After accompanying the gardener for fifteen or twenty minutes, they entered a beautiful walk by the side of the water, and every step brought forward a nobler fall of ground, or a finer reach of the woods to which they were approaching. However, it was some time before Elizabeth was sensible of any of it and though she answered mechanically to the repeated appeals of her uncle and aunt, and seemed to direct her eyes to such objects as they pointed out, she distinguished no part of the scene.

Her thoughts were all fixed on that one spot of Pemberley House, whichever it might be, where Mr. Darcy then was. Even though she understood implicitly that he could never be interested in someone like herself, from a relatively modest background, she longed to know what at that moment was passing in his mind; in what manner he thought of her, and whether, in defiance of everything, she stood any chance of becoming dear to him. Oh no! I cannot believe it. I am starting to behave just like Lydia! Perhaps he had been civil to them only because he felt himself at ease, yet there was a small part of her that hoped that his condescension at having their carriage repaired was, in some way, because of her.

They entered the woods, and bidding adieu to the river for a while, they ascended some of the higher grounds, whence, in spots where the opening of the trees gave the eye power to wander, were seen many charming views of the valley and the opposite hills. Elizabeth smiled with delight at the long range of woods overspreading a swathe of the park, and the occasional glimpse of the stream.

Mr. Gardiner expressed a wish of going round the whole Park, but feared it might be beyond a walk. With a triumphant smile on his face, Joseph told them that it was ten miles round. It settled the matter, and they pursued the accustomed circuit; which brought them again, after some time, in a descent among hanging woods, to the edge of the water, in one of its narrowest parts. They crossed it by a simple bridge, in character with the general air of the scene. It was a spot less adorned than any they had yet visited and the valley, here contracted into a glen, allowed room only for the stream, and a narrow walk amidst the rough coppice-wood which bordered it. Elizabeth longed to explore its windings, but when they had crossed the bridge, and perceived their distance from the house, Mrs. Gardiner, who was not a great walker, could go no farther, and thought only of returning as quickly as possible. Her niece was, therefore, obliged to submit, and they took their way towards the house on the opposite side of the river, in the nearest direction; but their progress was slow, for Mr. Gardiner, though seldom able to indulge the taste, was very fond of fishing, and was so much engaged in watching the occasional appearance of some trout in the water, and talking to the man about them, that he advanced but little.

Whilst wandering on in this slow manner, they were again surprised by the sight of Mr. Darcy approaching them, and at no great distance. The walk being here less sheltered than on the other side, allowed them to see him before they met. Elizabeth, however astonished, was at least more prepared for an interview than before, and resolved to appear and to speak with calmness, if he really intended to meet them. For a few moments, indeed, she felt that he would probably strike into some other path. This idea lasted only while a turning in the walk concealed him from their view; the turning past, he was immediately before them.

"Mr. and Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet. I trust that Joseph has made your tour of the gardens enjoyable." When they explained what an excellent guide he had been, he smiled. "In truth, there is no one who knows the land around Pemberley so intimately. Some of these trees and shrubs he considers his children, for he planted them here many years ago."

Her aunt and uncle expressed their glowing praise for both the house and the gardens, and Elizabeth looked up to see whether he welcomed their approbation. It was clear that he was not made unhappy by their comments, but then he turned towards her and asked whether she had also enjoyed her visit. That he should even speak to her was amazing! But to speak with such civility, to enquire after her opinions! Never in her life had she expected to meet such an eminent man, especially one whose manners were so little dignified, as befitting his status. Elizabeth knew not what to think, nor how to account for it.

She assumed that he would continue on his way once pleasantries had been exchanged, but, so far from going away, he instead turned back with them, and entered into conversation with Mr. Gardiner about the progress of his carriage repairs. Elizabeth could not but be thankful that she was here with her aunt and uncle, rather than her parents and sisters. It was consoling that he should at least have met those relations of hers for whom there was no need to blush. She listened most attentively to all that passed between them, and gloried in every expression, every sentence of her uncle, which marked his intelligence, his taste, or his good manners.

