Pride and Prejudice - Vol 3, Chapters 1-2

Support for this show comes from Vanta. Vanta uses AI in automation to get you compliant fast, simplify your audit process and unblock deals so you can prove to customers that you take security seriously. You can think of Vanta as you're always on AI-powered security expert who scales with you. That's why top startups like Cursor, Linear and Replet use Vanta to get and stay secure. Get started at Vanta.com slash Vox. That's v-a-n-t-a dot com slash Vox. Vanta.com slash Vox. Volume 3. Chapter 1. Elizabeth, as they drove along, watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods with some perturbation. And when it linked, they turned in at the lodge, her spirits were in a high flutter. The park was very large and contained great variety of ground. They entered it on one of its lowest points and drove for some time through beautiful wood, stretching over a wide extent. Elizabeth's mind was too full for conversation, but she saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view. They gradually ascended for half a mile and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence where the woods ceased and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley into which the road was some abruptness wound. There was a large handsome stone building standing well on rising ground and backed by a ridge of high woody hills and in front a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in their admiration and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something. They descended the hill across the bridge and drove to the door and while examining the near aspect of the house all her apprehensions of meaning its owner returned. She dreaded lusse the chambermaid had been mistaken. On applying to see the place they were admitted into the hall and Elizabeth as they waited for the housekeeper had leisure to wander at her being where she was. The housekeeper came, a respectable looking elderly woman much less fine and more civil than she had any notion of finding her. They followed her into the dining-parler. It was a large well-proportioned room, handsomely fitted up. Elizabeth, after slightly surveying it, went to a window to enjoy its prospect. The hill crowned with wood from which they had descended, receiving increased abruptness from the distance, was a beautiful object. Every disposition of the ground was good and she looked on the whole scene the river, the trees scattered on its banks and the winding of the valley as far as she could trace it, with delight. As they passed into other rooms these objects were taking different positions, but from every window there were beauties to be seen. The rooms were lofty and handsom and their furniture suitable to the fortune of their proprietor. But Elizabeth saw, with admiration of his taste, that it was neither gaudy nor uselessly fine, with less of splendor and more real elegance than the furniture of Rosings. And of this place thought she, I might have been mistress. With these rooms I might now have been familiarly acquainted. Instead of viewing them as a stranger, I might have rejoiced in them as my own and welcomed them as visitors my uncle-in-aunt. But no, recollecting herself, that could never be. My uncle-in-aunt would have been lost to me. I should not have been allowed to invite them. This was a lucky recollection. It saved her from something like regret. She longed to inquire of the housekeeper, whether her master were really absent, but had not courage-forward. At length, however, the question was asked by her uncle, and she turned away with a alarm while Mrs. Reynolds replied that he was, adding, but we expect him tomorrow with a large party of friends. How her choice was illisbid that their journey had not by any circumstance been delayed today. Her aunt now called her to look at a picture. She approached, and she saw the likeness of Mr. Wickham suspended, among several other miniatures over the mantelpiece. Her aunt asked her smilingly how she liked it. The housekeeper came forward and told them it was the picture of his young gentleman, the son of her late master steward, who had been brought up by him at his own expense. He has now gone into the army," she added, but I'm afraid he was turned out very wild. Mrs. Gardner looked at her niece with a smile, but illisbid could not return it. And that, said Mrs. Reynolds, pointing to another of the miniatures, is my master, and very like him. It was drawn at the same time as the other about eight years ago. I've heard much of your masters find person, as Mrs. Gardner looking at the picture, it is a handsome face. But Lizzy, you can tell us whether it is like or not. Mrs. Reynolds' respect for Elizabeth seemed to increase on this intimation of her knowing her master. Does that young lady know Mr. Darcy? Elizabeth colored and said, a little, and do not you think him a very handsome gentleman, ma'am? Yes, very handsome. I'm sure I know none, so handsome. But in the gallery upstairs, you will see a finer, larger picture of him than this. This room was my late master's favorite room, and these miniatures are just as they used to be then. Here's her fond of them. This accounted to Elizabeth for Mr. Wickham's being among them. Mrs. Reynolds then directed their attention to one of Mrs. Darcy, drawn when she was only eight years old. And as Mrs. Darcy's handsome as her brothers, said Mr. Gardner, Oh, yes, the handsome as young lady that ever was seen and so accomplished. She plays and sings