Page 7 of An Accidental Meeting
Aunt Gardiner squeezed his hand sympathetically. There were many people who recalled Elizabeth’s Gardiner grandparents, but Uncle Gardiner still missed them.
“I will allow this to rest for now,” Aunt Gardiner said with a significant glance at their guide, who had stopped to await them. “But we must speak about this further, Elizabeth.”
“I say,” her uncle said jovially as they reached the gardener who awaited them, “I would greatly enjoy going around the entire park, but I suppose that is not possible on foot?”
He was treated to a warm smile. “No indeed, sir, for we have walked just less than one mile, and the park is ten miles around.”
Uncle Gardiner laughed. “I dare say that would be beyond even your abilities, Lizzy.”
“But a low phaeton with a pair of ponies would be just the thing to make the circuit,” Aunt Gardiner said with a sigh, and addressed the guide. “It is truly stunning. You are privileged indeed, to enjoy this view every day.”
“Positions at Pemberley are hard to come by, ma’am, for hardly anyone ever leaves. I am aware of my good fortune, believe me.”
Elizabeth ignored her aunt’s conscious look, instead taking several steps along the path that stretched before them into more woods.
“Lizzy,” her uncle called. “I am afraid we must return.”
“I do apologise Lizzy,” Aunt Gardiner said, and she did appear contrite. “But I fear that by the time we walk another mile back, I will be in need of a comfortable place to sit.”
Elizabeth felt truly abashed at this, for she ought to have noticed her aunt’s distress before now. She hurried back and took her place by Aunt Gardiner’s side only to be shooed away.
“Your uncle’s arm is enough. Please do not think me feeble.”
“I think no such thing,” Elizabeth declared. Her aunt never had much chance to walk in London, and though her stamina had improved over the few weeks they had been travelling, they had walked a great deal today.
Her aunt smiled at her. “You are very kind, for I know you would prefer to continue. Still, Mr. Darcy has invited your uncle to fish. Perhaps there shall be another opportunity for you to explore this trail.”
They walked much slower on their return than they had on the ascent, and when they reached the river again, Uncle Gardiner settled his wife on a small bench under one of the large oaks, then dismissed the gardener to his work with his thanks and a generous vail. With a doff of his hat and unnecessary directions on how to reach the great house when they were ready to have their carriage called, the gardener disappeared beyond the trees and Elizabeth’s small party was left to their thoughts.
Aunt Gardiner patted the spot next to her on the little bench, and Elizabeth obliged, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. The air was so clean here, and the sounds only those of the gently flowing river, the songs of the wrens, and the complaints of the squirrels.
“I do so miss Derbyshire when we are in London,” Aunt Gardiner said as she reclined against the back of the bench. “To my mind, it is the best of all counties.”
“I begin to agree, though I shall not foreswear Hertfordshire.”
Her aunt smiled, but any further conversation was interrupted by Uncle Gardiner’s voice calling out a greeting to Mr. Darcy.
“Mr. Gardiner,” a deep voice replied, “Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet. Have you taken the path along the river?”
“We have,” Uncle Gardiner said. “You have an enviable property here, sir. It has been a great pleasure to see it.”
Elizabeth and her aunt began to stand, but Mr. Darcy shook his head.
“Please do not trouble yourselves,” he said. “We have been through the formalities once today. I think that must be enough.”
He had observed that her aunt was tired, Elizabeth was certain of it.
“My father had that bench made for my mother when they married,” he said with a smile. “This particular spot was one of her favourites.”
“She had excellent taste,” Aunt Gardiner said. “It affords a perfect view.”
“I am pleased to hear it.” Mr. Darcy said, and then addressed Elizabeth. “Did you . . . did you enjoy your tour? I mean, despite . . .” His words trailed off, and she did not know whether she ought to speak when he might only be collecting his thoughts.
“Lizzy would have made the attempt to trek the entire park if she had her way,” her uncle said affectionately, rescuing Elizabeth and the conversation. “Alas, we city folk are not so hardy as all that.”
“First you tell me that ten miles around is quite beyond my endurance, and now you tease me about making the attempt regardless?” Elizabeth exclaimed in mock affront.
Mr. Darcy said nothing, but his eyes remained on her.