The conversation soon turned upon fishing, and she heard Mr. Darcy invite her uncle, with the greatest civility, to fish there as often as he chose while he continued in the neighbourhood, offering at the same time to supply him with fishing tackle, and pointing out those parts of the stream where there was usually most sport. Mrs. Gardiner, who was walking arm in arm with Elizabeth, gave her a look expressive of her wonder. Elizabeth said nothing, but it gratified her exceedingly. Her astonishment, however, was extreme, and continually was she repeating, Why is he so welcoming? From what can it proceed? Surely, he cannot be this way with all the visitors who tour his house?

After walking some time in this way, the two ladies in front, the two gentlemen behind, on resuming their places after descending to the brink of the river for the better inspection of some curious water-plant, there chanced to be a little alteration. It originated in Mrs. Gardiner, who, fatigued by their exercise of the morning, found Elizabeth's arm inadequate to her support, and consequently preferred her husband's. Mr. Darcy took her place by her niece, and they walked on together.

She began by observing that his arrival had been very unexpected. "Before we left Lambton we understood that you were not immediately expected in the country.''

He acknowledged the truth of it all, and said, "My sister and a party of friends will join me early tomorrow."

Elizabeth was unsure what her response should be. She was certainly surprised at him offering such personal information. After a moment of uncomfortable silence, she said, "I saw a likeness of your sister while viewing the house. She is very beautiful."

"Thank you, I am very proud of her." He frowned a moment, and cleared his throat nervously before continuing. "Perhaps tomorrow ... you may meet her."

"I doubt that your sister visits Lambton very often, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied light-heartedly. She thought it odd that he would imagine them frequenting the same places, or chatting over dress patterns in the tiny dressmaker's shop on the market place.

They walked on in silence, each of them deep in thought. Elizabeth was not comfortable, that was impossible given her present company, but she was flattered and pleased that he seemed happy to walk with her. They soon outstripped the others, and when they had reached the carriage which was to return them to Lambton, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were still half a quarter of a mile behind.

He asked her whether she would like to rest in the house while she waited, but she declared herself not tired, and instead they stood together on the lawn. Elizabeth found their silence very awkward. She wanted to talk, but could not think of a subject which would interest the Master of such a grand house. At last, she recollected that she had been travelling, and they spoke of Matlock and Dovedale with great perseverance. Yet time and her aunt moved slowly — and her patience and her ideas were nearly worn out before their tête-à-tête was over. At Mr. and Mrs Gardiner's arrival, they were again pressed to go into the house and take some refreshment, but this was declined.

As the repairs to the Gardiner's coach were not yet fully completed, Mr. Darcy had arranged for his own carriage to transport them to Lambton, with the promise that their property would be returned to their lodgings in the town the following day, as soon as it was ready. They then parted on each side with the utmost politeness. Mr. Darcy handed the ladies into the carriage, and when it drove off, Elizabeth turned in time to see him stare for some minutes at the retreating equipage, before walking slowly towards the house.

The observations of her uncle and aunt now began, and each of them pronounced him to be infinitely superior to any thing they had expected. "What a surprise, to meet the Master of the house himself! He is perfectly well behaved, polite, and unassuming."

"I must admit, I did notice something a little stately in him to be sure," replied her aunt, "but it is confined to his air, and is not unbecoming. I can now say with the housekeeper, that though some people may call him proud, I have seen nothing of it."

"I was never more surprised than by his behaviour to us. It was more than civil; it was really attentive, and there was no necessity for such attention."

"To be sure, Lizzy," said her aunt, "he is not so handsome as Wickham; or rather he has not Wickham's countenance, for his features are perfectly good.''

"But perhaps he may be a little whimsical in his civilities,'' replied her uncle. "Your great men often are, and therefore I shall not take him at his word about fishing, as he might change his mind another day and warn me off his grounds."

