Mr. Darcy's Diary

‘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.

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 to go with us.

Elizabeth’s expression softened on seeing him. She did not hold his inconstancy against him, then. I was glad. I had been the cause of it, not he. If not for his natural modesty, he would have pursued his own course instead of listening to me.

‘Your family are well, I hope?’ said he.

‘Yes, quite well, I thank you.’

‘Your mother and father?’

‘They are in good health.’

‘And your sisters?’

‘Yes, they are well.’

‘Good. ’ He paused, as embarrassed as I had been the day before. ‘It is a very long time since I had the pleasure of seeing you. ’ She opened her mouth to reply, but he went on: ‘It is above eight months. We have not met since the twenty-sixth of November, when we were all dancing together at Netherfield.’

How long ago it seemed. And what dramas had unfolded since then.

‘When will you be returning to Longbourn?’ he asked.

‘Soon. In a little less than a week.’

‘You will be pleased to see your sisters again.’

Elizabeth smiled. She could not be ignorant of the cause of all this talk about her sisters.

‘Yes.’

‘And they to see you.’

‘I’m sure they will.’

‘I am thinking of returning to Netherfield myself,’ he said nonchalantly.

‘Oh? I had heard a rumour you meant to quit it.’

‘Not at all. It is quite the pleasantest house I have ever come across.’

‘And yet you have been a long time away.’

‘I had business to attend to,’ he said. ‘But now I am my own master.’

Elizabeth’s eyes met mine, and we smiled. I was sure she knew what Bingley meant when he said, Now I am my own master.

I noticed her aunt glancing from one to the other of us, but I did not disguise my admiration for her niece. Let her know it. I would like to let all the world know. I am in love with Elizabeth Bennet.

I made it my concern to be agreeable. It was not difficult. I simply pretended that I had known the Gardiners all my life. It is remarkable how simple it is to be easy with strangers once one has the knack. And the determination, I could not help admitting. I would not give myself the trouble before. Now, I made an effort to be liked.

We stayed above half an hour. It was a little over-long for a morning visit, perhaps, but I could not tear myself away. At last I noticed Mrs Gardiner glancing at the clock, and knew we must be on our way.

‘I hope you will join us for dinner before you leave the neighbourhood,’ I said, glancing at Georgiana so that she joined me in the invitation.

‘Yes, we would like it very much if you could join us,’ she said shyly.

I looked to Elizabeth, but she looked away. I was not concerned. There was a look of awkwardness, not hostility on her face, but in time I hoped we would come to know each other better, and her awkwardness would fade away.