The Comte sat with them for some time, he and Mr. Darcy engaged in a discussion of plantations, machinery, and the management of estates, whilst Elizabeth took up some needle-work, occasionally joining the conversation; Georgiana took up her own work-basket, but beyond the few requirements of civility, spoke not at all. The remainder of the evening passed very pleasantly, and Elizabeth was grateful that the Comte provided some pleasure to her husband in the form of conversation on topics in which his usual companions could have little knowledge. Before leaving them, the Comte was particular upon the point of extending an invitation to the family. He was to return to his estate a little beyond Evry the following day, and he begged the company of the Darcys until his return to Paris some days later. He and Mr. Darcy would enjoy some sport in fishing and viewing the farms and plantations, whilst the Darcy ladies would wait upon his sister and mother, who were most desirous of the company of the Darcy ladies. For some days, the Comte had wanted to ask for the favour of a visit, but had not wished to put himself forward. He earnestly hoped the Darcys were now on sufficiently familiar terms for the family to accept his invitation. Mr. Darcy looked all pleasure at the proposal, and, turning to his wife, asked if she could answer for their being unengaged. Seeing her husband’s enthusiasm for the scheme, Elizabeth answered that she did not believe there was any real impediment to their going, and she would send notes that evening to their hostesses, if that was the wish of her husband and sister. Georgiana made no objection, and upon the Comte’s rising to take his leave of them all, he turned to Georgiana and repeated with what great pleasure he looked forward to seeing them on the morrow.

“Georgiana,” began Elizabeth, as soon as they were alone, “you look as though you are not entirely in favour of a visit to the Comte’s estate. If you do not wish it, we are not obliged to go; if you are at all uncomfortable, we may send word that we cannot come.”

“Nay, Elizabeth, I am not averse to the idea, and in any case would never wish to suspend any plan which would bring you both such pleasure. My reservation arises only from a wish that the Comte would not be so particular in his attentions to me. Surely, he must be sensible that I do not encourage his regard. However, my disinclination is trifling, when compared to the satisfaction my brother would find in seeing Belle Aire. And, Elizabeth, you seem equally pleased with the prospect. I will gladly go, but resolve to be more guarded in my behaviour, such that I may not be—even unconsciously—guilty of encouraging his regard.”