Elizabeth felt that they had entirely mistaken his character, but said nothing.

~~<>@<>~~

The following morning, Fitzwilliam Darcy awoke in a cold sweat. The woman who had so effortlessly invaded his dreams during the night, had once more slipped out of his grasp, just when he had come to the realisation that he did not even know where she lived. Did she reside with her uncle and aunt in London, or did she have family elsewhere? Who were those family, and how would he deal with the situation if she was a Parson's daughter, or worse — if her father was a Blacksmith or an Innkeeper? No, her manners and carriage show her to be gentle born, I am certain of it!

Taking advantage of the quiet hours before the rest of his party arrived, he spent a productive time catching up with the items of business which his Steward had not thought important enough to forward to town. It was just after noon when a confusion of voices in the hallway warned Darcy that his sister and their guests had finally arrived at Pemberley. Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley were loudly exclaiming their gratitude that the journey was finally over, Hurst called for a stiff drink to calm his nerves, and Bingley thanked Mrs Reynolds expansively for her warm welcome.

Darcy stood inside the partly open doorway to his study, unwilling to be swept up in the maelstrom of guests and luggage, which was currently inhabiting the large reception hall. His attention had been distracted by the remembrance of a pair of fine eyes, when a timid knock startled him, and he opened the door fully to see his beloved sister. Their reunion was full of warmth and tender affection, as the young girl spoke of the hours she had counted until she was finally home.

Brother and sister continued their conversation as they walked into the saloon, whose northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer. This was one of Darcy's favourite rooms. The windows, opening to the ground, admitted a most refreshing view of the high woody hills behind the house, and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts that were scattered over the intermediate lawn. Mr. and Mrs Hurst had already adjourned to their rooms to recover, although not before Mrs Hurst had complained bitterly about her husband's behaviour during their journey. Bingley, who had been speaking with his sister, looked up at him with a lopsided grin.

"Ah, here you are, Darcy. I wondered where you had hidden yourself away. I noticed a smart little carriage pulled up 'round the back. You never mentioned that you were thinking of getting another."

"It is not mine. It belongs to some guests who came to view the house yesterday."

Miss Bingley, who had followed her brother, looked up at him with an incredulous expression. "Guests? Do you mean tourists?"

Darcy frowned at her dismissive use of the word, but otherwise ignored her, addressing his explanation to his friend. "An older couple from London and their niece. The rear axle failed as they travelled through the park; they were fortunate not to be injured. The repair has been completed and I am returning it to them at Lambton. I hope you will excuse me. I will be back in time for dinner." With this, he quickly bowed to Miss Bingley and left the room. As he walked across the hall he heard footsteps behind him.

"I hope you do not intend to leave me alone again, Darcy. It was bad enough spending last night in my family's company, and travelling with them today. You are too cruel to be leaving so soon after our arrival. I do hope she is worth it."

He stopped in his tracks and schooled his expression into one of cool indifference before turning to face his friend. "I cannot imagine what you mean. I arranged for the repairs and I am returning their equipage. There is nothing else to say on the matter."

Bingley laughed. "I know of no other gentleman who would do the work of his coachman. You must admit that this is most unusual behaviour for you. Their niece must have been exceptionally pretty."

"It is hardly for me to say whether she is pretty or not," Darcy replied, effecting a nonchalant shrug.

"In that case, perhaps I should see her for myself," his friend mused. "Give me a moment, and I will accompany you."

"I can assure you that your company is not—"

"Can I come too?" his sister interrupted him in a quiet voice as she slipped through the door to join them.

"Georgiana! Why would you want to come to Lambton?"

"I would like to purchase some yellow ribbon for my bonnet." Her innocent expression faltered when she saw his eyebrows raise skeptically. Finally, she admitted, "Well, I do not wish to remain alone with Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst either!"

