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Mr Bennet handed his daughter into the carriage.

“I will send Jonathan with the carriage in a few hours,” he said as she settled into the seat.

“Thank you, Papa.”

“That is unnecessary, sir,” Mr Darcy said. “I will have my carriage on standby to bring Miss Elizabeth back after the visit. Both if Miss Jane is fit to travel.”

“Thank you for that, Mr Darcy. That is most generous of you.”

Darcy gave him a nod, as he was always uncomfortable with compliments when they were trivial matters. Offering the use of his coach was no burden on him.

They were crunching their way down the gravel driveway a few minutes later. The three sat in silence, unsure what to say. The two gentlemen looked out of the windows to avoid looking at the lady across from them lest she think they were staring. Aside from Bingley’s sisters, Darcy had never ridden with another female other than family or servants, at least not since he was a boy. He thought about commenting on the improved weather, but that was always a topic of conversation when there was nothing to say.

Elizabeth wanted to bounce up and down a few times on the thick cushioning of the seat. While their carriage was comfortable, it was nothing compared to the plush, well-appointed conditions of this one. She began to feel uncomfortable with the two men sitting silently, a stark contrast to the loud experience of a ride with her family.

“This is a grand carriage,” she said, unable to stand the silence.

“Thank you. It serves its purpose.”

“Do you travel a lot?”

“He does, but rarely for pleasure,” Bingley replied for him. “I was pleasantly surprised when he turned up in my drawing room.”

Darcy ignored his friend’s comment. “Not all of us have the leisurely life most think we enjoy.”

“It cannot be difficult with money.”

Darcy looked at the woman across from him carefully, judging her comment as well as her body language. He knew his income had become known in the neighborhood. He was certain he had one of Bingley’s sisters to thank for his personal business becoming general knowledge.

She did not present herself as that of a fawning lady looking for his attention. Although she appeared to have a nervous energy about her as one foot moved up and down. Surely, she was not concerned about being alone with them.

“Wealth makes certain aspects of life easier. Unfortunately, it does not ensure happiness nor protection from misfortune.”

Elizabeth felt guilty for her unthoughtful remark and looked out the window. “According to my mother, that is one of my other flaws. Talking before thinking.”

“Yes, you have mentioned it before.”

“I did?” She turned to him, eyebrow raised.

He nodded. She bit her lip and returned her gaze out the window.

Bingley let out a light snort. “Do not listen to him, Miss Elizabeth. His life could be much easier if he was not always dashing out letters to his steward with instructions.”

“If I had a man like our last steward, I would not have to, as he was competent. We could rely on him without hesitation. Men like him are hard to come by as they are in demand. Pemberley is not a small estate and needs constant attention. The lives of many people depend on its prosperity.”

“The mythical place I hear Miss Bingley keep referring to.”

“It is hardly mythical.”

“Do not let him fool you. It is comparable to Chatsworth and many of the other great houses.”

The carriage slowed as they approached the bridge. The sound of axes against wood could be heard. From her vantage point, Elizabeth could see local men milling about. Debris caught up between the two arches during the storm was piled on the bank. When it came to a stop, Darcy leaned forward to get a better view out of the door window.

“Stay put, Bingley. I shall be but a moment,” Darcy said as he opened the door and jumped out.

Elizabeth was looking out the window when she heard Sir William’s distinctive voice replying to Mr Darcy’s. She sat back, not wanting him to see her as he was as big a gossip as his wife. When Darcy climbed back in, he rapped on the roof as soon as he was seated. The coach started off.

“The bridge suffered no damage. They are clearing the detritus. Very efficient, I must say, a good sign for you, Bingley, if you decide to purchase,” Darcy explained.

Elizabeth looked out at the men who stood aside as the carriage began to cross the bridge. Fortunately, Sir William had his back to her as he continued his discussion with the current mayor.