Page 58 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Mr. Gardiner regarded her with concern. “Are you quite certain you are well, Elizabeth? Perhaps you have walked farther than you ought.”

“No, sir. I am perfectly well, only a little distracted.” She dropped into a graceful curtsy. “Mr. Darcy, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir.”

As she raised her eyes to his, she found the gentleman looking directly at her. The corners of his eyes had crinkled, and one corner of his mouth curved ever so slightly.

“This is my niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

“A pleasure, Miss Bennet.”

He bowed.

His expression warmed. And then she noticed that his color had heightened all the way to his fine cheekbones. Was he as affected by her as she was by him? This could not be Caroline's, Mr. Darcy. According to her friend, that gentleman was exceedingly reserved, his face a mask that never betrayed any hint of his thoughts or feelings. Whereas this Mr. Darcy was blushing, and the faintest suggestion of a smile still lingered upon his lips.

Looking to Mr. Gardiner, Darcy said, “Sir, my sister travels with me. May I introduce her?”

“We should be delighted.”

The fine gentleman returned to his carriage and handed down a fair-haired girl of about fifteen. She kept her eyes lowered and did not raise them until she stood before the company. Mr. Darcy made the introductions before continuing their earlier conversation.

“Sir, in regard to the broken wheel. Cromford lies just ahead, and the wheelwright there is a skilled man. If you wish, I shall take your wife and niece, along with the damaged wheel, into the village, where they may rest comfortably at the inn. The wheelwright keeps a cart and will either repair your wheel or provide a replacement. What say you, Mr. Gardiner?”

“I should be very much obliged to you for your assistance, sir.”

As the two gentlemen fell back into conversation with the coachman listening nearby, Elizabeth turned to the young lady and sought to engage her.

“Miss Darcy, I found several varieties of mushrooms in that little wood, including one especially lovely specimen with a scarlet cap covered in white spots.”

Miss Darcy glanced toward the trees. “That would be fly agaric. It is very common in these woods. We often fish in this very brook.”

Overhearing his sister, Darcy turned to Mr. Gardiner and said, “There is an excellent fishing hole just beyond that bend. Had we our rods, you and I might enjoy a little fishing while the carriage is repaired.”

Mr. Gardiner chuckled. “As a matter of fact, sir, I have my rod and Elizabeth's with us. We are traveling to my brother-in-law's estate, only two miles from Lambton, and fishing is among our favorite diversions.”

Mr. Darcy's interest quickened.

“Do you speak of the Radcliffs or the Stanhopes?”

“My wife is Mrs. Radcliff's sister.”

“Indeed? We know the Radcliffs well. They often dine at Haddon Hall, my uncle's seat.”

Mr. Gardiner looked pleased. “Then the world is close-knit after all, is it not, sir?”

Mr. Darcy agreed.

Edward Gardiner added, “There is no need for you to concern yourself with this matter. If your groom would ride into Cromford with my man, you may stay with us and enjoy that spot of fishing you mentioned.”

Elizabeth watched as the handsome gentleman looked to his sister.

“Georgiana, what say you, my dear? Would you rather remain here and walk with Miss Bennet to see the mushrooms, or would you prefer to rest at the inn?”

When the young girl spoke, her voice was scarcely above a whisper. “Fitzwilliam, I could enjoy a walk. I have been confined to the carriage all morning.” She turned to Elizabeth. “But only if Miss Bennet is agreeable.”

Elizabeth regarded the young girl warmly. “I should like it very much. I had only just begun a walk when your carriage arrived. We may continue it now.”

The two young women left the others to arrange for the repairs and walked along the brook together.

As they walked, Elizabeth sought to break the silence by asking, “What is the name of that mushroom, Miss Darcy?”