Chapter 43

ELIZABETH, as they drove along, watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods with some perturbation; and when at length they turned in at the lodge, her spirits were in a high flutter.

As they drove along, Elizabeth watched anxiously for her first glimpse of Pemberley Woods. When they finally turned in at the gatehouse, she was full of nervous excitement.

The park was very large, and contained great variety of ground. They entered it in one of its lowest points, and drove for some time through a beautiful wood stretching over a wide extent.

The park was very large, with varied terrain. They entered at one of the park’s lowest points. For some time, they drove through a beautiful wood that stretched over a wide area.

Elizabeth’s mind was too full for conversation, but she saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view. They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of the valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound. It was a large, handsome stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!

Elizabeth had too much on her mind to talk, but she noticed and admired every striking spot and view. They climbed steadily for half a mile, then reached the top of a high hill, where the woods ended. Pemberley House immediately caught their eye across the valley. The road wound rather sharply down into the valley. The house was a large, handsome stone building, beautifully set on rising ground, with high wooded hills behind it. In front, a stream already of considerable size had been widened, but without looking artificial. Its banks were neither stiffly arranged nor decorated to look unnatural. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place so favored by nature, or one whose natural beauty had been so little spoiled by clumsy design. They all admired it enthusiastically. And at that moment, she felt that being mistress of Pemberley might be something!

They descended the hill, crossed the bridge, and drove to the door; and, while examining the nearer aspect of the house, all her apprehension of meeting its owner returned. She dreaded lest the chambermaid had been mistaken. On applying to see the place, they were admitted into the hall; and Elizabeth, as they waited for the housekeeper, had leisure to wonder at her being where she was.

They went down the hill, crossed the bridge, and drove up to the door. As Elizabeth looked at the house more closely, all her fears of meeting its owner returned. She dreaded the possibility that the chambermaid had been mistaken. They asked to see the house and were let into the hall. While they waited for the housekeeper, Elizabeth had time to marvel at finding herself there.

The housekeeper came; a respectable looking elderly woman, much less fine, and more civil, than she had any notion of finding her. They followed her into the dining-parlour. It was a large, well-proportioned room, handsomely fitted up. Elizabeth, after slightly surveying it, went to a window to enjoy its prospect. The hill, crowned with wood, from which they had descended, receiving increased abruptness from the distance, was a beautiful object. Every disposition of the ground was good; and she looked on the whole scene, the river, the trees scattered on its banks, and the winding of the valley, as far as she could trace it, with delight. As they passed into other rooms, these objects were taking different positions; but from every window there were beauties to be seen. The rooms were lofty and handsome, and their furniture suitable to the fortune of their proprietor; but Elizabeth saw, with admiration of his taste, that it was neither gaudy nor uselessly fine,—with less of splendour, and more real elegance, than the furniture of Rosings.

The housekeeper arrived, a respectable-looking elderly woman, far less grand and more polite than Elizabeth had expected. They followed her into the dining room. It was large, well-proportioned, and beautifully furnished. After a quick look around, Elizabeth went to a window to enjoy the view. The wooded hill they had come down looked steeper from a distance and made a beautiful sight. Every feature of the landscape was pleasing. She delighted in the whole scene: the river, the trees scattered along its banks, and the valley winding into the distance. She followed the valley with her eyes as far as she could see. As they moved into other rooms, these features appeared in different positions, but every window offered beautiful views. The rooms had high ceilings and were handsome, with furniture suited to their owner's wealth. But Elizabeth admired his taste, seeing that the furniture was neither gaudy nor needlessly elaborate. It had less splendor and more true elegance than the furniture at Rosings.

“And of this place,” thought she, “I might have been mistress! With these rooms I might have now been familiarly acquainted! Instead of viewing them as a stranger, I might have rejoiced in them as my own, and welcomed to them as visitors my uncle and aunt. But, no,” recollecting herself, “that could never be; my uncle and aunt would have been lost to me; I should not have been allowed to invite them.”

“And I might have been the lady of this house!” she thought. “I might now know these rooms so well! Instead of seeing them as a stranger, I might have enjoyed them as my own. And I might have welcomed my uncle and aunt here as guests. But no,” she reminded herself, “that could never have happened. I would have lost contact with my uncle and aunt. I would not have been allowed to invite them.”

This was a lucky recollection—it saved her from something like regret.

She was lucky to remember this, because it saved her from feeling something like regret.

She longed to inquire of the housekeeper whether her master were really absent, but had not courage for it. At length, however, the question was asked by her uncle; and she turned away with alarm, while Mrs. Reynolds replied, that he was; adding, “But we expect him to-morrow, with a large party of friends.” How rejoiced was Elizabeth that their own journey had not by any circumstance been delayed a day!