all day long. In the next room as a new instrument just come down for her, a present from my master. She comes here tomorrow with him. Mr. Gardner, whose manners were easy and pleasant, encouraged her communicativeness by his questions and remarks. Mrs. Reynolds, either from pride or attachment, had evidently great pleasure in talking of her master and his sister. Is your master much at Pemberley in the course of the year? Not so much as I could wish, sir, but I dare say he may spend half his time here and Miss Darcy's always down for the summer months. Except, thought Elizabeth, once she goes to Ramsgate. If your master would marry, you might see more of him. Yes, sir, but I do not know when that will be. I do not know who's could enough for him. Mr. Gardner smiled. Elizabeth could not help saying it is very much to his credit. I am sure that you should think so. I say no more than the truth than what everybody will say that knows him replied the other. Elizabeth thought this was going pretty far and she listened with increasing astonishment as the housekeeper added, I have never had a crossword from him in my life and I have known him ever since he was four years old. This was praise of all others most extraordinary, most opposite to her ideas. That he was not a good tempered man had been her firmest opinion. Her keenest attention was awakened. She longed to hear more and was grateful to her uncle for saying, there are very few people of whom so much can be said. You are lucky in having such a master. Yes, sir, I know I am. If I was to go through the world, I could not meet with a better, but I've always observed that they who are good-natured when children are good-natured when they grow up and he was always the sweetest tempered, most generous-hearted boy in the world. Elizabeth almost stared at her. Can this be Mr. Darcy thought she? His father was an excellent man, said Mrs. Gardiner. Yes, ma'am, that he was indeed and his son would be just like him, just as affable to the poor. Elizabeth listened, wondered, doubted, and was impatient for more. Mrs. Reynolds could interest her on no other point. She related the subject of the pictures, the dimensions of the rooms and the price of the furniture and vein. Mr. Gardiner highly amused by the kind of family prejudice to which she attributed her excessive commendation of her master soon led again to the subject, and she dwelt with energy on his many merits as they proceeded together up the great staircase. He is the best landlord and the best master, said she, that ever lived, not like the wild young men nowadays, who think of nothing but themselves. There is not one of his tenants or servants, but what will give him a good name. Some people call him proud, but I am sure I never saw anything of it. To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men. In what an amiable light does this place him, thought Elizabeth? This fine account of him, whispered her on, as they walked, is not quite consistent with his behavior to our poor friend. Perhaps who might be deceived, that is not very likely our authority was too good. On reaching the spacious lobby above, they were shown into a very pretty sitting room, lately fitted up with greater elegance and lightness than the apartments below, and were informed that it was but just done, to give pleasure to Miss Darcy, who had taken a liking to the room when last September. He is certainly a good brother, said Elizabeth, as she walked towards one of the windows. Mrs. Randalls anticipated Miss Darcy's delight when she should enter the room. And this is always the way with him, she added, whatever can give his sister any pleasure is sure to be done in a moment. There is nothing he would not do for her. The picture gallery, in two or three of the principal bedrooms, were all that remained to be shown. In the former were many good paintings, but Elizabeth knew nothing of the art. And from such as had been already visible below, she had willingly turned to look at some drawings of Miss Darcy's in crayons, whose subjects were usually more interesting and also more intelligible. In the gallery there were many family portraits, but they could have little to fix the attention of a stranger. Elizabeth walked on in quest of the only face whose features would be known to her. At last it arrested her, and she beheld a striking resemblance of Miss Darcy, who was such a smile over the face that she remembered to have sometimes seen when he looked at her. She stood several minutes before the picture in earnest contemplation and returned to it again before they quitted the gallery. Mrs. Reynolds informed them that had been taken in his father's lifetime. There was certainly at this moment, in Elizabeth's mind, a more gentle sensation towards the original than she had ever felt in the height of their acquaintance. The commendation bestowed on him by Mrs. Reynolds was of no trifling nature. What praise is more valuable than the praise of an intelligent servant? As a brother, a landlord, a master, she considered how many peoples' happiness were in his guardianship. How much of pleasure or pain it was in his power to bestow. How much of good or evil must be done by him. Every idea that had been brought forward by the housekeeper was favorable to his character, and as she stood before the canvas on which she was represented and fixed his eyes upon herself. She thought of his regard with a deeper sentiment of gratitude than it had ever raised before. To remember its warmth