Page 9 of Painted with Love

“What a terrible story! To be surrounded by people you cannot trust and betrayed by those you confided in. If they are at fault, they certainly deserve harsh punishment!” Mrs Gardiner said.

“I blame myself for being too forgiving for too long. I shall certainly not persist in this mistake. Our good fortune was Miss Elizabeth’s perceptiveness.”

“We are grateful for this positive outcome,” Mr Gardiner concluded. “Even more so as it offered us the opportunity to finally make your acquaintance, Mr Darcy, since we have heard so much about you.”

“Not too many good things, I assume, and for sound reasons,” he replied, attempting a smile that puzzled Elizabeth.

“No, not many good things,” Mr Gardiner admitted, half in jest. “But we have just begun to form our own opinion, which is quite favourable, Mr Darcy.”

“I am pleased to hear that, sir,” Mr Darcy said, casting a quick look at Elizabeth.

The rest of the visit passed in pleasant conversation, and in a little over half an hour, Mr Darcy took his leave.

“If I am not asking too much, could I call again in a few days?” their guest enquired.

“It would be a great pleasure and honour, Mr Darcy,” Mr Gardiner said.

“Excellent. I might bring a friend next time if you do not mind,” the gentleman added, glancing at Elizabeth again.

“Not at all, Mr Darcy. Any friend of yours is welcome in our home,” Mrs Gardiner assured him.

He thanked them again, bowed, and left, while the family debated his visit until dinner time.