Frustrated that his only chance to meet Miss Bennet again could be lost if he did not relent, he reluctantly agreed to their company, instructing them to meet him in the stable yard. Twenty minutes later Darcy and Georgiana were driving towards Lambton in a neat curricle, with Bingley exercising his new horse, Agenor, at their side. The Gardiner's carriage, now repaired, followed in a stately procession behind them.

Darcy had expected that their arrival in Lambton might draw some attention, so he was unconcerned by the stares and whispers that occasioned their entrance into the small town. He helped his sister down from their conveyance, and, with Bingley following close behind, they entered the White Swan Inn where Mr. and Mrs Gardiner and their niece were understood to be staying.

Although the Innkeeper was eager to please his illustrious guests, he was forced to admit that the visitors they were seeking had left their lodgings to walk towards the church and were not expected back for some time.

"Please may we take a walk?" Georgiana pleaded. "The long journey from London has left me greatly in need of some gentle exercise."

Darcy was just about to tell his sister that she would no doubt find the exercise more pleasant in their own extensive gardens when his friend wholeheartedly agreed with the need to stretch his own legs, and that a walk to the church and back while they were waiting sounded just the thing.

As they took the path across the village green, he saw Georgiana look up at him with a smile. "So, Brother. May I ask her name?"

"Whose name?"

"The young lady who visited the house yesterday. Mrs Reynolds told me about the visitors almost as soon as I arrived home."

"Yes, Darcy, and where does she come from?" Bingley asked eagerly.

"She is Miss Elizabeth Bennet ..." He paused. Even a day later, the sound of her name alone was enough to affect him. "Unfortunately, I do not know her family, or even where she lives. I only know that her aunt and uncle reside in London."

Bingley gave his friend a mischievious smile before turning to his sister. "Well, Miss Darcy. It appears that we have a commission. We must find out a little more about this mysterious young woman!"

"Oh no. I have no need for either of you to meddle in my affairs, thank you!" he admonished them as he noticed Georgiana's conspiratorial smile toward his friend. However, privately he had to admit that he would welcome any assistance in his quest to discover the provenance of Miss Bennet.

As they traversed the village green, past the large Horse Chestnut tree he remembered from his childhood, the church appeared on a slight eminence at the end of the village and Darcy saw three figures silhouetted against the tall oak door. Even at this distance he recognised Miss Bennet at once. Her head was turned slightly away from his direction, as she looked back to take the arm of her aunt. At the sight of her, the length of his stride towards the church unconciously increased, and Georgiana was almost forced to run just to keep up with him.

Although it took longer than he would have liked, the two parties finally met in the church yard, where Mrs Gardiner had lingered as she sought out the final resting place of a fondly remembered friend. As they approached, Elizabeth looked in their direction and upon catching Darcy’s eye she smiled in recognition.

Seeing her welcoming smile directed towards him, Darcy felt his heart beat a little faster, and was sufficiently distracted that it took him a moment to hear Mr. Gardiner’s friendly greeting. Recollecting himself quickly, he replied, "Good afternoon, Mr. Gardiner. I trust you have had a pleasant walk?"

"Yes, Sir, we have. My wife attended many services in this fine old building and it holds many special memories for her."

"You will be pleased to know your carriage is repaired and is waiting for you in the stableyard of the White Swan." After accepting appropriate words of thanks from the Gardiners, he said, "Please allow me to introduce my sister, Miss Darcy, and my good friend, Mr. Bingley." As the introductions were concluded he watched with a feeling of complacence as his usually quiet sister made a concerted effort to overcome her natural shyness and greet the strangers.

After a moment of silence, Miss Bennet spoke. "Miss Darcy, we greatly enjoyed our tour of your house and grounds yesterday. You have a delightful home."

"Thank you," the young girl whispered.

"Your housekeeper told us that you are fond of music and play very well."

