Page 8

Darcy opened the library door wide, hoping for Elizabeth’s admiration, which came with a sincere sigh that pleased him more than any words.

It was a grand, elegant room with a high ceiling, large windows and ornate decorations. The walls were lined with rich, dark wooden bookshelves, decorated with intricate carvings and mouldings. They contained leather-bound volumes, rare manuscripts and first editions of novels.

A delicate mahogany table covered with books, papers, and writing instruments dominated the room, surrounded by comfortable chairs, suggesting the room was used for study and quiet contemplation.

Oil paintings, delicate sculptures and a fireplace with a marble mantel adorned the room, reflecting the taste of its wealthy and cultivated owners. The general effect was one of luxury and refinement.

Elizabeth fancied herself reclining in a comfortable chair with a volume of great literature in hand, surrounded by the wisdom and beauty of centuries past.

She strolled about, surveying the room with interest, moving from wall to wall, admiring, pondering and lightly brushing her fingers over the spines of the books. She looked at Darcy, who followed her every move; he knew how much she enjoyed that place and, for the first time, a moment of pure understanding passed between them. No words, no smiles, just a glance.

The visit lasted more than two hours, and they parted with regret. Darcy promised to return the call with his sister and cousin before leaving the city.

“Miss Bennet, I neglected to mention that I wrote to Bingley about your presence in Town. He would be delighted to meet you. Should he return in time, would you be willing to receive him as well?”

Surprised by the suggestion, Elizabeth looked intently at him again. Mr Bingley’s presence might mean so much, not only for Jane but also for herself. But she refrained from drawing conclusions and said instead, “Thank you, sir. Mr Bingley’s company would be appreciated…indeed.”

He bowed gracefully, and he helped both ladies into the carriage. Elizabeth felt herself flush as her hand touched his. She felt his fingers lingering over hers for a moment longer than necessary before the carriage door shut.

As the horses began to move, Elizabeth glanced back and saw Darcy still standing on the street, their gazes locked until the distance between them broke the spell.

Chapter 4

Two days had elapsed since Elizabeth’s visit to Park Lane, and what had begun as a simple question had become a dilemma. She wanted to forgive Mr Darcy. Torn between her loyalty to her family, especially Jane, and her overwhelming desire to be on better terms with him, she found herself in a difficult position. While it was apparent that he had changed, could she allow herself to befriend a man who held her family in such contempt and had caused Jane’s misery? One moment she sided entirely with her family, only to tell herself the next that all she really wished was to make amends for the lack of delicacy and decorum with which she had answered his proposal.

Those two days seemed peculiar, almost unreal, and only the conversations with her aunt and uncle confirmed that everything had occurred. She spent her time trying to answer that question, hoping Mr Darcy’s visit would bring her an answer, often gazing out of the window in the hope that he would come and their friendship would begin at once, founded on all that had passed between them over the last few days and on his promise to bring Mr Bingley.

However, by the third restless night, Elizabeth could no longer deceive herself and admitted that she was interested in Mr Darcy. She longed to meet him, to understand him better, to correct her errors in judging him and try to alter his opinion of her family. Above all, she was courageous enough to consider that their renewed acquaintance might continue on better terms.

She had adored his London house, so elegant yet full of life, but her excitement grew almost unbearable at the prospect of visiting Pemberley.

Then, on the day before their departure, a carriage finally pulled up in front of the house. Two gentlemen accompanied Miss Darcy as she alighted at the Gardiners’ home.

Mr and Mrs Gardiner rushed to greet their guests, leaving Elizabeth behind to compose her countenance.

To her immense relief, Mr Bingley accompanied Mr Darcy. It was a sign of goodwill that might mean anything. Jane needed an answer, whatever it might be. If Jane’s peace were restored, Elizabeth would have no other major fault to reproach him with. She too had changed, accepting that her family was not perfect. Darcy’s attitude towards the Gardiners silently told her that he, too, had changed, for her family’s faults were no greater than those of others.

Bingley entered first with his usual kindness, and Elizabeth could sense a trace of embarrassment behind his smile. “Miss Bennet! I cannot express how grateful I am to see you again! You look well! I trust you are well, and your family?” he said in a rush, his words tumbling out. “I am delighted to see you!”

Elizabeth returned his greeting with restraint, still uncertain of the reason for his visit yet ready to find out more. “I am glad to see you too, Mr Bingley. Please, do sit down,” she invited him and then welcomed Mr Darcy and his sister.

“My cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, asked us to express his regret that he could not visit you today. He sends you his best wishes and hopes to see you at Pemberley,” Darcy spoke cordially, openly seeking Elizabeth’s gaze, and she did not look away.

“We are sorry not to see the colonel again, and we only hope he reaches his regiment safely,” Mrs Gardiner replied, ordering refreshments and drinks for the guests.

Miss Darcy sat next to Elizabeth on the settee quite naturally, showing her friendly feelings, while Bingley, perched on the edge of his chair, grinned with visible uneasiness.

“Mrs Gardiner, Mr Gardiner, you have a delightful home,” Mr Darcy said in a friendly tone.

“Yes, it is lovely, indeed!” Bingley agreed, trying to keep a smile on his face, which scarcely concealed a state of mind closer to fear than embarrassment. “I regret not being able to visit you in January when Miss Bennet was in London…I was unaware of her presence in London… Darcy informed me only yesterday. I apologise for my absence…”

He became visibly agitated and emptied his drink in one gulp, probably not hearing Mrs Gardiner’s kind words, but her sincere smile calmed him a little.

“You are always welcome in our home, Mr Bingley,” Mrs Gardiner continued, addressing him alone.

Indeed, no one else in the room was attending to their conversation. Elizabeth tried to avoid looking at Mr Darcy, but with little success; she could see admiration when their eyes met.

She immediately scolded herself for the thought, turning her gaze to Miss Darcy, who was smiling yet embarrassed because she did not understand what was going on.