Jane laughed. “I dare not assume too much. And what of your engagement to Mr. Darcy? To have found love amidst such tragedy. I always suspected he might admire you, but I never thought you would accept his addresses.”
“We came to a better understanding in the end. Though to be truthful, he confessed his admiration for mebeforeI ever considered him with anything but disdain.”
Her sister’s eyes widened. “Lizzy! Poor man. He must have been heartbroken.”
“For a time, I think he was. But you know me, Jane—I spoke my mind quite plainly. In hindsight, perhaps too plainly.”
Jane covered her mouth, both amused and appalled. “I cannot imagine how he must have felt.”
“Neither can I. But he bore it well, and eventually, I saw the attributes in him that I had overlooked before—his kindness, his bravery, and the depth of his regard. He has changed much, or rather, perhaps it is I who have changed, for I see him far better now.”
***
Upon arriving at the Darcy residence, Elizabeth was met witha delightful surprise: Miss Darcy had arrived in London fromBath that same morning. To her astonishment, she discovered that her future sister was just as embarrassed as she was, and that the young lady who had been described to her as overly proud was, in truth, exceedingly shy.
Initial attempts at conversation with Miss Darcy were not entirely fruitful: Elizabeth could elicit little more than monosyllabic replies. However, as the evening progressed, and encouraged by her companion and Aunt Gardiner, the young lady began to relax and participate more freely. Darcy, ever attentive, did his part to foster their growing attachment, offering gentle support to his sister with every glance.
“You did not tell me your sister was in town and would be joining us for dinner tonight,” Elizabeth whispered as they moved towards the dining room.
“No?” Darcy glanced down at her, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “I must have forgotten.”
“You could have warned me.”
“And miss your expression whenever I catch you off guard?” he teased. “’Tis too precious, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth gave him a light nudge. “You, sir, should be chastised. I shall have my revenge when you least expect it.”
He leaned down, his voice warm against her ear. “I look forward to it, my dear.”
Her cheeks heated up. She said no more on the subject lest she provoke his wickedness further. She was unused to being the object of his teasing, but seeing him so happy was such a pleasant thing that she could not find it in her heart to be truly vexed.
The Gardiners, gracious as ever, soon engaged their host in discussions of trade and the shifting landscape of commerce in England. Uncle Gardiner, whose knowledge of business was extensive, found in Darcy a surprisingly attentive and well-informed listener.
At one point in the conversation, her aunt mentioned her childhood in Derbyshire, reminiscing fondly about Lambton and the surrounding countryside.
Darcy brightened. “You are from Lambton, madam?”
“Indeed, sir,” she replied with a smile. “I lived there for many years before my marriage. I know Pemberley well, or at least, I used to.”
“Then I hope we shall have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Derbyshire. I should be most delighted to receive you and Mr. Gardiner at Pemberley.”
Elizabeth, taken slightly by surprise at the warmth in his voice, glanced at him with quiet admiration.
Uncle Gardiner chuckled. “You must be careful with such invitations, Mr. Darcy. I am quite the keen angler, and if your lakes are as fine as reported, you may never be rid of me.”
“Then I shall see to it that the best fishing spots are prepared for your arrival, sir. I confess I have had little time to fish in recent years, but I should greatly enjoy the excuse to take it up again.”
“Indeed,” Miss Darcy added with a shy smile. “We shall all be delighted to receive you at Pemberley.”
The invitation was met with warm enthusiasm, and the conversation soon turned to the natural beauty of Derbyshire. Aunt Gardiner fondly recalled her walks near Pemberley and the grandeur of the estate’s grounds, her voice coloured with nostalgia.
What a delightful revelation! This was a different side of Darcy, one she had glimpsed once or twice before but never seen so openly displayed. He was not merely civil to her relations, he was welcoming them, encouraging their presence in his—soon to be their—home. It was a silent reassurance, more eloquent than any speech, that their future together could be harmonious.
As the evening progressed, Darcy, despite his evident enjoyment of the company, seemed somewhat fatigued. Although as courteous as ever, there was a heaviness about him, a distracted air that did not escape her observation.
It was not until they were preparing to leave that she finally broached the subject.
As she stepped into the carriage, she turned to him. “Shall I see you tomorrow?”
