The following days at the château were much like the previous: the gentlemen rode out to view the Comte’s plantations and farms, fished, and discoursed, and the ladies drove out in the Phaeton to view Belle Aire’s large park, walked in the gardens, or staid within the château, talking and admiring. The last day, however, they were accompanied by the Countess, and were, therefore, obliged to take the Comte’s barouche. With six horses, it was impossible to travel the paths winding through the park, so the Countess indicated to the coachman he was to make a route through the surrounding countryside. There, amidst vineyards and orchards, yellow-green seas of ripening grain, and cows grazing in deep pastures, the dowager Comtesse continually pointed out, with an obvious pride, the improvements made by father and son. The villages were well-kept and prosperous, and the cottages were in significantly better order than any others Elizabeth had seen en route. Everywhere there was evidence of the d’Estrouville family’s liberality and sense, their pride as land-lords, and their ability as farmers. Never since leaving England had Elizabeth seen such industry and abundance. Indeed, she was put in mind of her own first view of Pemberley, and the awakening of appreciation for her future husband’s abilities, his attention to the land, his deep regard for the families in his care.