"Mrs Reynolds is too kind. I am fond of music, but I do not play very well." Darcy knew just how much effort Georgiana was making when he heard her ask, "And what of your interests, Miss Bennet? Do you also enjoy music?"

Elizabeth smiled. "I do, although I am well aware that I do not make the effort to practice as I should." She looked around her before saying, "My aunt tells me the view over the fields from the rear of the church is very pleasing. Would you like to join me, Miss Darcy?" His sister nodded her agreement and they walked on together.

Darcy was now torn. He desperately wanted to follow Georgiana as he watched the pair walk around the corner. However, Bingley had begun a conversation with the Gardiners, which could bring forth information vital to his happiness, and possibly his sanity.

"Mr. Darcy told us that you reside in London, Mr. Gardiner. The Derbyshire air is rather more pleasant in comparison, is it not?"

"Yes, it has been delightful, sir, although this county was not our intended destination. We had originally planned to make for the Lake Country, but due to some pressing business concerns I found I was unable to make so long a trip as that would have required."

Business? What manner of business? Darcy wondered as a sinking feeling entered his gut. He resolved to follow the trio as they wandered through the churchyard.

Bingley continued his friendly questioning. His easy, unaffected manners meant he had little trouble conversing with Mrs Gardiner. "It must be highly satisfying for you, Madam, to have you niece as a companion on such a tour?"

"Yes, Mr. Bingley. I have particularly enjoyed showing her the sights around Lambton, as I spent many years in the parish.”

"I quite understand your meaning. It is always satisfying to be able to share happy memories from the past with one's own family."

Darcy was close behind them, so he was easily able to listen to their conversation. He did not fail to notice when Bingley caught his eye as he asked, "Does your niece reside with you in London?"

"No, sir," Mr. Gardiner answered. "Elizabeth’s parents, my sister and her husband, live in Hertfordshire, near the small town of Meryton. We invited Lizzy to join us because we know how much she enjoys the countryside." He smiled, as he raised his voice. "As you have already discovered, Mr. Darcy. She is very fond of walking."

Darcy was almost too distracted to reply, as he was impressing the name of Meryton on his memory with great fervour. "Yes, I had noticed." Darcy was unable to stop the smile from tugging at the corners of his mouth at the remembrance of his first meeting with Miss Bennet.

Turning more serious, Mr. Gardiner stopped walking at turned to face him. "Please allow me to say again, sir, how very grateful we are for your generosity and condescension; both in dealing with the repairs to our carriage and returning it to us personally."

"Say nothing about it, Mr Gardiner. I was happy to be of help."

As they rounded the side of the church, Darcy looked on with delight as he saw Georgiana laughing quietly with Miss Bennet. His sister had had little cause for happiness since her fateful visit to Ramsgate the previous summer, and even now hardly smiled outside the closest circle of family and friends. Georgiana and Elizabeth were standing at the gate that led from the church yard to Miller’s field, admiring the glint of afternoon sunshine over the ripening corn. He could not help but wonder how this young woman, with her easy smile and bright eyes, was able to work such magic on his sister. It was as though she was charmed.

Upon seeing the approaching group Georgiana hurried towards them and, to Darcy's surprise, spoke directly to Mrs Gardiner. "Miss Bennet tells me that you grew up in Lambton. Did you ever happen to meet my parents?"

Mrs Gardiner smiled at the young girl. "I was, of course, never on intimate terms with your family, but I did see Lady Anne on a great many occasions. She was such a beautiful and charming woman. Your features do remind me of her."

"My brother tells me that I am like her, but I do not see it myself. I never knew my mother."

"Well, Miss Darcy, in my opinion, you have both the look and elegant manner of your mother, and of that you can be proud. There was no finer couple in the whole county that Lady Anne and Mr. Darcy."

