Page 34 of Near Pemberley

Within minutes, he was mounted.

The carriage was directed to follow at a proper distance behind him, but Darcy himself, unable to endure the slower progress of the carriage, set out ahead on horseback towards Lambton.

Chapter X

The same morning at the inn brought with it every appearance of tranquillity.

Elizabeth descended earlier than usual and found her aunt and uncle already assembled in the sitting-room, where breakfast had been laid near the open window overlooking the street. The air was mild; sunlight rested pleasantly upon the opposite houses; and the sounds rising from below – the distant roll of wheels, the voices of tradesmen beginning their day – possessed that ordinary character which seems, in happier moments, a promise of continued peace.

Her spirits, though thoughtful, were lighter than they had been for many days.

She had taken more care with her appearance than she was willing entirely to acknowledge, even to herself. After hesitating longer than was necessary before her wardrobe, she had at last chosen her best day dress – one which her aunt had once declared particularly becoming – and afterwards reproached herself more than once for the choice.

It is true, she told herself repeatedly, that she was merely going to Pemberley.

Yet the argument brought little satisfaction, because it explained nothing.

Mrs. Gardiner looked up as Elizabeth entered and smiled. “Well, Lizzy,” said she, “you are prepared for your visit considerably earlier than yesterday’s walk.”

Elizabeth coloured slightly. “I did not wish to keep anyone waiting.”

“No,” returned her aunt mildly, “I dare say not.”

Mr. Gardiner, who was engaged in buttering toast with great seriousness, looked between them with amusement. “Your aunt means only that you appear very ready for Derbyshire society this morning.”

“I hope,” said Elizabeth, attempting lightness, “that Pemberley will survive the honour of my presence.”

“It survived ours,” said Mrs. Gardiner, “and therefore may reasonably survive anything.”

Elizabeth smiled and seated herself near the table, though her attention continually wandered towards the window. Every passing carriage seemed capable, for one absurd instant, of belonging to Pemberley.

She wondered whether Darcy expected them early. Whether he, too, listened for wheels upon the gravel. Whether he had thought of yesterday as frequently as she had.

These thoughts ought to have embarrassed her. Instead, she found herself dwelling upon them with alarming readiness.

She had only just lifted her coffee cup when a servant entered carrying two letters upon a tray.

“For Miss Bennet, ma’am.”

Elizabeth took them without particular attention at first, but the instant her eyes fell upon the direction.

Jane’s hand.

Both letters were from Longbourn.

A sudden uneasiness seized her.

“From Jane?” asked Mrs. Gardiner.

“Yes.” Elizabeth attempted to smile. “Though I do not know why she should write twice.”

The first letter bore an earlier date. The seal upon the second appeared hastily broken and imperfectly closed again, as though written in agitation.

A cold uneasiness passed through her.

She opened the first.

Her eyes travelled over the page almost mechanically. Then her expression altered.