Chapter 5
In the small open carriage, Elizabeth sat in the middle, between her uncle and Darcy.
The horses’ gait and the unevenness of the ground made it impossible to remain still, and she tried to prevent herself from slipping and sliding by grasping the bench.
While Mr Gardiner spoke to Darcy, Elizabeth’s attention and all her senses were directed to the side where her body touched and brushed over Darcy’s.
Unlike her, he seemed unaffected by this closeness and preoccupied with the road ahead of them, occasionally answering Mr Gardiner’s enquiries.
However, Elizabeth could feel the looks he cast towards her from the corner of his eye.
She wondered if he truly had business in Lambton or had come only for them.
For her. Was it possible? But if not, why would he take the carriage and not come on horseback?
He did admit it was one of the reasons for calling on them: to invite them to Pemberley for an entire day and night.
But what was the other reason? He had not mentioned it, so perhaps it was not important. Or perhaps he would reveal it later.
They arrived at Pemberley relatively quickly, and Mr Gardiner expressed his impatience to join the other two gentlemen.
“We might check if they are already at the stream,” Darcy suggested. “When I left earlier, they were already speaking of being prepared to go fishing.”
“Yes, we might do just that,” Mr Gardiner agreed. “If they are there, I shall join them. You do not mind, do you, Lizzy? I am sure you will entertain yourself with Miss Darcy and Mr Bingley’s sisters.”
“I do not mind, Uncle, how could I?” she teased him.
“I am not certain whether my sister has returned yet,” Darcy explained. “She planned to visit some tenants this morning — I believe I mentioned to you the family that had been taken ill? They have three small children. Georgiana is very thoughtful and provides for them.”
“Miss Darcy is very kind and generous,” Mr Gardiner said. “Not many young ladies in her position would take so much trouble.”
“Yes, she is. I believe kindness and generosity are her finest accomplishments, after all,” Darcy admitted with much emotion in his voice.
They did not have to wonder for much longer about the two other gentlemen, as they could easily be spotted sitting by the stream, in the shadow of an old tree, with their fishing rods next to them, a bottle not far away and glasses in their hands.
At seeing the carriage, they immediately waved joyfully.
The first thing Elizabeth noticed was how different — more cheerful and easy-mannered — Mr Hurst was in the absence of his wife and sister.
Mr Gardiner climbed down from the carriage and was warmly welcomed.
“Darcy, will you come and join us?” Mr Bingley joyfully enquired.
“I might, later on. But carry on without me. I shall take Miss Bennet to the house first, then I have several more tasks to complete. I also need to speak to Georgiana and Mrs Reynolds as soon as they return from the Skinners’.”
“I think they have already returned!” Mr Bingley answered. “We spotted the carriage — I believe Mrs Reynolds and Mrs Annesley were inside. Miss Darcy was on horseback, but I think she wished to take a longer ride because she turned away and entered the grove.”
“Yes, Miss Darcy definitely did not ride towards the stables,” Mr Hurst confirmed.
“Did she not? That is quite strange,” Darcy replied, frowning. “She might have forgotten something, or perhaps she simply went for a longer ride to relax. I am sure we shall meet her if we drive through the park.”
“Or perhaps she wished to delay returning home early, without you,” Mr Bingley muttered sheepishly, sipping from his drink. “I cannot blame her, since my sisters can be rather trying at times.”
“I second that,” Mr Hurst interjected, raising his own glass. “I would choose to take a long ride myself were I not too lazy for such an activity. Thank God brandy always relaxes me instead.”
Elizabeth stared at them curiously, barely concealing her amusement.
She had never heard Mr Bingley speaking in such a manner about his sisters, and Mr Hurst even less.
In truth, Elizabeth wondered whether Mr Hurst had spoken more than ten words in her company since they had become acquainted almost a year ago, and that included him asking her opinion about the ragout at Netherfield.
Eventually, Darcy bade his friends farewell and, holding the reins, gently but firmly nudged the horses onwards.
Elizabeth felt a thrill down her spine as she realised she would be alone with him in the relatively small carriage, close to each other, although not necessarily touching as there was more space on the bench now.
Darcy seemed composed enough, but he was silent, not desirous to start a conversation and seeming to scrutinise the grounds intently.
