Mr. Darcy's Diary, Amanda Grange [elon musk reading list TXT] 📗

a fancy to see Pemberley. She lived in

the neighbourhood when she was a girl. But we were

told you would not return until tomorrow.’

So she had discovered that, and had only come on the

understanding she would not see me. My spirits sank, but

rose again as I realized that fate had played into my

hands. If I had not decided to tend to my estate business,

I would be with Georgiana at the inn, instead of here

with Elizabeth.

‘That was my intention, but a matter to be settled

with my steward brought me here a few hours before my

companions. They will join me early tomorrow, and

among them are some who will claim an acquaintance

with you – Mr Bingley and his sisters.’

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I could not help but think of all that had passed

between us on the subject of Bingley, and I guessed her

thoughts tended in the same direction. I wondered

whether I should say something; give her some indication of my change of sentiment; but I did not know how

to begin.

Instead, I said: ‘Will you allow me, or do I ask too

much, to introduce my sister to your acquaintance during your stay at Lambton?’

‘I would like that very much.’

There was a warmth in her voice, and in the smile that

accompanied it, that greatly relieved my fears.

We walked on in silence, but more easily than before.

The air was not so tense, and there was, if not ease

between us, at least no more embarrassment.

We reached the carriage. Her aunt and uncle were

some way behind.

‘Will you come into the house? Would you like some

refreshment?’

‘No, thank you,’ she said.‘I must wait for my aunt and

uncle.’

I was disappointed, but I did not press her.

I tried to think of something to say. I wanted to tell

her how wrong I had been. She, too, looked as though

she wished to speak, but what she wanted to say I did not

know.

At last she began, but it was only to say:‘Derbyshire is

a beautiful county.’

‘Have you seen much of it?’

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‘Yes.We have been to Matlock and Dove Dale.’

‘They are well worth seeing.’

My conversation was inane. Hers was little better.

There was so much that lay unspoken between us, but

now was not the time. Perhaps, in a few days, when we

came to know each other better again…

Her aunt and uncle drew closer. I invited them in for

refreshment, but they declined. I handed the ladies into

the carriage and it drove away. I watched it for as long as

I could without my regard seeming particular, and then

walked slowly into the house.

I had not said any of the things I wanted to say, but

the knowledge that I would be seeing Elizabeth again

sustained me.

My spirits felt lighter than they had done for a very

long time.

Wednesday 6th August

I was out of bed very early. I could not sleep. I looked for

Georgiana and at last she arrived, with Bingley and his

sisters. I greeted them warmly, and then telling Georgiana I wished to show her a new specimen of tree in the

grounds I invited her for a walk. She went with me readily. When we were some distance from the house I said:

‘Georgiana, there is someone I would like you to meet.’

She looked at me enquiringly.

‘When I was in Hertfordshire last autumn, I met a

young lady by the name of Elizabeth Bennet. I liked her

very much.’

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Georgiana looked surprised, then pleased.

‘She is visiting Derbyshire, and she is staying at a

nearby inn. If you are not too tired, I would like to take

you to meet her this morning.’

I knew that it was sudden, but now that I had found

Elizabeth again, I could not wait to introduce her to my

sister.

‘No, I am not too tired. I would like to meet her.’

We returned to the house. Caroline and Louisa were

upstairs, and Georgiana followed them, promising to

come down when she had washed the grime of travelling from her hands and face, and when she had changed

her gown.

Bingley was in the library.

‘There is someone I think you will like to see, staying

nearby,’ I said.

‘Oh?’ He looked up.

‘Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She is travelling with her aunt

and uncle. By chance, they visited the house yesterday,

just as I arrived. I said I would visit her this morning. I

will be taking Georgiana with me, and I thought you

might like to come.’

He looked surprised, but said: ‘Of course, Darcy. I

would like to see her again.’ He hesitated, then said:

‘Might it be better if I do not ask after her sister? Or

would that seem particular?’

‘I think you should certainly ask after her.’

He smiled, and I was pleased with the turn events had

taken.

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Georgiana returned to the room. I ordered the curricle to be brought round and we drove to Lambton, with

Bingley following on horseback. I hoped Elizabeth

would not have gone out. I caught a glimpse of her at the

window and was reassured.

I believe I was as nervous as Georgiana when we were

admitted. Elizabeth seemed embarrassed, but no sooner

had I introduced Georgiana than she regained her composure. Between the two of them there seemed a

genuine warmth. Georgiana was shy, and spoke in no

more than monosyllables at first, but Elizabeth persevered, asking her questions and gently leading her to

speak. Georgiana grew easier in her manner, and before

long they were sitting together.

‘You must not forget you promised to fish in my

river,’ I said to Mr Gardiner.

He looked surprised, as though he thought I might

have changed my mind, but he agreed readily enough.

I could not help my gaze drifting to Elizabeth, and I

believe it would have remained there had we not been

interrupted by Bingley. Fortunately his sisters had not

come downstairs by the time we departed, or we should

have been obliged to invite them