Chapter 20

May, 1820 - London

Elizabeth and her Aunt Gardiner were sitting in a comfortable silence in the Gardiner sitting room. Her aunt had yet to be apprised that Mr. Darcy would call the next day and Elizabeth knew she could not postpone enlightening her any longer. She was not sure why she had delayed doing so. Perhaps the unsettled state of her thoughts was a reason.

"I encountered someone today that I have not met in about eight years."

Mrs. Gardiner looked up at her niece. Something in the overly casual manner of the utterance captured her attention.

"Oh?"

"Yes, David and I were in Gunter's and I was very surprised to be approached by Mr. Darcy."

Mrs. Gardiner made no effort to mask her amazement. "Mr. Darcy? Of Pemberley?"

"The same. He was there with his daughter."

"And?"

"He invited David and me to sit with them."

Mrs. Gardiner felt like she was drawing nails to get more than the simplest information from her niece. She waited.

Elizabeth huffed slightly, "He was very pleasant and appeared pleased to renew the acquaintance."

"This is the Mr. Darcy whom you disliked so greatly, is it not? Who was unpleasant and disdainful and cruel?" Mrs. Gardiner paused for a few seconds before saying, "Although I would assume that any charges of cruelty must be viewed with suspicion given that the source was Mr. Wickham."

"I believe, Aunt, that we were…I was very much mistaken in Mr. Darcy's character."

Mrs. Gardiner was puzzled. It took some few seconds for her to recall what little she remembered.

"His housekeeper at Pemberley spoke very highly of him, did she not?" Mrs. Gardiner spoke slowly. "She was not stinting in her praise of his kindness and care for those under his authority." She laughed, "I even remember her saying that she had not an unkind word from him and she had known him since he was a child."

Elizabeth nodded, "I believe him to be a very good man. And Mr. Wickham, I am afraid, slandered him most cruelly."

Mrs. Gardiner looked at her niece carefully. She recalled a number of incidents that had puzzled her but which, under the press of circumstances at the time, had not scrutinized more thoroughly.

"I seem to recall, Lizzy, that you were not all surprised that Mr. Wickham ruined Lydia and deserted her. In fact, if I remember correctly, you warned us against him when we learned what happened. How was this possible?"

Her niece did not answer for several minutes and Mrs. Gardiner might have been inclined to prod her for a response except that it was clear the reason for Elizabeth's silence was not a reluctance to speak but rather that she was contemplating something of serious moment. Elizabeth's response, when it came, surprised Mrs. Gardiner greatly.

"I believe that Mr. Darcy's request to call on me tomorrow is not simply a matter of civility."

Mrs. Gardiner was initially inclined to question her niece's reasoning but stopped before doing so and allowed herself to consider the matter further. From what little she knew – and the only accounts she had were provided by her niece – the gentleman could not claim more than a slight acquaintance with Elizabeth. That he would ask to call when he could easily have ended the acquaintance at Gunter's suggested an interest in Elizabeth. But how could such an interest have come about? They had not met in eight years.

She finally said tentatively, "Mr. Darcy certainly need not have expressed a desire to call on you. It seems to show a particular interest that I cannot account for."

Elizabeth laughed, "Am I so devoid of attractions that a gentleman would not be interested?"

"Lizzy, you know that was not my meaning!" Mrs. Gardiner shook her head at her niece in mock reproof. "You are more than attractive enough to interest any man and I am not sorry to see that you have captured Mr. Darcy's interest."

Elizabeth smiled but made no response. She seemed about to slip back into her contemplative mood when Mrs. Gardiner spoke again.

"You have have not answered my question, Lizzy. Why, upon such a slight acquaintance and after such a passage of time, would Mr. Darcy pay such particular attentions? It is rather singular, is it not?"

Elizabeth realized that she would have to satisfy at least some portion of her aunt's curiosity and at last she spoke.

"You remember I visited Charlotte at Hunsford in the year twelve? Mr. Darcy was also also there for a few weeks visiting his aunt, Lady Catherine. I was most unkind – almost vicious – in my last dealings with him. We had the most violent argument. I spoke to him most unkindly, most uncivilly. His words to me were….unfortunately phrased as to give rise to an anger I have never before or since felt, and my response was …appalling. I soon came to understand that I had misjudged him greatly."

Mrs. Gardiner was puzzled, "You came to understand? How did that occur?"

