A/N - wow, flurry of reviews. Thanks so much. I apologise for he delay in this chapter. I am obviously not keeping up with my daily two chapter schedule. I have a few excuses but mainly the rest of the story breaks from canon so there is more dialog, more magic and I am having to really edit what I have written to get it right. I promise I have the whole story done and it will all come out asap. :)

Just wanna give a big shout out to my reviewers - Chrism, Tina, lynned, nancyjeanne, San, zealots, nanciellen, deanna, mega, lpinney, gaskellian, book dreamer and fd4me (resident Ley line expert, direct all questions in their direction!).

love you all. Many guest reviewers too and I appreciate you all. Some questions about if I am following the book or the bbc series. I am a big fan of Colin firth but you cant beat the book for detail. As a result I cross my sources for these stories, there are even some of the film influences, although it is not my fav pnp outlet! I hope that doesn't bother too many people. :)

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Chapter 25 - A morning call

Elizabeth's mind was no less busy dissecting every look, every word. Could his civility be due to her harsh words, or could it be a sign of something more? Could he still care enough for her to wish for her good opinion? Did she want his good opinion?

She knew that she had been mistaken, her last doubts about the man had been hung on his lack of civility towards others, the likelihood of him forcing her to forsake her family. The encounter today had shaken that resolve and left her heart open to the wave of regret and, she had to admit, the possibility of pain.

The ride home was, thankfully, quiet.

Mr and Mrs Gardiner recognised the turmoil in their niece and did not press for information. When Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth were seated in their private sitting room at the inn the questioning started

"What did you think of the house my dear?"

"Beautiful" Elizabeth's reply was a shade on the wistful side and she had to work to keep the emotions from her voice.

"Did you feel the magic in the grounds? The stream and the lake were magnificent, teeming with life. I could see the swirls of magic in their depths"

Elizabeth smiled "Yes the waterways were lovely, and part of them follow the Ley lines there, they would draw magic from them"

Madeleine Gardiner smiled "I am not sure I fully understand your Ley line theory Elizabeth, but you certainly seem to be able to show the most magical places"

They talked for a few more minutes about rivers and the possibility of the use of water magic to divert an estate's water features. Madeleine felt Elizabeth was distracted enough to ask

"The arrival of Mr Darcy was quite unexpected, but he seems a pleasant gentleman. And the housekeeper was so generous with her praise, and less so of your friend in Hertfordshire. Are we sure we have the full story?"

Elizabeth was embarrassed and did not meet her aunt's eyes as she replied

"I have heard some more details of their dealings and I understand that Mr Wickham is not a man to be trusted, in fact it is possible he is quite disreputable."

"Indeed! Well that is interesting. I shan't press for details but I will trust you to only relay that which I need to know"

"Thank you Aunt"

"Does that mean we were similarly deceived about Mr Darcy?"

Elizabeth could not help the blush that spread in to her cheeks, although her aunt pretended not to notice, "I believe I was completely deceived about Mr Darcy's character"

They drank their tea for a few minutes.

"Well perhaps we shall meet again, or perhaps not. We shall have to wait and see"

They parted to dress for dinner, Mrs Gardiner more certain of Elizabeth's feelings than the lady in question. It remained to be seen if the gentleman in question preferred her niece at all, his attention was marked but may only extend to that single situation.

.

The next day answered Mrs Gardiner's question for after a morning stroll they returned to the inn to be informed of the visit of the gentleman himself, and his sister.

"Mr Darcy, what a pleasant surprise. How kind of you to call!"

Mrs Gardiner addressed the gentleman.

"Mr Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet" he bowed to each "might I have the honour of introducing my sister to you?"

The introductions were made. Mrs Gardiner invited them all to sit and ordered refreshments.

"Mr Bingley is also here as he wished to pay a call. I..." There was an awkward pause "he and his sisters are visiting, I believe it slipped my mind to mention it yesterday. Might I summon him?"

Elizabeth was a little startled but readily acquiesced

"Miss Darcy, I have heard so much about you"

The reply was so soft it was barely audible "and I about you"

Elizabeth drew her to sit on the little sofa.

"I understand you are fond of music and play both the harp and the pianoforte"

They talked for a few minutes about the relative merits of the instruments before the ladies turned at the sound of the gentleman coming up the steps.

"Miss Bennet," Mr Bingley walked in with a bounce in his step, enthusiasm in every gesture and word "I cannot tell you how pleased I was when Darcy told me you were staying so close. I can see you are well. How is your family?"

"Very well sir, I thank you"

"And all of your sisters? Are they all still at home?"

She concealed her smile at the enthusiastic question "all but my youngest who is visiting a friend in Brighton for the summer"

"Capital"

Mr Darcy interjected and Bingley turned to be introduced to Mr and Mrs Gardiner, asking about their relationships with their nieces, making Elizabeth smile again.

"Miss Darcy, you have quite the house party it seems, are you acing as hostess?"

"I am, Miss Bennet, it is quite daunting"

"I can well imagine. It must be agreeable to host such close friends. Miss Bingley is quite enthusiastic about your charms"

Georgiana blushed and mumbled. "I don't think it is me whose company she desires"

Elizabeth smiled at her "I am sure that is not true, but I shan't tell anyone you think so"

They were called to join in the general conversation and Elizabeth looked up to see a soft smile on Mr Darcy's lips, she blushed and looked to her aunt as a distraction.

The visit only lasted about half an hour but at the end the whole party were invited to dinner the following evening. Everyone parted with positive feelings of the morning call. Three especially felt hope, one for a sister and two for the thought their feelings might be reciprocated.

A/n I intend to get another out tonight, at least I will try!