She wanted badly to ask the housekeeper whether her master was really away, but she could not find the courage. At last, however, her uncle asked the question. Elizabeth turned away in alarm as Mrs. Reynolds confirmed that her master was away. She added, “But we expect him tomorrow, with a large group of friends.” How glad Elizabeth was that nothing had delayed their own journey by a day!

Her aunt now called her to look at a picture. She approached, and saw the likeness of Mr. Wickham, suspended, amongst several other miniatures, over the mantel-piece. Her aunt asked her, smilingly, how she liked it. The housekeeper came forward, and told them it was the picture of a young gentleman, the son of her late master’s steward, who had been brought up by him at his own expense. “He is now gone into the army,” she added; “but I am afraid he has turned out very wild.”

Her aunt now called her over to look at a picture. She came closer and saw a portrait of Mr. Wickham hanging among several other miniature portraits above the mantelpiece. Her aunt smiled and asked her how she liked the portrait. The housekeeper came forward and explained that the young gentleman was the son of her late master’s steward. Her late master had raised him at his own expense. “He has now joined the army,” she added, “but I’m afraid he has turned out to be very wild.”

Mrs. Gardiner looked at her niece with a smile, but Elizabeth could not return it.

Mrs. Gardiner smiled at her niece, but Elizabeth could not smile back.

“And that,” said Mrs. Reynolds, pointing to another of the miniatures, “is my master—and very like him. It was drawn at the same time as the other—about eight years ago.”

“And that is my master,” said Mrs. Reynolds, pointing to another of the miniature portraits. “It looks very much like him. It was drawn at the same time as the other portrait, about eight years ago.”

“I have heard much of your master’s fine person,” said Mrs. Gardiner, looking at the picture; “it is a handsome face. But, Lizzy, you can tell us whether it is like or not.”

“I’ve heard a lot about your master’s good looks,” said Mrs. Gardiner, looking at the picture. “He has a handsome face. But, Lizzy, you can tell us whether the portrait looks like him.”

Mrs. Reynolds’ respect for Elizabeth seemed to increase on this intimation of her knowing her master.

Mrs. Reynolds seemed to respect Elizabeth more at the suggestion that Elizabeth knew her master.

“Does that young lady know Mr. Darcy?”

“Does that young woman know Mr. Darcy?”

Elizabeth coloured, and said, “A little.”

Elizabeth blushed and said, “A little.”

“And do not you think him a very handsome gentleman, ma’am?”

“And don’t you think he’s a very handsome man, ma’am?”

“Yes, very handsome.”

“Yes, very handsome.”

“I am sure I know none so handsome; but in the gallery upstairs you will see a finer, larger picture of him than this. This room was my late master’s favourite room, and these miniatures are just as they used to be then. He was very fond of them.”

“I’m sure I don’t know anyone as handsome. But in the upstairs gallery, you’ll see a larger, finer portrait of him than this one. This was my late master’s favourite room. These miniature portraits are just as they were in his day. He was very fond of them.”

This accounted to Elizabeth for Mr. Wickham’s being among them.

This explained to Elizabeth why Mr. Wickham was among them.

Mrs. Reynolds then directed their attention to one of Miss Darcy, drawn when she was only eight years old.

Mrs. Reynolds then pointed out a portrait of Miss Darcy, drawn when she was only eight years old.

“And is Miss Darcy as handsome as her brother?” said Mr. Gardiner.

“And is Miss Darcy as good-looking as her brother?” asked Mr. Gardiner.

“Oh, yes—the handsomest young lady that ever was seen; and so accomplished! She plays and sings all day long. In the next room is a new instrument just come down for her—a present from my master: she comes here to-morrow with him.”

“Oh, yes, the most beautiful young lady anyone has ever seen, and so talented! She plays and sings all day long. A new instrument has just arrived for her and is in the next room, a gift from my master. She’s coming here tomorrow with him.”

Mr. Gardiner, whose manners were easy and pleasant, encouraged her communicativeness by his questions and remarks: Mrs. Reynolds, either from pride or attachment, had evidently great pleasure in talking of her master and his sister.

Mr. Gardiner had an easy, pleasant manner, and his questions and comments encouraged Mrs. Reynolds to talk freely. Whether from pride or affection, Mrs. Reynolds clearly took great pleasure in talking about her master and his sister.

“Is your master much at Pemberley in the course of the year?”

“Does your master spend much time at Pemberley during the year?”

“Not so much as I could wish, sir: but I dare say he may spend half his time here; and Miss Darcy is always down for the summer months.”

“Not as much as I’d like, sir. But I’d say he may spend half his time here. And Miss Darcy always comes here for the summer months.”

“Except,” thought Elizabeth, “when she goes to Ramsgate.”

“Except,” Elizabeth thought, “when she goes to Ramsgate.”