Elizabeth explained about the letter Darcy had written, its contents and how she eventually came to accept the sense of what Darcy had written.

"I cannot, now, even hold his interference between Jane and Mr. Bingley to his account." She said. "For much of the responsibility must fall on Mr. Bingley and how can I suggest that he would have made Jane happier that James?" she laughed, "Jane would not hear of it!"

Mrs. Gardiner smiled at the thought and then Elizabeth could see her becoming increasingly thoughtful, her gazed fixed on the vase across the room.

"Aunt?"

Mrs. Gardiner looked over at her niece, "I am sorry. It just struck me. Mr. Darcy must have held you in great esteem to have risked writing to you."

"I suppose so although I think his motives were to answer the charges I held to his account."

"Perhaps, perhaps…although I think you may not be allowing him a full measure of credit. He was, to be sure, answering your charge in respect of Wickham but he was also attempting to protect you, was he not?"

"I had not thought of it in that light." replied Elizabeth, "My thoughts were more concerned with the evidence of how badly I had erred in my judgement of both men. I was never in any danger from Mr. Wickham."

"Ah, but Mr. Darcy could not know that, now could he? He likely thought your anger stemmed from an affection or interest in that gentleman. It is not an unnatural supposition, to be sure.""

Elizabeth was silent, considering this idea but shortly shrugged. It was of no moment now.

Mrs. Gardiner wondered at the shrug but her own thoughts were heading in a different direction.

"How do you feel about Mr. Darcy now, Lizzy?"

Elizabeth smiled wryly, "That has been the subject of much of my thoughts, Aunt."

"I dare say!"

Mrs. Gardiner waited until finally she could not resist a small prompt.

"Will you…encourage his interest, Lizzy?"

"How can I not?" She was pensive for several moments before continuing, "I saw him, you know. At the theatre, several years ago. Anthony and I attended a play – I do not remember the name although we both enjoyed it greatly – and I saw Mr. Darcy with a woman I believed to be his wife in the lobby during an intermission."

"You did not speak to him?"

"No."

Mrs. Gardiner's eyebrows rose. That such an encounter – a glimpse apparently – would be remembered, seemed significant. Her niece's next words confirmed that supposition.

"He looked happy, and I …felt a certain…regret, I suppose."

"Regret?"

Elizabeth laughed, "It was nothing more than regret that I had spoken so cruelly and not taken the opportunity to get to know him better." She looked at her aunt, "Do not suppose that I had any regrets about marrying Anthony. It is simply that I had come to understand that Mr. Darcy was a man worth knowing – no more I assure you."

"And now?"

"And now that I have the opportunity, I want to apologize to him for my incivility. When he comes tomorrow, I wish to talk with Mr. Darcy in private. After I introduce him to you, I had thought that he and I could remove to the garden so that I may do so. "

Mrs. Gardiner was astonished. Whatever she had expected, it was not this. "This has been an evening of many surprises, Lizzy. Why should I be amazed at this?"

"By speaking with him alone, I will be testing your forbearance, I am sure."

"The garden is in full view of the house. I see no issues of propriety given your individual circumstances. But, is it necessary, Lizzy?"

"I do not see how my acquaintance with Mr. Darcy can proceed without it, Aunt."

Mrs. Gardiner saw no reason not to accede to her niece's request and did so. They separated soon after and Elizabeth returned to her room to consider what lay ahead.

Matters of a more pressing nature had, to this point, first claim on her attention. She and her uncle were to visit his solicitor in two days on the matter of Mr. Stokes and much of her focus had hitherto been directed to that end. The possibility of a future with another man had not crossed her mind. She had mourned the death of her husband and felt the loss of his companionship greatly. And, if she were honest with only herself, she missed the physical intimacies she had shared with him; her bed was a lonely place now. She lately had, without any conscious thought, come to believe her remaining days would be spent caring for her children until they married and left. As well, she had begun to appreciate the independence that her widowhood had afforded her and the respect that she had earned by her management of her estate. If she could resolve this situation with the Stokes family to her satisfaction, she would not be bound to the dictates of any other person or situation.

And yet, she could not dismiss her excitement, yes that is what she felt, at seeing Mr Darcy again. She could not mistake his admiration today and his desire to further their acquaintance was obvious. He remained, without a doubt, one of the most handsome men of her acquaintance. She had never been oblivious to his presence and even when she disliked him greatly, he had somehow managed to command her attention.

