Page 14 of Near Pemberley

Elizabeth felt the colour rise rapidly in her cheeks. “It was merely an observation. I did not suppose my curiosity would be remembered so faithfully.”

“Indeed?” said Mr. Gardiner with perfect innocence. “I had supposed it a matter of considerable importance.”

For the briefest moment, Elizabeth dared glance towards Darcy.

Something in his expression had softened. “I hope,” he said, “that the library will not disappoint you.”

At that moment, the door of the shop from which Darcy had first emerged opened again, and a young lady stepped out.

She was dressed with simplicity, though in a style which spoke of elegance rather than display; her countenance, though pleasing, was marked more by sweetness than by beauty, and there was in her manner a degree of timidity which rendered her appearance particularly engaging.

Darcy turned. “Georgiana.”

She approached with evident hesitation, though her brother’s presence seemed to reassure her.

“Georgiana,” he said, “allow me to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner… and to Miss Bennet.”

At the sound of Elizabeth’s name, Georgiana started slightly.

Her eyes, which had been modestly lowered, were raised at once; and in the look she directed towards Elizabeth there was something of curiosity, something of admiration – and something, too, which Elizabeth could not at once interpret.

“I am very happy to make your acquaintance,” Georgiana said, with a gentle inclination.

Elizabeth returned the civility, though she could not but feel herself observed with a degree of attention unusual on a first meeting.

“I have heard…” Georgiana began, and then stopped, colouring faintly.

Darcy looked at her, not with reproof, but with a slight, almost imperceptible stillness.

She resumed, with some effort:

“My brother wrote of you – when he stayed at… Netherfield.”

Elizabeth felt her composure shaken more by these simple words than by anything which had yet passed. “Indeed?”

“Yes.” Georgiana’s manner, though still timid, had gained a little steadiness.

Darcy’s countenance betrayed nothing.

“I hope,” she said, with a smile that was meant to be easy, “nothing too severe. I should be sorry to find myself remembered only for my faults.”

Georgiana coloured slightly. “Oh no, not at all. He wrote with great regard.”

Elizabeth’s smile altered, though she endeavoured to preserve its lightness. She glanced, almost involuntarily, towards Mr. Darcy.

“Then I must be grateful that his pen proved kinder than his judgement,” she said, with a faint attempt at playfulness. “I cannot suppose I deserved so favourable a representation.”

For the briefest moment, their eyes met.

His expression did not change; yet she felt – rather than saw – that her words had not been indifferent to him.

“I hope,” Georgiana continued, with gentle earnestness, “that you will allow me the pleasure of seeing you again – if you remain in the neighbourhood.”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “We have just been persuaded to do so. We shall spend tomorrow at Pemberley.”

“Indeed!” Georgiana’s pleasure was now more evident. “Then we shall meet again very soon.”

Darcy inclined his head. “I shall have the honour of expecting you at Pemberley tomorrow morning.”