“Do not worry about that.None of us shall faint if you are not formally attired for dinner.”
Elizabeth laughed and tugged his hand.“Come!”
Mrs.Gardiner handed her niece the letter from Mr.Bennet before sending them on their way.
“I am glad your aunt did not insist on accompanying us as chaperone,” he said as he pulled her arm closer and walked toward the small park a few streets over.
“My aunt is a discerning woman.She trusts my judgment and thinks highly of you.She knows we will not do anything untoward.Besides, what could we get up to on a busy city street?”
She smiled in such a way that Darcy wanted to kiss her and show her just what they could accomplish swiftly in the middle of a bustling street, but he refrained.They made it to the park and he led her to a bench.
“Would you like to read your father’s letter?”
“Yes, thank you.”She settled on the bench and broke the seal.
Dear Lizzy,
Very well, my dear.I have given your young man my blessing and did not toy with him overmuch in the process.I have remembered my promise, there was no need to remind me.He is not the sort of man one would refuse anyhow, but I am glad there was no need to contemplate such an action.
He is an interesting character, your Mr.Darcy.He assures me his library is very fine and that I may visit whenever I have need of your company.He is a serious young man—you must remember to tease him regularly.He is in dire need of it.
I have told Mr.Darcy you may stay another fortnight if the Gardiners will have you and have sent your uncle a note.Use your time wisely, my child, for once you are home, you will have little peace from your mother.
Your Father,
Thomas Bennet
Elizabeth smiled and tucked the letter into her reticule.“He likes you.”
“Does he?”
“He does.I can tell.”She rose and took his arm, walking slowly around the pond in the center of the park.“I am glad.I would not like the two most important men in my life to dislike one another.”
Darcy could not answer such a statement and pressed his hand over hers where it rested on his arm.
Bingley arrived for dinner while the ladies were still upstairs preparing.Darcy was a little nervous about how their meeting would go.Less than two weeks ago, Bingley had called him an ass and left what looked like an angry blot on the page.Darcy knew he had deserved it, but it did not make him any less apprehensive.
“Darcy!”cried Bingley.“I did not know you would be here.”
“It was an impromptu decision.”They asked after each other’s family and health, and Darcy’s concerns began to dissipate.Bingley seemed prepared to continue their friendship as it had always been—all would be well.
“How goes your courtship of Miss Bennet?”Darcy asked.
“Oh, she is an angel!”
Darcy rolled his eyes fondly and Bingley smirked at him.
“You think I refer to her beauty, which is as perfect as it ever was, but Miss Bennet is angelic because she was willing to forgive my boorish behavior.I cannot believe I ever thought I could live without her!I must have been mad.”
“Yes, the heart will have its way.”
Bingley nodded enthusiastically.“Yes!I would have been miserable without Jane.”
“Do you have an understanding then?”
“Not as yet.I wanted to give her time to trust me again.She has not said because she is too good, but I know my abandonment was very hard on her.”He leaned towards Darcy and lowered his voice.“The first time I was invited for dinner, Mr.Gardiner spoke to me privately.”
Darcy’s brows rose in interest.