That he still admired her was a surprise. She had fully expected that the manner of her rejection of his proposal would have smothered any affection that he could hold for her; but that had not been the case. She remembered Charlotte's letters. He had inquired after her particularly and had wished her well on several occasions. Yes, he had married but as she considered that again, it occurred to her that he had only done so after her own marriage. Had he chosen not to marry until he knew for a certainty she had done so? If that was the case, could he not have approached her before then? A matter of two years had passed. Why had he not done so? Then she remembered the words she had spoken. To be told that one was the last man upon which she could be prevailed to marry would surely have dissuaded the most ardent of suitors. She could not be insensible to his interest despite the harshness of those words. Such an interest spoke to a constancy in his affections and, given what she now understood of his character, she could not deny that her own interest had been ignited. She was pleased that her own composure after they met had been such as to encourage his interest to renew their acquaintance and she fully intended to continue her efforts in that regard.

The Darcy carriage pulled up in front of a three story house on Gracechurch Street and Darcy could not help but be impressed. Though it was smaller than his own house on St. James's Square, its outward appearance was equally appealing if not as imposing. Clearly his past conjectures when he first met Elizabeth Bennet as to the position of the Gardiner family must undergo some revision. He had thought little of who he might meet. The knowledge that Mr. Gardiner was Mrs. Bennet's brother was not such as to lead one to expect a sensible man; but when he thought of his friend Bingley and his sister, clearly this supposition was likely as much in error as were many of those in his past dealings with Elizabeth Bennet – Mrs. Waring, he firmly cautioned himself.

Ann-Marie, when questioned, had admitted to liking Mrs. Waring a great deal. Pressed to be more specific, she could only say that she liked her smile and laugh and that Mrs. Waring was kind. However her interest lasted no longer than the attraction of having her father read one of her favourite stories and Darcy rather suspected that she was too young to have recognized her father's interest in the lady.

As he descended his carriage, leaving strict orders to return in thirty minutes, his thoughts were on the meeting that was to come. If he had any object in mind, it was simply to ensure that this was not to be the last encopunter with her. There were matters between them he wished to discuss and hopes that had been reborn the day before, although these could not be divulged as yet. Elizabeth's behaviour yesterday had given him cause to believe her feelings were quite different than they were the last time they met. He was sure that if she still held him in disdain – if her opinion of him had not improved – she would not have expressed as much pleasure in his visiting today.

His card was presented and he was shown into a fair-sized drawing room, simply and elegantly furnished with comfort clearly in mind. Elizabeth was there with a woman some ten years older and a young lady of some fifteen or sixteen years. That his visit was expected became obvious as Elizabeth quickly made the introductions to her aunt, Mrs. Gardiner, and her youngest cousin, Miss Margaret Gardiner. Elizabeth was, he thought, much more reserved than yesterday and Mrs. Gardiner took on the office of conversation. He made every effort to respond and contribute, conscious that Elizabeth's eyes had only rarely left his face. After Darcy and Mrs. Gardiner discussed the weather, Elizabeth realized she must exert herself if she wished to speak with Darcy privately and, at the first opportune moment, addressed him.

"Mr. Darcy, I wonder if I might show you my aunt's garden. She has planted tulips and the sight is quite glorious."

This offer quite surprised Darcy and he cast a quick glance at Mrs. Gardiner to see if she approved. Her slight nod relieved his concern and he was quick to agree. As the day was seasonably warm, Elizabeth wanted to collect but a shawl before leading him through the house and into the back garden. The tulips were soon found and suitably admired.

Darcy had not been unaware that he and Elizabeth were unchaperoned and suspected that this was by her design. His musings were shortly interrupted as Elizabeth stepped several paces away before turning to face him. He looked at her closely; the sun glinted off her hair, brightening and bestowing an additional lustre to it. He could not help but admire her figure. It was as light and graceful as before but now endowed with a womanly maturity that he was hard-pressed not to want in his arms. A spike of desire, so intense that he could hardly stop himself from moving towards her, paralyzed him, making him almost oblivious to her first words.

"Mr. Darcy, I hope my invitation to show you the garden does not offend your sense of propriety, however, I could not pass up the opportunity to speak to you privately. My aunt was slightly reluctant to agree to my wishes but has done so, although she remains in ignorance as to my purpose."

