Page 16 of Honor Requires

“Lizzy, you will spoil that poor creature entirely,” Mrs. Gardiner remarked with a smile from her place at the small writing desk.

“I should not dare,” Elizabeth replied lightly. “He spoils himself quite sufficiently.”

Before her aunt could respond, the sound of carriage wheels drew Elizabeth’s attention sharply to the window.

“They are here.”

Mrs. Gardiner rose at once, smoothing her gown. “Then let us receive them.” A quick word to a footman saw the dog taken from the room.

Elizabeth set aside her work, schooling her expression into composure even as a small, unmistakable flutter stirred within her. You are very foolish, she told herself. It is only a call. Still, when the servant entered to announce Mr. and Miss Darcy, she felt that same quickening of anticipation she had experienced upon receiving the invitation to dinner.

Mr. Darcy entered first, his manner as collected and assured as ever, though Elizabeth fancied there was something of eagerness beneath it. Miss Darcy followed, her expression bright with pleasure at the renewal of their acquaintance.

Formal greetings were exchanged, and soon they were all seated, tea poured, and conversation begun with the easy civility that had marked their previous meetings.

Mr. Gardiner spoke first of the weather and the agreeable nature of Ramsgate’s situation.

“We have been most fortunate in our timing,” he said. “The air is mild, and the sea breeze neither too sharp nor too languid. I cannot imagine a more suitable place for a summer stay.”

“It is remarkably well-situated,” Mr. Darcy agreed. “The coast here affords both variety and comfort. One may enjoy the sea without being entirely at its mercy.”

“And without the crush of company one finds elsewhere,” Mrs. Gardiner added. “I own I prefer a place where one may walk without being observed at every turn.”

“There is a freedom in it,” Mr. Darcy said. “One may take the air for its own sake, rather than for display.”

Miss Darcy, who had been listening attentively, spoke then with fervent animation. “And the walks along the cliffs are so beautiful. I had not expected to enjoy them so much.”

“They are indeed very fine,” Mr. Gardiner replied. “Though I suspect they are best appreciated in such weather as we have now.”

“Yes, it has been beneficial to my health.” Miss Darcy blushed.

“My sister was unwell this past winter,” Mr. Darcy explained, his tone composed though not without feeling. “Our physician recommended a stay by the sea, and Ramsgate was thought particularly suitable.”

Elizabeth glanced toward Miss Darcy, noting the brightness in her expression.

“You seem much restored,” she said.

Miss Darcy smiled, a faint color rising to her cheeks. “I believe I am. The sea air has done me a great deal of good.”

“I am very glad the advice given has proved sound,” Mrs. Gardiner said kindly.

“As am I,” he replied. “The improvement has been most encouraging.”

Elizabeth felt her regard for him deepen. He speaks of her with such care.

“I can well believe it,” she said. “There is something in the air here that seems to restore both spirits and strength.”

Miss Darcy looked at her with evident gratitude. “Yes—exactly so.”

“And we are the fortunate beneficiaries of it,” Mr. Gardiner added with a smile. “For we find Miss Darcy very agreeable company indeed.”

Miss Darcy laughed, and Elizabeth found herself drawn, almost without conscious effort, into the conversation, her earlier restraint slipping away as the familiar ease returned.

Mr. Darcy, seated opposite, watched the exchange with evident satisfaction.

“It is a relief,” he said, “to see my sister so well.”

“And a pleasure to witness it,” Mrs. Gardiner replied warmly.