Both Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet attempted to hide amused smiles.
Changing the subject, Darcy said, “After we tour the exhibit, we will travel to Berkeley Square. I suggested to your uncle that we could visit a few shops, then go to Gunter’s for tea.”
“That sounds lovely,” Miss Elizabeth said. Pleased to have her approval, Darcy smiled. It was not long before they arrived at Rutherford House.
They had just been relieved of their outerwear when an older gentleman with wavy, silver-white hair approached them.
“Darcy! Good to see you, my boy!”
Mr. Darcy turned to the gentleman with a grin and shook his hand. “Good to see you, sir!”
The older gentleman then took Georgiana's hand. “Georgiana, my dear, how are you?”
“I am very well, Lord Rutherford. How are you, sir?”
“I am well for an old fellow and happy to see you,” he said, smiling at her. “I see you have brought young Fitzwilliam with you!”
“Lord Rutherford, a pleasure as always, sir,” Mr. Fitzwilliam said, shaking the gentleman’s hand.
“And I see the rumors are true,” Lord Rutherford said as he looked down at Mr. Fitzwilliam’s attire. “Your batman has misplaced your red coat!”
Mr. Fitzwilliam chuckled.
Lord Rutherford grinned. “No, no, of course he has not. Your father told me your batman has served you well for many years, and I am sure he will continue to do so. Congratulations, man!”
“Thank you, sir.”
Lord Rutherford then turned to Mr. Darcy. “Darcy, please introduce me to your friends.”
“Lord Rutherford,” Mr. Darcy began, “please meet Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner of London and their nieces—Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, and Miss Mary of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.”
Lord Rutherford smiled. “Welcome! I am pleased to meet you all. Now, who among you has an inquisitive mind?”
Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle, as well as her sisters, all glanced at her.
Lord Rutherford raised his brows as he followed their gazes to her. “They all seem to be looking at you.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “Then I suppose I cannot hide.”
“No indeed. Resistance is futile. Take my arm, young lady. You are in the right place. This is where inquiring minds come to play!" Lord Rutherford insisted as he led her from the room. “Please, everyone, follow us!”
Elizabeth and Lord Rutherford carried on a perfectly amiable and in-depth conversation as if they had not just met. She found the older gentleman very entertaining and appreciated his friendliness. Elizabeth grinned at Mr. Darcy, who walked along with them, showing him her delight in his old family friend. He grinned as well, no doubt used to Lord Rutherford’s teasing.
They walked through a wide corridor to a large room at the back of the house. Elizabeth drew in a breath at the sight before her. There were instruments and contraptions, living things and fossils, diagrams and mathematical models—so much to see and explore! The smile on her face grew as she looked around her.
Lord Rutherford chuckled. “I believe we have her attention now, Darcy!”
His eyes on Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy grinned and said, “I believe you are correct, sir.”
“Well, I shall leave you both to it. Enjoy yourself, Miss Elizabeth!”
She smiled. “I know I shall. Thank you, my lord.”
He returned her smile, patted Darcy on the shoulder, then walked in the direction of a group of gentlemen.
Elizabeth noticed that her family, Georgiana, and Mr. Fitzwilliam had also walked ahead to look at a display.
“If you do not mind my company, I would enjoy touring the exhibit with you.” Mr. Darcy said, watching her closely.
