Author's Note:

Hi, guys! I was going to post yesterday, but I had a few technical problems. This used to be divided into two chapters, but I thought you might kill me if I didn't post the reunion today, so I made it into one BIG chapter. I hope you like it!

Stay safe!

Jen

"Thank you, sir," Mrs. Gardiner said. "You are too kind. We hope we shall be able to reply in the affirmative."

Upon expressing their desire to return to the inn, Fitzwilliam walked them to their carriage. His efforts to be amiable had now increased and he was even pained by the separation of the only link he had to Elizabeth. He could not seek her out in Lambton after her refusal, could he? He had done as much as he could to express his willingness to see her, and he had let her make that decision. He had to show her he respected her and whatever boundaries she chose to set. He prayed that she would agree to come to Pemberley. He knew he was not worthy of her and she would never marry him, but he could not bear to think that she was alive in the world and thinking ill of him.

14.

Elizabeth came back from her tour around Lambton with Miss Scott and asked for tea to be served in the parlour. She needed to think about the things Miss Scott had told her. Her escort was a lively and extremely social sixteen-year-old girl who had offered her service as a guide to Elizabeth right after they were introduced. Elizabeth had liked her energy and friendliness and had agreed on walking with her around the little town. They had not agreed on the day of this tour, but upon finding that her aunt and uncle wanted to visit Pemberley, she did not hesitate to write a note to Miss Scott and asked her if she was available the next day.

She had enjoyed her time with her, but she had to admit, at least to herself, that a part of her wondered how her aunt and uncle were doing at Pemberley. She did not think that they would meet Mr. Darcy at all, for surely he would never lower himself to speak to a couple of unknown tourists and even if he did, upon finding that her uncle was a tradesman, he would keep his distance. She had smiled and wondered whether he would think his precious land had been polluted by such low company.

But... she was not so sure now.

During their walk, Miss Scott had asked her if Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner would miss her too much if they took the long way back to the inn and Elizabeth had told her that they were touring Pemberley presently, so she did not think they would be back yet.

She could not stop thinking about the conversation that followed.

"Pemberley!" Miss Scott had exclaimed. "Oh, it is such a beautiful estate! Why did you not go with them? Oh, 'tis not that I do not enjoy your company," she blushed, "but I find it strange that you would not join them."

Elizabeth smiled to reassure the young lady that she was not offended. She liked Miss Scott's honesty and lack of pretence even if it made her a little too forward sometimes.

"I am a little acquainted with Mr. Darcy and I thought it would impolite of me to show at his home without an invitation."

"But the house is open to the public," Miss Scott said, confused. "I do not think he would have minded."

"Do you know Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked, trying to sound uninterested.

"Oh, no," Miss Scott chuckled. "Nobody of my acquaintance enjoys the privilege of intimacy with the Darcy family. You see, I am merely the daughter of a shopkeeper and we move in very different circles."

That is exactly what Elizabeth would have expected. She did not blame him entirely, for she knew that lack of intimacy did not mean disrespect, but she could not help but compare their attitudes towards the people in their little towns. Lambton was a lot like Meryton. The Darcys were the main landowners of this area while the Bennets were the main landowners of the area surrounding Meryton —apart from Netherfield Park, which had been unoccupied for many years. Unlike the Darcys, she knew the shopkeepers in Meryton and their families quite well. She liked to talk to them and inquire after their families and she would never think of herself as their superior.

Perhaps he is shy, she thought, and had to give that theory some merit. She had promised herself she would stop making assumptions about the man, for it was evident that she did not know him at all. She still thought he was proud and above his company, but she had also believed him to be cruel and dishonourable and she now knew he was not. She had thought he looked at her in disapprobation and disdain and had the surprise of her life when he confessed his love for her.

"But he is very much respected and admired here," Miss Scott continued, bringing her back from her thoughts.

"Is he?" Elizabeth said, trying to persuade her to reveal more about this intriguing man.

"Oh, yes. He is especially kind and generous with his money. Six years ago, he paid all the debts that a man had with the shopkeepers here, which was a substantial amount, so the town would not suffer. I know this because Papa told me. He would have been in serious trouble if Mr. Darcy had not paid him back. His tenants have only good things to say about him and his servants adore him, so I do not think he would have demanded you left his home."

Miss Scott chuckled and Elizabeth tried to smile in response. "Well, it is good to know that he would not. But does he not interact with the people here?"

"Not very much," Miss Scott shrugged and then opened her eyes wide. "Oh, that is not quite true. He has been visiting the town more often the last few weeks and I think I even saw him speaking with Mr. Packer a fortnight ago."

"Who is Mr. Packer?"

