Description: Elizabeth was in her room reading when Mrs. Hill came upstairs to announce that Mr. Darcy was in the parlor and would like to see her. This news generated little excitement. Mr. Darcy had been in her parlor on many occasions, always with the same request: "May I ask that you join me for a walk in the garden?" The first dozen times, Lizzy had been truly excited because it was obvious that Mr. Darcy liked her very much. The next few times, she was equally flattered by his requests because she was convinced that all of this attention, paid over the course of the six months since Jane and Charles had married, was leading to a request that they begin a formal courtship. But then some urgent business would call him back to Pemberley, and he would be gone for a week or, as had happened in June, for the entire month. When he returned, he would be back in the Bennet parlor as happy as a puppy to see his mistress. But she had tired of this routine, and today she was going to tell him so. Lizzy went into the parlor and found Mr. Darcy standing in front of the window. The outside light served to create a silhouette of the master of Pemberley, and it was a very flattering one: tall, with wavy hair, a strong chin, broad chest, narrow waist, muscular thighs, and excellent calves. My goodness, he was a handsome man-and an excited one. He nearly sprinted across the room to greet her. If the room had been as large as the parlor at Pemberley, she thought that he might have leapt over the tea table to get to her. There was never a lack of enthusiasm on his part when he did come calling, making his behavior all the more puzzling. Mrs. Bennet, Kitty, and Mary remained in the parlor with Lizzy while Mr. Darcy, who was staying with the Bingleys, shared the latest news about Jane and Charles, including their decision to renew the lease on Netherfield Park. Without embarrassment, an unusual circumstance for a man discussing an expectant mother, he also shared that Jane was looking hale and hearty, and not showing any discomfort in carrying "her lone offspring." This news was well received, earning smiles all around, and after some additional small talk, the superfluous Bennets rose and departed. As on every other occasion, Mrs. Bennet was convinced that "today was the day" when Mr. Darcy would ask Lizzy to be his wife, and she gave her daughter a knowing smile on her way out. With the door left slightly ajar, Lizzy listened for the retreating footsteps of her mother and sisters. After she was sure that Mama was not eavesdropping, she turned to Mr. Darcy. "You said Jane was experiencing no difficulty in carrying ''her lone offspring.'' That is a very peculiar way of phrasing it. One child is the rule, not the exception, Mr. Darcy." "I imagine that did sound odd," he said, fidgeting. "Our Newfoundland recently had a litter. I guess that was in the back of my mind when I made that comment." Lizzy nodded, but asked no questions about the furry arrivals at Pemberley. Although she usually took the lead in their conversations, she was of no mind to do so today. When the gentleman asked if they might go for a walk in the park, Lizzy stated that she preferred to remain indoors. "But the weather is absolutely perfect for a brisk walk." "Mr. Darcy, we have been fortunate on your many visits to have had good weather. However, I am not inclined to walk today. Maybe on your next visit or the one after that or the one after that, we may go for a walk." "Elizabeth, you are out of sorts with me, and I do not blame you. I know my coming and going has been an irritant to you." Yes, an irritant and inexplicable. Your excuses for your frequent absences never satisfy. "But my purpose today is to invite you to Pemberley. My cousin, Anne de Bourgh, is coming with my sister from London, so that we might all go together." Mr. Darcy came and sat next to Lizzy on the sofa and took her hands in his. "If your parents approve, I would like to set out as soon as possible because there is something I would like to share with you, but I must do it at Pemberley." Lizzy''s mood altered immediately, and she was so bold as to kiss him on the cheek. But Mr. Darcy was even bolder, and he put his hand on her neck and brought her toward him. Her kiss was as wonderful as he had imagined it would be, and he could feel the heat rising. Reluctantly, he let her go, but whispered. "Everything will be decided at Pemberley. Will you come?" Lizzy went to the library to get her father''s permission to go to Derbyshire with Mr. Darcy.

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