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Elizabeth, not wishing to offend Lady Margaret, accepted the invitation. Both she and Georgiana had shown her great kindness, and though she was certain she would not see them again, she wished to express her gratitude.

While the ladies took tea and conversed, Mr. Darcy approached the window that overlooked the garden, hoping to collect his thoughts.

He felt deeply troubled by Elizabeth's situation and sincerely wished to help her, though he did not know how.

He noticed that she had grown thinner, and though she smiled, her eyes revealed a profound sadness—perhaps not unlike what he himself had felt upon losing his parents.

But unlike him, she had also lost her home and financial security.

Elizabeth, for her part, observed Mr. Darcy from time to time.

She was convinced he looked at her with the same contempt he had shown in Hertfordshire.

She sensed his discomfort and suspected he wished her gone, so that he might speak with his aunt and explain that an unaccomplished woman like her could not be near his sister.

At last, the Countess instructed the butler to ready the carriage. She herself felt slightly uneasy, as her nephew's silence had created an awkward situation for both Elizabeth and Georgiana.

When the butler announced the carriage was prepared, Elizabeth rose and thanked both the Countess and Miss Darcy.

"It has been a pleasure to meet you, my Lady—and you as well, Miss Darcy. Goodbye, Mr. Darcy," she said, and curtsied.

Georgiana smiled and replied with sincerity, "Thank you for taking the time to get to know me, Miss Bennet."

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth," added Lady Margaret.

Elizabeth finally departed, feeling melancholy on the ride home. She could not understand why that man always managed to put her in such a foul mood, nor why it mattered so much to her that Mr. Darcy now knew of her precarious circumstances, and of her lowered social position.

Upon Elizabeth's return to the Gardiners' home, her aunt and Jane were eager to hear about her interview with Lady Margaret. Elizabeth believed it best to recount everything and rid herself of the weight of that unfortunate encounter.

"Lady Margaret's niece is Miss Georgiana Darcy," Elizabeth explained. Mrs. Gardiner and Jane were surprised but refrained from asking questions, allowing her to continue.

"The Countess and Miss Darcy were very kind, but Mr. Darcy behaved just as he always has. After offering his condolences, he ignored me entirely and did not speak to me again."

"Do you think they will offer you the position, Lizzy?" asked Mrs. Gardiner. "The Darcy family is very wealthy. Surely, they could provide you with a generous salary."

"And Lizzy, I had the impression that Miss Darcy left a favourable impression on you," Jane added.

"I must admit, I was surprised to discover that Georgiana was Mr. Darcy's sister.

From what Louisa and Caroline said about her—and judging by her brother's behaviour in Hertfordshire—I expected her to be proud and haughty.

But she is a timid girl, and I had the sense she carries a deep sorrow.

It seemed as though she wished to confide in someone.

But I shall never know. Aunt, I doubt Mr. Darcy would consider as his sister's companion a woman who walks four miles through the countryside, who does not play the piano perfectly, and who has family connections in trade. "

"Well, if that gentleman holds such an opinion of you, it will be difficult for him to see you as a viable candidate," said Mrs. Gardiner.

"Lizzy, you must wait. You never know—perhaps…" Jane began gently.

"I am sorry, dear sister, but had you seen how Mr. Darcy behaved, you would feel quite differently.

After offering his condolences, he said nothing more.

Besides, you must remember how he treated Mr. Wickham.

Truly, I do not know if I could work for someone who conducts himself in such a manner with one who was, until recently, like part of his family. "

"I think we should speak no more of this matter," said Mrs. Gardiner. "Jane will soon depart with Mrs. Smith, and you, Lizzy, may stay here and help us with the children."

"Thank you, Aunt," Elizabeth replied. Though she knew her aunt was sincere, she was also aware that she needed to earn money to support her family.

Elizabeth resolved to work for ten years, saving enough to purchase a small home for herself and her mother. With the interest from the modest sum her father had left, they could manage household expenses and live comfortably—though without luxury.

That evening, Mrs. Gardiner asked the cook to prepare her nieces' favourite dishes.

They avoided discussing any subject that might remind them of their recent hardships.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were deeply saddened by the plight of their beloved nieces, and felt powerless in their inability to do more.

◆◆◆

Mr. Darcy was grateful for his uncle's presence; otherwise, dinner with his aunt would have been unbearable. The Earl, like his sister Catherine, greatly enjoyed speaking and being heard, so Mr. Darcy merely had to feign attentiveness for him to leave him in peace.

He needed time to reflect and, above all, to put his thoughts in order.

He knew perfectly well that after dinner, his aunt would wish to speak with him, and he would be expected to give her an answer regarding Elizabeth.

The Countess had been favourably impressed with her and would no doubt insist that he employ her.

But Mr. Darcy remained uncertain as to what he ought to do.

On the one hand, he acknowledged that bringing Elizabeth into his life was a terrible idea.

He had been dangerously attracted to her, and having her nearby could revive those feelings.

Although he was certain he could never consider a formal attachment due to their obvious social disparity, her presence would undoubtedly disturb his peace of mind.

On the other hand, despite his better judgement, Mr. Darcy could not help but feel compassion for Elizabeth's circumstances and believed himself obliged to protect her in some way.

