Elizabeth could not prevent the arching of a brow as she considered that most likely one lady observed him return to the house.
“When are your friends to arrive, Miss Bennet?” he asked as he began to walk toward her. She felt her pulse race as he slowly narrowed the distance between them.
“They should be here shortly,” she said with deliberate calmness, in an attempt to veil her clamouring heart.
Darcy walked up to the window and stood next to her, gazing out. “I shall wait until they have arrived to see you safely away.” He shifted his weight from one foot to another.
She allowed a playful smile to permeate her face. “Do you anticipate some harm coming upon me here at Pemberley, sir?”
She stole a quick look up at his profile, noticing a slight upturn of his mouth.
“Certainly not,” he replied. “Nonetheless…”
“Mr. Darcy, truly, you have no need to do that,” Elizabeth protested, turning her gaze out, as well. “It is apparent you have things to do.”
“I should like to meet the Ketterlings all the same.”
Elizabeth was surprised at his words, surprised that he would wish to make the acquaintance of this simple couple from Lambton. Her heart stirred at his expressed wish, but also because there was the possibility he would find them common folk and very much beneath him. Very softly she said, “I am quite certain they will be most honoured to make your acquaintance.”
They stood silently for a moment, and then Mr. Darcy asked, “What did you think of the service this morning?”
Elizabeth turned to him, quite flattered that he would wish to know her opinion. “I enjoyed it immensely. Reverend Grierson gave a very inspiring sermon.”
Darcy turned his face toward hers; his brow pinched, emulating the fervour of his words. “He speaks from his heart, and he knows of what he speaks. When he speaks of joy in the midst of the valleys of life, he knows it all too well. He lost his wife and only child fifteen years ago. Watching him go through that and how his faith remained steadfast spoke volumes to me.”
“That is a grievous burden to bear.”
Darcy exhaled forcefully. “After having a man such as Mr. Grierson as Pemberley’s rector for most of my life, you can see, Miss Bennet, why I was so adamantly opposed to Wickham in his decision to go into that profession.” His voice softened. “I am also grateful that Hamilton did not go into the profession for that same reason. While a good man, he often speaks without first thinking. The navy is better suited for him.”
Elizabeth knew of what he spoke. Hamilton did provoke a very uncomfortable moment at the picnic with his teasing.
It was silent for a moment until Elizabeth added very softly, “And then there is Mr. Collins.”
It was not a question, but he replied, shaking his head fiercely, “Yes, Mr. Collins. Unfortunately, my aunt’s idea of a good clergyman is one who exalts her over the good Lord.” He let out a disgusted breath. “You had every right…”
He stopped abruptly, running his hand through his hair. “Do your mother and three younger sisters remain at Longbourn?”
“No” she replied, her heart pounding as she contemplated what he was about to say. She turned to gaze out the window. With a somewhat shaky voice she replied, “My mother despises Mr. Collins more than she loves Longbourn. They moved in with my Aunt and Uncle Phillips in Meryton.”
Mr. Darcy’s voice softened, and he turned and faced her. “I will say that I am glad he is no longer in the profession of clergyman; however, it does pain me the consequence of that.”
Elizabeth looked up at him and whispered, “Thank you.”
Their eyes locked for a moment, and he studied her face, as if searching for some clue to an unanswered question.
The sound of a carriage approaching drew them both to look out the window.
“My friends are here. I must go.”
“Would you allow me to walk out with you so I can make their acquaintance?”
Elizabeth nodded her head slowly, a myriad of feelings that she could not identify welling up inside of her. She was appreciative of his particular attention, even though he was under no obligation to pay such to her and she was totally undeserving of it. “It would be my pleasure.”
Chapter 15
As Elizabeth and Darcy made their way out of the sitting room, she walked slightly ahead of him. For a brief moment she felt his hand press lightly against her back, guiding her along. That slight touch evoked a dizzying shiver that swept through her, and she felt her face warm with an annoying blush. It took every ounce of effort to remain poised and calm.
They came out to the front hall to see that the butler had answered the bell and had invited the couple in. Elizabeth was pleased to see a very nicely dressed couple. She saw their eyes sweep the hall, taking in everything around them, and their faces exhibited an appreciation for all they beheld.
When Mrs. Ketterling noticed the two approaching, including the Master of Pemberley himself, she grasped her husband’s arm tightly as if requiring it to keep her upright. A stiff, nervous bow from Mr. Ketterling and an awkward curtsey from his wife were acknowledged by more formal ones given in return by Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.
“Mr. and Mrs. Ketterling,” Elizabeth said as she approached the couple. “It is such a pleasure to meet you both. I am Elizabeth Bennet.”
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Mrs. Ketterling responded, stepping forward with outstretched hands. Taking Elizabeth’s hands in hers, she said, “We have been so looking forward to this visit.”
Elizabeth smiled and then introduced them both to Mr. Darcy.
“It is good to finally make your acquaintance, sir,” Mr. Ketterling said, extending his hand out. As the men shook hands, he continued, “We have always appreciated yours and your good father’s prodigious goodwill and generosity to Lambton and the neighbourhood. Your late father was a good man.”
A pinched brow and a slight crease in Mr. Darcy’s forehead again betrayed his discomfiture at such overt praise. “Thank you. He was a good example. I believe we both merely do what ought to be done,” he replied. “It benefits all.”
The couple continued to heap praises upon the man quite profusely, obviously in awe of him. Elizabeth pursed her lips tightly together to keep herself from smiling at the scene, but she was quite certain at least part of her lips were curling up. She could not, however, mask the astonishment on her face at Mr. Darcy’s next remark.
“Please feel at liberty to come by Pemberley any time while Miss Bennet is here. You are most welcome.”
The Ketterlings’ eyes widened in unison, and they seemed to be struck speechless. At length, Mr. Ketterling found his voice. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. How very kind of you!”
Mrs. Ketterling gushed, “This is such an honour! Two of our sons work at Landerfield Manor, and I do not believe we have ever received an invitation from the Grudermans.”
“You have sons?” Darcy asked, his interest suddenly piqued. “How many?”
“Three sons,” Mrs. Ketterling answered proudly. “All are in their twenties.”
“Are any of them still at home?” Mr. Darcy asked, a noticeable twitch seizing his mouth.
“Our eldest is married,” Mrs. Ketterling said proudly. “The other two have their own quarters at Landerfield.”
Elizabeth watched their exchange in wonder. He truly seemed interested in this couple, and she felt a sensation of satisfaction that he extended an invitation to them to return to Pemberley.
They walked out, and the coachman opened the door to the carriage. Darcy stepped up. “May I?” he asked, extending his hand.
Elizabeth tentatively reached out, allowing him to wrap his hand around her fingers, bringing her up to the carriage. His grip was firm and warm, and he held on a few moments longer than was needed. Elizabeth was startled by the depth of feeling this simple act of courtesy evoked. She took her seat, hoping that when the Ketterlings stepped in, the flush on her cheeks and her shortness of breath would not be noticed.