“Yes, Mama.”
Elizabeth nervously looked to Jane for support. Until William walked through the door and into the parlour where she could assess his regard, she was not sure of anything.
At that moment the young groom was shown into the parlour where he announced, “Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Darcy’s carriage be pulling into the drive this very minute. The footman has gone out to assist, ma’am.”
“Thank you, thank you,” Mrs. Bennet fluttered. “Jane, quickly, my salts. I must appear as though nothing is amiss when he enters.”
“Here you are, Mama.”
“Thank you, my dear.” She took a calming breath. “Lydia and Kitty, come away from the window and be seated with your sisters. We shall have no gawking. Now, all of you do sit up straight and put on a pleasant face for the gentleman.”
“Yes, Mama,” the sisters answered.
“And Lizzy, I know you have had your feelings hurt with all that has happened, but please do your best to be civil. A welcoming smile will do much for the young man. After pleasantries are exchanged and we have partaken in some refreshments, I shall suggest that the two of you go out into the garden so you may speak more privately.”
“Thank you, Mama, but if you do not mind, I thought Mr. Darcy and I could walk to Oakham Mount or at least to the bottom of the rise. My ankle is better, and we have much to discuss.”
“Yes, yes, you are perfectly right, my dear; a nice long walk would be preferable to sitting in the garden. I will be quite occupied between now and dinner, and it will be difficult for me to attend to your young man while I am so busy. I shall need Jane to assist, of course, but you may take any of your other sisters as chaperone.”
In another five minutes Mr. Hill was at the parlour door announcing William. All of the Bennet women stood at his admittance. “Mr. Darcy to see Mr. Bennet and the ladies of the house.”
“Oh, Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Bennet gushed, though she tried to restrain herself as best she could. “We are so pleased to see you this afternoon, are we not, girls?”
“Yes, Mama.”
Elizabeth curtseyed, acknowledging him along with her sisters, but found she could not turn away, for as soon as he looked in her direction, he locked eyes with hers and gifted her with a slight smile. It saddened her to see the dark circles beneath his eyes and she knew at once the strain of the past week had taken its toll. Nevertheless, to her he was the most handsome man of her acquaintance and she could not help but feel a flush rising in her cheeks being the object of his intense gaze.
Trying to remain calm she offered, “Mr. Darcy, I trust your travels have gone smoothly.”
“I thank you, yes, relatively so,” his deep baritone voice was rich and commanding when he spoke. “Fortunately, the roads were all passable, even with the excessive amount of rain we have lately had.” Again William smiled at her, this time a bit more relaxed. Stepping forward, he continued, “These flowers are for you, Miss Elizabeth, and the parcel is from Mrs. Gardiner. I had the pleasure of dining with the Gardiners just yesterday.”
“How lovely. Thank you.” She beamed, inhaling the scent. “I trust the Gardiners were all well when you saw them?”
“Very much so. They send their best regards and are looking forward to joining your family on Monday. I believe there is a letter enclosed from Mrs. Gardiner with her gift.”
Elizabeth smiled warmly, handing the parcel to Jane, who placed it on the table. “I shall look at it later.” Again she brought the flowers to her nose. “The gardenia smell is heavenly. Aunt Gardiner has a small jasmine bush growing in her garden which has a similar scent, but I am not aware of anyone in our neighbourhood who grows the gardenia bush on their property.”
Pleased, his smile became broader, showing her his captivating dimples. “The gardenia was a favourite of my mother’s. We have quite a few bushes growing at Pemberley and these flowers are from the solarium at Darcy House in Town.”
“Lizzy,” Jane interjected, “allow me to place your flowers in water for you. They will look quite lovely here on the table.”
“Thank you.” In all of Elizabeth’s twenty years, a gentleman had never given her flowers, not even as was often the custom when calls were made following a ball or assembly. “Sir, they are perfect.”
“Mrs. Bennet,” William reservedly addressed the matron while keeping Elizabeth in his peripheral vision. “Myhousekeeper has prepared a basket for your family. I asked my footman to give it to one of your servants before coming in. Some of the jams and chutneys are from our home farm in the north and there is a bottle of Madeira Wine which my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, lately acquired when he was in Portugal.”
“Why, thank you,” Mrs. Bennet gushed in response. “You are too kind, and your generosity is greatly appreciated.” Mrs. Bennet fanned herself for a moment, attempting to remain calm. “Mr. Darcy, I believe you previously met all of my daughters while in Town, save one. May I introduce my third eldest?”
“Certainly.”
Gratified to make the introduction, Mrs. Bennet began, “Mr. Darcy, allow me to introduce my daughter Miss Mary Bennet. Mary, this is Mr. Darcy.”
Mary curtseyed while William acknowledged her with a slight nod of his head, saying, “Miss Mary, I am pleased to meet you.”
“My Mary is lately engaged to Mr. Edmund Barton,” Mrs. Bennet proudly stated. “You will meet him this evening at dinner. Mr. Barton is a clerk for my brother-in-law, Mr. Philips, in the village.”
“Mr. Gardiner recently made me aware of their betrothal.” Turning to Mary, he continued, “Miss Mary, please accept my congratulations.”
She blushed. “Thank you. I look forward to introducing you to my intended.”
