"Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." - Albert Camus
Chapter 30
Elizabeth slept wonderfully in the opulent chamber she had been given for her visit at Pemberley. She was a tad sleepy this morning since Georgiana had stayed with her last night until Elizabeth could no longer contain her exhaustion. The two young ladies had spent that time becoming apprised of all the latest news that had yet to be communicated via letter. Alas, Elizabeth was unable to stay abed for long and, consequently, was one of the first to arrive at the breakfast room this morning.
"Good morning, Miss Bennet." Mr. Darcy said upon her entrance as he rose from his seat at the head of the table.
"Good day, Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth replied before making her way to the sideboard.
She quickly made her selection before turning around to find Mr. Darcy still standing. They looked at each other for a moment before the gentleman spoke again.
"I…I trust that you slept well?" He enquired.
Elizabeth smiled and replied, "Yes, sir, I did. My room is quite lovely and the view of the gardens is spectacular."
A wide smile spread across the gentleman's face.
"Yes, I believed you would enjoy the aspect from the green room."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Mr. Darcy's cheeks colored at his admission of selecting her room specifically. Elizabeth smirked slightly before sitting down at the table so that her host could do likewise. Not wishing to cause any further embarrassment, they both broke their fast in relative silence. Once Elizabeth had had her fill of both food and quiet, she rose.
"I believe I shall take an early walk, sir. Good day." She said as she bobbed a curtsey.
A brief flash of panic crossed Mr. Darcy's face as he stood.
"Oh, of course. Would you care if I…that is, do you desire an escort?" He asked hopefully.
Elizabeth was sorry to disappoint him but did not feel equal to spending more time in his presence alone yet.
"Thank you, sir, but I do not wish to importune you. I planned to wander the east gardens that I was able to spy out of my window this morning." She said kindly.
Elizabeth could see that he was about to offer again so she quickly added, "Also, your sister has promised to take me on a proper tour sometime today and I do not wish to be gone too long."
Elizabeth could see that her response disappointed the gentleman. Before she exited the room, she could not resist adding, "I was promised endless walks while in Derbyshire. I am eager to begin, sir."
Delighted that she remembered and quoted his own words, Darcy smiled broadly.
"And I am certain that Derbyshire will not disappoint, Miss Bennet."
Mr. Darcy bowed and wished her a pleasant walk. Elizabeth thanked him and left the room.
Both were pleased with their first solitary conversation since Elizabeth's arrival.
The next few days of the visit passed pleasurably. Jane and Elizabeth were excited to become acquainted with the grounds and Georgiana was eager to share her home with her friends. Darcy was extremely pleased with Georgiana's enthusiasm and improved confidence in her hosting skills.
The ladies enjoyed their time together and spent many hours in the music room as well as in the conservatory. Elizabeth and Jane were in awe of the variety of hot house flowers that Pemberley maintained. Elizabeth mentioned this during dinner on their second night and was surprised to find that her room contained a new bouquet each morning thereafter.
Georgiana also led Elizabeth and Jane on a shopping expedition into Lambton since Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, Charles and Jane would be attending a harvest ball the following week. Georgiana was quite put out to be excluded which caused her brother to laugh heartily at her sudden change of heart regarding social gatherings. The brother and sister ended up teasing each other on their strategies to avoid attending events. Jane was surprised to see the Darcy siblings so relaxed and loving. She glanced at her own teasing sister only to find that Lizzy was staring at Mr. Darcy with a small smile. Jane felt Charles squeeze her hand and look at him. He just winked at her with a quick glance in Lizzy direction and then launched into his own story of Darcy stealthily dodging certain gentleman at their club.
Elizabeth continued to explore the area near the house on her morning walks for fear that she would become lost upon the paths that ventured further into the woods. A few days before the harvest ball, Mr. Darcy offered to join her again and she finally agreed.
"I hope that you are enjoying your visit, Miss Bennet?" Mr. Darcy asked when they had walked for a while.
"Yes, I am very much, sir. It has been wonderful spending time with Georgiana and the countryside is beautiful."
"I am glad to hear that you enjoy it here." He said quietly.
"The house is also impressive, sir. I have been spoiled with the beauty of a new exotic flower bouquet each day in my chambers." Elizabeth said as she watched him closely.
Darcy refused to meet her eyes as he looked ahead on their path.
"It is a wonder that Pemberley can maintain such a large assortment of flowers if every guest is treated thusly?" Elizabeth questioned.
Darcy finally stopped and looked at her.
"Miss Bennet, I am pleased that you think me such a generous host but I must admit that daily bouquets are reserved for special guests."
Elizabeth's heart beat faster but she could not stop from continuing.
"I see. So then, I am a special guest?" She asked quietly.
Mr. Darcy did not respond immediately but took her hand and raised it to his lips. After gently kissing her hand, he rubbed her fingers with his thumb.
"You are the most important guest that I have ever hosted at Pemberley." He whispered.
Elizabeth's head was swirling.
"Perhaps we should continue on our walk. I do not want to return to the house too late or Jane will worry."
Darcy bowed and they continued on their way.
