Mr. Bennet stood at the drawing-room door and looked upon his two daughters, seated together on the couch, in earnest discussion. He felt grateful, for Elizabeth appeared much recovered from the great disappointment of the previous night.
He glanced out a window and saw a gentleman dismount a fine steed. Could this be the man Elizabeth had spoken of, the one whom Mr. Darcy had frightened away?
The gentleman handed the reins to the stable boy and then walked toward the front entrance.
Bennet watched as the good-looking gentleman of about five and twenty came up the walk to stand before him. He appeared to be of a suitable age for Elizabeth, was impeccably dressed, and spoke with respect.
“Sir, I am Gerard Allen. I have been a friend of Mr. Charles Bingley for more than seven years now.”
He handed Bennet his card.
“I had the privilege of meeting your daughter at the ball last evening and wished to pay my respects.”
“Come in, Mr. Allen. My Lizzy is in the drawing room.”
He led the young man into the house, and, observing Mr. Darcy’s carriage draw up, sent Hill out to assist his men with the trunks.
Bennet led Allen to the drawing room, where Elizabeth and Kitty stood, awaiting their entrance.
“Lizzy, you have a caller.” She curtsied, her eyes welcoming.
Mr. Allen chose the chair nearest Elizabeth. He studied her face, and she noticed the crinkle at the corners of his eyes. She returned his smile.
“Sir, I had expected that you would have reached London by now. The hour is growing late.”
He said, “Do not concern yourself for my safety, Miss Bennet. I do not travel back today. Your brother-in-law has granted me leave to remain as his guest for a month. I hope to know you better during that time, if you will permit it.”
Her face grew pink, and once again, pleasure shone in her eyes. When he saw her response, he relaxed, and his eyes reflected his satisfaction.
“You approve, ma’am?”
“Yes, sir, very much. I look forward to knowing you better.”
He glanced toward Kitty, who watched them with far too much interest. Then he looked toward the window.
“It is fine outside, ma’am. Would you walk out with me?”
“It would be a pleasure, sir. Allow me to fetch my bonnet.” As she left the room, he turned to Mr. Bennet.
“You own a very pretty estate, sir. I understand that your middle daughter has married your heir.”
“Yes. Mr. Collins is a rector in Hunsford Parish. He is a fine man, and Mary is a happy woman. I would say that she is as happy as Jane. We have been blessed with the addition to our family of two very fine gentlemen, sir.”
Elizabeth returned wearing a light shawl, her bonnet, and gloves. Mrs. Hill handed him his hat and gloves, and the couplewas moving toward the door when Mr. Hill and the stable boy entered carrying Georgiana’s large trunk, with Darcy following behind with her smaller one. Kitty ran out to meet the younger girl.
Allen stepped aside to let Darcy pass, then, turning to Elizabeth, he offered his arm, and they walked out together.
Darcy set the trunk down and looked after the pair, his mouth drawn into a thin line and his brow furrowed. Then Georgiana came to his side and embraced him. He offered her a final admonition to conduct herself well, to write to him at least once each week, and to enjoy herself.
She walked with him to the gate while Kitty waited for her at the entrance. Georgiana’s eyes grew moist, and she made every effort not to cry. She would miss her brother, yet this holiday with the Bennets filled her with such pleasure that she laughed instead.
“Fitzwilliam, I am quite torn. I shall miss you dearly, yet I long to be with my friends, who treat me as a sister.”
“Then allow me one last embrace and let me wish you well, Georgie. Until we meet again.”
When he had disappeared from sight, the two girls hurried indoors. Kitty collected the magazine, and they left the room.
Bennet stood in the doorway of his study.
