“Miss Bennet.” He called her decidedly, “I beg your pardon for not receiving you properly just before.”
“No, not at all, sir.”
“You were not leaving?”
“Yes we were. I think we must.”
“I hope you are not displeased with Pemberley.”
“No, of course not.”
“So you approve of it?” He said with a half smile.
“Most heartedly,” She said enthusiastically, until she remembered that he might misinterpret her warm praises of his estate. “I dare anyone not to approve it.”
“But you opinion is rarely bestowed, therefore more worth the earning.” And this time his full smile was on display, showcasing the dimples that made Elizabeth blush.
“Thank you sir.” She said confused.
He then turned and spied what he believed were her relatives from London, standing a few feet behind them waiting patiently. “Miss Bennet, could you please introduce me to your friends?”
“Certainly,” She moved towards them, “Mr Darcy, allow me to present my uncle and aunt Mr and Mrs Gardiner fromCheapside.” She could not help but stress the last word to gather his reaction.
“Mr Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner how delighted I am to make your acquaintance.”
He then launched into a conversation about fishing with her uncle and they both moved towards the stream to check locations.
After a few minutes Mrs Gardiner claimed her husband's arm again and Darcy moved to Elizabeth’s side.
“Mr Darcy, allow me to say how mortified I am that you should find me roaming the grounds of your estate uninvited sir.”
He looked at her surprised, “Miss Bennet, please forgive me if I gave you the impression that I was vexed in finding you, of all people, visiting my estate.”
“The housekeeper informed us that you were not due back until tomorrow. Had we known that you were coming earlier we would not dare to intrude upon your privacy, sir.”
“Say no more about it Miss Bennet, I cannot tell you how delighted I am to find you here, in my home.” He stared at her with such a heated gaze that she had to avert her gaze, blushing prettily.
He noticed her reaction and smiled in jubilation.
“My sister Georgiana and an old acquaintance of yours are coming tomorrow.”
“Oh,” She said and waited for him to elaborate.
“My uncle Lord Matlock, who was so impressed with you in Kent, is bringing my sister and his wife from the Matlock estatetomorrow where we have spent the last three weeks with our relatives.”
She simply smiled but had nothing to add.
“Would it be impertinent on my part if I asked to introduce my sister to you, Miss Bennet?”
“No sir not at all, in fact it would be delightful.”
They walked for a few more moments and then he cleared his throat and said nervously, “Miss Bennet I would like to offer Pemberley as your base while you and your relatives are travelling around this region. Would you accept my offer?”
She turned to him abruptly and her mouth hung open, “Pardon me?”
He chuckled, “Yes I see you are surprised, but I would like to be of service to you.”
She blushed again, “Mr Darcy you have been more helpful to me already than you can ever imagine.”
