He offered his arm, and she accepted. Together they walked toward the house.
Elizabeth paused when she saw Mr. MacDonald. “Good evening, Mr. MacDonald. Do you require a ride home?”
“No, ma’am. Mr. Wilmot has kindly offered to take me back shortly.”
“I am glad to hear it. I hope you enjoyed the evening.”
“Very much, though I am not much for dancing these days.”
She smiled and they continued on.
Darcy glanced back toward the tents. “They all appeared to be enjoying themselves. And it is clear they are very fond of you.”
His hand closed more securely over hers. “I cannot claim to feel otherwise, though I believe my regard exceeds theirs in both cause and constancy.”
Elizabeth met his gaze briefly, a quiet warmth in her expression. “I am glad of it.”
They walked on in silence for a few moments.
“You managed this evening remarkably well,” he said at last. “Not merely the arrangements, though those were excellent, but the people.”
He glanced once more toward the green. “They trust you. That is not so easily earned.”
Chapter twenty-two
Elizabeth stood in the foyer at Netherfield speaking with Millie when Darcy entered.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth, Millie. I hope you are both well.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Very well, thank you.”
Millie curtseyed. “Good morning, sir.”
Darcy’s gaze fell upon the basket in Millie’s hand. “Let me guess, a visit to Mrs. Smith?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth replied. “I wished to check on her and let her know we shall be away for some time.”
Darcy inclined his head slightly. “Perhaps you would allow me to accompany you and permit Millie to forgo it.”
Elizabeth glanced at Millie with a small smile. “I should like that. Millie, you may return to your packing.”
Millie bobbed another curtsey and departed, and Darcy took the basket before offering Elizabeth his arm.
They stepped outside and set off along the path. The air was crisp, the morning still. For a time, neither spoke, the quietbroken only by the sound of their steps and the distant call of birds.
At length, Darcy turned slightly toward her. “I have written to Georgiana. She is very eager to make your acquaintance, and that of your family.”
Elizabeth’s expression softened. “I look forward to meeting her as well. Though I hope she will not be overwhelmed. My family can be… rather lively.”
There was a hint of amusement in her tone, though she grew more thoughtful as she continued. “I should also wish to introduce you to my aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. They reside in Gracechurch Street.”
Darcy paused, and Elizabeth stopped with him. “I should be very glad to know them,” he said, without hesitation.
Elizabeth’s smile returned, brighter now, and she resumed walking.
“Did you imagine I would refuse?” he asked.
“I had hoped you would not.”
