Page 129 of Near Pemberley

Mr. Bennet sighed with exaggerated resignation. “A poor substitute.” He glanced towards Elizabeth.

“But Mr. Darcy has raised expectations to an alarming height. I have not seen Lizzy so eager for an outing in a very long time.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Papa…”

“No, no. It does an old father good to witness it.” His expression softened. “Enjoy your outing; tomorrow we return to Longbourn.”

The simple statement seemed to settle over the room.

Tomorrow. Darcy felt the word almost physically. Tomorrow, she would be gone.

His gaze found Elizabeth before he was aware of looking for her. She was already looking at him.

Longbourn.

He had only just found her again.

After everything that had passed between them – Lambton, Gracechurch Street, the letter, the quiet conversations – she would simply return to Hertfordshire, and he… he had no notion when he might see her again.

No.

The protest came before reason.

“You are leaving?”

Elizabeth looked faintly surprised. “I am afraid I must.”

“Must you?” The words escaped before he had properly considered them. “Would you not like to stay? I mean for your sister?”

Mrs. Gardiner looked from one to the other. “Indeed,” she said thoughtfully, “I had imagined it might be better if Elizabeth remained in London a little longer. Lydia takes great comfort from her company.”

Darcy very nearly embraced the lady on the spot.

Mr. Bennet raised an eyebrow. “Indeed? You think so?” Mr. Bennet asked.

Lydia brightened immediately. “Oh yes! I should like Lizzy to stay.”

Elizabeth laughed. “I have only one difficulty. I have scarcely any clothes.”

“That is easily remedied,” said Mr. Gardiner. “Your mother can pack whatever you require and send the trunk by coach. We shall collect it when it arrives.”

Darcy forced himself to think beyond the immediate relief of delaying Elizabeth’s departure. This was not merely about another day. If Mr. Bennet were to be persuaded to remove his family to Ramsgate, he would require time as well. Darcy’s thoughts began arranging themselves with remarkable speed.

“Mr. Bennet,” he said, “might I make a suggestion?”

Every eye turned towards him.

“I do not think Miss Lydia ought to return to Hertfordshire permanently just yet.”

Mr. Bennet nodded slowly. “Nor do I.”

“But there is no reason why she should not visit.”

He continued before anyone could interrupt.

“If you are travelling home tomorrow, I should be honoured to place my carriage at your disposal. There would be but five of us. Miss Lydia might spend the day at Longbourn, see Mrs. Bennet and her sisters, while Miss Elizabeth could collect whatever belongings she wishes to bring back to London. We could then return together.”

Lydia’s whole face brightened. “I may see Mama?”