and softened its impropriety of expression. When all of the house that was open to general inspection had been seen, they returned downstairs, and taking leave of the housekeeper were consigned over to the gardener who met them at the hall door. As they walked across the lawn towards the river, Elizabeth turned back to look again. Her uncle and aunt stopped also, and while the former was conjecturing as to the date of the building, the owner of it himself suddenly came forward from the road, which led behind it to the stables. They were within twenty yards of each other, and so abrupt was his appearance that it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush. He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immovable from surprise. But shortly recovering himself advanced towards the party and spoke to Elizabeth, if not in terms of perfect composure, at least perfect civility. She had instinctively turned away, but stopping on his approach received his compliments with an embarrassment impossible to be overcome. That his first appearance, or his resemblance to the picture they had just been examining, been insufficient to assure the other two that they now saw Mr. Darcy. The gardener's expression of surprise on beholding his master must immediately have told it. They stood a little aloof while he was talking to their niece, who astonished and confused, scarcely dared lift her eyes to his face, and knew not what answer she returned to his civil inquiries after her family. Amazed at the alteration in his manner, since they last parted, every sentence that he uttered was increasing her embarrassment, and every idea of the impropriety of her being found there, recurring to her mind the few minutes in which they continued together, were some of the most uncomfortable of her life. Nor did he seem much more at ease when he spoke as axon had done of its usual sedateness, and he repeated his inquiries as to the time of her having left longborn, and of her stay in Derby shirt so often, and in so hurried away as plainly spoke the distraction of his thoughts. At length every idea seemed to fail him, and after standing a few moments without saying a word, he suddenly recollected himself and took leave. The others then joined her and expressed her admiration of his figure, but Elizabeth heard not a word, and told he engrossed by her own feelings followed them in silence. She was overpowered by shame and vexation. Her coming there was the most unfortunate, the most ill-judged thing in the world. How strange must it appear to him? In what a disgraceful light might it not strike so vain a man? It might seem as if she had purposely thrown herself in his way again. Oh, why did she come? Or why did he thus come a day before he was expected? Had they been only ten minutes sooner, they should have been beyond the reach of his discrimination? For it was plain that he was at that moment arrived, that moment elated from his horse or his carriage. She blushed again and again over the perverseness of the meeting, and his behavior so strikingly altered, what could it mean? That he should even speak to her was amazing, but to speak with such civility, to inquire after her family. Never in her life had she seen his manners so little dignified. Never had he spoken with such gentleness as on this unexpected meeting. What contrasted it offered to his last address at Rosing's park, where he put his letter into her hand? She did not want to think, nor had her account for it. They had now entered a beautiful walk by the side of the water, and every step was bringing forward a noble or fall of ground, or a finer reach of the woods to which they were approaching, but 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. 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 was still dear to him. Perhaps he had been civil only because he felt himself at ease. Yet there had been that in his voice, which was not like ease. Whether he had felt more of pain or of pleasure in seeing her, she could not tell, but he certainly had not seen her with composure. At length, however, there were marks of her companions on her absence of mind roused her, and she felt the necessity of appearing more like herself. They entered the woods, and bidding a due to the river for a while, ascended some of the higher grounds. Wents in spots where the opening of the trees gave the eye-powered a wander were many charming views of the valley, the opposite hills, with a long range of woods over spreading many, and occasionally part of the stream. Mr. Gardner expressed her wish of going around the whole park, but feared it might be beyond a walk. With a triumphant smile, they were told that it was ten miles round. It settled the matter, and they pursued the custom 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 a general air of the scene. It was a spotless adorn 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. Gardner, who was not a great walker, could go no farther, and thought only of returning to the carriage 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. Gardner, though seldom able to indulge the taste, was very fond of 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, and Elizabeth's astonishment was quite equal to what had been at first, 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, while a turning in the walk concealed him from their view. The turning past, he was immediately before them. With a glance she saw that he had lost none of his recent