After a few more songs, the evening drew to a close.
Chapter twenty-four
Darcy was accustomed to taking his breakfast alone, and paused slightly upon entering to find Elizabeth, her father, and Georgiana already assembled at the table. Mr. Bennet was engaged with his newspaper and coffee, while Elizabeth and Georgiana were finishing their breakfast.
“Good morning. I hope you all slept well.”
Elizabeth and Georgiana both assured him they were well. Elizabeth greeted him with an easy smile. “The room was very lovely. I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was.”
Mr. Bennet lowered his paper, his eyes twinkling. “I hope I may expect a visit to this famed library that I was promised.”
Darcy allowed himself a brief smile. “I shall see to it personally after breakfast.”
After helping himself, Darcy took the seat beside Elizabeth. “Have you plans for the day?”
“Yes, we are to visit the Gardiners.” She hesitated, and he thought he detected a slight shift in her composure.
Darcy leaned slightly nearer. “Is everything well? What is the matter?”
Her smile returned, though not as easily than before. “We are to go shopping on Bond Street.”
Darcy regarded her with mild curiosity. “I do not understand the difficulty.”
Elizabeth exhaled softly. “We are to be accompanied by Lady Catherine and Lady Matlock.”
Darcy found it more amusing than alarming. “That does sound like an adventure.”
“Adventure,” she repeated, as though testing the word, “I shall endeavour to think of it so.”
Darcy studied her a moment. “Then we must secure some relief for the afternoon. Might I persuade you to meet me at Gunter’s when your obligations are concluded?”
Her expression brightened at once, the earlier strain gone. “I should like that very much.”
Georgiana looked up with immediate enthusiasm. “Oh yes, I do so love Gunter’s.”
When Darcy had finished his breakfast, Mr. Bennet lowered his paper once more. “When you can be spared from attending to my daughter, Mr. Darcy, I should like very much to see your library.”
Darcy inclined his head. “Of course, sir. I am ready now.”
The gentlemen rose.
Elizabeth looked toward Darcy. “May I claim the privilege of seeing this library as well?”
Darcy met her gaze and did not immediately relinquish it.
“I should consider it a particular advantage, Miss Elizabeth, if you would join us.”
Georgiana stood at once. “Then I shall come too, if I may.”
***
Darcy led them upstairs to a set of double doors and opened them.
The library was filled with light from three tall windows, just as Darcy preferred. Shelves stood in orderly rows through the center of the room, with additional cases lining the walls. Before the windows were arranged several comfortable chairs and low tables, placed for ease rather than display.
Darcy's lips curved as Mr. Bennet’s countenance brightened at once at the sight of so many volumes.
Darcy explained that the collection was grouped by subject rather than appearance. He pointed out the catalogue which lay upon the adjoining desk.