“If your master would marry, you might see more of him.”

“If your master got married, you might see more of him.”

“Yes, sir; but I do not know when that will be. I do not know who is good enough for him.”

“Yes, sir. But I don't know when that will be. I don't know who's good enough for him.”

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner smiled. Elizabeth could not help saying, “It is very much to his credit, I am sure, that you should think so.”

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner smiled. Elizabeth could not help saying, “I’m sure it says a great deal in his favor that you think so.”

“I say no more than the truth, and what everybody will say that knows him,” replied the other. Elizabeth thought this was going pretty far; and she listened with increasing astonishment as the housekeeper added, “I have never had a cross word from him in my life, and I have known him ever since he was four years old.”

“I’m only telling the truth, and everyone who knows him will say the same,” the other woman replied. Elizabeth thought this praise was going rather far. She listened with growing astonishment as the housekeeper added, “He has never spoken an angry word to me in my life. And I’ve known him since he was four years old.”

This was praise of all others most extraordinary, most opposite to her ideas. That he was not a good-tempered man had been her firmest opinion. Her keenest attention was awakened: she longed to hear more; and was grateful to her uncle for saying,—

Of all the praise, this was the most surprising and the most completely opposed to her own views. She had been firmly convinced that he was not a good-tempered man. Now she listened with intense interest. She longed to hear more and was grateful to her uncle for saying:

“There are very few people of whom so much can be said. You are lucky in having such a master.”

“Very few people can be praised so highly. You’re lucky to have such a master.”

“Yes, sir, I know I am. If I were to go through the world, I could not meet with a better. But I have always observed, that they who are good-natured when children, are good-natured when they grow up; and he was always the sweetest tempered, most generous-hearted boy in the world.”

“Yes, sir, I know I am. If I traveled all over the world, I could not find anyone better. But I have always noticed that good-natured children are still good-natured when they grow up. And he was always the sweetest-tempered, most generous-hearted boy in the world.”

Elizabeth almost stared at her. “Can this be Mr. Darcy?” thought she.

Elizabeth almost stared at her. “Can this be Mr. Darcy?” she thought.

“His father was an excellent man,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

“His father was an excellent man,” Mrs. Gardiner said.

“Yes, ma’am, that he was indeed; and his son will be just like him—just as affable to the poor.”

“Yes, ma’am, he certainly was. And his son will be just like him, just as friendly to the poor.”

Elizabeth listened, wondered, doubted, and was impatient for more. Mrs. Reynolds could interest her on no other point. She related the subjects of the pictures, the dimensions of the rooms, and the price of the furniture in vain. Mr. Gardiner, highly amused by the kind of family prejudice, to which he attributed her excessive commendation of her master, soon led again to the subject; and she dwelt with energy on his many merits, as they proceeded together up the great staircase.

Elizabeth listened, wondered, doubted, and was impatient to hear more. Nothing else Mrs. Reynolds said could interest her. Mrs. Reynolds described the subjects of the pictures, the sizes of the rooms, and the furniture’s cost, all in vain. Mr. Gardiner was highly amused by her excessive praise of her master, which he put down to household loyalty. He soon brought the conversation back to her master. As they went up the grand staircase together, Mrs. Reynolds spoke enthusiastically about his many good qualities.

“He is the best landlord, and the best master,” said she, “that ever lived. Not like the wild young men now-a-days, who think of nothing but themselves. There is not one of his tenants or servants but what will give him a good name. Some people call him proud; but I am sure I never saw anything of it. To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men.”

“He is the best landlord and the best employer who ever lived,” she said. “Not like the wild young men these days, who think of nothing but themselves. Every one of his tenants and servants will speak well of him. Some people call him proud, but I’m sure I’ve never seen any pride in him. I think people call him proud only because he doesn’t chatter away like other young men.”

“In what an amiable light does this place him!” thought Elizabeth.

“How likable this makes him seem!” thought Elizabeth.

“This fine account of him,” whispered her aunt as they walked, “is not quite consistent with his behaviour to our poor friend.”

“This glowing description of him,” her aunt whispered as they walked, “doesn’t quite match how he treated our poor friend.”

“Perhaps we might be deceived.”

“Perhaps we could be mistaken.”

“That is not very likely; our authority was too good.”

“That’s not very likely. Our source was too reliable.”

On reaching the spacious lobby above, they were shown into a very pretty sitting-room, lately fitted up with greater elegance and lightness than the apartments below; and were informed that it was but just done to give pleasure to Miss Darcy, who had taken a liking to the room, when last at Pemberley.

When they reached the spacious upstairs lobby, they were shown into a very pretty sitting room. It had recently been decorated in a more elegant, airy style than the rooms downstairs. They were told the work had only just been finished to please Miss Darcy. She had taken a liking to the room during her last visit to Pemberley.