civility, and to imitate his politeness she began as they met to admire the beauty of the place. But she had not caught beyond the words delightful and charming, when some unlucky recollections obstructed, and she fancied that praise of Pemberley from her might be mischievously construed. Her color changed, and she said no more. Mrs. Gardner was standing a little behind, and on her pausing he asked her if she would do him the honor of introducing him to her friends. This was a stroke of civility for which she was quite unprepared, and she could hardly suppress a smile at his being now, seeking the acquaintance of some of those very people against whom his pride had revolted and has offered to herself. What will be a surprise thought she, when he knows who they are? He takes them now for people of fashion. The introduction, however, was immediately made, and as she named the relationship to herself, she stole the sly look at him, to see how he bore it, and was not without the expectation of his decamping as fast as he could from such disgraceful companions. That he was surprised by the connection was evident. He sustained it, however, with fortitude, and so far from going away, turned back with them, and entered into conversation with Mr. Gardner. A lispeth could not but be pleased, could not but triumph. It was consoling that he should know she had some relations for whom there was no need to blush. She listened most attentively to all the past 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 him with the greatest civility to fish there as often as he chose while they continued to the neighborhood, 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. Gardner, who was walking arm and arm with Elizabeth, gave her a look expressive of her wonder. A lispeth said nothing, but it gratified her exceedingly. The compliment must be all for herself. Her astonishment, however, was extreme, and continually was she repeating, why is he so altered from what can it proceed? It cannot be for me. It cannot be for my sake that his manners are thus softened. My reproofs that Hunsford could not work such a change as this. It is impossible that he should still love me. After walking some time in this way, the two ladies in front, the two gentlemen behind, unresuming their places after descending to the brink of the river for the better inspection of some curious water plant, there chance to be a little alteration. It originated in Mrs. Gardner, who fatigued by the exercise of the morning, found Elizabeth's arm inadequate to her support, and consequently preferred her husbands. Mr. Darcy took her place by her niece, and they walked on together. After a short silence, the lady first spoke. She wished him to know that she had been assured of his absence before she came to the place, and accordingly began by observing that his arrival had been very unexpected. For your housekeeper, she added, informed us that you would certainly not be here till tomorrow. And indeed, before he left Bakewell, we understood that you were not immediately expected in the country. He acknowledged the truth of it all, and said that business with his steward had occasioned his coming forward a few hours before the rest of the party with whom he had been traveling. They will join me early tomorrow, he continued, and among them are some who will claim an acquaintance with you, Mr. Bingley and his sisters. Elizabeth answered only by a slight bow. Her thoughts were instantly driven back to the time when Mr. Bingley's name had been last mentioned between them, and if she might judge from his complexion, his mind was not very differently engaged. There is also one other person in the party he continued after a pause, who more particularly wishes to be known to you. Will you allow me, or do I ask too much to introduce my sister to your acquaintance during your stay at Lampton? The surprise of such an application was great indeed. It was too great for her to know in what manner she has seated to it. She immediately felt that whatever desire Ms. Darcy might have of being acquainted with her must be the work of her brother, and without looking farther it was satisfactory. It was gratifying to know that his resentment had not made him think really ill of her. They now walked on in silence, each of them deep in thought. Elizabeth was not comfortable, that was impossible, but she was flattered and pleased. His wish of introducing his sister to her was a compliment of the highest kind. They soon outstripped the others, and when they had reached the carriage, Mr. and Mrs. Gardner were half a quarter of a mile behind. He then asked her to walk into the house, but she declared herself not tired, and they stood together on the lawn. At such a time much might have been said, and the silence was very awkward. She wanted to talk, but there seemed an embargo on every subject. At last she recollected that she'd been traveling, and they talked 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 the tettetet was over. On Mr. and Mrs. Gardner's coming up, they were all pressed to go into the house and take some refreshment, but this was declined, and they parted on each side with the utmost politeness. Mr. Darcy handed the ladies into the carriage, and when it drove off, Elizabeth saw him walking slowly towards the house. The observations of her uncle-an-on now began, and each of them pronounced him to be infinitely superior to anything they had expected. He is perfectly well-behaved, polite and unassuming, said