"The blacksmith," Miss Scott replied.

The blacksmith! Elizabeth almost stopped walking and asked Miss Scott if she was sure it was Mr. Darcy, but restrained herself.

"I should have told you that from the beginning," Miss Scott added with a giggle. "Mama says that my conversation goes from one place to the other and I never start where I should. Or I get distracted and lose track of the conversation. As I have just done," she laughed heartily now. "But Mr. Packer was so excited about their conversation that he spoke of little else for the next few days."

"Quite astonishing," Elizabeth said in awe.

And just as she had predicted, Miss Scott had continued speaking about something else.

Elizabeth did not know how long she sat in the parlour thinking about her conversation with Miss Scott but soon her aunt and uncle were back from Pemberley. She smiled upon seeing them and decided she would not think about Mr. Darcy anymore.

It would prove a difficult decision to maintain, for no sooner were Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner changed from their trip that they began assaulting Elizabeth with questions.

"My dear!" Mrs. Gardiner began. "Why did you ever describe Mr. Darcy as proud and conceited? I have never known you to dislike someone on a whim, my love, but I cannot fathom your dislike for the gentleman."

"What do you mean, Aunt? Did you see Mr. Darcy?"

"See him?" Mr. Gardiner said. "The man came to us while we were walking in the gardens, introduced himself, and offered to be our guide."

Elizabeth's astonishment was now complete. She sat silently, unable to even acknowledge her uncle's words for she could barely believe them.

"He was extremely polite, all ease and friendliness. He showed us his favourite parts of the garden and spoke with me about Lambton and with your uncle about fishing. There was no false dignity in his manner at all."

"He was, indeed, very solicitous," Mr. Gardiner agreed with his wife.

"I... I can barely believe it," Elizabeth blurted out. "We know we were wrong about Mr. Wickham, but he has never been so polite as you describe in my company."

"That is strange, indeed," Mrs. Gardiner said, exchanging a look of surprise with her husband. "For he asked about you, particularly."

"Did he?" Elizabeth asked and could not help but blush.

"Oh, yes. He asked if you would be willing to come for tea while we are Lambton to make Miss Darcy's acquaintance."

"He wishes for me to meet Miss Darcy?"

Mrs. Gardiner nodded. "He said she does not have many friends her age and he thought she might benefit from your company. He has invited your uncle to fish with him and I, of course, would go with you."

Mr. Gardiner looked at his wife intently and added:

"Of course, we need not go, my dear. He said he would understand if our schedule was too busy and we only agreed to think about it, for we knew how reluctant you were to go to Pemberley today. If you do not wish to go, we shall send our excuses."

"How did he know you were my aunt and uncle?"

"He did not until we mentioned your name almost by the time we were leaving," Mr. Gardiner replied.

Elizabeth thought about this new information. He said he would understand if our schedule was too busy. She recognised that he was giving her the opportunity to reject his invitation. He did not assume her time was his and he would respect her decision. It was almost too much to comprehend. The arrogant and presumptuous Mr. Darcy she had known only a few months ago would have assumed she wished for his company and would have imposed it upon her. This Mr. Darcy was asking for permission!

He had admitted his mistakes, apologised, and he had set things right. He had sent Bingley back to Jane and protected her family, and so many others, from Mr. Wickham. She knew she was grateful for all of this and she realised she, too, needed to apologise to him and thank him. She owed him this much, and so if he truly wished to see her, she would go.

"Very well, we shall go to Pemberley."

Now that there was a small chance of seeing Elizabeth again, and so soon, Fitzwilliam felt the full weight of his fear and anxiety. He tried to convince himself that he had no reason to hope. He knew the crushing and overwhelming pain that his disappointed hopes could bring and he did not think he could survive that again. The words "the last man in the world" still resonated in his mind. Therefore, he knew that even if she decided to come, it would be to meet his sister and to show her that he could be a better man.

A man worthy of her, his treacherous mind added. No, she would never love him and he needed to accept that. But she might grow to respect him, maybe even to like him. Is that enough? It would have to be!

Georgiana was both happy and anxious when her brother told her that he had met Miss Bennet's aunt and uncle and that they might visit Pemberley to make her acquaintance. She remembered the letters that Fitzwilliam had written to her from Hertfordshire and Miss Bennet had been a protagonist in most of them. She had been surprised, for her brother never wrote or even spoke about ladies and she had even begun to hope that she might finally acquire a sister. But when he came back unattached and her name was never mentioned again, she concluded that she had been too hopeful. It had been almost nine months since then and she had almost forgotten about it. Now, her name brought back these memories and even some of her hope. She realised that this might be what had been affecting Fitzwilliam all this time. He might be in love! She was determined to observe his interactions with Miss Bennet and prayed that her dearest wish of having a sister would finally come true.

