Elizabeth hesitated, then continued, “I have been considering that the family might remove to London for a time and stay with my aunt and uncle Gardiner. I thought I might remain in Hertfordshire, with my Aunt Philips, so that I may continue to oversee matters here.”
Darcy regarded her more closely. “You would not wish to go to London as well?”
She shook her head. “The Gardiners’ house will be quite full already. And I should prefer to remain where I may be of use.”
“Could you not manage matters by letter?” he asked. “Mr. Wilmot appears entirely competent, and he will soon have his new assistant.”
Elizabeth considered this but did not immediately answer.
Darcy rose and took a few steps before turning back toward her, as though the thought had only just formed. “You could stay with me.”
The words seemed to hang between them.
Elizabeth blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
He returned to his seat, though there was now a touch of earnestness beneath his composure. “I mean that you and your family would be most welcome to stay with my sister and me at our house in London. We have ample space, and it would give us…” He paused very slightly. “…the opportunity to ensure your comfort.”
Elizabeth’s expression softened, though uncertainty lingered. “We are already imposing upon Mr. Bingley, though at least we have spared him the rent. I do not know that I ought to presume further upon your generosity.”
“It would be no imposition,” Darcy replied steadily. “Indeed, it would give me great pleasure to have you all as my guests.” There was a quiet sincerity in his tone that was difficult to mistake.
Elizabeth smiled, her voice softer now. “I confess, I should be sorry to lose your company.”
Something in Darcy’s expression softened, subtle but unmistakable.
“I will speak to my father,” she continued. “The decision must be his.”
Darcy allowed himself a brief laugh, some of the formality easing. “Then I recommend you mention my library. I have every confidence that it will secure his approval.”
Elizabeth laughed, and for a moment the weight of recent events seemed to lift entirely.
1. She is annoying no matter what language she speaks.
Chapter twenty-one
Mr. Bennet entered the breakfast room and paused. Darcy, Bingley, Jane, and Elizabeth were already seated at the table. He glanced toward Elizabeth and at once detected something different. There was a brightness in her expression, a barely contained energy that did not escape his notice. He said nothing.
Selecting his breakfast, he took a seat beside her. “Good morning. I trust you are all well.”
The usual replies were exchanged, and he applied himself to his breakfast with apparent attention. Only when he had finished did he set down his utensils and turn to Elizabeth. “Well, what is it?”
Elizabeth looked at him, momentarily puzzled. “I beg your pardon?”
He smiled faintly. “My dear, I have known you all your life. You have something you wish to tell me.”
Elizabeth hesitated, then glanced at Darcy. Darcy inclined his head slightly. “With your permission, Miss Bennet.”
She nodded.
Darcy turned to Mr. Bennet. “Sir, I took the liberty of speaking with Miss Elizabeth regarding your family’s present situation. I wished to offer my house in London as a temporary residence for your family while Longbourn undergoes repairs. My sister and I would be very pleased to receive you.”
Jane and Bingley both looked up in surprise.
Mr. Bennet regarded Darcy steadily, then shifted his gaze back to Elizabeth. “And what is the other part?”
Elizabeth drew a quiet breath. “I believe it would be best for us to leave Netherfield. There is a growing tension within the household.” She glanced briefly toward Bingley. “I fear Miss Bingley finds our continued stay something of a trial.”
Bingley frowned. “What has Caroline done?”
