count.

Towards the end of the tour they came upon a hall room lined with large windows and portraits of the Darcy family over several generations. A large portrait of Mr. Darcy stood on the east wall that captured the man's handsome features and noble stature, but somehow was unable to capture the warmth and sincerity that Mary often found directed towards his family and, on occasion, towards herself. On the opposite wall was a portrait of Elizabeth in an emerald gown with a small white dog curled at her feet. She looked directly at the viewer with large mirth filled eyes. Another wall contained a portrait of Georgiana seated at the pianoforte looking shyly at the viewer with her back to the instrument and her hands folded demurely in her lap. Of all the portraits Mary had viewed this day, this one captured the essence of the subject most accurately. Over the marble mantled fireplace hung a large portrait of the late Mr. George Darcy with a young Fitzwilliam Darcy at his side and a beautiful woman with long golden locks seated before him. Mary stood before this portrait for some minutes examining the picture of the man she once knew as Uncle Darcy.

George Darcy looked much younger than the gentleman with graying temples that visited New Sussex when she was a young girl. She remembered him as a sober gentleman with a booming voice, quite the opposite from her father. During his two-month visit, Mary would often hear his voice ringing through the halls of Loland Manor from her father's study, where they would be ensconced in the late afternoon after they returned from their trips into the village and the farms. Mary would sit cross-legged in front of the study door listening to Mr. Darcy's loud tones and her father's mild responses until her governess made her return to the school room and her lessons. In the evenings, she would be allowed to join them for dinner, despite her only being four years old. Mary enjoyed these dinners immensely, as her father never allowed her to take the evening meal with their other guests. Mr. Darcy would speak to her as if she were an adult and listen to her opinions with sincere interest. After dinner, she would sit in her father's lap and the men would take turns reading to her from The Faerie Queen. On the first evening of this activity, Mr. Darcy approached this activity in a very serious manner, reading the fanciful epic poem as one would read a treatise on politics.

"You are reading it wrong, Mr. Darcy," Mary protested three minutes into his dry recitation.

"How so, Miss Mary?" he asked, lowering his book as he peered at her from behind his spectacles.

"Please excuse Mary," Farthington said as he gave her a stern look. "She is very particular about the manner in which stories must be read and sometimes forgets her manners."

"But Papa," Mary protested. "You always do the voices whenever you read and Mr. Darcy is quite boring."

"Young lady," Farthington began.

Mr. Darcy's rolling laughter cut short Lord Farthington's admonishment.

"It is of no consequence, Matthew," he explained at Farthington's look of confusion. "My Georgiana also has strong opinions. I am quite accustomed to satisfying the demands of young feminine audiences."

Mr. Darcy cleared his throat dramatically before beginning again, supplying more emotive power to his recitation. He earned many delighted smiles from his audience before sleep finally claimed her.

"I find myself admiring this portrait quite often," Georgiana's voice drew Mary back to the present. "I often wonder if my mother had the chance to bestow that same smile upon me before she died. I wish I could have known her better."

Mary looked from her portrait to her friend and noticed the sadness behind her otherwise serene smile.

"I am sure that she would be very proud and pleased to have you as a daughter," Mary replied. "I wish I had even a sketch to admire of my mother. She died soon after birthing me."

Georgiana clasped her friend's hand. "Forgive me, Mary. I did not know."

"It is alright," Mary smiled weakly. "I suppose we are sisters in this sorrow. Yet we are also united by knowing the tender affections of relations who were both mother and father to us. I can see how well loved you are by your brother and also by Elizabeth. Family is such a comfort…"

Nearly overcome with emotion, Mary slipped from her dear friend's grasp and walked over to a window. She struggled to force back the tears that now began to tumble down her checks freely.

"Mary…" Georgiana whispered as she tenderly placed a small hand on her shoulder. "May I ask permission to embrace you?"

"Oh, you need not ask," Mary replied, her tears now falling in earnest at Georgiana's shy display of friendship.

"Mary, I am so happy that you have come to stay at Pemberley." Georgiana began as she moved them both toward a small settee near the center of the room. "I want you to know that if you ever need a sympathetic ear, that I am here for you."

"Thank you," Mary smiled having finally mastered her tears. "You know, I have rarely wept since my father's death. If anything, I felt numb to just about everything around me. You must think me awfully callous."

"No, I'd never think that, Mary. Everyone grieves in their own particular fashion," Georgiana replied. "When my father passed, I roamed Pemberley like a ghost for weeks, hardly eating anything or coming down for dinner. William was awfully frightened for me. Slowly I began to become myself again, but I confess it was quite difficult. Nearly eight years hence, I still find myself sometimes saddened by a sight or turn of phrase that reminds me of him."

"Your father was a kind man," Mary replied, pressing her friend's hand.

Georgiana smiled. "Yes, very kind."

The pair sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, admiring the portrait of the late Mr. and Mrs. Darcy

"Come, Mary," Georgiana began. "I have something to show you. I cannot begin to understand how I overlooked it."

