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One morning she finally dared to ask the question that tormented her: was it love? But if it was, had it come too late? It was unreasonable to expect Mr Darcy to renew his proposal or retain any tender feelings that might prompt him to do so. He had been amiable to her and her family, warm and generous, but perhaps it had been out of consideration for Mrs Gardiner, who had known his parents. To suppose that he had acted for Elizabeth’s sake would be too daring. She could not allow herself such unreasonable hopes…yet she could not stop thinking about him.

∞∞∞

Finally, on their arrival in Lambton, she was so full of expectation that she could think of nothing but Mr Darcy and Pemberley. She scarcely attended to the memories her aunt shared, and the pleasant little town made no impression on her.

Although Mr Darcy had invited them to be his guests, Mr Gardiner preferred to lodge at an inn and visit Pemberley to discover whether he had meant to invite them to stay.

After settling into their lodgings and having their baggage brought in, they had time to consider which visits they wished to make and whom they wanted to meet. Over a light meal, Mr Gardiner suggested they rest and send a note to Pemberley announcing their arrival, leaving Mr Darcy free to act as he wished. Perhaps he had forgotten his invitation, or had other guests or obligations that required his attention.

“Do you know whether the family at Pemberley is at home?” Mrs Gardiner asked the innkeeper, who had brought their meal.

“Yes, ma’am. My brother works in the stables, and he told me they arrived with some friends.”

“Much obliged,” Mrs Gardiner replied with a smile, while Elizabeth felt a sudden apprehension. Friends? Who could they be? From what Mr Darcy had said in London, she had expected only him and his sister to be there.

“Well, sending a note is the proper thing to do,” Mr Gardiner concluded. “However, we must rest first. Pleasant as the journey has been, I require solid ground beneath my feet.”

Once they had finished their meal, they separated. Elizabeth’s chamber was modest, tidy and comfortable, but she had no wish to rest. After refreshing herself and changing her gown, she opened the window, enjoying the late-afternoon warmth and watching the activity in the streets below. She considered taking a walk alone but resisted the temptation, preferring to wait for her aunt, who had several times spoken of showing her the town.

Elizabeth lay briefly on the bed, trying to quiet her thoughts, but without success. She rose and wrote to Jane to tell her of their safe arrival in Derbyshire. Then, for no apparent reason, she changed her gown again and brushed her hair, but time passed slowly. They had been in Lambton since noon, and dinner was almost upon them. She grew increasingly restless, though she did not understand why.

She remained at the window, looking as far along the street as she could. A few minutes later, she became quite still; leaning towards the casement, she saw Mr and Miss Darcy riding along the high street. He looked up and saw her as he stopped his horse, and his sister waved to Elizabeth.

For several moments, Elizabeth stared at them in disbelief. Had they come to see her? But how did he know? Mr Gardiner had not yet sent the note. Had someone else informed him?

She hurried away from the window, caught sight of her face in the glass and went to knock at her uncle’s door.

Mrs Gardiner opened it, apparently having just awakened.

“Mr Darcy is here! And Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said hurriedly.

“He is here? But we have not yet informed him,” Mrs Gardiner replied, immediately seeing an opportunity for Elizabeth to spend a few moments alone with them, so she encouraged her to go down and receive them.

“I shall go down and speak to them until you are ready.”

“Yes, bring them up in a few moments. We have this small drawing room where we can talk.”

Her aunt seemed as surprised and puzzled as she was. Elizabeth tried to compose herself and went to greet the two visitors. They were in the dining room with the innkeeper, who kept shifting uneasily from one foot to the other in the presence of his distinguished guests.

“Mr Darcy! Miss Darcy!” Elizabeth curtseyed, her face brightening with a beautiful smile that he noticed with pleasure.

Darcy bowed, holding her gaze. “Miss Bennet…welcome to Derbyshire.”

“Thank you,” she replied with such delight that both brother and sister returned her smile.

“We are delighted to see you,” Miss Darcy declared warmly. “Are Mr and Mrs Gardiner well?”

“Yes, exceedingly well,” Elizabeth replied. “I am pleased to see you too, Miss Darcy. You look so happy. You must enjoy being at Pemberley.”

“Indeed I do! And I hope you will too. Has Mrs Gardiner met any acquaintances?”

Elizabeth smiled, partly amused and partly nervous. “Not yet. We have only had a light meal, and my uncle and aunt have been resting.”

“Of course, you have only recently arrived. Forgive us. We do not wish to disturb you. You must also be tired from the journey,” Darcy replied. “We…I was informed of your arrival, and we thought we should come and welcome you.”

“I am glad you did. I am not at all tired,” Elizabeth replied honestly, then blushed at her own frankness.

He had been informed of their arrival, but by whom? Had he asked to be told? Elizabeth could not stop wondering, finding pleasure in the possibility.