“Mr. Darcy and I became better acquainted during our stay in Kent, as I already told you, Uncle. It was an opportunity for me to better understand him and to realise my error in judgment. If we were not friends, the fault was entirely mine.”
Ending her speech, she finally dared to hold Mr. Darcy’s gaze for a longer moment.
“I must disagree with Miss Bennet once more,” Mr. Darcy said. “My behaviour during our previous meetings was nothing but arrogant and disdainful, so Miss Bennet’s judgment was correct, based on that behaviour. I hope we shall not argue for the biggest share of blame in the past and shall try to improve the present.”
He spoke to Mr. Gardiner, only stealing several glances at her, but his meaning was transparent to Elizabeth. Her uncle’s presence made their agreement more difficult but no less clear.
“I would like that very much, Mr. Darcy,” she answered with all honesty.
The first course was served, and the conversation paused while they enjoyed it.
“Have you been at Pemberley long, Mr. Darcy?” Mr. Gardiner asked.
He hesitated a moment.
“For a few months. I came here almost immediately after I returned from Kent,” he said, his voice heavy as though it was a difficult confession. She understood what he had not said explicitly, and breathing became difficult again.
“And will you stay at Pemberley for the rest of the summer?”
“Yes, that is what I planned. But I shall not be alone for much longer. My sister will come home soon — she is visiting my uncle and aunt at the moment. Lord and Lady Matlock.”
“The Matlock residence is not far from Pemberley?”
“A couple of hours by carriage. The colonel would have been delighted to see you again, Miss Bennet.”
“And I would have been pleased to see him, sir,” Elizabeth answered.
“In less than a fortnight, I shall have some other visitors who I believe would also be happy to see you. Mr. Bingley and his sisters.”
“Oh… How lovely! I am sorry I shall not have the opportunity to see Mr. Bingley. And his sisters, of course.”
“Mr. Gardiner, do you plan to stay long in Derbyshire?”
“Unfortunately, I must be back in London in ten days. My business requires my presence.”
“I see…”
“Does Mr. Bingley plan to keep the lease on Netherfield?” Elizabeth asked.
“I am not certain. I have not spoken to him since before Easter. I have only received one letter — confirming his acceptance of my invitation to visit Pemberley.”
“Oh…I hope he will make his decision soon…in regard to Netherfield, I mean. It would be better for the entire neighbourhood if Netherfield Park is not abandoned,” she concluded.
“Miss Bennet, do you think… Would the neighbours rather Bingley returned to Netherfield or not?”
The question caught Elizabeth unprepared; even Mr. Gardiner — understanding its meaning — looked surprised.
“Mr. Bingley is well liked by everyone in Meryton,” Elizabeth responded cautiously. “His departure was quite an unpleasant surprise, and he was missed for a long time. I am sure he would be welcomed if he returned with the intention of staying longer. If not, perhaps it would be fair for him to give up Netherfield for good.”
“Yes, that sounds fair,” Mr. Darcy uttered.
The subject was abandoned for a while, then Mr. Darcy enquired, “Mr. Gardiner told me your family is in good health. Your sisters are all at Longbourn now?”
“All but one. My youngest sister Lydia is in Brighton.”
“Alone?”
“She was invited by Colonel Forster’s wife and is staying in his home. The regiment is camped in Brighton for the summer,” she explained with some restraint. Mr. Darcy’s expression immediately changed.
