Page 126 of Near Pemberley

“That is not especially comforting.”

“No.” He smiled. “But it is true.”

Elizabeth attempted a smile in return and failed.

Her gaze drifted back to the door. “I thought everything would somehow return to normal once Lydia was found. But it is foolish to think so.” She straightened. “I beg your pardon. That was not a very cheerful thing to say.”

“It was an honest one,” said Darcy.

She looked at him. He seemed about to say more.

Instead, he asked, “What would you wish to happen?”

The question surprised her. “I do not know.” She considered it. “I should like Lydia to be happy. I should like us not to suffer for this. I should like my mother to stop crying. I should like my father to stop blaming himself. Well, perhaps he can take his time with that…” A faint smile appeared. “And I should like society to discover a new scandal.”

Mr. Gardiner laughed. “Now that ambition may be beyond even Mr. Darcy’s considerable abilities.”

“I would not be so certain.”

Darcy looked at her.

She seemed suddenly aware that both gentlemen were listening. She shifted in her seat. “What Mr. Darcy has already accomplished would have seemed impossible to me a month ago.”

“Miss Bennet…”

“No.” She shook her head. “I mean it.” She searched for the proper words. Then, perhaps finding none entirely satisfactory, she smiled instead. “I am very glad you did not allow my past opinion of you to determine your conduct.”

That startled an unexpected laugh from Mr. Gardiner.

“That is not in my nature,” he said, “I am glad to be of service. To you and your family.”

The warmth in his voice made remaining in the room suddenly feel difficult.

Elizabeth rose. “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I ought to change before our expedition.” And before anyone could stop her, she escaped.

After Elizabeth departed, silence lingered for a moment.

Then Mr. Gardiner smiled. “My niece appears considerably happier than she was a few weeks ago.”

Darcy wisely chose not to comment.

The older man spared him further discomfort.

Darcy hesitated only briefly. “Mr. Gardiner, I should like your opinion on a matter concerning the Bennet family.”

Mr. Gardiner became attentive at once. “What sort of matter?”

“The future.”

The smile faded. “I see.”

Darcy considered how best to explain. Then he decided there was little point in disguise. “Miss Bennet is correct. Miss Lydia cannot simply return home and resume her former life.”

“No.”

“And neither can the family.”

Mr. Gardiner sighed. “No.”