As Georgiana continued her discussion with Mrs Gardiner, and her husband spoke of fishing at Pemberley with Bingley, Darcy was pleased to find himself with the opportunity to speak with Miss Bennet. Her mention of Wickham during her tour of his house had never left him, and he felt uncomfortable allowing her to leave the area without attempting to warn her of the salacious side of his character. It made his blood boil to think that the young woman walking beside him could have been taken in by that man’s charming ways. No matter how much he wanted to speak, he could think of no subtle way of bringing the subject up in polite conversation, so he continued his silence.

"Your sister is most charming, Mr Darcy. It has been a real pleasure to make her acquaintance."

"I thank you. She is normally most reticent with strangers, but with you ..." he shrugged his shoulders. How on earth could he mention Wickham in conversation, without divulging that he overheard her talking with her aunt? Floundering for a way forward, he had the first stirrings of an idea, and said, "I hope you enjoyed the tour of Pemberley yesterday. Sometimes the artefacts and pictures relating to our family are only of superficial interest to the casual visitor."

He could not help but notice a slight blush on her face, as she replied, "Your home and grounds are most charming and I found much of interest."

Think man! There must be another way of doing this! He was about to give up, when suddenly the answer appeared right in front of him. He stopped abruptly in front of the headstone of a very well kept grave, and let his hand run over the top of the memorial, which had not yet been worn down by the elements and the passage of time. He closed his eyes briefly, but opened them when he heard an almost silent gasp of recognition from his companion.

"This, Miss Bennet, is the grave of Mr. Wickham, who was the Steward of Pemberley for a great many years during my father’s life-time, and a more loyal, trustworthy and hard-working man I doubt I will ever have the good fortune to meet." As he turned to face her, he saw that she was looking curiously at the stone beneath his fingers. "Sometimes it is odd how parents can be very different from their own children, do you not think?”

"I do not believe there is anyone who could understand that better, Mr. Darcy. If you wanted to see anyone more different than I, you need look no further than my own mother," she replied, with a rueful smile.

He accepted her comment with a nod, before continuing. "Mr Wickham has a son — you may have seen a miniature of him during your tour yesterday – and never were a father and son so different. Mr. George Wickham ..." Here he looked directly into her eyes, willing her to understand his words, "... is, sadly, not a man to be trusted. There are many young ladies who have come to regret putting their faith in his charm and easy manner."

"I see. Thank you, Mr Darcy."

They continued their walk in silence and Darcy could only hope that she had understood the warning he gave. If we are to ever meet again ... but he knew that his wishes in that direction could not be guaranteed. As he took the opportunity to look at the young woman beside him one last time, he noticed a sadness that had not been there earlier. Without thought, he said, "Why so melancholy, Miss Bennet?"

"It has just occurred to me how much I will miss ... Derbyshire, when I return home. I have been greatly intrigued by the different landscapes that the county offers. Derbyshire also holds many special attractions, which I will be sorry not to see again."

He nodded, unwilling to voice his own thoughts on the subject. While he would not wish to raise her expectations too highly, if his own hopes were not to be dashed, he would have to find a way of learning more about this captivating young woman.

The group walked back to the White Swan Inn, discussing the sights that the Gardiners and their niece hoped to see on the return south. Their goodbyes were quick but friendly on all sides, before the Darcys and Mr. Bingley set off on their journey to Pemberley.

Once Darcy and his sister were alone in the curricle, Georgiana looked across at her brother with a contented smile. "Thank you for allowing me to join you this afternoon. I very much enjoyed meeting Miss Bennet, and I found there were many interests we share. We both enjoy music and also ... walking!"

"Georgiana, I have never known you to be that fond of walking, and you never venture further than the formal gardens nearest the house, do you?"

"No, you are correct. However, I derived great enjoyment from hearing about Miss Bennet's favourite walks, in the lanes and fields close to her Father’s estate."

"Is that so?" Darcy was unable to hide the smile which came, unbidden, to his face.

"Indeed it is. Now if only I could recall the name of that estate ... what was it? Oh yes, Longbourn." Georgiana then sat back with a very satisfied expression on her face.