“He is certainly a good brother,” said Elizabeth, as she walked towards one of the windows.

“He’s certainly a good brother,” Elizabeth said as she walked toward one of the windows.

Mrs. Reynolds anticipated Miss Darcy’s delight, when she should enter the room. “And this is always the way with him,” she added. “Whatever can give his sister any pleasure, is sure to be done in a moment. There is nothing he would not do for her.”

Mrs. Reynolds imagined how delighted Miss Darcy would be when she entered the room. “And he’s always like this,” she added. “Anything that might give his sister pleasure is sure to be done right away. There is nothing he would not do for her.”

The picture gallery, and two or three of the principal bed-rooms, were all that remained to be shown. In the former were many good paintings: but Elizabeth knew nothing of the art; and from such as had been already visible below, she had willingly turned to look at some drawings of Miss Darcy’s, in crayons, whose subjects were usually more interesting, and also more intelligible.

Only the picture gallery and two or three of the main bedrooms remained to be shown. The gallery had many good paintings, but Elizabeth knew nothing about art. Downstairs, she had gladly turned away from the paintings to look at some of Miss Darcy’s crayon drawings. Their subjects were usually more interesting and also easier to understand.

In the gallery there were many family portraits, but they could have little to fix the attention of a stranger. Elizabeth walked on in quest of the only face whose features would be known to her. At last it arrested her—and she beheld a striking resemblance of Mr. Darcy, with such a smile over the face, as she remembered to have sometimes seen, when he looked at her. She stood several minutes before the picture, in earnest contemplation, and returned to it again before they quitted the gallery. Mrs. Reynolds informed them, that it had been taken in his father’s lifetime.

The gallery held many family portraits, but they offered little to hold a stranger’s attention. Elizabeth walked on, looking for the only face she would recognize. At last, a portrait caught her attention. It was a striking likeness of Mr. Darcy, smiling as she remembered sometimes seeing him smile when he looked at her. She stood before the picture for several minutes, studying it intently, and returned to it before they left the gallery. Mrs. Reynolds told them the portrait had been painted while his father was still alive.

There was certainly at this moment, in Elizabeth’s mind, a more gentle sensation towards the original than she had ever felt in the height of their acquaintance. The commendation bestowed on him by Mrs. Reynolds was of no trifling nature. What praise is more valuable than the praise of an intelligent servant? As a brother, a landlord, a master, she considered how many people’s happiness were in his guardianship! How much of pleasure or pain it was in his power to bestow! How much of good or evil must be done by him! Every idea that had been brought forward by the housekeeper was favourable to his character; and as she stood before the canvas, on which he was represented, and fixed his eyes upon herself, she thought of his regard with a deeper sentiment of gratitude than it had ever raised before: she remembered its warmth, and softened its impropriety of expression.

At that moment, Elizabeth certainly felt more warmly toward the man in the portrait than she ever had during their acquaintance. Mrs. Reynolds’s praise of him was far from insignificant. What praise is more valuable than the praise of an intelligent servant? Elizabeth considered how many people depended on him for their happiness as a brother, a landlord, and a master. How much pleasure or pain he had the power to give! How much good or harm he must do! Everything the housekeeper had said reflected well on his character. As Elizabeth stood before his portrait and met his painted gaze, she felt more deeply grateful for his affection than ever before. She remembered the warmth of his feelings and judged his improper way of expressing them less harshly.

When all of the house that was open to general inspection had been seen, they returned down stairs; and, taking leave of the housekeeper, were consigned over to the gardener, who met them at the hall door.

After seeing all the parts of the house open to visitors, they went back downstairs. They said goodbye to the housekeeper, who handed them over to the gardener waiting at the front door.

As they walked across the lawn towards the river, Elizabeth turned back to look again; her uncle and aunt stopped also; and while the former was conjecturing as to the date of the building, the owner of it himself suddenly came forward from the road which led behind it to the stables.

As they walked across the lawn toward the river, Elizabeth turned back for another look. Her uncle and aunt stopped too. While her uncle was guessing when the building had been built, its owner himself suddenly appeared. He came from the road that ran behind the building to the stables.

They were within twenty yards of each other; and so abrupt was his appearance, that it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush. He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immovable from surprise; but shortly recovering himself, advanced towards the party, and spoke to Elizabeth, if not in terms of perfect composure, at least of perfect civility.

They were less than twenty yards apart. He appeared so suddenly that she could not avoid being seen by him. Their eyes met at once, and both blushed deeply. He visibly startled and, for a moment, seemed frozen in surprise. But he soon recovered, approached the group, and spoke to Elizabeth. If he was not entirely composed, he was at least perfectly polite.