Georgiana rose and made her way to a glass and mahogany case that ran most of the length of the east wall. The display case housed a substantial collection of miniatures of family members and friends. A few of the miniatures were just of the eye of a loved one, while others depicted the subject in the bloom of youth.

"There," Georgiana exclaimed pointing to a gold encased miniature. "Here is one of your dear Lord Farthington. I dare say it was taken when he was quite young. How handsome he was."

Mary leaned over the case and smiled. "Yes, that is my father. He almost appears the same as I remember him, except for a few gray hairs and lines on his face."

The miniature depicted a young man in a blue-gray waistcoat and jacket with an intricately tied neck cloth. Light brown hair fell in large waves on either side of his face. His green eyes, crinkled slightly at the outer edges, stared directly at the viewer

"This miniature belonged to my father and was taken soon after they graduated from Cambridge. If you like, I can request that Fitzwilliam give it to you. I am sure that my father would want you to have it."

"Thank you, Georgiana. You are too kind."

Mary began to examine the other miniatures in the case. Mary inquired after the picture of a striking man with dark black curls and deep blue eyes wearing a red coat. His face had the look of a man trying to look grave and serious despite a nature that was easy and given to laughter and teasing. Mary found him quite handsome.

"Ah, that is my dear cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. He is like a brother to Fitzwilliam and myself. He often stays with us at Pemberley and at Grovenor House in London when his duties allow. He is due to arrive at Pemberley in a few weeks time for an extended stay. I can hardly wait for his arrival for he is my favorite cousin and we have not had the pleasure of his company for these past two years."

"I should like to meet him," Mary replied.

The clock chimed indicating the arrival of the fifth hour.

"Oh, I have quite forgotten the time. I think it best we leave our perusal of these miniatures until tomorrow," Georgiana paused before turning to her friend with a grin reminiscent of Elizabeth. "I wonder if you have been studious during our tour of the house today. I will quiz you now and let you lead the way back to our quarters."

Mary laughed, surprised at Georgiana's challenge. Nodding in reply, Mary led the way out of the parlor and towards their quarters. Mary was pleased that she found the way to her quarters with only a handful of gentle directions from her friend. When they arrived at their rooms a quarter of an hour later, they hugged their goodbyes and separated to dress for dinner.


The days soon turned into weeks as Mary adjusted to life at Pemberley. She became comfortable roaming the halls of Pemberley and navigating the intricacies of English country life. Mary found Georgiana to be a great friend, often spending hours practicing the harp and pianoforte together and walking about the grounds when the weather permitted. Mary also grew more at ease with Mr. Darcy, observing some of the fatherly warmth in his personality that endeared his father to her. Mary also grew accustomed to Mrs. Darcy's jovial nature. At first Mary found herself quite shocked by Elizabeth's forthrightness with her husband and her easy cheeky nature. However, Mr. Darcy seemed to enjoy his wife's spirit, even rising to the challenge of teasing her on occasion.

Mary soon found herself incapable of being long out of the company of the young Master Darcy. When Mary first met little William Bennet, she found him to be a bashful boy who sought comfort in the folds of his mother's skirt. However, the timidity that marked their first meeting soon gave way to rapt fascination. On their second meeting, Mary was pleased to see that William had summoned the courage to forsake the protection of his mother's skirts to creep towards her and shower her with a litany of questions.

Mary came to realize that curiosity rather than courage led to William's growing talkativeness. One question tumbled after another as William approached the mysterious new house member: "Who is your papa? How old are you? Do you like strawberries? Why are you brown? Does your color rub off? Why is your hair like that? Will you stay here forever?"

Mary took care to answer every question with patience and good nature; even his impertinent questions about her hair and skin garnered a gentle reply. Having concluded that she was a princess from some faraway enchanted isle, as he came to understand New Sussex, William could hardly stand to be far from Mary's side. William was fond of her stories, gentle pinches and undivided attention when she visited him in the nursery and anticipated her afternoon visits with a degree of excitement peculiar to young children.

Mary, for her part, was quite enamored as well. She was soon won over by William's wide brown eyes and soft plump cheeks. She savored the opportunity to concoct stories for such an obliging and appreciative audience.

Sunday mornings were spent attending services at the rectory not far from Pemberley. Mary found her first two Sundays at the church somewhat trying. She enjoyed the sermons well enough, but Mary was constantly aware of the eyes of her fellow churchgoers that always seemed to be fixed on her person. Low whispers would greet her as she walked down the aisle to and from her place in the front pew. Mary could not fathom if these whispers were out of curiosity or distaste. Frankly, it mattered not to her; both options were disconcerting. Mary desired nothing more than to worship in relative peace. The closing hymn was the high point of church, as she knew that she would soon be free to return home. As soon as they returned home, Mary would steal away on her own to the confines of Mr. Darcy's library. Mary would spend her time in prayer, writing in her weathered journal or reading.

