Page 8 of Mrs. Gardiner: Matchmaker (The Pemberley Collection #3)

Elizabeth was surprised when it was Bingley and not Darcy who handed her out of the carriage, but she hoped that her expression remained calm and pleasant. She wondered if Bingley would monopolize all her attention this evening—she liked the fellow well enough, but she certainly didn't like the idea of that .

"Miss Bennet," Bingley said as they began walking up the grand Pemberley steps, "Darcy has revealed to me his attachment to you, and I daresay, you'll not find a better man than him—"

Darcy what?

Elizabeth's blood pounded in her veins, but not with outrage or indignation like she might have assumed. No, she felt a thrill shooting through her at the revelation that he told Bingley they were attached. If she had no feelings for the man, then this little stunt certainly would have worsened her impression of him, but now understanding that he is quite shy, and realizing she did feel something special for him, she welcomed such a way of learning his feelings for her. It was endearing, too—she knew Darcy was shy and reserved, so what a clever ruse, to utilize his more outgoing friend to pass along the message about how he still wishes to be with her.

"...and if you'll be so good as to tell me, do I have a chance? Have I blasted it all to smithereens?"

Elizabeth paled. She hadn't been listening to a word of what Bingley had been saying, so she scarcely even knew what he was talking about. She shook her head and asked, embarrassed, "I do apologize, Mr. Bingley—the fatigue seems to be affecting me—what did you say?"

He looked at her with pleading eyes and said, "I was asking about your sister. I wondered if I should have a chance to win her back if I return to Netherfield."

Elizabeth's heart leaped in her chest, feeling a burst of joy for her dearest sister. She beamed and answered, "Oh Jane, you mean? Mr. Bingley, do return to Netherfield. Return for my sister, and you shall not be disappointed."

He smiled grandly at hearing this, and as they made their way into the dining room, Elizabeth saw Darcy scowling. How she wanted to go to him and take away his frown, so she loosened herself from Bingley's arm.

"Forgive me, sir, but I must go and speak with Mr. Darcy."

"Of course—thank you, Miss Bennet!"

She made her way toward Darcy. He looked apprehensive, but she wasn't nervous about him anymore, now that she understood how he felt. She still couldn't believe he actually solicited Bingley to speak on his behalf like he had, but she couldn't regret it.

"Mr. Darcy, your friend has just told me everything," she said breathlessly with a smile as she reached him, "And you must know how very relieved I am."

She saw him furrowing his brow before asking, "Mr. Bingley?"

But suddenly Miss Bingley was upon them both.

"Miss Eliza," the disagreeable woman said, sneering at her slightly, "How unexpected to find you here at Pemberley. We heard about your fainting spell yesterday, and we all hoped you would recover. It's such a good thing Mr. Darcy was there to catch you when you fell."

Her words expressed kindness, but her tone, paired with how her narrowed, skeptical eyes and her thick sarcasm, proved otherwise. She watched as Darcy steeled Miss Bingley with a glare, causing the odious woman to leave them. Elizabeth fought back a laugh, and Darcy turned his eyes on her, slightly bemused.

"What's so amusing, Miss Bennet?"

"Just Miss Bingley, her usual antics."

“She forgets you are the daughter of a gentleman, and she is not."

Elizabeth bit her lip to stifle a grin, and Darcy added, his mouth twisting into a wry smile, "I think she's jealous of you."

There was something warm and enchanting in his quiet humor. They stood there in a shy yet smiling silence for a moment, before they both spoke over one another:

"Tell me, what did Bingley say—"

"I'm glad you haven't—"

They broke off and chuckled awkwardly, and Darcy gestured for her to go first.

"I was merely going to say, I'm relieved to know that you haven't held everything at Hunsford against me."

Darcy seemed to stiffen at the mention of it, an inexplicable look of withdrawal overcoming his face. Elizabeth furrowed her brow, biting her bottom lip in some uneasy confusion.

Why would he still be so uncomfortable, even now, if it were all behind them? But before she could open her mouth and inquire, dinner was announced. Darcy offered her his arm, and she took it.