She had instinctively turned away; but stopping on his approach, received his compliments with an embarrassment impossible to be overcome. Had his first appearance, or his resemblance to the picture they had just been examining, been insufficient to assure the other two that they now saw Mr. Darcy, the gardener’s expression of surprise, on beholding his master, must immediately have told it. They stood a little aloof while he was talking to their niece, who, astonished and confused, scarcely dared lift her eyes to his face, and knew not what answer she returned to his civil inquiries after her family. Amazed at the alteration of his manner since they last parted, every sentence that he uttered was increasing her embarrassment; and every idea of the impropriety of her being found there recurring to her mind, the few minutes in which they continued together were some of the most uncomfortable of her life. Nor did he seem much more at ease; when he spoke, his accent had none of its usual sedateness; and he repeated his inquiries as to the time of her having left Longbourn, and of her stay in Derbyshire, so often, and in so hurried a way, as plainly spoke the distraction of his thoughts.

She had instinctively turned away, but stopped as he approached. She received his greetings with an embarrassment she could not overcome. His appearance or his resemblance to the portrait they had just examined might not have convinced the other two. But if neither had assured them that he was Mr. Darcy, the gardener’s surprise at seeing his master surely would. They stood a little apart while he spoke to their niece. Astonished and confused, she scarcely dared to look up at his face. She hardly knew what answers she gave to his polite questions about her family. She was amazed by how much his manner had changed since they last parted. Every sentence he spoke made her more embarrassed. She kept thinking how improper it was for her to be found there. Those few minutes together were among the most uncomfortable of her life. Nor did he seem much more at ease. When he spoke, his voice had none of its usual calmness. He repeatedly asked when she had left Longbourn and how long she was staying in Derbyshire. He repeated these questions so often and so hurriedly that his distracted state of mind was plain.

At length, every idea seemed to fail him; and after standing a few moments without saying a word, he suddenly recollected himself, and took leave.

At last, he seemed to run out of things to say. After standing in silence for a few moments, he suddenly collected himself and said goodbye.

The others then joined her, and expressed their admiration of his figure; but Elizabeth heard not a word, and, wholly engrossed by her own feelings, followed them in silence. She was overpowered by shame and vexation. Her coming there was the most unfortunate, the most ill-judged thing in the world! How strange must it appear to him! In what a disgraceful light might it not strike so vain a man! It might seem as if she had purposely thrown herself in his way again! Oh! why did she come? or, why did he thus come a day before he was expected? Had they been only ten minutes sooner, they should have been beyond the reach of his discrimination; for it was plain that he was that moment arrived, that moment alighted from his horse or his carriage. She blushed again and again over the perverseness of the meeting. And his behaviour, so strikingly altered,—what could it mean? That he should even speak to her was amazing!—but to speak with such civility, to inquire after her family! Never in her life had she seen his manners so little dignified, never had he spoken with such gentleness as on this unexpected meeting. What a contrast did it offer to his last address in Rosings Park, when he put his letter into her hand! She knew not what to think, or how to account for it.

The others then joined her and admired his appearance aloud. But Elizabeth heard none of it. Lost in her own feelings, she followed them in silence. She was overwhelmed by shame and frustration. Coming here was the most unfortunate, most foolish thing she could have done! How strange her visit must seem to him! How disgraceful her behavior might look to so vain a man! He might think she had deliberately put herself in his path again! Oh! Why had she come? Or why had he arrived a day before he was expected? If they had been only ten minutes earlier, they would have been too far away for him to recognize her. For he had clearly just arrived and stepped down from his horse or carriage. She blushed again and again at the terrible timing of their meeting. And his behavior had changed so strikingly. What could the change mean? That he should even speak to her was astonishing! But to speak so politely, to ask about her family! Never in her life had she seen him behave with so little formality. Never had he spoken so gently as at this unexpected meeting. How different he was from their last conversation in Rosings Park, when he had put his letter into her hand! She did not know what to think or how to explain his behavior.

They had now entered a beautiful walk by the side of the water, and every step was bringing forward a nobler fall of ground, or a finer reach of the woods to which they were approaching: but it was some time before Elizabeth was sensible of any of it; and, though she answered mechanically to the repeated appeals of her uncle and aunt, and seemed to direct her eyes to such objects as they pointed out, she distinguished no part of the scene. Her thoughts were all fixed on that one spot of Pemberley House, whichever it might be, where Mr. Darcy then was. She longed to know what at that moment was passing in his mind; in what manner he thought of her, and whether, in defiance of everything, she was still dear to him. Perhaps he had been civil only because he felt himself at ease; yet there had been that in his voice, which was not like ease. Whether he had felt more of pain or of pleasure in seeing her, she could not tell, but he certainly had not seen her with composure.

