Their glances met timidly, then locked.
“Mr. Darcy, I…I am so sorry… I deeply apologise for—”
“Miss Bennet, please do not apologise. If you do not feel comfortable being here, I shall prepare a carriage to take you to the Lambton Inn immediately. Your relatives may join you later. I can understand that my company might not be agreeable to you, and I do not wish to prolong any unpleasantness for you.”
“Oh…no, no…I mean…I am not comfortable at all…but it is not unpleasant…not your company. I should not be here, considering…”
“I am happy that you are here, Miss Bennet. However, your happiness is my only concern. So please let me know if you wish to leave…”
His tone was low, his countenance pale, his gaze misty.
“I do not wish to leave unless my presence bothers you,” she whispered.
“It does not. It never will,” he replied.
Several more minutes of silence followed. There were so many things she wished to ask, to say, but it was neither the place nor the time.
The door to the apartment opened, and Mr. Gardiner and Mrs. Reynolds came out.
“Margaret is resting comfortably. Would you like to go to her, Lizzy?”
“Yes, Uncle.”
“We shall bring Mrs. Gardiner some soup and tea. Would you join her, Miss Bennet? Mr. Gardiner?”
“Mr. Gardiner, if you wish, I would be happy to offer you a drink in the library. We may order something to eat there,” Mr. Darcy offered.
“I would like that very much, Mr. Darcy. I am sure my wife will not mind my absence and will be content with Lizzy’s company.”
“The doctor should arrive soon, unless he had an urgent appointment somewhere else,” Mr. Darcy said.
“So should my wife’s cousins,” Mr. Gardiner agreed.
With that, the two gentlemen left together, while Elizabeth entered the apartment, marvelling at the beauty and elegance of the furniture and carpets.
There were two large rooms, separated by a door, and in the first one, Mrs. Gardiner was resting.
