Page 95 of The Mistress of All & Torn

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The next day, immediately after breakfast, Lady Barrington and her party departed for Hertfordshire. Even though Lydia's whining lasted the entire journey, they arrived at Longbourn as planned.

Happy to be back home, Elizabeth expected to be greeted by their parents, but nobody came out of the house to welcome them, except John, the servant.

“John, is Papa well?” Elizabeth asked anxiously.

“Yes, very much so, Miss Lizzy. I mean Lady Barrington. The master is in the library with Mr. Darcy and the mistress is having tea with Miss Darcy and Mrs. Phillips.”

Elizabeth's knees weakened and she grasped the carriage door for support, while the others hurried inside.

Chapter 29

Elizabeth never imagined she would be so nervous to enter her parents’ house.

Thoughts and questions spun in her mind, making her head dizzy and her steps hesitant.

From the drawing-room, the reunion could be heard, loud and joyful.

When did he arrive? What was he doing with her father? Was Georgiana truly having tea with Mrs. Phillips and her mother?

“Miss Bennet?”

Shivers ran down her spine and her face felt feverish. His voice tantalised her senses and even before he approached her, she could detect his scent.

“Mr. Darcy. I did not expect to see you here, sir.”

“We arrived two days ago. You are not displeased, I hope?”

“No, not at all.”

“I am glad. Our plans were settled before Bingley informed me about the delay in your return. But we decided to come, nevertheless. It was a good opportunity to become better acquainted with your family.”

Her eyebrow arched in challenge and he gave a little smile, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

“I can imagine why my previous behaviour would induce you to distrust my statement. Your father reminded me that I never addressed a single word to him during my previous stay at Netherfield.”

“It is never too late for a proper acquaintance. But you must be cautious about my father. He is a little too inclined to make sport at others’ expense.”

“I have already noticed that,” Darcy replied, his smile broader. “I dare say one of his daughters has inherited his spirit. Would you allow me to escort you inside?”

She took his offered arm, too conscious of his nearness.

“Did your journey meet your expectations?” he continued.

“Very much so. Although we faced some unpleasant surprises and difficult decisions. I again need your advice on several matters.”

“I would be happy to assist you. But from what I learned from Bingley’s letters, you proved to be exceedingly proficient in matters of business yourself.”

“Hardly. But I admit I have learned more than I expected. You have been an excellent teacher, Mr. Darcy.”

“Anyone could teach such a gifted and industrious pupil.”

“It seems we make a good pair,” she said teasingly, then immediately her face coloured with shame. She felt his gaze on her and her eyes met his briefly.

“I hope so,” he whispered, as they entered the drawing-room.

Elizabeth let go of his arm to greet Georgiana most warmly, then the conversation began, with much talking and very little listening. A very early and exceedingly rich dinner was served, much to Mrs. Bennet’s utter delight. Darcy sat near Mr. Bennet and spoke to him most of the time, but he found several occasions to compliment Mrs. Bennet too.