Read Online The Darcys of Pemberley by Shannon Winslow - Free Book Online Page A

to your liking, Mrs.
Sanditon?”
    “Oh yes, it is a very comfortable house – a
little smaller than Hunsford parsonage perhaps, but more than
adequate for two women alone. I appreciate my brother’s generosity
most sincerely, especially considering that he hardly knew me at
all, having only set eyes on me twice before in the whole course of
his life.”
    “He has invited us to dine at the great house
every day, and offered us the use of his carriage whenever we have
need of it,” Charlotte contributed. “He is a real gentleman.”
    Georgiana asked, “How old are your nieces,
Mrs. Sanditon?”
    “Just two and four years of age. Precious
little creatures they are too. Their mother tragically died soon
after the birth of the youngest, so a nurse cares for them
now.”
    The five women continued their conversation
over fruit and cake. Charlotte applied to Jane for a description of
the new Bingley residence and to Elizabeth for news of her family.
Elizabeth, in turn, asked after the health and well-being of all
the Lucases. Mrs. Sanditon expressed praise of Pemberley and
inquired of Georgiana if she were musically inclined.
    Later, Elizabeth asked her guests, “Other
than Mr. Sanditon, have you had occasion to meet any of your
neighbors yet?”
    “No one except the rector,” answered
Charlotte. “He called to welcome us almost immediately upon our
arrival. I gather you are acquainted with him, Lizzy – a Mr.
Thornton?”
    “Yes, we are well acquainted and see
him frequently, at church and socially. Mr. Darcy has the patronage
of Kympton parish, and he knew Mr. Thornton long before he made the
appointment, from their time together at Cambridge. We like him
very much. Do you?”
    “Very much indeed,” answered Mrs.
Sanditon.
    Even after only the one meeting, both
Charlotte and Ruth were ready to speak highly of the rector, to
affirm his good character and admire his manners. As they gave this
glowing account of him, a compelling possibility entered
Elizabeth’s mind, making her smile. It occurred to her that, once
their respective periods of mourning were over, a match between
either one of the young widows and the amiable clergyman, of whom
they both were just now speaking so favorably, would be neither
unlikely nor disagreeable. “Mr. Thornton’s bound to do for one of
them,” she thought.
     
    ~*~
     
    Mr. Bingley returned to Pemberley the third
week of December. In his wake came the Bennets and Elizabeth’s Aunt
and Uncle Gardiner with their four offspring. The halls of the
great house soon rang with the boisterous play of children and the
laughter of adults in holiday spirit. Only Colonel Fitzwilliam
declined the Darcys’ invitation, being obliged to return to Rosings
Park instead. According to his letter, nothing was yet decided, and
he felt compelled to discuss the situation with Anne directly
before it was. He promised to make every effort to return in time
for Georgiana’s birthday in January, however.
    At the Christmas service in Kympton, the
church was filled to overflowing as many in the community made an
extra effort to attend on the holy day. The special occasion
brought Mr. Sanditon as well, accompanying the ladies from the
cottage. This gave opportunity for him to be introduced to the
Darcys, who in turn introduced him to their circle of friends. His
manners were proper but reserved in the large group of unfamiliar
people, behavior that Mr. Darcy found perfectly understandable,
being himself likewise reticent in such situations.
    Jane and Mr. Bingley quit Pemberley shortly
after Christmas. They so keenly anticipated installing themselves
in their new home that, once their furniture and servants had
arrived, nothing could detain them any longer. The Bennets remained
a few days more, allowing the Bingleys time to settle in at
Heatheridge before joining them there. At the insistence of their
hosts, the Gardiners twice forestalled their own departure,
ultimately extending their stay at Pemberley to