He was well aware that a young lady as charming and attractive as she would be exposed to all manner of dangers were she employed by an abusive family or a less-than-honourable gentleman.

At least in his home, she would be treated with respect, offered protection, and receive a generous salary to support her family.

Besides, perhaps his aunt was correct, and Georgiana needed someone like Elizabeth to guide her and help her forget all that had occurred the previous summer.

"I imagine you and Richard have already settled on the date you intend to visit Catherine. She is always writing to remind me to remind you," said Lord Matlock to his nephew. Mr. Darcy had been notably silent during dinner, and his uncle wished to ensure he was listening.

"Yes, Uncle, we have agreed on a date. We shall travel to Kent at the beginning of spring. I have already informed Lady Catherine, so she needs not trouble you again," replied Mr. Darcy.

"I assume you understand that Catherine's reason for inviting you to Rosings has little to do with the estate and everything to do with Anne. I believe it is time for you to make a decision regarding that matter, Darcy."

"Henry, please," the Countess interjected, seeking to prevent an argument. "Darcy has enough to contend with, without Catherine and her absurd notion of marrying him to Anne."

"Margaret, really. You know very well I do not support Catherine's idea. Darcy ought to marry a woman with a title. He has wealth enough—what he needs is to bring new connections to the family."

As her uncle spoke, Georgiana watched her brother closely.

She noticed how tense and uneasy he seemed.

Perhaps he was still unwell from his recent cold, or perhaps he was unsettled by his uncle's attempt to arrange his life without so much as a word of consultation.

Georgiana, too, hoped that her new companion would be Miss Bennet, who had seemed so kind and pleasant.

After dinner, just as Mr. Darcy had anticipated, the Countess asked him to join her in the drawing room for a private conversation.

"Darcy, you should employ Miss Bennet without delay. You plan to return to Pemberley in ten days, and she must have time to prepare for her departure and bid farewell to her family."

"Aunt, I am not certain this is a wise decision. Miss Bennet is very young, and Georgiana requires someone with more experience—someone who can guide her and—"

"I do not wish to have the same discussion again.

Your sister needs someone who can truly understand her and help her overcome the insecurities and shyness that cripple her.

As I mentioned before, I know how stubborn you are, and I have no desire to repeat myself.

I only ask that you give me a final answer—once and for all. "

"What would you have me say?" Mr. Darcy asked, somewhat perplexed.

"Tell me whether or not you will offer her the position."

"May I have a few days to think it over?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Darcy, do you not see that Miss Bennet has lost her father, lost her home, and has been forced to seek employment?

She cannot simply wait for you to make up your mind and miss other opportunities.

Mrs. Gray, the daughter of my friend Beatrice, is in need of a governess for her little girl.

The Grays are a respectable family, and I intend to recommend Elizabeth for the position.

I cannot explain it, but I feel a deep respect for that young lady who is able to smile and show kindness even in the midst of such misfortune. "

"I understand," Mr. Darcy replied. He felt slightly ashamed that his aunt had to remind him of Elizabeth's precarious situation.

"And your answer?" asked the Countess. She would not permit him to continue avoiding the matter.

"Let me speak to Georgiana. I promise to send you a note early tomorrow morning with my decision."

"Very well. I shall wait until tomorrow, then."

After nearly twenty minutes of conversation with his aunt, Mr. Darcy felt drained and resolved to return home. Before Georgiana retired for the night, he spoke with her about Elizabeth, and then he locked himself in his study until very late, determined to reach a final decision.

◆◆◆

Mrs. Gardiner and Jane had gone out with Mrs. Smith to purchase a few items. Elizabeth knew that her aunt wished Jane to spend more time with her future employer, so she would feel less uncomfortable when she finally moved into her new home.

For that reason, and so as not to intrude, Elizabeth preferred to remain at home.

Besides, she wished to write to Mrs. Bennet.

Elizabeth had always dreamt that her mother might become less capricious and more perceptive of the world around her.

Yet she never imagined that maturity would transform her into a sorrowful, melancholic woman, filled with remorse for all she had failed to do in the past.

"Excuse me for interrupting, Miss Lizzy, but a gentleman wishes to speak with Mr. Gardiner. As he is not at home, the gentleman asked whether he might speak with you instead," the butler explained to Elizabeth.

"Yes, of course," Elizabeth replied. She assumed he must be a gentleman involved in business with her uncle, wishing to locate him or leave some urgent message he did not want to entrust to the servants. The butler left the room and ushered the gentleman in.

"Good morning, Miss Bennet," said Mr. Darcy, solemnly.

"Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth replied, surprised.

"I hope I am not disturbing you, but I thought it best to resolve this matter without delay. As my aunt mentioned, Georgiana and I shall return to Pemberley by the end of next week."

"Yes, I recall the Countess mentioning it, but I am sorry, sir... I do not quite understand…" Elizabeth was perplexed and could not comprehend why the gentleman had come to her uncle's house to inform her, in such a grave tone, of his plans.

"Miss Bennet, I have come to offer you the position of my sister's companion and to speak with your uncle to arrange all the necessary details," Mr. Darcy explained, visibly nervous and avoiding Elizabeth's gaze.

For her part, Elizabeth did not know whether Mr. Darcy's words were good or bad news.