On the fourth Tuesday since her arrival, Mary accompanied Georgiana and Elizabeth on their monthly visit to all of the tenant families. The three spent the evening before overseeing the preparation of baskets containing warm blankets and simple household goods such as sugar, tea and candy; items that were luxuries for some of the poorer families. Elizabeth thought that accompanying them on the trip would not only provide Mary with an opportunity to become better acquainted with the grounds, but also allow her to experience some of the responsibilities that came with being mistress of a substantial estate.

Her natural propensity towards shyness made the first few visits somewhat harrowing. After dispensing with the necessary introductions and greetings upon being welcomed into the home, Mary would stand quietly to the side observing Elizabeth and Georgiana's interactions with the tenants.

"Mary, I believe that you should present the basket to Mrs. Turner," Elizabeth said as they climbed aboard the coach after departing the fifth house.

"Well, I…" Mary stammered. "I suppose that I can do that."

Georgiana smiled. "Mrs. Turner is exceedingly kind. She is the widow of our last curate. She is childless but dotes upon the tenant children as if they were her own."

Upon disembarking in front of the Turner cottage, Mary followed Georgiana and Elizabeth at a sedate pace. She held the basket tightly in her hands as Elizabeth made the proper introductions. Mrs. Turner spoke kindly to Elizabeth and Georgiana, but her features took on a peculiar pinched look when Mary was introduced. Mary wondered at it before the look was replaced with a mask of polite disinterest.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Turner. May I present this gift on behalf of the family," Mary said as she held the basket out to the woman.

Mrs. Turner carefully took the basket from Mary. "The family, is it?"

"Why yes, Mrs. Turner," Elizabeth added with a tight smile. "Miss Farthington is Mr. Darcy's ward. She will be living with us at Pemberley."

"Oh, how lovely," Mrs. Turner said in a tone that suggested that she felt the arrangement to be anything but.

Mary stood to the side watching uneasily as Elizabeth and Georgiana chatted with Mrs. Turner, asking after her health and news of her family. She felt like quite unwelcome and refrained from engaging Mrs. Turner further. She wondered at her purported kindness. Mary was relieved when their visit came to an end. They visited another handful of households before returning to Pemberley. Mary was silent for the short carriage ride back to the house, her good mood from that morning thoroughly ruined.


"My compliments to your cook, Mr. Darcy." Mr. Brambles said as he sat back in his chair, making room for the servants as they cleared the last of the dinner plates. "I do not remember when I last enjoyed a meal so satisfying."

"Thank you, Mr. Brambles. I will be sure to pass on your kind words to Mrs. Murphy," Mr. Darcy replied as he signaled a servant to refill his wine glass. "Mary, I understand you visited tenants with Elizabeth and Georgiana this afternoon. I trust you found everything to your liking."

"Yes, Mr. Darcy," Mary cautiously replied. "The grounds are very well maintained. I am anxious to see them once spring has arrived."

Darcy smiled, as he was always pleased to hear Pemberley praised. "Well, Pemberley is at its best during the springtime. I am sure you will have your fill of gardens and groves then. You may even venture to discover the hidden glens that my cousins and I were so fond of in our youth..."

The entrance of a servant with an express post interrupted Mr. Darcy. Thanking the servant stiffly, Darcy went to reach for the letter displayed on the servant's tray.

"Your pardon, sir, but this letter is addressed to Mr. Brambles," the servant demurely redirected as he turned towards Mr. Brambles.

A surprised Mr. Brambles accepted the letter, hastily breaking the red seal and reading the contents. His expression sobered as he turned his eyes toward Mary and rose from his seat.

"Whatever is the matter, Mr. Brambles? You look unwell." Elizabeth asked worriedly.

"No, I am quite well, Mrs. Darcy. It is just that I have been summoned back to London with all immediacy."

"Summoned to London?" Mary asked rising from her chair. "Is it something serious, Mr. Brambles?"

"I am afraid that it is, Miss Farthington. I must cut my time here short. I must even leave this very hour."

"Then you shall have use of my coach, Mr. Brambles," Darcy said as he rose placing his napkin on the tabletop. "My horses are among the fastest in the county."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy, you are most kind," Mr. Brambles replied before walking to Mary and affectionately taking both of her hands in his. "I am sorry to leave you so soon, Miss Farthington. I know I promised to stay with you a full two months at least, but you seem to be adjusting quite well. I promise that I will write from London at the first opportunity."

"Of course," Mary said as she pressed his hands. "Have a safe journey."

Mr. Brambles pressed a fatherly kiss to her forehead before bowing farewell to Georgiana and Elizabeth. Dinner progressed without Mary registering a word that was said, her mind was so focused on Mr. Brambles departure. She was torn between genuine concern for the affairs that called for his urgent summons and resignation that Pemberley was indeed her new home. The past few months had been so consumed with traveling and temporary stays that Mary did not fully register that she would never truly return to New Sussex. Being in no mood for evening card games or music, Mary made her excuses and retired early to her chambers.










You must login (register) to review.