Darcy helped Georgiana dismount, then went to Elizabeth. She smiled at him as he approached her. Darcy had not seen her wear this riding habit before. The color and style were very becoming to her.
“I neglected to tell you how lovely you look today,” he said.
Her smile widened as she looked down at him. “Thank you very much . . . and thank you for such a wonderful afternoon. You even made sure the weather cooperated!”
He chuckled. “I do what I can.”
Elizabeth’s smile grew wider still at his response, and her eyes sparkled into his. Darcy’s own smile grew as well. She was irresistible! Ever since he first met her, she had been slowlyreeling him in. Now, he was caught, but never was there a more willing captive. Darcy wrapped his hands around her waist as she placed her own hands on his upper arms. He lifted her down, never taking his eyes from hers. His feelings for her ran so deeply—
A slap on the shoulder from Fitz broke the connection. Darcy realized he had not removed his hands from her waist and did so immediately. He then looked at Fitz.
“After you, cousin!” Fitz gestured ahead, a knowing grin on his face.
Noting the others were waiting on him to enter the house and that Fitz would escort his sister, Darcy smiled at Elizabeth and offered her his arm. Together, they led the way into the house.
“Good evening, sir.”
“Good evening, Brandon.”
“I trust your afternoon in Hyde Park was enjoyable?”
“It was indeed, thank you. Is everything in order?”
“Yes, sir, everything is in perfect order. Also, Mr. Gardiner is in the library.”
“Thank you, Brandon.”
The Gardiners had invited the entire party to dine at Gracechurch Street this evening. Darcy had suggested that everyone bring their evening attire to Darcy House. He arranged for his guests to have bedchambers so they might bathe and dress for dinner following the afternoon in Hyde Park. Gardiner had returned to travel with the party to escort his nieces.
Darcy saw his housekeeper waiting to address him.
“Mr. Darcy, I can show the ladies to their bedchambers whenever they are ready.”
Darcy nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. Taylor.”
They all headed upstairs.
When they reached the third floor, Elizabeth asked, “May we say a quick ‘hello’ to Uncle?”
“Of course,” Darcy replied.
He and Elizabeth led the group into the library. Gardiner was browsing through the titles on a shelf and also held a book in his hand.
“It is difficult to choose just one, is it not, Uncle?” Elizabeth teased.
“Indeed!” he said, turning to her with a smile. “How was your ride?”
“We had a lovely time!” Miss Mary replied.
“Yes, we just wanted to let you know we were back,” Elizabeth said.
“We will get ready as quickly as we can, Uncle,” Miss Bennet added.
“Very good,” Gardiner replied.
Elizabeth smiled at Darcy, then left the library with Georgiana and her sisters.
“Everything went smoothly then, gentlemen?” Gardiner asked, looking at each one of them.