They had now reached a beautiful path beside the water. Every step revealed a grander slope or a finer stretch of the woods they were approaching. But some time passed before Elizabeth noticed any of the scenery. Though she answered her uncle and aunt automatically whenever they drew her attention to something, she took nothing in. She seemed to look at whatever they pointed out, but she saw no part of the view. All her thoughts were fixed on the spot in Pemberley House where Mr. Darcy was, wherever that might be. She longed to know what was going through his mind at that moment. What did he think of her, and was she still dear to him, despite everything? Perhaps he had been polite only because he felt at ease. Yet there had been something in his voice that did not sound at ease. She could not tell whether seeing her had brought him more pain or pleasure. But he had certainly not remained calm at the sight of her.

At length, however, the remarks of her companions on her absence of mind roused her, and she felt the necessity of appearing more like herself.

Finally, however, her companions' comments about her distraction brought her back to the present. She felt she needed to act more like herself.

They entered the woods, and, bidding adieu to the river for a while, ascended some of the higher grounds; whence, in spots where the opening of the trees gave the eye power to wander, were many charming views of the valley, the opposite hills, with the long range of woods overspreading many, and occasionally part of the stream. Mr. Gardiner expressed a wish of going round the whole park, but feared it might be beyond a walk. With a triumphant smile, they were told, that it was ten miles round. It settled the matter; and they pursued the accustomed circuit; which brought them again, after some time, in a descent among hanging woods, to the edge of the water, and one of its narrowest parts. They crossed it by a simple bridge, in character with the general air of the scene: it was a spot less adorned than any they had yet visited; and the valley, here contracted into a glen, allowed room only for the stream, and a narrow walk amidst the rough coppice-wood which bordered it. Elizabeth longed to explore its windings; but when they had crossed the bridge, and perceived their distance from the house, Mrs. Gardiner, who was not a great walker, could go no farther, and thought only of returning to the carriage as quickly as possible. Her niece was, therefore, obliged to submit, and they took their way towards the house on the opposite side of the river, in the nearest direction; but their progress was slow, for Mr. Gardiner, though seldom able to indulge the taste, was very fond of fishing, and was so much engaged in watching the occasional appearance of some trout in the water, and talking to the man about them, that he advanced but little. Whilst wandering on in this slow manner, they were again surprised, and Elizabeth’s astonishment was quite equal to what it had been at first, by the sight of Mr. Darcy approaching them, and at no great distance. The walk being here less sheltered than on the other side, allowed them to see him before they met. Elizabeth, however astonished, was at least more prepared for an interview than before, and resolved to appear and to speak with calmness, if he really intended to meet them. For a few moments, indeed, she felt that he would probably strike into some other path. The idea lasted while a turning in the walk concealed him from their view; the turning past, he was immediately before them. With a glance she saw that he had lost none of his recent civility; and, to imitate his politeness, she began as they met to admire the beauty of the place; but she had not got beyond the words “delightful,” and “charming,” when some unlucky recollections obtruded, and she fancied that praise of Pemberley from her might be mischievously construed. Her colour changed, and she said no more.

They entered the woods and left the river behind for a while, climbing to some of the higher ground. Wherever the trees opened up, they had charming views of the valley and the hills opposite. Long stretches of woodland covered many of the hills, and parts of the stream occasionally came into view. Mr. Gardiner said he would like to go around the whole park, but feared it was too far to walk. With a triumphant smile, they were told that the full circuit was ten miles. That settled the matter, and they followed the usual route. After some time, the path led them downhill through woods covering the slopes to one of the river’s narrowest points. They crossed a simple bridge that suited the surrounding scenery. This spot was less ornamented than any they had yet visited. Here the valley narrowed into a glen, with room only for the stream and a narrow path. Rough, low woodland bordered the water. Elizabeth longed to explore the winding glen. But after they crossed the bridge and saw how far they were from the house, Mrs. Gardiner could go no farther. She was not much of a walker and wanted only to return to the carriage as quickly as possible. Her niece therefore had to give in. They took the shortest route toward the house, along the opposite side of the river. But their progress was slow. Mr. Gardiner loved fishing, though he rarely had the chance to enjoy it. He was so absorbed in watching trout occasionally appear in the water, and asking the man about them, that he barely moved. As they continued at this slow pace, they were surprised again by Mr. Darcy approaching, already quite close. Elizabeth was just as astonished as she had been the first time. The path here was less sheltered than on the other side, so they could see him before they met. Despite her surprise, Elizabeth was at least better prepared to speak with him than before. She resolved to look and speak calmly, if he really meant to meet them. For a few moments, however, she thought he would probably take another path. She continued to think so while a bend in the path hid him from view. Once he passed the bend, he was directly before them. One glance showed her that he was still as courteous as he had been earlier. To match his politeness, she began praising the beauty of the place as they met. But she had said no more than “delightful,” and “charming,” when some unfortunate memories intruded. She imagined that her praise of Pemberley might be given a mischievous interpretation. She blushed and said no more.

