Page 13 of Near Pemberley

She felt the colour rise in her cheeks.

Mrs. Gardiner glanced between them. “We are, however, to leave Lambton this afternoon,” she said, “as our next stage is not far, and we had settled to proceed after luncheon.”

Darcy inclined his head. “Then I am fortunate that chance allowed us to meet before your departure.”

His manner was perfectly civil. For a moment, Elizabeth thought that would be the end of it.

Mr. Gardiner offered some suitable reply.

A brief silence followed, and Mr. Darcy appeared about to take his leave. Instead, he remained where he was.

His glance moved for an instant towards Elizabeth before returning to her uncle. “You mentioned yesterday,” he said, “that you had taken particular pleasure in fishing.”

Mr. Gardiner smiled. “I did indeed.”

“The stream is at its best at present.”

Another pause.

Then, with a steadiness that seemed the result of decision rather than impulse:

“If it would not greatly inconvenience your plans, I should be very happy if you would remain another day. Mr. Gardiner could enjoy some good fishing, and I should be pleased to show you more of Pemberley.”

Mrs. Gardiner looked pleased. Mr. Gardiner’s expression suggested that several things had suddenly become clearer.

Elizabeth looked at Darcy.

He met her eyes only briefly. “I would not press the invitation,” he continued, “if it proved inconvenient. But I hope you will consider it.”

There was another silence. Mrs. Gardiner looked towards Elizabeth.

Darcy followed her glance.

“I… should not object,” Elizabeth said at last, with a faint though sincere smile, “to seeing your home.”

The words, simple as they were, seemed to carry more consequence than she had intended.

Darcy bowed. “Miss Bennet, Mr. Bingley and his family are at present here. I am sure they would enjoy meeting you again.”

She nodded with a faint smile.

Mr. Gardiner woke from his surprise. “You are very obliging, sir. We had not meant to intrude upon your hospitality.”

“You could not do so,” Darcy replied at once. “The pleasure would be entirely mine.”

There was a degree of earnestness in his manner which, though perfectly courteous, admitted of no easy refusal.

Mr. Gardiner’s expression brightened further. “Capital! In that case,” said he, with ready good humour, “we must not be so obstinate as to resist such an invitation. We shall remain another day with great pleasure.”

“Excellent,” said Darcy.

“And perhaps now, Lizzy, you may finally inspect that library which has occupied your curiosity these two days.”

Elizabeth started. “Uncle!”

“My dear, did you not tell us yourself that it was said to be remarkable?”

Mrs. Gardiner laughed. “I believe she did.”