“I did.”
“She also said you were an avid gardener. Is this true?”
Darcy shot a quick look at Miss Elizabeth, but she was concentrating on her plate of treats, deciding which to eat first. At least, she gave the appearance of checking out her food. The slight lift to one corner of her mouth told a different story. She was very pleased her father was trying to goad him into… into what, he did not know.
“As a gentleman farmer, I am always looking for new hardy species to improve the beauty of my estate in Derbyshire.”
“Not interested in the local flora and fauna to be found in the adjoining Peak District?”
“I have always thought I would keep to what is tested and true for our harsher climate.” Darcy heard a sniff of disdain from his dining partner. “However, at this juncture of my life, I am not averse to transplanting a simple garden variety flower into my home soil. I have not yet decided. Time alone will tell me if it is a worthwhile endeavor.”
Bennet smiled widely at him.
“I wish you much success in honing your husbandry skills.”
Elizabeth clasped her hands together on her lap and glared at them both.
“This conversation is over,” she declared in a firm voice. “Please find something else to discuss or I will be forced to send a footman to Longbourn and invite Lydia to join us.”
“Dear God in Heaven.” Bennet visibly shuddered. “You would not be so cruel.”
“Test me not, Father,” Elizabeth warned.
“Lydia?” Darcy queried.
“My youngest daughter. She and her next eldest sister Kitty are two of the silliest girls in all of England. If you wish to hear nothing except dissertations on lace, ribbons, and bonnets, they are the girls for you, sir. Otherwise, avoid them at all costs.”
“Thank you for the warning, Mr. Bennet.” Darcy slid a sly glance at Elizabeth who had a sweet but grumpy expression on her face. “Would any of their bonnets have lavender sprigs on them? I find I am becoming quite fond of this scent, even though itisa common garden variety of plant.”
Elizabeth started to rise from her seat, making Darcy wish he had not teased her further, but she sat down when Jane joined them, having returned from the lady’s withdrawing room.
“Have you been introduced to your cousin?” Bennet asked his eldest stepdaughter.
“Lizzy made the introductions before we joined you for supper.” Jane settled herself more comfortably on the chair. “What think you of our little assembly so far, Mr. Darcy?”
“More delightful than I expected,” he replied truthfully. “This reminds me of the small town which is only five miles from my estate. They often have local assemblies, and I attend them when I can.”
“It is always good to show your support in non-tangible ways.”
“Yes, Lambton is a thriving community.”
“Lambton!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “Our aunt is from Lambton. Mayhap you know her.”
“What is her name?”
“You would have known her as Miss Madeline Davies. Her father was the rector.”
“I do know Miss Davies and her father. I did not know she had married.”
“She and Uncle Edward have been married about ten years now.”
“When next you write or see her, please extend my congratulations. My father would have been so pleased to know his little Maddie is happily married.”
“Little Maddie?”
“Yes.” Darcy laughed softly. “When my father was alive, he always made sure he had a treat in his pocket for the rector’s daughter. She was a precocious child who grew into a lovely lady. Your uncle is a lucky man.”
“Well, Mr. Darcy. It seems like sturdy flowers can be also transplanted to hotter climates and thrive,” Bennet chortled, almost laughing out loud when his Lizzy softly exclaimed, ‘Papa!’
