Author's note: Sorry for the delay in posting. I have to finish the second half of this chapter - The proposal.
PPP
Entering the house, Elizabeth looked around curiously and visibly delighted. Pemberley's manor was just as beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside. Without a doubt, it was very tastefully decorated; the curtains were light-colored, the wallpapers were beautiful but not ostentatious, and the furniture was modern and elegant. There were various flower arrangements in the main rooms and pretty porcelain ornaments.
Darcy introduced them to Mrs. Reynolds and invited them to the parlor for refreshments. Subsequently, he accompanied them to their respective bedchambers, in the family wing, so they could freshen up.
One hour later, they met again in the main hall and Darcy gave them a special tour of the main rooms of the mansion. Needless to say, Elizabeth and her grandfather were in awe of the number of books in the great library. There were hundreds of books, some of them very old, and even manuscripts from the Middle Ages…
Elizabeth walked slowly, entranced looking at the titles of the books, while her grandfather and Darcy looked at her smiling.
"Mr. Darcy, I would stay in this room forever. You have an impressive collection. It is the first time I see so many books together!"
Darcy smiled broadly. "This library is the work of many generations of Darcys, and as you know, I like reading very much and added several titles to the collection."
Elizabeth smiled happily and picked up a book and exclaimed, "Is this the first edition of William Blake's 'Songs of Innocence'?"
Darcy nodded. "Yes; I have several first editions of various books." He pointed to a display case with five books, "Those books are Shakespeare's first edition: Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, Romeo and Juliet, and Henry V."
Elizabeth's eyes widened in surprise and Mr. Thompson said, "I agree with my granddaughter, Mr. Darcy. I would gladly stay in your library forever."
Half an hour later, they continued the tour. The next room was the music room. There was a beautiful piano and a harp, and several comfortable armchairs. Since it was approaching dinner time, Elizabeth promised Darcy to play the piano after dinner.
They went to the familiar dining room, and the first course was served immediately. Elizabeth smiled when she realized that it was her favorite dish. During dinner they talked pleasantly about the history of Pemberley and at Darcy's request, Mr. Thompson told him several amusing anecdotes from when Elizabeth was a little girl.
After dinner, Elizabeth played the Moonlight Sonata, which she knew was one of Darcy's favorites.
Mrs. Reynolds from a corner of the music room looked at the scene with great emotion and even had to hold back tears. It was the first time she saw her beloved master so happy and in love. The young lady, besides being very pretty, was intelligent, and kind, and most important, she seemed to be in love with Darcy.
When she finished playing, Darcy and Mr. Thompson applauded enthusiastically and asked her to play another piece. With a big smile on her face, Elizabeth played Mozart's 40th Symphony.
As she played, Darcy gazed at her entranced. With each passing day, he was more bewitched in body and soul and he dreamed of one day having the privilege that she would accept to be his wife.
That night, Elizabeth had a hard time falling asleep. The day had been perfect, one of the happiest of her life. She came to the conclusion that she would be immensely happy if one day she married Mr. Darcy. The few doubts she had before coming to Pemberley, were completely vanished at that moment, she was in love with Mr. Darcy.