her uncle. There is something a little stately in him to be sure, reply to aunt, but it is confined to his air and is not unbecoming. I can now say with the housekeeper that those some people may call him proud, I've seen nothing of it. I was never more surprised than by his behavior to us. It was more than civil. It was really attentive, and there was no necessity for such tension. His acquaintance with Elizabeth was very trifling. To be sure Lizzie said her aunt, he is not so handsome as Wyckham, or rather, he is not Wyckham's countenance, for his features are perfectly good, but how came you to tell us that he was so disagreeable? Elizabeth excused herself as well as she could, said that she liked him better when they met in Kent than before, and that she had never seen him so pleasant as this morning. But perhaps he may be a little whimsical in his civilities, reply to Uncle. You're a great man off an ar. 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. From what we have seen of him, continued Mrs. Gardner, I really should not have thought that he could have behaved in so cruel away by anybody as he has done by poor Wyckham. He is not an ill-natured book. On the contrary, there is something pleasing about his mouth when he speaks, and there is something of dignity in his countenance that would not give one an unfavorable idea of his heart. But to be sure, the good lady who showed us the house did give him a most flaming character. I could hardly help laughing aloud sometimes, but he is a liberal master, I suppose, and that, in the eye of a servant, comprehends every virtue. Elizabeth here felt herself called on to say something in vindication of his behavior to Wyckham, and therefore gave them to understand, in as a guard in a manner as she could, that by what she had heard from his relations in Kent, his actions were capable of a very different construction, and that his character was by no means so faulty nor with them, so amiable as they had been considered in herdfurture. In confirmation of this, she related the particulars of all the pecuniary transactions in which they had been connected, without actually naming her authority, but stating it to be such as might be relied on. Mrs. Gardner was surprised and concerned, but as they were now approaching the scene of reformer pleasures, every idea gave way to the charm of recollection, and she was too much engaged in pointing out to her husband all the interesting spots and its environs to think of anything else. Viteegd, as she had been by the morning's walk, they had no sooner dined than she set off again in quest of reformer acquaintance, and the evening was spent in the satisfaction of an inner course renewed after many years discontinuance. The occurrences of the day were two full of interest to leave Elizabeth much attention for any of these new friends, and she could do nothing but think and think with wonder of Mr. Darcy's civility, and above all, of his wishing her to be acquainted with his sister. Chapter 2 Elizabeth had settled at the Mr. Darcy, would bring his sister to visit her, the very day after her reaching pemberly, and was consequently resolved not to be out of sight of the inn the whole of that morning, but her conclusion was false. From their very morning after their own arrival at Lampton, these visitors came. They had been walking about the place with some of their new friends, and were just returned to the inn to dress themselves for dining with the same family when the sound of a carriage drew them to a window, and they saw gentlemen and lady in a curacle driving up the street. Elizabeth immediately recognizing the livery guessed what it meant, and imparted no small degree of surprise to her relations by equating them with the honor which she expected. Her uncle and aunt were all amazement, and the embarrassment of her manner, as she spoke, joined to the circumstance itself, and many of the circumstances of the preceding day opened them a new idea on the business. Nothing had ever suggested it before, but they now felt that there is no other way of accounting for such attentions from such a quarter than by supposing a partiality for their niece. While these newly born notions were passing in their heads, the perturbation of Elizabeth's feelings was every moment increasing. She was quite amazed at her own discomposure, but amongst other causes of disquiet, she dreaded, unless the partiality of the brother should have said too much in her favor, and more than commonly anxious to please, she naturally suspected that every power of pleasing would fail her. She retreated from the window, fearful of being seen, and as she walked up and down the room endeavoring to compose herself, saw such looks of inquiring surprise in her uncle and aunt, as made everything more. Miss Darcy and her brother appeared, and this formidable introduction took place. With astonishment to Elizabeth's sea, their new acquaintance was at least as much embarrassed as herself. Since her being at Lampton, she had heard that Miss Darcy was exceedingly proud, but the observation of a very few minutes convinced her that she was only exceedingly shy. She found it difficult to obtain even a word from her beyond a monosyllable. Miss Darcy was tall and on a larger scale than Elizabeth, and though little more than sixteen, her figure was formed, and her appearance womanly and graceful. She was less handsome than her brother, but there was sense in good humor in her face, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle. Elizabeth, who'd expected to find in her as acute and unembarious an observer as ever Mr. Darcy had been, was much relieved by discerning such different feelings. They had not been monged together before Darcy told her that Bingley was also coming to wait on her, and she had barely time to express her satisfaction and prepare for such a visitor when Bingley's quick step was heard on the stairs, and in a moment he entered the room. All Elizabeth's anger against him had been monged on away, but had she still felt any, it could hardly have stood its ground against the unaffected cordiality with which he expressed himself on seeing her again. He inquired in a friendly, though general way after her family, and looked and spoke with the same good-humored ease that he had ever done. To Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, he was scarcely a less interesting personage than to herself. They had long wished to see him. The whole party before them, indeed, excited alively attention. The suspicions, which had just reasoned of Mr. Darcy and their niece, directed their observation towards each with an earnest, though guarded inquiry, and they soon drew from those inquiries the full conviction that one of them at least knew what it was to love. Of the lady's sensations, they remained a little in doubt, but that the gentleman overflowing with admiration was evident enough. Elizabeth on her side had much to do. She wanted to ascertain the feelings of each of her visitors. She wanted to compose her own and to make herself agreeable to all. And in the latter object, where she feared most to fail, she was most sure of success. For those to whom she endeavored to give pleasure were pre-possessed in her favor. Bingley was ready, Georgiana was eager, and Darcy determined to be pleased. In seeing Bingley, her thoughts naturally flew to her sister, and oh, how ardently did she long to know whether any of his were directed in a like manner? Sometimes she could fancy that he talked less than on former occasions, and once or twice pleased herself with the notion that as he looked at her, he was trying to trace her resemblance. But though this might be imaginary, she could not be deceived as to his behavior to Miss Darcy, who had been set up as a rival of Jane. No look appeared on either side that spoke particular regard. Nothing occurred between them that could justify the hopes of his sister. On this point, she was soon satisfied. In two or three little circumstances occurred, air they parted, which in her anxious interpretation denoted a recollection of Jane, not untinctured by tenderness, and a wish of saying more that might lead to the mention of her had he dared. He observed to her at a moment when the others were talking together, and in a tone which had something of real regret, that it was a very long time since he had had the pleasure of seeing her. And before she could reply, he added, it is above eight months. We have not met since the 26th of November when we were all dancing together at Netherfield. Elizabeth was pleased to find his memory so exact, and he afterwards took occasion to ask her when unattended to by any of the rest whether all her sisters were at longborn. There is not much in the question nor in the proceeding remark, but there was a look in a manner which gave them meaning. It was not often that she could turn her eyes on Mr. Darcy himself, but whenever she did catch a glimpse, she saw an expression of general complacence, and in all that he said she heard an accent so far removed from O'Turr or disdain of his companions, has convinced her that the improvement of manners, but she had yesterday witnessed, however temporary its existence might prove, had at least outlived one day. When she saw him thus seeking the acquaintance and courting the good opinion of people, with whom any inner course a few months ago would have been a disgrace, when she saw him thus civil not only to herself, but to the various relations whom he had openly disdained, and recollected their last lively scene in Huntsford's personage, the difference, the change was so great and struck so forcibly on her mind that she could hardly restrain her astonishment from being visible. Never, even in the company of his dear friends at Netherfield, or his dignified relations at Rosings, had she seen him so desirous to please, so free from self-consequence, or unbending reserve as now, when no importance could result from the success of his endeavors, and when even the acquaintance of those to whom his attentions were addressed, would draw down the ridicule and censure of the ladies both of Netherfield and Rosings. Their visitors stayed with them above half an hour, and when they arose to depart, Mr. Darcy called on his sister to join him in expressing their wish of seeing Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, and Mrs. Bennett, to dinner at Pemberley before they left the country. Mr. Darcy, though with a dividends which marked her little in the habit of giving him mutations, readily obeyed, Mrs. Gardner, booked a tournise, desirous of doing how she, whom the invitation most concerned, felt disposed as to its acceptance. But Elizabeth had turned away her head, presuming, however, that this study devoidant spoke rather a momentary embarrassment, than any dislike of the proposal, and seeing in her husband who was fond of society, a perfect willingness to accept it, she ventured to engage for her attendance, and the day after