Page 140

“Pray proceed, and this time I shall not interrupt you. I promise.”

“Mrs. Gardiner informed me that they planned a trip to the Lakes later in the summer when her husband’s business will allow for travel. She said they planned to call on acquaintances in Lambton as well. Once I was in company with Mr. Gardiner, I prevailed upon him to visit Pemberley. I knew not what to expect in light of our prior disagreement over the financial management of your trust, but he accepted my invitation.”

“How wonderful! This means my aunt and uncle will finally have an opportunity to see Pemberley and to be welcomed there as members of the family and not merely tourists. Oh, how I wish they would bring the children and perhaps even allow them to stay with us while they continue on to the Lakes. Can you imagine what that would mean to Ben to have so many people of his own age running about the halls with him?”

“I should imagine he would love the chance to do just that.”

“On the other hand, I can well imagine what a challenge it would be for my aunt and uncle to travel all that way with four small children.”

“Well, do not rule out the possibility based solely upon conjecture.”

“You raise a valid point. I must write to my aunt at once to ascertain her thoughts on the scheme.” Elizabeth stood and then immediately returned to her seat. “Of course, all this means that we shall soon be leaving Hertfordshire.”

“Your father is much recovered, and the situation is resolved with your sister. I do feel the time has come for us to return to Derbyshire; although I have no wish to rush you into anything.”

“My father is indeed recovering. It meant so much to me to be here during the time when he needed me most. I take comfort in the fact that all of our past differences have been cast aside, and he and I have both embraced my philosophy to only think of the past as its remembrance brings us pleasure.”

“It is a wise philosophy, indeed. In fact, I believe Collins and I are of the same mind. I believe he and I made great strides in understanding each other when we were forced to be in each other’s company in town.”

“That is wonderful, especially as he has my father’s blessing to take over the active management of the Longbourn estate.”

“How do you truly feel about that situation?”

“I believe it is for the best. As much as I love and revere Papa, if I am to be completely honest, I would have to say he did not govern the estate as well as he ought, and now he need not give such matters any further thought. Already I have seen positive evidence of Geoffrey’s stewardship of Longbourn. I am sure my family’s future is in good hands.”