“Could we not mention your aunt’s visit again?” she repeated, and he smiled, while she gave a nervous laugh. “You already apologised for it in your letter to my father.”
“My aunt’s actions deserve more than one apology.”
“I believe you have apologised twice,” she said, and he laughed. “Have you spoken to Lady Catherine since?” she continued.
“I have. More times I wished.”
“Oh…I assumed as much. She mentioned she would speak to you…”
“Unfortunately, she did.”
“The conversation was not too unpleasant, I hope?”
“It was. More than unpleasant.”
“May I ask why?”
“You may, but the narration would last too long, longer than a short walk to Longbourn. To explain all the details, we would need more time.”
Their eyes met again, and she said, “I enjoy walking every morning. I usually take a long walk towards Oakham Mount. It is an hour’s walk from Longbourn, at least.”
She had offered him a chance, and he took it.
“An hour would be ample time to impart all the details,” he said.
“Will you come in?” she asked when Longbourn appeared in sight.
“I would like to enter and greet your family if I am not intruding.”
“Not at all, Mr. Darcy. My father is rather anxious to see you. He would be happy to receive you.”
“And I would be happy to meet him,” Darcy replied as he accepted the invitation and followed Elizabeth into the house.