the next was fixed on. Bingley expressed great pleasure than the certainty of seeing Elizabeth again, having still a great deal to say to her, and many inquiries to make after all their hurt for your friends. Elizabeth, considering all this into a wish of hearing her speak of her sister, was pleased, and on this account, as well as some others, found herself when their visitors left them, capable of considering the last hour was some satisfaction. Though, while it was passing, the enjoyment of it had been little. Eager to be alone, and fearful of inquiries or hints from her uncle and aunt, she stayed with him only long enough to hear their favourable opinion of Bingley, and then hurried away to dress. But she had no reason to fear Mr. and Mrs. Gardner's curiosity. It was not their wish to force her communication. It was evident that she was much better acquainted with Mr. Darcy than they had before any idea of. It was evident that he was very much in love with her. They saw much to interest, but nothing to justify inquiry. Of Mr. Darcy, it was now a matter of anxiety to think well, and as far as their acquaintance reached, there was no fault to find. They could not be untouched by his politeness, and had they drawn his character from their own feelings, and his servants' report, without any reference to any other account, the circle and hurt for sure to which he was known, would not have recognised it for Mr. Darcy. There is now an interest, however, in believing the Housekeeper, and they soon became sensible that the authority of a servant, who had known him since he was four years old, and whose manners indicated respectability, was not to be hastily rejected. Neither had anything occurred in the intelligence of their lempton friends that would materially lessen its weight. They had nothing to accuse him of but pride. Pride, he probably had, and if not, it would certainly be imputed by the inhabitants of a small market-town, where the family did not visit. It was acknowledged, however, that he was a liberal man and did much good among the poor. With respect to Wickham, the traveller soon found that it was not held there in much estimation. For though the chief of his concerns, with the son of his patron were imperfectly understood, it was yet a well-known fact that on his quitting Derbyshire, he had left many debts behind him, which Mr. Darcy afterwards discharged. As for Elizabeth, her thoughts were at pemberly this evening more than the last, and the evening, though as it passed, it seemed long, was not long enough to determine her feelings towards one in that mansion, and she lay awake two whole hours, endeavoring to make them out. She certainly did not hate him. No, hatred had vanished long ago, and she had almost as long been ashamed of ever feeling it dislike against him, that could be so cold. The respect created by the conviction of his valuable qualities, though at first unwillingly admitted, had for some time ceased to be repugnant to her feelings. And it was now heightened to somewhat of a friendlier nature, by the testimony, so highly in his favor, and bringing forward his disposition and so amiable light, which yesterday had produced. But above all, above respect and esteem, there was a motive within her of good will, which could not be overlooked. It was gratitude. Gratitude not merely for having once loved her, but for loving her still well enough to forgive all the petulence and acrimony of her manner in rejecting him, and all the unjust accusations accompanying her rejection. He, who she had been persuaded, would avoid her as his greatest enemy, seemed on this accidental meeting, most eager to preserve the acquaintance, and without any indelicate display of regard or any peculiarity of manner, where there two selves only were concerned, was soliciting the good opinion of her friends, and bent on making her known to assist her. Such a change in a man of so much pride, excited not only astonishment, but gratitude, for to love, art at love, it must be attributed. And as such, its impression on her was of a sort to be encouraged, as by no means unpleasing, though it could not be exactly defined. She respected, she esteemed, she was grateful to him, she felt a real interest in his welfare, and she only wanted to know how far she wished that welfare depended upon herself, and how far it would be for the happiness of both, that she should employ the power, which her fancy told her she still possessed, of bringing on the renewal of his addresses. It had been settled in the evening between the aunt and niece, that such a striking civility as Miss Darcy's, incoming to them on the very day of her arrival at Pemberley, for she had reached it only to a late breakfast, ought to be imitated, though it could not be equaled, by some exertion of politeness on their side. And consequently, there would be highly expedient to wait on her at Pemberley the following morning. They were, therefore, to go. Elizabeth was pleased, though, when she asked herself the reason, she had very little to say in reply. Mr. Gardner left them soon after breakfast. The fishing scheme had been renewed the day before, and a positive engagement made of his meeting some of the gentleman at Pemberley by noon. Support for this show comes from Vanta. Vanta uses AI in automation to get you compliant fast, simplify your audit process, and unblock deals, so you can prove to customers that you take security seriously. 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