Chapter 21

Elizabeth rode in her uncle's carriage nervously fiddling with her gloves as she watched the houses become grander as they drew closer to Mr. Darcy's home. Upon arrival, Elizabeth was relieved to see that the house did not fill an entire block as some she had seen on her way.

Mr. Darcy stood at the top of the stairs proudly ready to show Elizabeth his home. His sister waited patiently in the parlor, but he could not wait patiently. He needed to see her reaction as soon as possible. It was torture as he stood still while the footman helped her and her family down from the carriage. She looked up to take in the fa?ade and smiled upon seeing him. His heart soared, and he greeted his potential new family with enthusiasm.

He wanted to immediately show them around the house, but Georgiana insisted they save a tour for another day. She did not want to not overwhelm Elizabeth the first day. So he dutifully lead them to the parlor where they chatted together until dinner was ready.

Elizabeth looked around the dining room, happy that everything she had seen told her that Mr. Darcy was sensible and held plenty of good taste. The furnishing was exquisite, beautiful, and not overly adorned. Every piece of furniture had a purpose. The sofas were comfortable. The tables were just large enough. She was delighted with the four rooms she had seen so far.

Even more pleasing, the Darcys were extremely amiable. They spoke with everyone. Maria felt very shy at first, but with a hostess her age, she bonded very easily with her. Mr. Gardiner was more involved in watching the interactions of the gentlemen with his nieces, but Mrs. Gardiner was thoroughly enjoying the discussion. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were careful to include everyone in the conversation, and dinner lasted much longer than it would have at Rosings where there was ample time to finish your plate.

After dinner, Miss Darcy led the ladies to the music room where the instrument was opened and Maria, Miss Darcy, and Elizabeth hovered around while Jane and Mrs. Gardiner sat together enjoying their time together.

In the dining room, the gentlemen were slightly less cheery. Mr. Gardiner took this time to inquire Mr. Darcy's intentions. "While my nieces reside with me, I must ensure their protection. I know what courting looks like, as Mr. Bingley is actively courting Miss Bennet. He requested my permission and her father's permission. Yet you seem to have an understanding with Elizabeth, yet she has not mentioned a courtship, and permission has not been sought. Have you reached an understanding with Miss Elizabeth?"

Mr. Darcy moved to fill his wine glass while he decided his answer. "We have not reached an understanding." He did not wish to divulge more than Elizabeth wished.

"Are you aware that in Hertfordshire the previous autumn, you were heartily disliked."

Closing his eyes, Mr. Darcy declared that he knew there were many miscommunications about his character at that time, many of which have been cleared up between Miss Elizabeth and himself.

"She does appear to have a more favorable opinion of you. How did you manage to clear up so many misunderstandings in the fortnight you were both in Kent?"

Mr. Darcy smiled, "My cousin, the new master of Rosings Park is a very loquacious gentleman who realized my affection and her reluctance and paved the way for us to reach… more of an understanding. I am endeavoring to show Miss Elizabeth that some of her objections to me have been erroneous. Others are being corrected."

Mr. Bingley perked up. "Objections! You mean she refused you?!"

After a few sips of his Port Mr. Darcy was able to affirm his friend's supposition. "She admitted that she did not know me well enough to accept me. We have been in each other's company as much as possible since then."

"And you cannot believe that I will grant you such access when you have been refused and do not currently have an understanding!"

Darcy needed to refill his glass before responding. "It is a delicate matter."

"Too delicate to let her guardians know your intentions?"

"Yes." Mr. Darcy shouted, then took a few breaths to calm himself. "Miss Elizabeth expressly stated that she did not wish for her mother to know about my intentions until she had made up her mind. I believe another suitor made her life unbearable for a few weeks this winter."

Mr. Gardiner nodded. "Knowing my sister and my niece, that makes perfect sense. However, I need not reveal to her what I know. What are your intentions?"

"As soon as she accepts me, I will marry her."

"How long will you follow her until you give up?"

Mr. Darcy closed his eyes, dreading such an outcome. "She has given me hope that her sentiments have shifted in my favor. Until she tells me there is no hope, I will continue to pursue her."

Mr. Gardiner chose to have pity on the gentlemen across from him. "For that confession, I will share with you that she has spoken very highly of you with us, although it was not enough for us to realize she held any particular regard for you. Given your status, I could not readily refuse your suit, however, I warn you that I could make every effort to thwart you should I see my niece's happiness in jeopardy. From what my wife tells me of Pemberley, you can easily guarantee everything for her future except for her happiness. That is what you must earn."

Nodding, Mr. Darcy poured himself another glass. "I have no intentions of forcing her hand. She is not a possession I can buy."

Mr. Bingley laughed. "She is just about the only one who would refuse you. My sister and many others would do just about anything to earn your regard."

"Yes, I believe having dealt with women like your sister made me more confident in my suit than I had any reason to be. Miss Elizabeth made sure to knock me off that pedestal."

