“We should be delighted, Mr Bingley,” Mrs Gardiner answered graciously. “And of course, it would be a great honour if you were to come too, Mr Darcy.”

It was Darcy’s turn to be wordless. He had not considered calling on the Gardiners, and now he tried to find a reason to refuse.

“I am sure Mr Darcy is a very busy man, and he certainly has no business in that part of town,” Elizabeth interjected.

He looked at her, and their eyes met briefly.

“I thank you, Mrs Gardiner. I am indeed very busy. I shall discuss it with Bingley and see whether I can join him. Regardless, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance and to see Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth again. Now please excuse us. It is time for me and Bingley to leave and allow you ladies the pleasure of each other’s company.”

None of the ladies tried to persuade them otherwise, so minutes later they were back out in the cold.

“Darcy, I shall be forever grateful for what you have done,” Bingley said with regained liveliness. “Miss Bennet looked so beautiful, though a little pale. And silent. Do you think she was displeased to see me? Her aunt did not seem to oppose me calling on them. How wonderful that we entered to speak to them! Now I can call tomorrow, and I know they will be expecting me!”

“Bingley, there were signs that you will have a pleasant call tomorrow. You just have to calm down a little. And to be lessgenerous with your praise and gratitude, as I deserve none. Now let us go to the club — we both could use a drink.”