Page 134 of Near Pemberley

Elizabeth smiled. “I think I do.”

He looked at her.

“You do not ask Papa to abandon it.”

“No?”

“You ask him to leave it for a little while.”

Darcy’s expression slowly changed.

“A journey,” she continued. “A few weeks by the sea. A change of air. Rest from callers and gossip. His wife would adore him for it.”

“I think, Miss Bennet, you are a born strategist.”

“Maybe.” She laughed softly. “Mr. Gardiner could suggest it at dinner, just by the way. No, actually, my aunt would be much better. My father is defenceless against her charm.”

Elizabeth became increasingly animated. “Then Mr. Gardiner could second it by saying that his sister could use a time away from being shunned. Papa dislikes exertion far more than he dislikes travelling. If he believes the arrangement temporary, he will not trouble himself to oppose it.”

She looked almost mischievous. “Then I shall bring it up on the way home. Lydia will second me, and when he tries to bring up the difficulties in finding a place, you can bring up the Ramsgate house very innocently.”

Darcy said nothing for several moments. It was extraordinary to watch her mind at work. Within minutes, she had transformed what had seemed an impossible proposal into something that might actually succeed. She had improved every part of his plan except the existence of the plan itself.

“Very innocently.”

They both laughed.

Before either of them resumed walking, Elizabeth stepped forward almost absent-mindedly and laid her hand upon his arm, as though the gesture were the most natural thing in the world. Her attention was entirely fixed upon her father and the scheme they were constructing together.

Darcy looked down for the briefest instant. She had taken his arm. Whether she knew it or not, he could not tell. He rather suspected she did not. He had no intention of enlightening her. “And Georgiana would describe what a lovely house it is… with a library.”

“Mr. Darcy, you speak to my heart. He will not be able to say no to sweet Miss Darcy. A library, really?”

“Yes, there is a considerable library. I never had the opportunity to really sort through it, but yes, it came with the house.”

“That could be a major incentive for him.”

“And once he is there?”

“Then we make him comfortable.”

Darcy’s eyes brightened. “He shall have his books.”

“And a quiet study.”

“No officious neighbours.”

“No Mrs. Phillips bursting through the door every morning. And Mama will stop fretting.” Elizabeth laughed. “No bemoaning the lack of invitations.”

“No calls unless he wishes them.” Darcy added, “Good claret.”

“And excellent dinners.”

“The sea.”

“A garden.” He looked at her. “And peace.”

Neither spoke for a moment.