Fitzwilliam could not contain his anxiety and so the next day he sent an invitation for the following day. He knew it might be too soon, but he did not know how long Elizabeth would be in the area and he feared he might miss her altogether if he waited too long.

He thought about his encounter with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and prayed that they would tell Elizabeth he had done his best to make them feel welcome. It had not taken long for him to realise that these people were probably her aunt and uncle from London. They were her relatives in trade and he had liked them immensely! He had enjoyed their company even before he knew they were related to his love. This was only another proof of how wrong his prejudice and assumptions had been. The Gardiners were intelligent, refined, and well-bred. He would not be ashamed to call them his aunt and uncle.

He sighed and cradled his head in his hands. He had to stop thinking that there was a possibility, however small, that she might accept his hand.

What was he even doing? Was this only prolonging his torture? Would seeing her only bring him more sorrow? He might see her again and realise that indeed, she was everything he had ever wanted and would never have. But could he live the rest of his life without seeing her? He did not think he could. Not only because she was to become Bingley's sister, but also because he did not think he could live not knowing how she was. He had imagined he would spend the rest of his life basking in her laughter and staring into her teasing green eyes and he did not think he could resist being in her company. But this would also mean that she might accept him in his life as her brother's friend and that eventually, he would have to see her wed another.

He did not know how he would cope with that. But he knew that right now, he had to see her.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were surprised that the invitation came the very next day, but having their niece's approval, they accepted it and observed Elizabeth closely. She seemed a bit anxious and they could not help but be perplexed at the relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. They could not understand their niece's disapproval of the man or her unwillingness to spend time in his company, and they were even more intrigued by Mr. Darcy's particular invitation. They did, however, trust Elizabeth's judgement and they agreed that she would tell them if there was something they needed to know.

Elizabeth did not know what to expect as she climbed into the carriage that would take her to Pemberley. She did not know why Mr. Darcy had invited her to meet Miss Darcy, for he could not possibly think well of her after she had defended Mr. Wickham, questioned his own character, and rejected his proposal most cruelly. A few months ago, she might have believed him capable of inviting her in order to boast that he had been right and perhaps even to show her what she had missed when she rejected his hand. But now, after everything he had done, she could not believe him to be so uncharitable and callous. And he certainly would not involve his sister in the scheme.

But what could he possibly gain by inviting her to Pemberley? Why would he wish to lay eyes on her at all? The only explanation she could think of was that perhaps he felt guilty at the way they had parted at Hunsford. His words, after all, were just as cruel as hers if not more, taking into consideration that he had claimed to love her then. He might wish for them to be on friendly terms now that Mr. Bingley and Jane were betrothed and they would inevitably be thrown into each other's company.

Suspecting this might be the case, she tried to relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape of Pemberley Woods. She could hardly believe her eyes when she caught sight of Pemberley. It was a large, handsome stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills. In front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. She felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!

Lady Anne and Mr. Darcy watched with amusement as their son fidgeted and paced in the parlour, throwing constant glances at the grandfather clock in the room.

"Fitzwilliam, you are making me more nervous," Georgiana said and this finally stopped his pacing.

He took a deep breath and tried to gather himself for his sister's sake.

"I apologise, Georgiana."

"I shall do my best so Miss Bennet will like me, Fitzwilliam. I promise."

"Oh, Georgie," Fitzwilliam sighed and took her hand as she sat still trying to hide her own nerves. "I have absolutely no doubt that she will like you and you shall like her. That is not what worries me."

"Then what worries you?" she asked and when he let go of her hand and walked to gaze out the window she sighed. "Fitzwilliam, I am not a child. I know you like her. That is why I want her to like me."

"What?" Fitzwilliam turned around and looked at her in surprise.

"Well," she hesitated. "You have never spoken about a lady before or cared about what they might think, but it is clear that Miss Bennet makes you anxious."

"Georgiana, please, try to get this idea out of your head. It shall never happen and I do not wish for you to be disappointed."

As I surely will be, he added in his mind.

"Why do you say it shall never happen?"

Fortunately, before he could answer, Mr. Reynolds announced that there was a carriage approaching the manor and Fitzwilliam took the opportunity to escape his sister's questions.

"Come, let us prepare to receive our guests."

Soon, Mr. Reynolds entered the parlour again and announced:

"Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner, and Miss Bennet."

