Page 16 of An Accidental Meeting
“One reason, to be sure. Neither of them had to speak to the other, they just disappeared into your father’s book room to read.”
Mr. Darcy’s expression revealed such envy that Elizabeth chuckled, drawing his attention, but before he said anything, the judge called out.
“Darcy! Do come and take my part. Is not the finest wool in the country to be found here in Derbyshire?”
Mr. Darcy rolled his eyes. “Not this again,” he grumbled, but Elizabeth heard real fondness in his voice. “Yes sir, it is.” He addressed Elizabeth. “Everything is better in Derbyshire, according to my uncle.”
“Not to you?”
“I am fair enough to suggest that the silkworm industry in London is better than it is here. And there are more fish to be caught in the sea than in Pemberley’s stream. But my uncle will not concede even so much.”
“You had better go and support him, then. You would not wish him to feel betrayed by another Derbyshire man.”
Mr. Darcy bowed slightly and withdrew. Why did she feel something pinch inside her when he did?
Instead of offering his support to Judge Darcy, however, Mr. Darcy politely separated his aunt from the group and spoke to her privately. She glanced up at him with an expression Elizabeth could not read and nodded.
Elizabeth moved to Aunt Gardiner’s side. Mr. Darcy and his own aunt rejoined them a few moments later.
“Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner,” she began, “as you know, my niece as well as Mr. Bingley and his family will be arriving tomorrow for a small house party.”
Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle exchanged wary glances.
“I would like to extend an invitation for you to join us all here.”
“Splendid idea!” the judge exclaimed. “Do say you will, Gardiner!”
Uncle Gardiner was clearly torn, and Aunt Gardiner frowned as she watched him.
“Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said, “Jane spent the winter in London with the Gardiners.”
Mr. Darcy was confused. “Yes, you said as much when we met in Kent.”
Elizabeth hesitated, but then said, “Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley are known to my Aunt Gardiner.”
His eyes widened slightly, and he addressed Aunt Gardiner. “They called on you?” Clearly he was aware that such a meeting could only end in one way.
“They did, though the visit was not long.” Aunt Gardiner met Mr. Darcy’s gaze steadily. “We would not wish to make your guests uncomfortable, Mr. Darcy.”
He sighed and shook his head, clearly disappointed. “Not that I would mind their discomfort, for I am certain they have earned it, but I would not wish to make you or Mr. Gardiner uneasy.”
“As for me,” Uncle Gardiner said, “there is no unease. In fact, I should like to have a few words with your friend Mr. Bingley, but I would not do so in your house.”
“It sounds as though having everyone together at Pemberley might be just the thing.” Aunt Nora’s words were spoken sweetly, but Elizabeth suspected that the woman was already planning something.
Judge Darcy, not as subtle as his wife, was rubbing his hands together with a sort of glee she typically only witnessed in the Gardiners’ youngest children.
“I would not press you,” Mr. Darcy said, ignoring his relations. “I should like for you all to stay here at Pemberley, but if you feel you must decline, I certainly understand.”
Elizabeth’s uncle and aunt both looked at her.
Did she truly want to give up her room at the inn to share a house with the Bingleys and the Hursts? No matter how grand the surroundings, their time together at Netherfield did not promise a felicitous meeting. Miss Bingley had never been pleasant to her, and the Hursts—well, she had always felt there was something a bit unsavoury about them, but could she trust her judgement of them when she had been wrong about so many others?
“I should like to introduce you to my sister,” Mr. Darcy said, his voice low and his eyes on her.
On the other hand, she and the Gardiners would be here at Mr. Darcy’s invitation, which would vex Miss Bingley no end. And Elizabethwouldlike to meet Miss Darcy, the paragon of musical achievement and painted tables.
Elizabeth offered her relations a barely perceptible nod. The Gardiners shared a glance, and then Aunt Gardiner said, “We thank you for the invitation, sir, and are happy to accept.”
