Lizzy and Georgiana spent the entire carriage ride talking to one another in their somewhat more than rudimentary Italian. Mrs. Baxter, being fluent herself, had been tutoring the girls informally at their request. She offered an occasional correction or instruction as they rolled along toward Lambton.
Three weeks had passed since their birthday festivities, and this was to be their last outing before Lizzy returned to Hertfordshire. They were eager to make the most of it. The plans included taking tea at the Rose and Crown Inn and shopping for gifts for Lizzy to bring home to her family at the bookstore and the haberdashery.
After sending a three-page letter to Jane about what had happened at Pemberley on her birthday–in which she included all the good along with the very bad–Lizzy attempted to forget about the overheard conversation and its implications. She thought she was more or less successful at this but her continued consideration of it manifested itself in the occasional bout of melancholy which were noted by both Georgiana and Aunt Gardiner. In addition, Lizzy studiously avoided conversation with the young Mr. Darcy beyond polite necessities during which she expended great effort to appear as if all was well. Though proud of herself and certain of the necessity of such action she found she missed talking with and teasing him a great deal.
As Mrs. Baxter led them into the private sitting room at the Inn they were greeted by its proprietors.
"It is an honour to have you, Miss Darcy," Mr. Morton said. "And you as well Miss Baxter and Miss Bennet. My wife will serve you. Please let us know if you require anything."
Just then a plump older woman with grey-blond hair tucked neatly inside her white cap bustled into the room holding a tray of biscuits, cakes and fruits. She placed it beside the tea things on the large centre table. The ladies took their seats around it and when the proprietors left Miss Darcy moved to serve the tea. Lizzy and Miss Baxter took their cups form her.
"Georgiana, you are becoming quite the hostess," Lizzy told her friend.
"Perhaps next summer you and Miss Bennet can host a small party of friends at Pemberley," Miss Baxter suggested.
"Oh, do you think Father would allow that?"
"I think it is likely he will be eager to give you an opportunity to practice for the role you will someday hold at Pemberley and someday your own home. Indeed, it will give you an opportunity to show all you will learn this year at Bembridge."
"Mrs. Baxter, this is meant to be an enjoyable outing. I do not wish to think on that place," Georgiana protested with a pout.
"Miss Darcy," the governess admonished, "you must resign yourself. It is an incredible opportunity not only to learn, but to make new friends."
"I do not wish to be forced to spend time with spoiled girls..."
"Georgiana," Lizzy interrupted," you mustn't judge your school mates before you meet them. That is unkind and you are the kindest young lady I know. Besides, I am looking forward to all of your letters. I will wave them about bragging of my intimate friend from the prestigious Bembridge Academy. I will consider myself an honorary student by virtue of our correspondence which I know will be detailed and frequent enough to justify it."
Mrs. Baxter shot a grateful look at Elizabeth before adding, "I too look forward to hearing about everyone you meet and everything you learn as well."
"It is you who will have the most to share," Georgiana answered.
"Yes, I hope you will write me as well if it is not too much trouble," I should love to hear all about St. Petersburg and moreover what it is like to be in the household of a diplomat in that city. I imagine it will be quite grand."
"I do not know about grand, but I am certain it will be quite interesting," Mrs. Baxter replied. "But I would be happy to write you and receive letters from you. I am certain I will be grateful for any news from England when I am gone."
"Are you sorry to be going after all?" Georgiana asked. "I know father was speak to Lord Cavan..."
"No, nothing of the sort, Miss Darcy. I am grateful to your father and brother for referring me to Lord and Lady Cavan and look forward to spending the year as companion to Lady Cavan's mother. It is just I have travelled before and know that regardless of how agreeable a situation may be a part of me will always long for home."
"Well then, you shall certainly hear much of the mundane comings and goings of Hertfordshire and Miss Darcy can keep you apprised of the far more interesting news of life at a finishing school in the heart of London."
"Yes, indeed," Georgiana agreed. "Though I must observe that Lizzy's letters are always delightful and never boring."
"I have no doubt," Mrs. Baxter answered. "And returning to the subject at hand, should your father approve, I will be delighted to help you host a party at Pemberley when we both return in June."
"It will miss you when I am home for winter break."
"I will be sorry to miss Pemberley at Christmas. Your family traditions are wonderful and the way the house and grounds are decorated makes it feel almost magical."
"Yes, having a Pemberley Christmas to look forward to is something to sustain me," Georgiana said, sighing dramatically.
Elizabeth giggled at this. The ladies soon finished their tea and treats and were ready to begin their shopping. After two hours spent in the few well-stocked shops of Lambton Elizabeth had bright red and green ribbons for Lydia, a kitten figurine for Kitty, smart new bonnets for Mary and her mother, a lovely shawl for Jane and a book for her father. Her arms were full as they approached the waiting carriage. Higgins, the Pemberley footman who usually accompanied the ladies on their outings, stepped forward quickly to take Elizabeth's many things and the few items Miss Baxter and Miss Darcy held.
When they stopped in front of Barlow Hall Georgiana took her friend's hands, "I will miss you, Lizzy. Please write to me as often as you can bear to. I will try to do as you and Miss Baxter have advised and make new friends, but no one will ever replace you."
"Oh, Georgiana, you are such a dear," Elizabeth said, pulling the younger girl in for a hug. "Of course I will write all the time. When we see each other again in June, we will barely have anything to say to one another as we will have been kept apprised of everything through our very many letters!"
When they opened the door Higgins appeared to help Elizabeth alight. She stood watching the carriage meander down the tree-lined lane, waving and smiling. It was not until it disappeared around a bend that she turned and went into the house. The previous night she had her aunt and uncle had been guests at Pemberley for dinner. It was then that she said her goodbyes to Mr. Darcy who continued their tradition of reading a book together while apart during the year.
"The Odyssey?" She asked, opening the book he placed in her hand. It was a worn tome; its light brown leather cover had added gold trim around the edges and its attached red ribbon bookmark was frayed at the ends and hung loosely over the side.
"I think it is time we attended to the classics," Mr. Darcy said by way of an answer. "What say you, shall we see what scrapes Odysseus has got himself into."
"I look forward to it," she told him.
"That was my book," the younger Darcy offered. "I remember when father and I bought it at a bookshop in London, Hatchard's in Piccadilly was it not?"
"I believe so," his father agreed.
"Oh, I should not like to deprive you of something that has sentimental value," Elizabeth said, moving to the younger Darcy and pressing the book toward him. It was the closest she had been to him, in three weeks and she was chagrined to discover the power of his proximity had not faded. His woodsy scent, the flecks of gold in his brown eyes which were only discernible up close were enough to shoot a cannon of nerves across her stomach, but then her fingers brushed his and the new weakness of unsteady legs was brought to bear on her small frame. It was only by the force of her considerable will that she not only remained erect but took a step back. The book still in her hands.
"No, I want you to have it. Its having meaning to me does not preclude a desire to share it. I hope you enjoy it, and I would welcome your thoughts when next we meet."
"Very well," she answered after taken a steadying breath. Turning to the elder Darcy she offered her thanks and then turning back to his son she said, "I thank you for sharing it." His almost smile and small nod which caused a loose brown curl that sat atop his head to fall ever so slightly over his forehead was the lasting image she took with her. She stared at him for longer than was likely appropriate but in that moment, she decided they all knew anyway she might as well look her fill.