Author's note: Half-chapter (next the ball)

PPP

A few days later, Mr. Gardiner received a brief note from Mr. Stern which he promptly shared with his niece.

15th February 1812

Greystone, Scotland

Dear Mr. Gardiner,

I just wanted you to know that unfortunately, I won't be able to return to London for several months.

Send my regards to your family and especially to Miss Thompson and Miss Bennet.

Edward Stern.

Upon hearing the news, a concerned Mary asked her cousin, "Are you sad that Mr. Stern is not coming back?"

"It's a shame because he's a very kind gentleman and I really enjoyed his company, but that's all." she smiled at Mary, "I'm not heartbroken."

"I'm glad to hear that…"

On the other hand, the news that Mr. Stern was not coming back was met with great relief by Darcy as he recognized that he was a worthy rival for Elizabeth's affections. He was also aware that he couldn't let his guard down again because the next time he might lose her forever. Also, his cousin reminded him that Elizabeth was a very pretty, intelligent young woman, according to Lady Matlock's investigation had a good dowry, and had already received two marriage proposals.

Over the course of the next few weeks, Darcy took every opportunity to converse with Elizabeth, and even knowing that she liked the history of Greece and Egypt, he invited her to an exhibition at the British Museum.

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At the museum, Georgiana, Mary and Mrs. Annesley moved faster than Elizabeth and Darcy thtrough the exhibition's rooms, since they didn't have the same passion for history and ancient artifacts as Elizabeth. If Georgiana or Mary suspected that Darcy was in love with Elizabeth, neither of them said anything to the other…

Elizabeth looked carefully at several of the pieces on display and stood for a few minutes in front of the rosette stone and commented to Darcy, "… I first came here many years ago with my parents exclusively to see this stone." she sighed, "I think from then on I started to like the history of Egypt and Greece."

"In Cambridge, there is a plaster copy of this stone, and there is a group of experts on Egyptology. I confess that the history of Egypt is not what interests me the most." Smiling, he added: "I prefer Greek and Roman history."

Lizzy smiled, "Maybe it's not exactly the history that fascinates me about Egypt, but the mystery, how little we still know about that ancient civilization. Unfortunately, the library of Alexandria was burned and so many centuries of history were lost."

"It was certainly a great loss to universal knowledge." He paused, "One of the things I regret is that due to my father's health and the war with France I couldn't do the tour of the continent. I would love to go to Rome, Florence…"

They continued to talk for almost three hours as they slowly walked through the different rooms of the museum.

PPP

Two days later, Darcy invited them to have ice at Gunter's as he heard Lady Marianne comment at a party that there was a new exotic fruit flavor that was all the rage in London.

While they were eating the famous ice, they met Lady Maria – Darcy's cousin's wife – and her sister Lady Isabella, who were out shopping. After talking for a few minutes, Lady Maria reminded Darcy that the following week was her ball at Lady Matlock's house. Lady Maria also invited Elizabeth and Mary whom she had met at Georgiana's ball and suspected that Darcy was in love with Miss Thompson...