It was a while before Mr. Gardiner finally joined them. He was wearing a large grin, and his crimson cheeks betrayed his enjoyment of Mr. Darcy’s brandy.
“I can see you are having a wonderful time, Mr. Gardiner,” his wife called out to him, her eyebrow arched.
“I confess I am, my dear! I have come to ask you something. The doctor said your injury is serious, and you must rest for afew days. And your cousin Tom said the inn is full, but he has kept us the best two rooms he has — on the top floor!”
“Oh dear…”
“Yes. And you will never guess what happened! Mr. Darcy invited us to stay at Pemberley for a few days until your leg is completely healed! He said we may stay for the entire week until we return to London! I shall be able to fish tomorrow! He will lend me all the necessary equipment. He invited your cousins to join me, but they declined. They did not seem fond of that particular entertainment—”
“Uncle, please stop a moment,” Elizabeth interrupted him. “We cannot possibly stay at Pemberley for a week!” She was aware that her voice was trembling, and her hands were suddenly cold.
“Why not? Come, Lizzy dear, do not ruin my enjoyment simply because the man refused to dance with you once!”
“Uncle, that is not the reason for my hesitation. I just do not feel comfortable. We came here with no invitation, then our accident forced Mr. Darcy to offer us shelter. And when he heard there was no convenient room at the inn, of course he felt obliged to invite us to stay. I feel like we are abusing his generosity. Can you, Aunt, not stay with one of your cousins, in their house?”
“I cannot, my dear. They have only enough rooms to accommodate their families.”
“Lizzy, I understand your reluctance, but Mr. Darcy assured me it is no imposition. I truly believe he would enjoy some company since he is alone here. He only insisted I should ask your opinion. He said I should have Margaret’s approval and yours.”
“What did you tell Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Gardiner enquired.
“That I should ask you. Your cousins are still in the library with him. By the by, your cousins barely dared to accept a glass of brandy and to take a seat.” He laughed.
“I am not surprised. You, however, look like you easily accepted more than one glass of brandy,” Mrs. Gardiner said with equal rebuke and amusement.
“I did. What do you say, my dear?”
“I am not sure. The situation is rather strange, and I cannot dismiss Lizzy’s worries.”
“It is not strange,” Mr. Gardiner insisted. “Mr. Darcy is just a kind gentleman who possesses a house with a hundred rooms he can spare. I would do exactly the same if a friend of a friend suffered an accident in my house. Would you not, my dear? And you must admit it is convenient for you.”
“In truth,” Mrs. Gardiner answered, “anyone would prefer the peace of Pemberley to a full inn and the notion of trying to climb so many stairs, under many curious gazes. What do you say, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth was far from being decided. She wished to speak to Mr. Darcy herself before accepting. But the presence of the other two men made it impossible.
“Uncle, are you certain, absolutely certain that Mr. Darcy really wished us to stay?”
“I have rarely been more certain of anything, my dear. I assure you I said nothing to force his invitation. Come, Lizzy. I find it rather ridiculous that such a man as Mr. Darcy invites us to spend a few days in his home and we hesitate to accept. I could not possibly refuse him without a sound reason. It would be a huge offence. I cannot be so ungrateful.”
Her uncle’s voice became more serious, and his enquiring gaze demanded an explanation she could not offer. Any further arguments would make things worse.
“You are right, of course, Uncle. My only concern was not to disturb Mr. Darcy. If he is in earnest, I am deeply grateful to him.”
“Excellent!” Mr. Gardiner exclaimed, and soon after, he left the room.