Lady Anne and Mr. Darcy's eyes went immediately to the young lady standing behind the elder couple. They were surprised to realise that she looked very much like they had imagined she would, for Fitzwilliam had described her very thoroughly in his list. Expressive green eyes and brown bouncing curls framed a pretty and young face. Her white gown with small, yellow flowers was elegant and made of good quality, indicating she was a gentleman's daughter, yet very simple, as that of young women in the country, and her only accessory was a golden garnet cross. They decided that she was, indeed, quite lovely. They especially liked the look of openness, simplicity, and artlessness she had about her.

"Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner," Mr. Darcy bowed to the couple, but his eyes were on Elizabeth from the moment she crossed the door. He did not think he had ever seen her look lovelier. Whether this was because of her looks that day or because of the long separation and the excruciating pain he had endured for it, he did not know and nor did he care. All he knew was that the woman of his dreams was standing in front of him, tilting her head up as her courage rose and she determined she would not be intimidated. Lord, how I love you, Elizabeth. "Miss Bennet," he managed to choke out. "It is a pleasure to welcome you at Pemberley."

He meant every word and did his best effort to let it show on his face.

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I am honoured you have invited me," she replied, trying to keep her composure when she saw his open expression and a look in his eye she had never seen before.

"Indeed, we are pleased to be here, sir," Mrs. Gardiner said, breaking the connection that seemed to have paralysed both young people.

"Allow me to introduce my sister to you. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, this is my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Georgie, these are Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner of London and Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn."

There was such reverence and admiration in his tone of voice upon pronouncing Elizabeth's name that neither his parents nor Georgiana could doubt his love for her.

"Pleased to meet you," Georgiana curtsied, timidly.

Upon seeing the young girl, and having four sisters herself, Elizabeth realised immediately that Miss Darcy was not proud as Mr. Wickham had said, but exceedingly shy. Her compassion was stronger than her discomfort, so she could not help but approach the young lady and smile warmly at her.

"I am very pleased to meet you, Miss Darcy. I have heard so much about you."

"Truly?" Georgiana asked.

"Oh, yes. Mr. and Miss Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lady Catherine, and of course, your brother, all sing your praises. I understand that you are fond of music, and play very well."

"They are too kind," Georgiana blushed. "I do not think I play very well, but I am very fond of music. I should dearly love to hear you play and sing. My brother has told me he has rarely heard anything that gave him more pleasure."

It was Fitzwilliam's turn to blush and he tried to ease his discomfort by engaging Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner in conversation. He wished to speak exclusively to Elizabeth, but he chose to tread carefully and give her some time with his sister to become accustomed to his company. After a while, Mrs. Gardiner turned to Georgiana and he took the opportunity to speak to Elizabeth.

He could not say what he wished to say to her in company, but he would do his best to hint at his regret.

"Miss Bennet, I hope your family was in good health when you left Longbourn."

"They were, sir," she replied, surprised to be singled out in conversation.

"Allow me to congratulate you on behalf of your sister," he said with a smile she had never before seen on his face. "Bingley sent me a letter upon their engagement, though I confess I could really understand half of it!"

Despite her confusion, her playful disposition could not let this opportunity slide.

"Why, sir? Did Mr. Bingley write in a foreign language?"

Mr. Darcy chuckled and she almost startled at the sound of it.

"It might as well be. You might remember Miss Bingley's comment at Netherfield. On a good day, Bingley leaves out half his words and blots the rest, but the happiness your sister has brought him has made him quite helpless with a pen."

I wonder if being engaged to her would rob me of my ability to write.

"I thank you for your congratulations, sir. I have never seen Jane happier."

"Nor I, Bingley," he said. "I am exceedingly happy for him. He has finally found his equal in your sister's gentle and kind temperament."

"I believe you are right," she smiled. "They are so well suited. They are each so complying, that nothing will ever be resolved; so easy, that every servant will cheat them; and so generous, that they will always exceed their income."

Fitzwilliam chuckled. "I know you are teasing, but you might very well be right in your predictions. Or they might find strength and determination in each other."

"I do hope so. Mr. Bingley said you were to stand with him at their wedding."

"I will do so happily, of course. It shall be in a little over a month now. Will you return to Longbourn directly?"

"Yes. We shall stay here in Lambton for another sennight and then travel back to London so my uncle can resume his business. They shall leave me in Hertfordshire and greet my family."

He spent the following quarter of an hour asking about her travels and her opinions on the estates she had visited and all too soon, he knew he had to take Mr. Gardiner to fish and leave the ladies. He left quite reluctantly only after he promised to see them again before they left.

As he walked to the lake to fish with Mr. Gardiner, Fitzwilliam realised that he felt better than he had in months. He knew it would be a lot worse when she left him for Hertfordshire, but for now, even if she was not his, she was here, and that was enough to ease some of his pain.