Darcy forced himself to a degree of calmness and began to wonder at her intent. The last time they had been alone had not been propitious for his equanimity. He could not bear it should she wish to end their acquaintance before he had a chance to breathe life into it. Her next words caught him quite by surprise.

"I wish….. No, I need, Mr. Darcy, to express my regret at the manner in which I refused your proposal in Hunsford. I abused you most abominably and I was not long in learning how mistaken I was in your character. I have always regretted that I was not afforded an opportunity to apologize for my incivility."

"What did you say to me that I did not deserve? True, there were mistakes and misunderstandings, most of which of my own making, but your reproofs of me forced me to look at myself through the eyes of another. I did not like what I saw and I resolved to amend my manners and treatment of others." He paused for a moment or two before mentioning his letter.

"Did it make you think better of me?"

She explained its effect on her and how gradually all her former prejudices had been removed. He was heartened by these words and resolved to make his interest and intentions known to her. He had not thought to act so precipitously but her apology appeared to him to afford an opportunity that he could ill-afford to ignore. He hoped that the unexpectedness of the moment did not leave him as inarticulate in her presence as had been the case in the past.

Before he could voice his thoughts, a maid appeared with a message. His carriage had arrived as requested. He should go as the proper time for a call had lapsed but he found himself most reluctant to do so. He turned to Elizabeth.

"Would I be imposing on you and your aunt to stay for a while longer? I find that our conversation is not…complete."

Elizabeth sensed in his tone of voice an urgency to talk further and simply nodded her assent. Darcy turned to the maid, smiled and asked that she instruct his coachman to return home and that he, Darcy, would make other arrangements. Once the maid had departed to carry out his instructions, he turned to Elizabeth saying, "It will not be the first time I have used a Hackney to carry me home."

"Oh dear, I do hope that Miss Bingley does not espy you. Her illusions will be hopeless shattered."

"Miss Bingley can have, I assure you, neither illusions nor hopes with regard to me, Mrs. Waring."

Elizabeth snorted and Darcy found himself grinning, almost foolishly.

"It may be too soon, Mrs. Waring, and I hope you will not be offended by what I say next; but you must allow me to tell you that those affections which I expressed so poorly in Hunsford still reside in my heart." He glanced at Elizabeth's face and could detect nothing but surprise at his declaration. Before she could respond, he continued.

"I am not normally an impetuous man, Mrs. Waring but I fear that you possess the ability to overset me completely." He ventured a small smile and was rewarded with a pleasing blush on her face.

"Mr. Darcy, I…"

"Mrs. Waring, my only hope at the moment is that you will not send me away." He looked at her expectantly and was rewarded with a slight shake of her head. This was sufficient encouragement for him to continue.

"After … Hunsford, I was convinced that you were quite resolved against me. I was angry, and it took me a while to really hear the words you spoke that night at the parsonage. When I finally understood the truth of what you said, I attempted to correct those faults which you so rightly identified."

"I was certainly very far from expecting what I said to make so strong an impression. I had not the smallest idea of it ever being felt in such a way."

"I can easily believe it. You thought me then devoid of every proper feeling – I am sure you did. But I am only mentioning it now so as to explain my hesitation in pursuing you further. I could, at the time, simply see no means of coming into company with you that would not discomfit either of us. I had considered returning to Hertfordshire, you know, but could think of no way to do so without making my intentions obvious. Your final words to me – that I was the last man you could be prevailed upon to marry – made me believe that such a direct approach would not be welcomed."

He paused and looked down. "You are probably unaware of this, but I even confessed to Bingley my error in separating him and your sister as well – not because I hoped to make you think better of me, but because it was the right thing to do. After that, however, I had hoped that if Bingley renewed his suit with Miss Bennet, I would have the opportunity to meet you, to show you how I had changed and to court you as you deserved. Unfortunately, that was not meant to be. I could not convince Bingley to return to Netherfield."

Elizabeth did not hide her surprise at this revelation but quickly assured Darcy that the issue was no longer of concern as her sister was was exceedingly happy in her marriage. Darcy was more than content to leave the matter to another and later time should she wish to discuss it.

"Then our meeting in Gunter's was most fortuitous, was it not, Mr. Darcy? Somewhat delayed perhaps, but fortuitous nonetheless."

"Indeed it was Mrs. Waring.

I…" his suddenly found himself reluctant to press the matter further until he reminded himself of Montrose's Toast.

