Page 6 of Near Pemberley

They had only just been seated when Mrs. Gardiner, who had been attempting to compose her account from the moment she entered, at last began in earnest.

“My dear Lizzy, I do not know how to give you any idea of the place, for I find myself unequal to the task. It is not merely that it is large, or well-situated, though it is both, but that there is such a harmony in everything one sees. Nothing appears forced, nothing arranged for show. The grounds seem to belong to the house, and the house to the grounds, in a way I have not often observed.”

Mr. Gardiner, who had been helping himself, nodded in agreement.

“Your aunt does not exaggerate. I have seen a great many fine places in my time, but I do not remember one which pleased me more. The woods alone would be worth the journey. They are extensive, but not crowded, and laid out with a degree of judgement which suggests a mind not merely proud of possession, but capable of valuing it properly.” He paused, then added, “From what you have said about him, I expected that arrogance to show, but although everything is of the finest quality, I saw a place that felt like a home. There is grandeur, certainly, but without ostentation.”

Elizabeth inclined her head; she said nothing.

“Yes, that is it, Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner agreed. “I wonder whether the taste we admired belongs chiefly to him or was formed under his mother’s direction.”

Elizabeth listened with polite attention, though she found herself forming a clearer picture than she had intended.

“I am very glad you were so well rewarded,” she said. “I had feared it might prove no more than another large house.”

“That would have been a great disappointment,” said Mrs. Gardiner, smiling, “but I assure you, it is quite otherwise. Even the interior, which I had thought might be too grand for my taste, is remarkably well arranged. Your uncle is entirely right. There is elegance, certainly, but also comfort. One feels that it is inhabited, not merely exhibited.”

Elizabeth found herself wishing she had seen it.

The admission was unwelcome.

She reached for her glass rather than answer.

A house so spoken of could not easily be dismissed as the mere parade of wealth, and despite herself, she began to connect it with its owner.

“And we were shown everything with the greatest propriety,” her aunt continued. “The housekeeper is a most respectable woman, and exceedingly well-disposed. Indeed, I do not think I have ever met with one more ready to speak in favour of her master.”

Mr. Gardiner set down his glass.

“That is very true. I was struck by the manner in which she spoke of him. There was none of that measured praise that one sometimes suspects is prepared for visitors. She spoke as one who had long observed his conduct and was satisfied with it.”

Elizabeth could not help but look up.

“She praised him so highly?”

“In the highest terms,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “She described him as the most considerate of landlords, and the best of masters. She spoke with an earnestness that carried conviction. I am persuaded she believes every word she said.”

Elizabeth was silent for a moment.

“Then she must think very highly of him indeed,” she said thoughtfully.

“Yes,” said her aunt. “I thought so too. There was nothing in her manner that suggested exaggeration. On the contrary, she seemed almost unwilling to say so much and yet could not help it.”

Elizabeth lowered her gaze.

This was not easily reconciled with what she had long believed. Or rather, it fitted too readily with what she had lately learnt, and that was almost more painful.

“There was another circumstance,” Mrs. Gardiner went on, after a short pause, “which surprised us still more. We saw a likeness of another gentleman among the portraits.”

Elizabeth felt a slight uneasiness.

“Mr. Wickham,” said her aunt. “We spoke of him quite naturally, as one connected with the place. But the housekeeper’s manner altered immediately.”

Mr. Gardiner added, “Not in a way that could be called rude, but sufficiently to be observed. She was far less ready to speak.”

Elizabeth’s attention sharpened. “In what way?”

“She acknowledged that he had been known there from his childhood,” said Mrs. Gardiner, “and that he had been a great favourite of the late Mr. Darcy. She said he had been brought up at Pemberley and had everything that could be given him.”