Mrs. Gardiner was standing a little behind; and on her pausing, he asked her if she would do him the honour of introducing him to her friends. This was a stroke of civility for which she was quite unprepared; and she could hardly suppress a smile at his being now seeking the acquaintance of some of those very people, against whom his pride had revolted, in his offer to herself. “What will be his surprise,” thought she, “when he knows who they are! He takes them now for people of fashion.”

Mrs. Gardiner was standing a little behind. When she paused, he asked if she would be kind enough to introduce him to her friends. She was quite unprepared for such politeness. She could hardly keep from smiling as he now sought to meet some of those very people. His pride had made him object to them when he proposed to her. “How surprised he will be,” she thought, “when he finds out who they are! He thinks they are fashionable people.”

The introduction, however, was immediately made; and as she named their relationship to herself, she stole a sly look at him, to see how he bore it; and was not without the expectation of his decamping as fast as he could from such disgraceful companions. That he was surprised by the connection was evident: he sustained it, however, with fortitude: and, so far from going away, turned back with them, and entered into conversation with Mr. Gardiner. Elizabeth could not but be pleased, could not but triumph. It was consoling that he should know she had some relations for whom there was no need to blush. She listened most attentively to all that passed between them, and gloried in every expression, every sentence of her uncle, which marked his intelligence, his taste, or his good manners.

However, the introductions were made immediately. As she explained how they were related to her, she glanced slyly at him to see how he took it. She half expected him to escape as quickly as possible from such disgraceful company. He was clearly surprised by the family connection, but he bore it bravely. Far from leaving, he turned back with them and began talking to Mr. Gardiner. Elizabeth could not help feeling pleased and triumphant. It comforted her that he should know she had some relatives she need not be ashamed of. She listened closely to everything they said. She took pride in every expression, every sentence of her uncle’s that showed his intelligence, taste, or good manners.

The conversation soon turned upon fishing; and she heard Mr. Darcy invite him, with the greatest civility, to fish there as often as he chose, while he continued in the neighbourhood, offering at the same time to supply him with fishing tackle, and pointing out those parts of the stream where there was usually most sport. Mrs. Gardiner, who was walking arm in arm with Elizabeth, gave her a look expressive of her wonder. Elizabeth said nothing, but it gratified her exceedingly; the compliment must be all for herself. Her astonishment, however, was extreme; and continually was she repeating, “Why is he so altered? From what can it proceed? It cannot be for me, it cannot be for my sake that his manners are thus softened. My reproofs at Hunsford could not work such a change as this. It is impossible that he should still love me.”

The conversation soon turned to fishing. Elizabeth heard Mr. Darcy very politely invite him to fish there as often as he liked while he remained nearby. Darcy also offered to lend him fishing tackle and pointed out where in the stream the fishing was usually best. Mrs. Gardiner was walking arm in arm with Elizabeth and gave her a look of surprise. Elizabeth said nothing, but Darcy’s kindness pleased her immensely. He must have been showing all this courtesy for her sake. Yet she was utterly astonished and kept asking herself, “Why has he changed so much? What could have caused it? It cannot be for me. It cannot be for my sake that his manners have become so much gentler. My criticism at Hunsford could not have brought about such a change. It is impossible that he should still love me.”

After walking some time in this way, the two ladies in front, the two gentlemen behind, on resuming their places, after descending to the brink of the river for the better inspection of some curious water-plant, there chanced to be a little alteration. It originated in Mrs. Gardiner, who, fatigued by the exercise of the morning, found Elizabeth’s arm inadequate to her support, and consequently preferred her husband’s. Mr. Darcy took her place by her niece, and they walked on together. After a short silence the lady first spoke. She wished him to know that she had been assured of his absence before she came to the place, and accordingly began by observing, that his arrival had been very unexpected—“for your housekeeper,” she added, “informed us that you would certainly not be here till to-morrow; and, indeed, before we left Bakewell, we understood that you were not immediately expected in the country.” He acknowledged the truth of it all; and said that business with his steward had occasioned his coming forward a few hours before the rest of the party with whom he had been travelling. “They will join me early to-morrow,” he continued, “and among them are some who will claim an acquaintance with you,—Mr. Bingley and his sisters.”