He murmured, "He either fears his fate too much, or his deserts are small, who dares not put it to the touch, to win or lose it all."

"And what do you fear to dare, sir, that you would quote Lord Montrose?"

Darcy was disconcerted that she had overheard him, but gathering his courage, stated, "You, madam!"

"I had not realized I was such a fearsome object, Mr. Darcy. It is quite ungallant of you."

Her slight smile and the lilt of her voice told him that she was teasing him and his hopes rose in response. But before he could make his wishes known, he had an apology of his own to proffer. The thought of disturbing the harmony that had been created between them was unpleasant and his thoughts could not help but linger on the unhappy subject he felt obligated to raise. If Mrs. Waring could gather the courage to offer an apology, he could do no less.

"Mrs. Waring. Allow me to apologize for my silence. I have allowed the past to intrude upon us and I wish it were not necessary but I can not – my honour will not allow me to avoid a duty which can afford neither of us any pleasure."

Elizabeth looked at him in surprise. She could think of nothing that he need apologize for and said as much.

"I beg to differ, Mrs. Waring. I have much that needs your forgiveness."

He squared his shoulders and faced her directly.

"I did not learn of Mr. Wickham's actions against your family until almost a year had passed. Your cousin apprised me of the particulars when I once more visited my aunt. I admit to being surprised at the vituperative manner in which he spoke of your family. My aunt, unfortunately, spoke no more kindly. I could not restrain myself and chastised them both. Suffice it to say that my visit that year was shortened. I could not bear the company of either. You must allow me to apologize, Mrs. Waring, for allowing Wickham to harm your family. I failed to protect you; I, who knew what he was, should have made it impossible for him to have been received by any decent family or woman. My pride, my abominable pride, would not allow me to expose him, and you and your family have suffered grievously."

Elizabeth was silent. Never had she expected this proud man to humble himself so and yet she could not allow him to bear more than his fair portion of the blame for Lydia's ruin.

"You take too much responsibility upon yourself, Mr. Darcy. You are not to blame for my sister's foolishness and impetuosity, or for Mr. Wickham's vicious propensities. Let us place the blame fully on those to whom it most rightly belongs." She smiled up at him ruefully, "If you wish to take a portion of the blame, know that you must share it with myself and my sister Jane, we who both knew of Mr. Wickham's character due to your kindness, said nothing, and with my mother who was so lost to sensibility as to see nothing improper in any of Lydia's behaviour, and most surely to my father whose duty of care for his daughters and his family was most assuredly lacking. No, sir, there is a measure of blame to be spread around but your share is but a minor portion of it." She looked up at him once more and stated firmly, "I will accept your apology, sir, although it is hardly necessary now."

Darcy pondered her words and they wandered around the garden aimlessly in silence for several minutes while he did so. Finally he nodded, "It shall be as you wish, Mrs. Waring."

Elizabeth found she could not remove her eyes from his countenance. She had forgotten how tall he was, standing several inches taller than her husband. His features remained sombre and she was about to inquire as to the cause when he asked, "Tell me, Mrs. Waring. Have you heard from your sister at all?"

"Lydia?" At his nod she said, "No, not a word in eight years."

A silence fell between them; his mien was thoughtful and, she believed, distressed. Her supposition was proven correct when he spoke next.

"I searched for her, you know. You may recall from my letter that I had a contact of Wickham's – Mrs. Younge. I discovered she had met with Wickham after he left Brighton with your sister. Unfortunately, she knew nothing of what happened after Wickham deserted her. I was, however, able to convince Mrs. Younge to tell me of Wickham's location, but when I caught up with him, he could not or would not – I cannot be sure although I suspect he would have sold the information if it were in his possession – tell me aught of your sister's whereabouts. From what little he did say, I fear that her future was bleak. He left her in the worst of circumstances and I could find no trace of her whatsoever after that. I am very sorry."

She nodded unable to speak. Her first thoughts were for her sister and then the significance of what he had done struck her. He had searched for her sister! She suddenly felt a need to sit and stumbled towards the nearby bench. The thought echoed in her mind. He had searched for her sister! Someone of no consequence to him. Why had he done so? She could not believe he had been disinterested in the matter. Had he done it for her? Such questions she could not as yet ask and yet she had done so as for she clearly heard herself say, "Why? I do not understand."

"Why, Mrs. Waring?"

