“You must not be sorry, ma’am. I must apologise for my previous poor manners,” Mr. Darcy replied with a glance at Elizabeth. “I am pleased to report that now I am quite desirous of good company and delighted to be here.”
Mrs. Bennet looked stunned at such courtesy.
“How kind of you, sir! Then may I invite you and Miss Darcy to dine with us tomorrow evening? In truth, I would invite you this very evening, but I fear I have not prepared elegant enough dishes to please the delicate tastes of someone like you.”
“If we are not intruding, my sister and I would be happy to remain for dinner even today. I am sure the meal will be excellent, and in truth, the company is more important than the food.”
Mr. Darcy’s response, his friendly tone, and his large smile made everyone look at him in disbelief; even Elizabeth could not help wondering what had caused the transformation of the old proud and arrogant Mr. Darcy into this charming, amiable man. She did suspect the reason for that transformation — better said, she prayed that it was so — but she did not dare acknowledge it.
“Oh dear, what a surprise!” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. “You staying for dinner? This is most astonishing! How wonderful! I wonder whether we can all fit around the table! Hill, Hill! Excuse me, I have some urgent matters to resolve!”
“May we help you, Mama?” Elizabeth offered, but Mrs. Bennet had already disappeared in the direction of the kitchen.
The lady’s agitation caused amusement for the others, who immediately engaged in conversation.
Elizabeth cast repeated looks at Mr. Darcy and often met his gaze. The opportunity to speak to each other, however, arrived only when they sat at the table. Mr. Darcy was invited to sit next to Mr. Bennet, and Elizabeth boldly chose a chair on his other side. Miss Darcy was happily situated between Jane and Mrs. Gardiner.
“I was wondering,” Mr. Darcy said, turning towards Elizabeth, “if you might suggest some paths for a morning ride, Miss Elizabeth. I know you are familiar with such things.”
The direct question bewildered her for a moment. Furthermore, Mr. Darcy’s proximity — so close to her that she could feel his warmth — distracted Elizabeth to the point that she could hardly find the words to reply. Had she read his meaning correctly?
“There is a path that I favour for my walks, towards the highest point in the area, Oakham Mount. I am quite sure it would be suitable for riding too.”
“Thank you. Perhaps you may point it out to me later, after dinner, if it is visible from the house?”
“It is very easy to find, I assure you.”
There was no other private conversation between them that night, but the understanding was clear enough; both her mind and her heart agreed on it.
It was close to midnight when the evening came to an end and the Netherfield party departed. After they had left, the family remained to discuss their favourable impressions, especially Mr. Darcy’s utter transformation. Elizabeth was quieter than ever, so lost was she in her thoughts. She would surely meet him tomorrow morning. What would they talk about? So manythings had happened since they last spoke in the privacy of a secluded place. Being alone with him was a joyful and distressing thought at the same time. She had so many things to tell him, but of course she would not dare voice most of them.
But suddenly, a smile crossed her lips and lasted until everyone had retired for the night. Only then did Elizabeth take a piece of paper and pen, and write:
Mr. Darcy,
I might never hand you this letter, and it is probably a silly gesture to even write it. But somehow, I feel easier writing down my feelings than speaking them…
Elizabeth continued writing until she had filled the paper on both sides, then sanded it, folded it, and placed it in her reticule, next to Mr. Darcy’s letter, which she always carried with her.
Chapter 11
The night passed as hastily as Elizabeth desired; she did not know how long she slept, but she woke up rested and light-hearted.
The house was silent when Elizabeth left, so silent that she could hear her heart pounding. She walked along the familiar path, her legs unsteady yet strong enough to carry her to the desired destination. She did not have to walk far, though, as Mr. Darcy waited for her at the first turn of the road. Emotions overwhelmed her, and the bright smile on his face stirred her senses even more.
“Miss Bennet…”
“Mr. Darcy…”
“I am not even sure what to say… I am very happy to see you again, Miss Bennet.”
“And I am happy to see you, Mr. Darcy. Very happy indeed. May I ask what news you have? About Miss de Bourgh? Lady Catherine? Dr Rease? Colonel Fitzwiliam?”
“I do have news, and it is mostly good. Anne has improved tremendously — one would hardly recognise her. Staying with Lady Matlock has benefitted her greatly. She will spend a month in Brighton this summer with Lady Matlock, and Georgiana will join them.”
“Oh no!” she exclaimed, causing the gentleman to frown. “You cannot allow Miss Darcy to go to Brighton! Mr. Wickham is there, with the regiment.”
Surprisingly, Mr. Darcy replied with another smile.
