The Lady of the Mount and Patience Rewarded: Two Stories of Darcy and Elizabeth by Don H. Miller

Author:Don H. Miller [Miller, Don H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-03-08T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 3: Pemberley – The Afternoon Tour

The three of them relaxed in the sitting room after lunch and Darcy gave Elizabeth a brief history of his family and Pemberley. Just before two o’clock, they met Mr. Vanderoot, the 80-year-old gardener of Pemberley, who was still a very active man and was happy to talk with Elizabeth about the arrangement of flowering plants in the gardens near the house. Darcy and Georgiana then guided her through some of the less formal gardens somewhat further from the house, including the maze.

After spending almost an hour near the house, Darcy asked Elizabeth what she would like to see the rest of the afternoon. Georgiana, sensing her brother would enjoy being alone with Elizabeth, said, “Why do you not take her on the five-mile walk, Will. It is the most scenic and she will be able to see more types of vegetation.”

“You said you. Do you not want to go with us? It would not be appropriate for only the two of us to go.”

“Take James with you. I am not up to a long walk today, and I need to spend some time today with Mrs. Annesley on my lessons.”

Darcy had the feeling Georgiana had made the suggestion because she liked Elizabeth and thought he might be interested in her. He was conflicted – his rational mind said he should not spend time alone with Elizabeth, but his emotional side was encouraging him to do it. Finally, his emotions won, and he said, “Miss Elizabeth, she has suggested the five-mile walk, which will take us at least two hours, but there is also a shorter, albeit somewhat less scenic three-mile walk which will not take much more than an hour. Do you wish to take either of them?”

Elizabeth was as conflicted as Darcy, but she knew she would prefer the longer, more scenic walk. Finally, she decided there was no reason she should not choose the longer walk. Thus it was that Darcy and Elizabeth, with James as an escort, started on their long walk.

After walking for some time in silence, Darcy said, “Miss Elizabeth, I have a feeling you want to ask me questions but are reluctant to do so.”

She looked at him in surprise. “How did you know that?”

“I observed you many times when we were together in Hertfordshire, and I began to recognize certain expressions and ways you tilted your head. Furthermore, you have been silent far longer than I expected; thus, I could only imagine you were thinking of things you would like to know but were not sure you could ask. I assure you, you can ask me anything, and I will not be offended. If I do not want to answer you, I will let you know.”

“Very well, then I want to know why Georgie had such a negative reaction to Mr. Wickham’s name.”

“I cannot give you a full answer, but I will tell you he attempted to compromise her, and I managed to stop him. However, the experience, which happened a year ago, still haunts her.

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