Darcy watched as Elizabeth moved slowly along the shelves, her attention caught here and there, her fingers occasionally grazing the spine of a book as she passed.
Mr. Bennet turned to Darcy. “I must confess, sir, I had thought you were exaggerating, but this is a most admirable library. You will know where to find me.”
Darcy allowed himself a slight smile. “Then you must come to Pemberley, sir. That library is more than twice the size of this one.”
Elizabeth glanced at Darcy. “It appears you judged the matter exactly.” She looked fondly at her father.
Darcy noticed that Georgiana looked between them with quiet pleasure. Georgiana added, “Oh yes, Pemberley’s library is much larger.”
Elizabeth paused and drew a volume from the shelf. “Ode: Intimations of Immortality,” by Wordsworth. I have heard of this but have not yet had the opportunity to read it.”
Darcy watched her for a moment before speaking. With a slight inclination of his head, he said, “You may command any book here.”
***
Elizabeth entered the carriage, and Georgiana followed, taking the seat beside her. Jane and Mary sat opposite. The carriage set off toward Gracechurch Street, the steady rhythm of its movement soon carrying them through the quieter streets of Mayfair and into the busier thoroughfares beyond.
Elizabeth watched from the window as the familiar surroundings gradually gave way to greater activity.
The carriage slowed as they turned onto Oxford Street, where the press of carts, carriages, and pedestrians rendered their progress more deliberate.
Mary glanced out before turning back to Elizabeth. “It has been some time since I last visited the Gardiners. I am quite eager to see how my cousins have grown.”
Georgiana smiled. “How many cousins have you?”
Mary returned the smile. “They have four children, two boys and two girls, all of them most engaging.”
She turned to Jane. “How old are they now?”
Jane considered. “Edward is nine, the eldest, and Isabella is eight, she is particularly fond of Lizzy. Then there is Thomas, who is six, and little Emily, who has only just turned four.”
Georgiana’s expression softened. “They sound delightful. It must be very pleasant to belong to such a family. I have often found it lonely with only my brother and myself.”
Jane’s tone was gentle. “They are very sweet, and remarkably well behaved.”
The streets grew narrower and more crowded, and before long the great dome of St. Paul’s rose above the surrounding buildings.
Georgiana leaned slightly toward the window. “It is even larger than I imagined,” she said softly.
Elizabeth glanced at her. “You have never been inside?”
Georgiana shook her head. “No, I have not, though I do recall it was built by Sir Christopher Wren.”
“It is very impressive, and well worth seeing,” Elizabeth replied. “Perhaps we may find time to visit.”
At last, they turned into Gracechurch Street and drew up before a brick house, its windows neatly adorned with flower boxes.
Harris stepped down and opened the carriage door, assisting the ladies as they alighted.
Elizabeth approached the door, the others following. They were soon admitted and warmly received by Mrs. Gardiner, who embraced each of her nieces before turning with a welcoming smile.
“And who is your friend?”
Elizabeth returned her smile. “Georgiana, may I introduce you to my aunt? Aunt, this is Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
Georgiana curtseyed. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Mrs. Gardiner regarded her kindly. “You bear a strong resemblance to your mother. She was much admired.”
