A Wife for Mr. Darcy

Lizzy to join them for their holiday, and Jane mentioned that Charles and she would visit the Peak in the spring.
    “To me, the Peak is beautiful no matter what time of year it is. The fruit trees bloom all through the spring, the heather is best seen in September, and the autumn colors are at their peak right now.” Looking to Mrs. Gardiner, Georgiana asked, “Is it not possible to move up your visit as the colors will not be nearly as brilliant in three weeks’ time?”
    “Miss Darcy, those dates were forced upon us by the lack of accommodations at the inns. We took the first opening we could get.”
    “Yes, that is true. I know the inn at Lambton is very busy at this time of year. I assume you wrote to them as well?”
    Mrs. Gardiner nodded.
    “I would not recommend any other place in Lambton as some can be rather dirty,” and then a smile crossed Georgiana’s face. “You must stay at Pemberley. Although we will not be in residence, as Will has business in town, the servants will be at your service, and if you ride, the grooms will provide the perfect mount for you.”
    Without consulting her aunt, Lizzy answered for the Gardiners in something like a stutter. “No. Thank you, but no. It is appreciated, but it is not possible. No thank you.”
    Jane looked at her sister and shook her head indicating that saying “no” so many times might be seen as being ungracious, and when Lizzy looked at her aunt, she watched as her puzzled expression turned to one of understanding. Her niece was in love with Mr. Darcy.
    “In years past, we have had many visitors stay at Pemberley when we were not there,” Georgiana said in an effort to try to reassure Lizzy. “If Mr. Gardiner’s business allows him to leave earlier, I would highly recommend that you do so and stay at Pemberley,” and added, “Miss Elizabeth, it is most definitely not an inconvenience. The gardens are particularly lovely at this time of the year, and our gardener, Mr. Ferguson, dearly loves to show visitors about the estate.”
    “But your brother has not agreed to such a scheme, Miss Darcy,” which she said with some urgency as the men were leaving the card tables. Lizzy hoped that Miss Darcy would accept the fact that her offer had been declined, but she would not.
    “For a long time now, Will has told me that once I had turned eighteen, I would be the mistress of Pemberley until such time as he took a wife. Therefore, I should feel free to invite my friends to our home.”
    At that time, Darcy came and stood behind his sister, indicating that he was ready to leave.
    “Will, the Gardiners and Miss Elizabeth are to visit the Peak in three weeks’ time, and I have tried to convince them that they should move up that date as the colors are nearing their peak.”
    “Georgiana is correct, Mrs. Gardiner. One good storm and every leaf will be stripped off the trees. If it can be arranged, I would encourage you to do so.”
    “I know they would like to do that, Will,” Georgiana continued, “but there are no accommodations at any of the inns. So I suggested that they stay at Pemberley.”
    Darcy opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out, and after an uncomfortably long pause, Mrs. Gardiner announced they would adhere to their original plans, but thanked Georgiana for her invitation.
    Because Darcy had been caught flatfooted by his sister’s offer, he was aware that his response had been less than gracious. “Please forgive me for not responding immediately, Mrs. Gardiner. I was thinking that my sister and I would be in town and unable to welcome you. However, despite our absence, there is no reason why you should not stay at Pemberley. We have an army of servants to see to your needs, and they are happier when there are guests in the house.”
    “Will, I believe if one of us was in residence they would accept our offer, so I shall go with them. You will be busy seeing to your business affairs, and London is rather dull at this time of year.”
    Instead of everyone looking at the speaker, the ladies were all looking at Mr. Darcy to see what his reaction to his sister’s plan would be.
    “Georgiana, there would be a lot of details to work out as I will have need of the carriage.”
    It was then that Mr. Gardiner joined the party, and after being informed of Miss Darcy’s offer, he jumped right at it. With visions of fish practically jumping into his creel, he explained to Mr. Darcy that the carriage would not be an