Elizabeth could not unsay her question. The only option was to press ahead. "Yes, why would you do such a thing?"

Darcy had not expected this inquiry and paused for several moments to collect his thoughts. He would not, could not, dissemble.

"I suppose I could claim it was done out of a feeling of responsibility. It was my mistake that led to her…situation; but, in truth, Mrs. Waring, I did it because I could not bear to think of you suffering over the fate of your sister if it were in my power to amend her circumstances. I thought only of you."

Elizabeth looked at him, overcome with emotions. she could not find the words to fully express her approbation and could only say, "Thank you."

Darcy had not missed the warmth of her expression and allowed her some few moments to regain her composure before he said, "I do not know if it can be of any satisfaction to you but Wickham was not allowed to prey on any other young women. I bought up all his debts, and, as well, he was court-martialled for desertion. He was fortunate that his commision was in the miltia. My cousin assured me that if he had been in the regular army, he would have hung. As it was Wickham was transported to Australia to serve a seven year prison term. Despite my father's affection for him and my desire to honour my father's memory, I cannot find it in myself to grieve Wickham's punishment."

Elizabeth felt herself unable to respond. She had long been resigned to Lydia's fate but it was hard to learn that her worst suppositions were likely true. She felt a handkerchief pressed into her hand and only then did she feel the tears that streaked her cheeks.

"I am grieved, Mrs. Waring, for having distressed you."

"You have no need, sir, to be concerned. You have only confirmed what I long feared." She paused for a few moments before stating firmly, "I too cannot regret Mr. Wickham's fate. It is, I know, unchristian of me, but there it is. I cannot forgive him. Lydia was foolish – one of the silliest girls in the country my father would often say - but she did not deserve to be treated so."

Darcy made no response. He could think of nothing to say and it was only with some difficulty that he resisted the need to surround her with his arms, to comfort her – and himself, he acknowledged – with his presence. Elizabeth finally interrupted his thoughts.

"You are very quiet again, Mr. Darcy. Shall we return to the house?"

Darcy felt a sense of panic. He had steeled himself to declare his interest and had yet to do so, but he sensed that the moment was not the most propitious for such an endeavour.

"May I beg the favour of your company here for a few more seconds, Mrs. Waring?"

Elizabeth readily assented.

Taking her hand, he confessed, "I have trespassed on your tolerance a great deal today, Mrs. Waring. You can, I hope, be in no doubt of my affections. May I call on you, again?"

He felt her eyes searching his face for a moment before her response was provided. "I should like that, Mr. Darcy." She smiled, "I find I tolerate your company quite well indeed."

Darcy could not, and did not wish to, suppress his pleasure.

"Would tomorrow be acceptable? There is an attractive park not far from here and, if the weather permits, we might walk. I am sure that you still retain your love of walking, do you not?"

"That would, I believe, be most enjoyable, Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth hesitated for a brief moment before continuing, "I have an engagement in the morning but will be free in the afternoon."

A time was quickly agreed upon and with his hopes higher and his mood better than either had been in years, Darcy took his departure.

"I must admit that Mr. Darcy was quite unlike your descriptions of him. My memory must be faulty after such a span of time but I seem to remember you describing him as proud and haughty with a most disagreeable manner. Certainly his manner and behaviour during his visit here was most civil and pleasant. He was perfectly well behaved, polite and unassuming. There is something a little stately in him, to be sure; but it is confined to his air and is not unbecoming." Her aunt paused for some seconds wrapped in thought, "Of course, I remember his housekeeper at Pemberley was quite free with her praises of him."

"I thought then that there could hardly be a better reference to a man's character than the approval of a trusted and intelligent servant. Having been mistress of my own estate for the last few years, I have come to value such advice and trust its purveyors."

"I confess I was very pleased with your Mr. Darcy, Lizzy. There is something pleasing about his mouth when he speaks; and there is something of dignity in his countenance that would not give one an unfavourable idea of his heart."

"He is hardly my Mr. Darcy, aunt."

"Really, Lizzy? I can think of no other reason for his calling on you again unless he has an interest in you. Politeness or civility might account for today's visit. His calling on you tomorrow is very much a statement of his admiration. I think you must consider the matter carefully."

"I assure you, Aunt, that I have done so."

"Do you believe his interest is serious?"

"Very much so, Aunt."