On receiving this welcome intelligence, Darcy was prevented from embracing his sister only by the need to keep a tight hold of the reins of his pair, lest they end up in the ditch; but the satisfaction he felt on hearing her news lasted through the short journey home, and continued to the end of the day, regardless of Miss Bingley's best efforts to undermine it.

~~<>@<>~~

Pemberley, Derbyshire. A fortnight later:

Darcy sat at the large oak desk in his study, the desk his father had ordered for him when he returned from Cambridge. Would his father agree that he was doing the right thing? Would he support his decision or deride him for such a foolish notion? It mattered not, for his course was now irretrievably fixed.

The idea had come to him as he had left Miss Bennet and her relatives at Lambton, and, almost upon the instant that he had returned to Pemberley that afternoon, he had escaped his guests to come to this very room, in order to write a letter to his land agent in London. An enquiry regarding property to let in Hertfordshire had soon after been dispatched and the favourable reply had been received less than an hour earlier.

He was startled by an abrupt knock, but he relaxed as Bingley poked his head around the door. Seeing Darcy's welcoming gesture, he moved to take the chair in front of the desk; the limp from the previous year now hardly noticable, except by those who knew of the circumstances surrounding his unfortunate riding accident the previous spring.

"Mr. Aspinall said that you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, I did." He paused for a moment, wondering how his suggestion would be received. "Do you remember last year, when you were considering looking for a property to rent, to try your hand at running an estate of your own?"

"I certainly do! If you remember, I had sent off a number of enquiries just before that blasted accident." His tone was bitter as he gestured to the limb which had taken so long to heal after his unfortunate horse had stumbled in a badger hole as they were riding through Middleton Dale.

"I thought, now your leg is healed, you may want to consider the idea once more?"

Bingley was silent for a moment, pondering his friend's suggestion. Finally he looked up hopefully. "Do you really think I am up to the task?"

"Of course! I would hardly have suggested it otherwise. Besides, you always said it was something your father had wished for you. There is no need to make any decisions of a permanent nature. If I remember, last year you had decided to lease something for a few years, to see how you fared."

"You know how much I value your opinion, Darcy. If you think it worth my while to have a go, I will sit down and write to those agents this very afternoon."

Darcy held out the letter which he had received earlier. "I took the liberty of enquiring for you, my friend. This property, in Hertfordshire, sounds perfect for you. It is not too large, but will give you enough experience of managing a house and land in the country."

Bingley's face showed his puzzlement. "Hertfordshire? Why Hertfordshire? I had thought of renting somewhere between here and town, but perhaps not as far south. Northamptonshire, for instance."

"Really, Bingley," Darcy replied in exasperation. "There is barely any difference between Hertford and Northampton."

"Barely any difference? It must be over fifty miles!"

"And what is fifty miles of good road? Little more than half a day's journey. Yes, I call it a very easy distance."

Bingley smiled. "You would. It also means that Caroline is half a day further away from Pemberley." He wagged his finger at his friend. "Do not think that I am fooled by your kind consideration—" He stopped abruptly, before an expression of understanding spread over his face, accompanied by a wide grin. "I was thinking that we knew no one in Hertfordshire, but of course I would be wrong. I believe that the young lady who you visited a fortnight ago was from Hertfordshire, was she not?"

Darcy feigned innocence. "Was she? I really cannot remember."

"Can you not? Well, have it your way Darcy. I will be happy to view the house you have found for me. What was the name of the place?" He looked down once more at the letter in his hand. "Oh yes ... Netherfield. I do not suppose you would be interested in accompanying me?"

"You can not seriously think I would trust you to make a decision like that on your own!"

At that, Bingley laughed out loud. "Probably not. And perhaps, while we are there, we may be fortunate enough to meet Miss Bennet once more, and receive an introduction to her family. I wonder if she has a sister?"

~~<>@<>~~

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