Page 10 of A Different Impression

“I spend much time in my library as well; at least, I do when I am not in my study dealing with business. Unfortunately, business takes up far more of my time than I would like,” Darcy said, noting Elizabeth’s tone and wondering about it. “The library is my favourite room in the house—the work of generations of Darcys. If I am home when you visit Lambton, I would love to show Pemberley to you.”

The invitation escaped before he had entirely considered it. Ordinarily he guarded such offers carefully, but with Elizabeth it felt perfectly natural.

Darcy continued, “Might I enquire after the maiden name of your aunt? I wonder if I am acquainted with her family, if any of them remain in Lambton. And perhaps her approximate age?”

“The family left the area some years ago,” Elizabeth said. “Her maiden name was Thornton, and I believe, whilst her father was alive, he owned some kind of shop in Lambton. She may be a few years older than you, though since I am not certain of your age, that may be inaccurate. She celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago and was five and thirty.”

He smiled at her teasing calculation. “Then she is eight years older than I, and I vaguely recall the Thornton family from my youth. He was a milliner, perhaps, or was it a bookshop?” He trailed off, trying to recall details from many years ago.

“I think my aunt mentioned that he may have owned both at one point,” Elizabeth said. “But when he died, his widow sold both establishments and returned to her family in London. My uncle had already established his business by then, and my aunt met my uncle when she visited his warehouse one day with her brother. Her brother invested with Uncle Gardiner, which led to them being in company often. It was not long after this that they became engaged.”

“Gardiner, you say?” Darcy questioned. “That name sounds familiar. Does he own several warehouses, Gardiner Import/Export?”

“That is his business,” Elizabeth acknowledged, a bit of hesitancy creeping into her tone.

“Then I met him not so long ago,” Darcy said thoughtfully. “A very shrewd businessman and quite well-off, I would dare say. Bingley and I met with him about some investment opportunities. I was impressed with his liberal ideas and was very pleased to partner with him on a venture or two. I hope we will have a long and prosperous partnership. I found I liked him very much. Will you be travelling with his family?”

Elizabeth nodded, her expression warming. “Uncle Edward is one of the best men I know and, yes, an astute investor. I have even entrusted him with small amounts of my pin money over the years.” A mischievous light entered her eyes. “Thus far, he has not lost my fortune.”

Darcy’s lips twitched in amusement.

“He and my aunt are a well-matched pair,” she continued. “We were delighted when they married eleven years ago. They now have four children, and Jane and I seize every opportunity to visit them.”

“And how long do you generally remain in Town?” he asked.

“Jane or I often accompany them to London after Christmas for a few weeks, and occasionally we will visit in the autumn. One of us has frequently visited when my aunt has had her lying in to help with the other children. Last year, we had planned to stay with them for the entire Season, but my aunt’s confinement interrupted those plans.” Elizabeth smiled as she said the last. “Part of me thinks a Season would be entertaining, but I would not want to stay in town all those months. I would miss the country far too much. Although I very much enjoy the dancing, the musicals, and the theatre, I hate not having the freedom to walk in London as I do here.”

He understood that feeling better than she perhaps realised. There were days in Town when even he felt confined by endless calls, dinners, and obligations. She belonged in the country, and, if he were honest, he thought he did as well.

At that, Elizabeth noted the sun’s position. “I am afraid I must return home, sir; my family will wonder where I am.”

“Might I escort you home?” Darcy enquired.

“Heavens, no!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “Mama would have a nervous fit if I returned home with a gentleman after an early morning walk. I already warned you what would happen if you called—you do not still mean to do so, do you?” She grinned at him unrepentantly.

Her horror made him laugh inwardly. It was refreshing to meet a young lady more concerned about avoiding gossip than encouraging it.

“I would like to, but not if it causes you any discomfort,” he remarked kindly. “Perhaps I could delay Bingley until tomorrow?”

“If you would,” Elizabeth said. “While both Jane and I will miss your company, Mama would be a sore trial if you both appeared so quickly after last night. Besides, many ladies in Meryton will call today as they always do to discuss last night’s assembly.”

Darcy arched an eyebrow at that. “What is there to discuss? You were all just together last night?”

Her smile eased something tight inside his chest. “Your sister is not yet out, am I correct?”

At his nod, she continued, “Part of the enjoyment of an assembly, at least in Meryton, is gathering afterwards with all the ladies of the district. We discuss dresses and lace, who danced with whom…” She paused, her eyes dancing as they met his. “And, of course, any newcomers to the neighbourhood.”

Before he could formulate a reply, she wished him good morning and darted back into the woods, her broad smile lingering in his mind as his laughter followed her.

Darcy remained where he was for several moments after she disappeared amongst the trees. He had intended only to inspect Netherfield’s boundaries that morning. Instead, he had somehow found himself imagining Georgiana introducing Miss Elizabeth to Pemberley, discussing books with her in the library, and walking beside her through Derbyshire’s hills.

He smiled to himself as he gathered the reins. Bingley had been right. Leaving Hertfordshire suddenly no longer seemed remotely appealing.

Elizabeth arrived home with an unaccountable smile still lingering upon her lips. She hoped none of her family had noticed her return, for she was not yet prepared to answer questions about whom she had met on Oakham Mount.

The dining room was mostly empty. Her father, she supposed, had already eaten breakfast and was ensconced in his book room. Mary was sitting primly at the table.

“What have you been doing?” Mary asked pertly.