Chapter 2.14 #5
There was another moment of silence; Darcy looked at her, but Elizabeth was unable to decide. She wished to have a few moments with him, but the house was full of people. If they were seen, the gossip and speculations would never end—especially from Miss Bingley and Lady Sinclair.
“Perhaps I should go and rest, too. Maybe another time would be better,” she said.
The expression of disappointment on his face was unmistakable, and she immediately regretted her decision, though she knew it was the only acceptable one. Before realising her own words, she continued.
“I am sorry; it would have been lovely to…but I think another time would be better.”
“Then I shall come,” said Miss Darcy.
“Pardon me?”
“I know you wished to go for a walk, but you cannot because of my absence. I shall go.”
Stunned, Elizabeth looked at the girl who barely dared to express her opinion only a few months ago. The determination in her voice was equally touching and amusing.
“Georgiana, you may go and rest, dearest. Miss Bennet and I will go for a walk. We will return shortly,” Darcy said with a voice that admitted no contradiction, and before any of them had time to reply, he put Elizabeth’s hand on his arm and started walking.
After a short glance at them, Miss Darcy returned to the house at a slow pace with a contented smile that lit her eyes. She was not tired at all.
∞∞∞
Both of them looked straight ahead while the path took them towards a small grove at the end of the side garden.
“Are you upset?” he asked. “That I forced you to come?”
She smiled. “You did not force me, sir. And no, I am not upset.”
“I will come to Netherfield after we return to town.” His tone was hesitant. “I hope it is not an inconvenience for you?”
“No, no…I am just a little surprised. My father did not mention—”
“We discussed this possibility, but it was not settled until recently. And…there is another thing I would like to ask you. I have wanted to ask you for some time now. I shall write to Mr Bennet, too, but I need to be certain of your answer first.”
He stopped, and she had to do the same; they faced each other for a moment, and she felt all her strength abandon her.
Her knees were unable to support her, and she briefly looked around for a support.
Did he intend to propose to her again? Was it possible?
So hastily? It never crossed her mind that he might do that.
How did it happen? She looked at him, searching for the proper words.
“I would be honoured if you accept my invitation to spend the summer at Pemberley…in July and August. Georgiana and I would be happy for you to be our guest. Not just you alone— I shall send an invitation to Mr Bennet…for the entire family. It will be his decision… I hope Mrs Gardiner will be there too. I wished to be certain that this idea would be agreeable to you before asking Mr Bennet.”
She had already stopped breathing, so when he finished his question, she continued to look at him in disbelief. He invited her to spend the summer at Pemberley. And she thought— She was such a simpleton! If he only knew how ridiculous she had been…
She needed some time to regain her composure before she was able to reply.
“I thank you. I would be very happy to accept your invitation if my father agrees to it.”
“Excellent.” All the time they spoke, his gaze never abandoned her face; she could feel his eyes searching for her feelings, and the fear that he understood her foolish thoughts embarrassed her deeply.
He resumed their walk at a slow pace; she still held his arm, but her hand barely touched it.
As they walked, she noticed they were tracing a circle. They had departed a little, but now the path was taking them back. She startled again when he spoke.
“We shall be back in a few minutes. I thought it would be best if we do not go too far…today. It is quite late, and we should prepare for dinner.”
“It is for the best, indeed.”
He pointed out another path that left the grove and seemed to go towards a hill.
“That road would make a wonderful walk. This path travels up to the hill in front of us—there—see? It goes along up to the peak; you cannot see it very well from here because the hill is covered in woods. But the view from the top of the hill is spectacular. I could not describe it to you. You must see for yourself someday.”
Elizabeth leaned her head and tried to follow the path with her eyes. Mr Darcy tried to show her where to look, and in doing so, their heads almost touched. He gently put his arm around her shoulders for a moment.
“I would like very much to see it…someday…” she whispered.
He said nothing, only took her hand and placed it properly back on his arm, continuing to walk to the house. When they almost reached the main gate, he said sternly.
“At these kinds of parties, people are used to staying up very late in the evening and sleeping late in the mornings. If one woke around seven, there would be plenty of time for a walk before breakfast.”
Silence fell again, as she did not know how to answer.
“I rarely sleep after seven,” she eventually replied just before they entered the house, and she hurried to her room to prepare for dinner.