Page 78 of The Engagement at Longbourn

“They have not.”

Elizabeth watched them from across the table.

Mr. Gardiner asked Darcy about trout in the Pemberley streams.

Darcy answered with such seriousness that Elizabeth leaned toward Jane. “They will be planning a fishing expedition before pudding.”

Jane smiled. “Uncle has already asked Bingley.”

“Then I am abandoned by every gentleman I know.” Richard, on her other side, said, “I do not fish.”

Elizabeth brightened. “At last, a useful man.”

Darcy heard. He gave Richard a look.

Richard grinned.

Later that evening Mr. Gardiner joined Darcy in the library at Netherfield. “I hope you will forgive a relation for speaking plainly.”

Darcy closed the book in his hand. “I would prefer it.”

“Elizabeth loves you.”

Darcy’s expression changed.

Mr. Gardiner smiled. “That was not the warning.”

Darcy waited.

“She also values independence of mind more than comfort.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

Darcy almost laughed. The Bennet family had a remarkable fondness for asking him that question. “I am learning.”

Mr. Gardiner sat opposite him. “You are wealthier than anyone in our family. You are better connected. Your habits will set the tone of your household. It would be easy, without intending it, to make Elizabeth a guest in your life rather than a partner.”

Darcy listened.

“My niece will adapt,” Mr. Gardiner continued. “She is capable. That does not mean she should always be the one adapting.”

“No.”

“You do not resent me saying this?”

Darcy thought of his first months in Hertfordshire. Once, he might have. “No.”

Mr. Gardiner nodded.

Darcy said, “I have asked her to choose which rooms she wishes altered at Pemberley. She refused.”

Mr. Gardiner smiled. “Naturally.”

“I thought it generous.”

“It sounds like homework.”