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For a few moments, neither spoke, and they both glanced about them. Each wondered what the other felt, but neither knew how to ask. He wished to invite her to walk with him, away from interruption, and she hoped he would remain with her.

“Would you care for a walk in the park?” he asked at last.

“That was my intention.”

“Would you prefer to be alone?” he continued, hoping she would say otherwise.

“Some companionship would be most welcome.”

They began their walk, both trying not to look at one another too often.

“Pemberley is even more beautiful than I had imagined,” Elizabeth remarked, remembering how easily she had once spoken to him before his love, or her own, had troubled her.

“I am pleased to hear it. There is much more to see. Georgiana will show you as much as she can today. Have you…have you made arrangements to return to the inn?”

She blushed. “I have not yet discussed it with my aunt and uncle.”

After another brief silence, Darcy continued, “Mr Gardiner told me that Mr Bennet is also fond of fishing.”

“Indeed, he is,” Elizabeth replied with a laugh, “but he prefers to fish near Longbourn. He would certainly be eager to travel to Derbyshire, however, if it meant spending a few days in your library.”

“We might write to him and invite him here for both the fishing and the library,” Darcy suggested, half in jest.

Surprised, Elizabeth wondered why he would invite her father, unless… but she would not pursue the thought until she better understood his intentions. Instead, she watched her steps on the stony path and replied, “My father rarely ventures beyond London, but he would be honoured by your kind offer.”

“Mr and Mrs Gardiner are delightful company. And I know Georgiana takes great pleasure in spending time with you and your aunt.”

“You are very kind to say so. We are all grateful to be here.”

“Miss Bennet…” He stopped, and she did the same. Turning towards her, he met her eyes, his voice growing quieter.

“Yes, Mr Darcy?”

“I hope you enjoy your stay here at least half as much as I enjoy your presence. I cannot remember a more welcome guest at Pemberley…”

She drew a deep breath, her eyes still on his.

“No other place gives me as much pleasure, nor any other company.”

His expression changed, and she could see how much her answer pleased him. He wished to say more, but for a moment neither could find the words, and they resumed their walk in silence. For the present, it was enough.

“Rosings is lovely too, and Matlock Mansion, my uncle’s estate ten miles from here,” Darcy observed as they walked side by side.

“Neither compares to Pemberley, sir. Nature and the care bestowed upon it have made it a beautiful place.”

“I am glad to hear it, Miss Elizabeth,” he replied with a smile.

They continued their walk, and he pointed out different kinds of flowers and his favourite places in the gardens, sharing stories that she listened to with interest. The hour they spent together, outside but still in view of the house, was the happiest Elizabeth could remember. By the time they returned, they were so much at ease that their hands occasionally brushed as they walked.

They joined the others for a cheerful breakfast, during which the Gardiners gladly accepted Darcy’s invitation to remain at Pemberley for several more days. A servant was sent to fetch the rest of their luggage from the inn, while the gentlemen returned to their fishing and the ladies set out for their drive through the estate.

∞∞∞

After several hours, Elizabeth, Miss Darcy and Mrs Gardiner returned hungry, tired and entirely happy. Mrs Reynolds had arranged refreshments in the drawing room, where they stopped before going upstairs to rest. Despite their weariness, they kept talking and laughing about the pleasant day they had spent together.

The gentlemen soon joined them, and while Mr Gardiner, warmed by the sun and pleased with his catch, began to feel the effects of the exercise and a couple of drinks, Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged glances, smiles and small gestures that showed how much more at ease they were with one another.

The Gardiners retired to their rooms, and Georgiana prepared to practise the pianoforte. She invited Elizabeth to join her, and Elizabeth gladly accepted. Georgiana liked her company and secretly hoped her brother would come to hear them play. Before long, he appeared, and she remarked, “Here is my brother. I hope you will not think him an intruder.”