Mr. Gardiner laughed. "You will do well for her, I can tell. Now, she must be most worried about how well you will do in Meryton. The impression you left was barely tolerable. You will not have much time too prove to her that you have changed before my sister will begin to match you with one of her daughters, most likely not Elizabeth."

Mr. Darcy stared at Mr. Gardiner with horror at such a thought, but Mr. Gardiner resumed speaking once his glass was full again.

"Now, the best way for you to show how much you have changed in your regard with the Bennets without rising suspicion is to be at Longbourn for longer than the usual call. Mr. Bingley," Mr. Gardiner turned to the other gentleman, "I assume you intend to leave for Hertfordshire the same day my nieces return home."

Mr. Bingley quickly agreed, stating he could not imagine a day without seeing Miss Bennet.

Mr. Gardiner rolled his eyes. "You will have to, for the sake of your friend. Declare that business requires you to stay in town maybe two days longer than planned. This will prevent you from opening Netherfield when Mr. Darcy escorts my nieces and Maria home."

Mr. Bingley was about to argue the impossibility of such a circumstance when Mr. Darcy interrupted him. "You think I would make a better impression on Meryton society by staying at the Inn."

Mr. Gardiner laughed. "Of course not. My sister may not be the best at many things, but you will see she is the perfect host. Let slip that you are going to stay at the inn because your friend was unable to open his house on time, and she will lodge you at Longbourn. You will see Miss Elizabeth for the majority of the day, and she will see you interact with all of her family. You will be on your best behavior, although you will undoubtedly be tested. They are a very lively family."

Mr. Bingley's mouth dropped open, and he stopped short of declaring that he would very much enjoy a similar situation.

Mr. Gardiner smirked, but he continued as more of his plan became clear. "Could your sister join you? She would take much of the spotlight off you."

Mr. Darcy thought about this. He did not much like the idea of Georgiana spending time with Lydia or Catherine Bennet.

"Whatever their faults, they are very kind to guests. Your sister would be encouraged out of her shyness around so many women." Mr. Gardiner prompted.

Mr. Darcy nodded. "I shall think on it, but I am disposed to think your plan would be very efficient to my purposes." The thought of seeing Elizabeth for the majority of a day excited him more than the thought of being so close to Mrs. Bennet filled him with dread. He hoped Mr. Gardiner was right. "Bingley, would you mind delaying your return to Netherfield?"

Mr. Bingley readily agreed. "Anything for a friend."

Satisfied with the result of their conversation, Mr. Gardiner wondered aloud how the ladies were faring in the music room. Mr. Darcy led the way there and immediately smiled when he found Georgiana and Elizabeth playing together. The song ended moments after they entered, and Georgiana immediately rose to greet her brother and bring him to the instrument.

"We have decided what to play, we need your voice for Miss Elizabeth's first song."

Elizabeth looked at Georgiana in horror. "Georgiana! I did not believe we needed to sing tonight."

Georgiana resumed her seat and grasped her friend's hand. "Please, Lizzy. My brother has told me how well you sing, and I have enjoyed the small bits I have heard when we were practicing. I should love to hear you sing."

Elizabeth could not refuse such a plea. Georgiana giggled as she abandoned her seat so that Mr. Darcy could sit beside Elizabeth and watch the music. The song was familiar to both of them, although at first, they stared at the sheets in front of them as they attempted to calm their nerves and excitement at being so close.

As they relaxed into the music, Elizabeth watched as he stared at her as he sang of a love he could not declare. Elizabeth added her voice with a similar sentiment. The rest of the room shared knowing looks as everyone knew the couple would suit very well. When Elizabeth played the last of the notes, she placed her hands in her lap only to have one of them captured by Mr. Darcy and brought to his lips for a kiss. While the group applauded their performance, Mr. Darcy praised Elizabeth's beautiful voice.

Elizabeth blushed very prettily before she declared she was tired of playing. Georgiana took over for her, and as had happened before, the furniture was moved so that the company could dance. With only two gentlemen inclined to dance, they had to rotate between their three partners. When Mrs. Gardiner replaced Georgiana at the pianoforte, three couples could dance together, as the ladies were happy to fill in for the missing gentleman. They played until supper was brought in, which allowed them to rest before it was time for the company to return home.

At the carriage, Mr. Darcy offered Elizabeth a book about Derbyshire and the Lake District, so that she could begin to learn of the places she would travel with her aunt and uncle. It wasn't until she returned home that she realized he had given her a note explaining his intention to come to Longbourn. He declared that he very much wished to spend so much time with her and her family, he would decline if she wished it.

Elizabeth tossed the letter in the fire that evening, firm in the knowledge that she would like to see how he behaves with her family, and this was truly the best plan. She wondered briefly now many more people would be involved in helping her and Mr. Darcy come to an understanding.