Page 80 of The Matchmaker’s Mistake

“For coming to my rescue at your mother’s unexpectedly large party.”

He shook his head.

“Captain Lyle was becoming very tiresome,” she continued, “and I could not easily remove myself without either turning my back to him, which I believe would have been unwise, or making a great deal of noise, which would have ensured everyone present would have known what was happening.” She had done nothing wrong, and so screaming ought not to have brought down any shame on her. But it would have, just the same.

Mr. Darcy frowned. “He should not have troubled you.”

“No. But he did. And you were . . .” She smiled playfully at him. “Useful.” He had been impressive, but she would not say so and embarrass him.

He returned the smile. “I am glad of it.”

They walked on a few paces. Aunt Gardiner remained on the bench behind them, her shawl drawn close, her face turned towards the view.

“There is something else,” Elizabeth said. “I ought also to thank you for your mother’s kindness. My sister’s withdrawal from Mr. Bingley might have made matters awkward, but Lady Anne has been so generous. First to invite us at all, then to continue to include us.”

“My mother likes your sister.”

“That is generous too, under the circumstances.”

“It is true.” He hesitated. “And my mother is not inclined to punish a young woman for being honest.”

Elizabeth looked at him quickly, but his eyes were on the path ahead.

“Is Mr. Bingley still in town?” she asked.

“No, he has gone into Yorkshire to visit family.”

“I see. And his sisters?”

“Miss Bingley remains in town with Mr. and Mrs. Hurst.”

“Ah.” Too bad they had not gone with their brother.

“I do not know how long Bingley intends to be away,” he said. “He spoke of returning in April so that he might finish the season when more of his friends are in town.”

Elizabeth nodded. Jane had seen Mr. Bingley clearly, for he could not stay away from town long, even to nurse a bruised heart. “And Netherfield?”

“He has not given it up.”

That answer caught her more than she wished. “No?”

“No. He has written to his steward there. There are matters still to be settled.” There was something in his voice that made her slow a bit. Mr. Darcy slowed with her.

“I have been wishing to speak to you of Hertfordshire, in fact, and I should take this opportunity to do so,” he said.

She turned to him. “Of Hertfordshire?”

“Yes.” He drew a breath. “Of Netherfield and my conduct there.”

Elizabeth said nothing.

“I owe you an apology, Miss Elizabeth. More than one, perhaps, but I shall begin with the clearest. I was distressed about matters that had little to do with you and believed that because I was unhappy that I was excused from courtesy.”

Her colour rose, but she kept her voice even. “You did not like us.”

“That is not it. I did not even know you then.”

She looked away, watching a curricle pass at some distance. Behind them, Aunt Gardiner still sat beneath the trees. She was far enough away now that she could not hear them. She glanced at them, however, and then, satisfied, turned back.