After Fitzwilliam and Mr. Gardiner were gone fishing, Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne decided to stay behind to get to know Elizabeth better. They noticed that the minute their son was gone, she seemed to relax and her lively and cheerful nature lit up. They thought her conversation with Fitzwilliam had gone quite well, but now she suddenly exuded warmth, amiability, and playfulness. They found this quite concerning. If her change of demeanour derived from nerves and awkwardness after her last conversation with Fitzwilliam, it was perfectly understanding and they thought it might be easily resolved after they became accustomed to each other's presence. But another possibility, that of its source being her disinterest in Fitzwilliam, crept into their minds and they knew that would be difficult, and maybe impossible, for their son to overcome.

They liked the way she interacted with Georgiana, trying to draw the girl gently out of her shell without making demands. Their daughter was clearly nervous, but not overwhelmed and after half an hour, she relaxed in Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner's amiable company and started to enjoy herself.

Elizabeth discovered that music was a topic that made Georgiana passionate and although she was no expert, she spoke at length of every composer she knew and they discussed the merits of each. Georgie was laughing out loud after only an hour and Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne could hardly believe their eyes. In all these months they had never seen her so carefree and soon they found out the reason.

"I hope you shall agree to be my friend, Miss Bennet. I do not have any my age and I realise now how much I miss female companionship," she said, timidly. "Oh, do not misunderstand me, Fitzwilliam is the best brother I could have asked for. Except that sometimes I think he is a little too kind to me."

"An ideal elder brother, then."

"Oh, yes. I could not imagine a kinder or more considerate one, but I should have liked to have a sister."

Georgiana's expression as she said this left her parents with no doubt of her meaning and they took Elizabeth's blush as evidence that the young lady suspected her meaning as well.

"You make me feel quite envious. I have no brothers at all, only four sisters."

"So many! It must be wonderful!"

"It is, most of the time," Elizabeth chuckled. "But then oftentimes you find yourself on the brink of losing your mind."

As Elizabeth described each of her sisters, her love and loyalty for them were evident in her voice. Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne found that they approved of her very much and they hoped that Fitzwilliam would be able to make things right.

Fitzwilliam liked Mr. Gardiner. He truly did. But spending the morning fishing with him while the woman he loved was inside his house was a new form of torture. He knew he needed to give her some space and to let her and Georgiana get to know each other, but it took every bit of his willpower to remain with her uncle while he could be basking in her presence. He took some comfort in the fact that Mr. Gardiner spoke a lot about the Bennets, especially the eldest two daughters and, hoping he was being discreet, he tried to move the conversation to Elizabeth as often as he could. If he could not be with her, he could at least hear about her from someone who had known Elizabeth her entire life and who, he could tell, loved her dearly. He found that the Gardiners had four children who had stayed at Longbourn under the care of Miss Bennet and that one of them, Miss Elizabeth Gardiner, or Beth, was named after her godmother. As noon approached, Mr. Gardiner expressed his desire to collect his wife and niece and they finally returned to the house.

The first thing he noticed was that Georgiana was chatting with Elizabeth as if they had known each other for years instead of hours. He knew Elizabeth was friendly and outgoing and that she had the talent to reach out to people and set them at ease, so he had known that the two people he loved most in the world would get along, but he had never expected they would become friends this quickly. He had clearly underestimated how Elizabeth's charm seemed to work on the Darcys.

He also noticed that Elizabeth was back to her lively self and hoped that she would remain so with him. He had known their first meeting after his abominable proposal and her rejection would be awkward at best, but he hoped they would be able to move past it.

"I see you are enjoying yourselves, my dears," Mr. Gardiner pointed out.

"We are, Uncle. Miss Darcy is delightful," Elizabeth replied, making the younger girl blush.

"I have so enjoyed your company, Miss Bennet," Georgiana said and after exchanging a look with her brother, added: "Mr and Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, my brother and I would be honoured if you would be our guests at Pemberley for dinner. Would tomorrow evening be convenient?"

"Thank you. We shall be delighted," Mrs. Gardiner replied.

Fifteen minutes later, Fitzwilliam watched the carriage carrying the love of his life as it drove away.

I do not own any Pride and Prejudice properties, nor do I make any money from the writing of this story.

Characters and situations, created by Jane Austen, are taken from Pride and Prejudice and from the Pride and Prejudice (1995) adaptation created by Simon Langton and distributed by BBC.

This story is released under the GPL/CC BY: verbatim copying and distribution of this entire work are permitted worldwide, without royalty, in any medium, provided attribution is preserved.