“Are you worried about Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth asked.
“Not about her — this is her home, there is no danger to her at Pemberley. There are plenty of people working all over the estate, and she knows every rock and every tree. Even her horse knows how to return to the stables by himself.”
“Yes, I imagined as much, but I noticed your frown and concentration, and I wondered…”
He turned to her, and their gazes met. “You are very perceptive, Miss Bennet. I am more concerned as to why she would turn and enter the grove. I hope the situation of the tenants she visited has not worsened, as it was rather delicate to begin with.”
Elizabeth asked him more about the case, and he offered her further details.
“The Skinners have been our tenants since the day they married, ten years ago,” Darcy explained.
“They are hardworking, honest people, who have fallen on hard times lately. When they both fell ill, I invited them to stay at Pemberley during their recovery — there was plenty of space in the household wing. But they have too much pride to accept.”
Elizabeth watched him as he spoke, listening to his words and observing the small changes in his expression that revealed his feelings.
“I find it admirable that you are so concerned with the well-being of your tenants, Mr Darcy. We have only a few servants at Longbourn — they are like part of the family — and even fewer tenants. But to have so many people that rely on you and to know and care for everyone requires great character and a deep sense of responsibility. And a big heart.”
“You are very kind, but I do not feel I deserve any praise. I am simply doing things as I learnt from my father. I have added some of my own ideas to increase the benefits to everyone, but if Pemberley is a successful estate, its success is mostly due to the work of the tenants, and it should be shared with them. If people are unhappy, their lives will be affected, as will their work.”
“It seems a simple philosophy, and yet I feel there is more to it than that,” Elizabeth replied. “Oh, look, is that not Miss Darcy?” she pointed to a rider who was crossing the park at a gallop.
“Yes, it is her. It seems she just went for a longer ride, after all.”
“What a beautiful posture she has! And what speed!” Elizabeth continued.
“She is truly an accomplished rider,” Darcy agreed. “Well, now that we have seen her, we may return to the house. I am sure she will join us soon.”
Elizabeth was tempted to reply but restrained herself.
“It is my turn to say that I noticed you refraining from saying something, Miss Bennet. Is there anything wrong?”
“No, no…I was just reminded of Mr Bingley and Mr Hurst’s comments, and I must say I agree with them.”
“Regarding Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst? I hope they do not annoy you too much. I know they can be undeservedly haughty, even rude.”
“They can, but I have always been more amused than irritated by their insolence and snobbish ways.”
“Yes, I know,” he smiled. “I remember how you put Miss Bingley in her place several times. It was a pleasure to watch.”
“Ah, so you have amused yourself at our expense, Mr Darcy. That is not very gentlemanlike on your part,” she teased him.
“I admit I have, and I accept the blame, Miss Bennet. I particularly recollect one evening at Netherfield when Miss Bingley invited you to take a refreshing stroll about the room.”
“I remember that evening too. It was when that lady claimed you were intimate friends.”
Darcy rolled his eyes. “Miss Bingley uses the word intimate too often and always incorrectly when she speaks of me. It amused me for a while, but not any longer.”
“Well, at least you do not have to live with them for too long. Mr Bingley and Mr Hurst do not have a choice. I am sorry to say it, but I truly pity them.”
“I do too. That is why I provide them all the means of entertainment at my disposal while they are at Pemberley,” Darcy playfully added, and Elizabeth laughed.
He smiled too, looking straight ahead, and Elizabeth’s eyes were arrested by his profile for a few moments.
He looked as handsome as ever, but so relaxed that his mere presence was comforting and entertaining to her.
She was alone with him, and there was nothing more natural, more pleasant.
He was everything a gentleman should be, and if his easy manners and friendliness were not as exuberant as Mr Bingley’s, his amiability was certainly deeper and more meaningful.
“I have to confess there have been times I have shared the same opinion as Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst,” Darcy added in a suddenly changed, more subdued tone. He seemed genuinely remorseful, and Elizabeth, comprehending his implication, briefly touched his arm with her gloved hand.
“We all make mistakes, Mr Darcy, and occasionally share the same opinion as people who do not deserve our friendship or our approval,” she said daringly. Then with a deep breath, she continued, “Sometimes, the wrong might be remedied. At other times, it causes irreversible damage for a lifetime.”