The morning of the harvest ball, Elizabeth decided to explore a new path on the gardener's recommendation. He said that the path led down to a small stream in the woods and was clearly marked.
As Elizabeth walked through the colorful beauty of the surrounding trees, she heard the sound of water. She was surprised to find that the end of the path was occupied when she finally reached the stream. There, upon the bench that the gardener had spoken of, sat a small boy with a makeshift fishing pole held tightly in his chubby hands.
"Good day, young man." Elizabeth said as she approached so that the little boy would not be frightened.
He turned his head at her greeting to look at her. He eyes widened and he quickly hopped up and cut a small bow.
"Hello, miss. Are you fishing? 'Cause I just got here and Master says that I can fish here." He asked sweetly.
Elizabeth smiled and asked, "Would you mind if I joined you for a bit? I don't want to interrupt you from your purpose."
"No, miss. There's room for both of us on the bench." He answered with a gap-toothed smile.
They settled themselves upon the bench.
"My name is Miss Bennet, Mister?"
"Oh, I's not a mister! I'm just Henry. I am 5 years old!" He said enthusiastically.
"Well, it's lovely to meet you Henry. Thank you for sharing the bench with me this morning."
Henry blushed and looked back towards his fishing line. Elizabeth smiled and took a moment to appreciate the view surrounding them. It was not long before Henry broke the silence.
"Um, Miss Bennet, are you staying at the big house?" He asked quietly.
"Yes, I am. I am visiting Miss Darcy." She responded.
"I like Miss Darcy. She gives me sweets sometimes and her hair is pretty." He said.
Elizabeth smiled but then Henry continued.
"Are you sure you don't want to use my fishing pole? This is the best spot, that's why I came here early. My grandpa says that worms like to eat early." He said with authority. Then his little brow scrunched up and he added, "I don't know why a worm would want to eat early. Or why grandpa says that about fishing since the fish eat the worms? Why would a worm want to get eaten sooner?"
Elizabeth laughed lightly, "Worms are odd creatures."
They were interrupted when Henry's line was tugged. The little boy quickly hopped up and pulled in a large fish.
"Look at that, Miss! I can't wait to show that one to my grandpa!"
Elizabeth made a great show of inspecting the fish and declaring it to be the mightiest that she had ever seen.
Henry quickly gathered up his fishing pole and bucket and turned towards the path. Then, he stopped and turned back towards Elizabeth.
"Do you need help, I mean, could I take you back to the big house, Miss? My grandpa says it is important to help ladies." Henry said formally.
Elizabeth stood and replied, "Thank you, Henry. Do you live nearby? I would not wish to delay your return when you have such a wonderful catch to share."
"Oh, don't worry, miss. My grandpa works in the stable for the Master." He assured her.
The pair set off and chatted during their walk towards the stable. Elizabeth saw an older gentleman giving instructions to a few stable boys as they approached. Henry quickly ran towards him.
"Grandpa, grandpa! Look what I brought you!" The yelled swinging the bucket.
The older man peered into the bucket and smiled widely.
"Well, that's the finest catch yet for you, Henry!"
The young boy beamed and responded, "That's what I told Miss Bennet and she said it's the biggest fish she's ever seen, Grandpa!"
At this, the stable master turned to find Elizabeth standing close by.
"Good morning, Miss. I hope that my grandson did not disturb you." He asked.
"Not at all, sir. Henry was kind enough to escort me back to the house."
Elizabeth took her leave of Henry and his grandfather before turned back towards the house. She was not too surprised to find Mr. Darcy walking towards her from the veranda.
"Good day, Miss Bennet." He said once he reached her.
"Yes, it is Mr. Darcy." She replied.
"I was hoping to join you in your walk this morning; however, I find that my place has been usurped." He laughed.
"Tis true, sir. I'm afraid that a very gallant young man was my escort this morning."
"I see. And am I to wish you and young Henry joy, Miss Bennet?" Darcy teased.
"While he could certainly provide well for a family given his excellent angling skills, I believe that I am much too impatient to wait for Henry to reach an appropriate age." Elizabeth laughed.
"Ah, that is too bad. Perhaps another excellent angler will come along…one who is not 15 years your junior."
"Perhaps." Was her only response.
"Are you looking forward to the ball this evening?" Mr. Darcy asked.
"Yes, Mr. Darcy. I am anxious to know more of your neighbors. Are all gentlemen from Derbyshire reserved? Do the men prefer the view out of windows to the diversion of dancing?" Elizabeth asked seriously.
Seeing that she was teasing him again, Darcy decided to ask what had been on his mind since his guests agreed to attend this ball.
"These are heavy questions, indeed. I hope that this evening will provide ample opportunity to satisfy your curiosity. However, I believe that I must take exception to one of your statements."
"Truly? Which statement would that be, sir?" Elizabeth asked.
"I am a gentleman from Derbyshire and I certainly do not prefer the view out of a window to dancing with you, Miss Bennet. As such, would you do me the honor of dancing the first set with me this evening?" He asked hopefully.
Elizabeth looked away for a moment but then responded.
"Yes, thank you for asking, Mr. Darcy."