Page 128 of Near Pemberley

Neither spoke for some time.

Then Mr. Gardiner gave a slow nod. “It is an excellent idea.”

Darcy felt an unexpected sense of relief. Until that moment, he had not realised how much he had feared being told it was absurd. “You think so?”

“I do.” The answer came without hesitation.

“It changes nothing that has happened. But it changes what comes next.” He paused. “And more importantly, it would give the girls a chance to begin again.”

Darcy found himself thinking of Elizabeth.

Mr. Gardiner noticed. “The difficulty,” he continued, “will still be Bennet.”

Darcy almost laughed.

“He dislikes change. He dislikes being advised. He dislikes leaving Longbourn.”

The two men exchanged a look.

For the first time, the idea seemed less like a dream and more like a possibility.

“Still,” said Mr. Gardiner, “if anyone can persuade him, it will be Elizabeth.” A smile touched his face. “And if my sister approves – which, under the circumstances, I think very likely – your chances improve considerably.”

Darcy looked back at him with a question in his eyes.

“My sister knows how to wield her power if Bennet proves unwilling. I shall raise the issue with him before he leaves.”

Darcy’s gaze shifted towards the door through which Elizabeth had departed.

“And I shall talk to Miss Bennet.”

***

The parlour door opened at last. Lydia emerged first. Though her eyes remained slightly red, she looked considerably more herself than she had an hour earlier. She went to stand next to Darcy; he stood, and they exchanged a few quiet words.

Mr. Bennet followed more slowly. He appeared tired. Yet some of the strain that had marked his features since arriving in London had lessened.

Then Lydia crossed towards Elizabeth. “Papa has forgiven me.”

Mr. Bennet snorted. “That is not precisely what I said.”

“It was the general impression.”

“The general impression was that you are fortunate to possess a family determined to forgive you whether you deserve it or not.”

Lydia smiled and kissed his cheek. Mr. Bennet accepted the indignity with resignation.

At that moment, Georgiana, Mrs. Gardiner, and the children entered. The room became considerably noisier.

Within minutes, everyone was preparing to depart for Kew Gardens. Mrs. Gardiner was consulting the children. The children were consulting one another. The result appeared unlikely to improve efficiency.

Mr. Bennet watched the proceedings. “I had forgotten how exhausting enthusiasm can be.”

“You are not obliged to accompany us,” said Elizabeth.

“Thank you, my dear, for allowing me to decide for myself.” He smiled. “I believe I shall remain here and inspect your uncle’s latest acquisitions. Unless, of course, you,” he turned to his brother-in-law, “would prefer to stay and play a game of chess. At Longbourn, I am sadly deprived of a worthy opponent.”

“I should be delighted,” said Mr. Gardiner, “but I cannot in good conscience leave my wife and children entirely to Mr. Darcy’s care. I fear you must content yourself with my library instead.”