Page 5 of A Question of Character

Elizabeth studied the weathered trunk anew.

“I believe you are right.”

“It is uncommon.”

“So is changing one’s opinion.”

His eyes rested on her with interest.

“Do you seldom do so?”

“Oh no. Quite frequently. But I prefer to discover I was mistaken myself rather than have it triumphantly announced by another.”

“I imagine few people enjoy the latter.”

“My mother, perhaps.”

That earned the smile she had suspected was possible.

“I hope your mother does not make a practice of triumph.”

“She has six opportunities every day.”

“Six?”

“My father included.”

The amusement lingered in his expression.

“I begin to think your family must be a lively one.”

“I cannot deny it.”

Before either could continue, a familiar voice sounded behind her.

“There you are, my dear. Your uncle declared we had lost you.”

Mrs. Gardiner approached, then stopped short. “Mr. Darcy!”

The gentleman bowed. “Mrs. Gardiner.”

“What an unexpected pleasure.”

“The pleasure is mine.” The gentleman straightened and smiled warmly at her aunt.

Elizabeth looked from one to the other in surprise. “You know one another?”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “My dear, I thought I had mentioned Mr. Darcy. My brother conducted business in Lambton for many years, and we have occasionally enjoyed the privilege of making his acquaintance while visiting Derbyshire.”

Mr. Gardiner joined them a moment later.

“Darcy!” he exclaimed warmly. “I had no notion you were in town.”

“I arrived yesterday.”

The two gentlemen shook hands with evident cordiality.

Mr. Gardiner addressed Elizabeth. “My dear, allow me to present Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. Darcy, my niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”