Mrs. Gardiner sat in a reflective silence for several minutes. Elizabeth had no inclination to disturb her as her own thoughts were reliving her time with Darcy. She had been astounded to learn that the quarter hour she had allotted for her apology had stretched to almost an hour and a half. When he left she was only sorry that she would not see him until the next day. Her musings were interrupted by her aunt's next words.

"It would be a splendid match, Lizzy. On a great many levels."

Elizabeth stared at Mrs. Gardiner, her expression quizzical. She waited for her aunt to explain. Mrs. Gardiner smiled. Her niece, she realized, had also learned the value of silence in forcing explanations.

"I will not speak of his fortune or his estate. You know them as well as I. He…"

"I might marry him only to become Mistress of Pemberley, aunt. Surely no one who has seen Pemberley could fault me for doing so?" the seriousness of Elizabeth's voice belied by her grin.

"Be serious, Lizzy," huffed Mrs. Gardiner, not at all discomposed by her niece's teasing. "You have an independence that most women would envy. You need not remarry but there are – and I hope you will consider them, if you have not already done so – compelling reasons why you should."

Elizabeth smiled at her aunt, "And pray tell, having survived the trials of one marriage, why should I venture into another."

"I saw no evidence that your marriage was a trial, Lizzy."

"No, Aunt, you saw none because there was none. Anthony was as fine a husband as I could have wished for."

"I am sure he was. But that does not speak to the matter."

Elizabeth's eyebrow rose as she replied, "Then speak to me, oh wise and venerable Aunt. I will accord you my ears."

Mrs. Gardiner shook her head at her niece's teasing but recognizing that the invitation had been extended, even if a trifle facetiously, she would not refuse the opportunity.

"First of all, Lizzy, you are only eight and twenty. That is too young to accept widowhood and a solitary life. I do not believe you to be one who would wish to live alone – and yes, I know the children are there but they are hardly the same company as a husband you respect and love."

Mrs. Gardiner fixed her gaze on Elizabeth until she had elicited a reluctant nod and then continued, "As well, I believe David will need a father as he grows older. My sons have learned much from my husband that I could never have taught them. Even my daughters needed and valued their father – as will yours. Trust me on this, Lizzy. Your children will be better for having a father in their lives."

Mrs. Gardiner hesitated before saying, "I would also think that a husband of Mr. Darcy's consequence would lay to rest any thoughts that others might have as to your guardianship of your children. I dare say Mr. Stokes will be extremely reluctant to stand in opposition to the Darcy family."

"I had not thought of that I admit."

Mrs. Gardiner cast a wary eye at her niece whose demeanour remained thoughtful. The next matter was of a delicate nature but she believed she knew Elizabeth well enough to suspect that marital intimacies held no fear for her and considerable pleasure.

"I am sure you miss Anthony's company a great deal, Lizzy. As you know, a husband is not simply a companion. You are, as I said, only eight and twenty. You would not, I hope, wish to deprive yourself of such pleasures as might be found in the marriage bed for the rest of your life."

Mrs. Gardiner paused for several seconds before saying, "And Mr. Darcy appears to admire you a great deal, Lizzy. I cannot imagine that such admiration will not be brought to the marriage bed."

When Elizabeth did not respond, her aunt continued, "Well, you do not need to make a decision as yet. He is to call tomorrow. Things have a way of working themselves out if we allow them to do so. He wishes to further an acquaintance with you and you will have the opportunity to get to know him better."

Elizabeth allowed that her aunt was correct and the ladies shortly thereafter separated to their rooms.

When she was finally alone, Elizabeth allowed herself to consider her reaction to Darcy's attentions. For he had not left immediately after taking his leave of her aunt. A hackney cab was not to arrive for some five minutes and she had accompanied him to the front door as he waited. They had talked quietly for several minutes. Somehow, without her quite realizing it, her hands were both clasped by his and his thumbs were stroking the backs of hers. It was oddly comforting and pleasurable. As the cab drew up to the front of the house, Darcy lifted each hand to his lips and pressed the softest of kisses on the inside of her wrist. Her breath stopped only to begin again as he whispered, "Until tomorrow, Mrs. Waring."

He glanced up at her face and something he saw must have pleased him greatly for as open a smile as she had never seen before illuminated his face. There was happiness and, she thought, a touch of satisfaction.

She could only murmur, "Tomorrow."

Arrogant, insufferable man! She thought with some amusement. Odd how such terms no longer displeased her.