The house was beautiful and Elizabeth had an overall impression of elegance and simplicity, but she was so embarrassed and vexed with her mother that she didn’t register half of what she was seeing. By the time the tour was over, she was so tired she just wanted to go home. She pleaded a headache and begged Mr. Darcy to call the carriage and tell the maids she would interview them another time.

He did as she asked and walked the ladies out to the carriage. He handed Elizabeth in last and stopped her briefly before she stepped in.

“Are you well?” he asked quietly.

“I will be,” she whispered. “Thank you for your patience today, Fitzwilliam. I will not forget it.”

He pressed her hand and with another long look, she was gone.

As soon as they returned to Gracechurch Street, Elizabeth and Jane went upstairs to their room where Elizabeth promptly removed her dress and fell across the bed, hot tears of humiliation running over her cheeks.

“Oh, Jane, please tell me I am imagining things and that she wasn’t as dreadful as I thought she was.”

“Mr. Darcy was very patient,” she answered.

“Oh!” Elizabeth pulled a pillow over her head. “Oh, Jane, if a person could die of mortification, you would be laying me out as we speak.”

“Lizzy! Do not joke about such things!” Jane reprimanded.

She sat up on the bed. “I’m sorry, dear. I’m just so embarrassed! I didn’t know my cheeks could burn so much.” She pressed her hands to her face.

“I know. I’m sure I resembled a ripe apple for much of the afternoon,” Jane agreed.

Elizabeth laughed sadly at such a statement coming from her sister. “Jane, I think you must keep mama far away from Mr. Walker and his family. Mr. Bingley has already met her, but surely keeping distance there as well would be advisable.”

“As much as I hate to say such a thing about a parent, I think you are correct.”

Before they could finish their conversation, a note arrived for Elizabeth.

Dearest,

Would you consider spending Sunday afternoon with Georgiana and me? You didn’t have a chance to speak much and she would dearly like to get to know you. Miss Bennet is welcome, of course. Please come, my love.

I eagerly await your reply.

F.D.

Elizabeth quickly dashed off a reply and sent it with the waiting servant.

“Jane, we shall be free tomorrow!”

Chapter 19

When they arrived at Darcy House, Jane and Elizabeth were shown into a back parlor they hadn’t seen the day before. The windows gave a lovely view of the garden and the room was papered in a warm green pattern. Mr. Darcy and his sister were standing in the middle of the room, a soft smile on his face while hers was turned to the floor.

“Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, welcome.”