They walked for some time with the two ladies in front and the two gentlemen behind. After going down to the river’s edge to examine an unusual water plant, they changed positions slightly. Mrs. Gardiner brought about the change. Tired from the morning’s exercise, she found that Elizabeth’s arm did not give her enough support. She therefore preferred her husband’s arm. Mr. Darcy took her place beside her niece, and he and Elizabeth walked on together. After a short silence, Elizabeth spoke first. She wanted him to know that she had been assured he would be away before she came to the estate. So she began by saying that his arrival had been very unexpected. “For your housekeeper,” she added, “told us that you certainly would not be here until tomorrow. And before we left Bakewell, we had heard that you were not expected back in the area just yet.” He confirmed that all she had heard was true. Business with his steward had brought him home a few hours ahead of the people he had been travelling with. “They will join me early tomorrow,” he continued, “and some of them will be able to claim your acquaintance. They are Mr. Bingley and his sisters.”

Elizabeth answered only by a slight bow. Her thoughts were instantly driven back to the time when Mr. Bingley’s name had been last mentioned between them; and if she might judge from his complexion, his mind was not very differently engaged.

Elizabeth responded with only a slight bow. Her thoughts immediately returned to the last time they had mentioned Mr. Bingley’s name. And if she could judge by the color of his face, his thoughts were much the same.

“There is also one other person in the party,” he continued after a pause, “who more particularly wishes to be known to you. Will you allow me, or do I ask too much, to introduce my sister to your acquaintance during your stay at Lambton?”

“There is one other person in the group,” he continued after a pause, “who is especially eager to meet you. May I introduce my sister to you during your stay at Lambton? Or am I asking too much?”

The surprise of such an application was great indeed; it was too great for her to know in what manner she acceded to it. She immediately felt that whatever desire Miss Darcy might have of being acquainted with her, must be the work of her brother, and without looking farther, it was satisfactory; it was gratifying to know that his resentment had not made him think really ill of her.

The request surprised her so much that she hardly knew how she agreed to it. She immediately felt that any wish Miss Darcy had to know her must have come from her brother. Without thinking any further, she found that thought satisfying. She was pleased to know that his resentment had not led him to think badly of her.

They now walked on in silence; each of them deep in thought. Elizabeth was not comfortable; that was impossible; but she was flattered and pleased. His wish of introducing his sister to her was a compliment of the highest kind. They soon outstripped the others; and when they had reached the carriage, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were half a quarter of a mile behind.

They walked on in silence, each deep in thought. Elizabeth could not feel at ease. That was impossible, but she was flattered and pleased. His wish to introduce his sister to her was the highest compliment. They soon left the others behind. By the time they reached the carriage, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were an eighth of a mile behind them.

He then asked her to walk into the house—but she declared herself not tired, and they stood together on the lawn. At such a time much might have been said, and silence was very awkward. She wanted to talk, but there seemed an embargo on every subject. At last she recollected that she had been travelling, and they talked of Matlock and Dovedale with great perseverance. Yet time and her aunt moved slowly—and her patience and her ideas were nearly worn out before the tête-à-tête was over.

He then asked her to come into the house, but she said she was not tired. They stood together on the lawn. At such a moment, much might have been said, and the silence was very awkward. She wanted to talk, but every subject seemed off limits. At last she remembered that she had been travelling. They kept the conversation going by talking about Matlock and Dovedale. Yet both time and her aunt moved slowly. Her patience and her ideas were nearly exhausted before their private conversation was over.

On Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner’s coming up they were all pressed to go into the house and take some refreshment; but this was declined, and they parted on each side with the utmost politeness. Mr. Darcy handed the ladies into the carriage; and when it drove off, Elizabeth saw him walking slowly towards the house.

When Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner joined them, they were all urged to come inside for something to eat and drink. But they declined, and everyone said goodbye with the greatest politeness. Mr. Darcy helped the ladies into the carriage. As the carriage drove away, Elizabeth saw him walking slowly toward the house.

The observations of her uncle and aunt now began; and each of them pronounced him to be infinitely superior to anything they had expected.

Her uncle and aunt now began sharing their impressions. Both said he was far better than anything they had expected.

“He is perfectly well-behaved, polite, and unassuming,” said her uncle.

“He is perfectly well-behaved, polite, and modest,” said her uncle.

“There is something a little stately in him, to be sure,” replied her aunt; “but it is confined to his air, and is not unbecoming. I can now say with the housekeeper, that though some people may call him proud, I have seen nothing of it.”

“He is a little formal in his manner, to be sure,” replied her aunt. “But that is only his outward manner, and it suits him. I can now agree with the housekeeper. Though some people may call him proud, I have seen no sign of pride.”

“I was never more surprised than by his behaviour to us. It was more than civil; it was really attentive; and there was no necessity for such attention. His acquaintance with Elizabeth was very trifling.”

“I’ve never been more surprised than by the way he treated us. He was more than polite. He was genuinely attentive, and there was no need for such attention. He barely knew Elizabeth.”

“To be sure, Lizzy,” said her aunt, “he is not so handsome as Wickham; or rather he has not Wickham’s countenance, for his features are perfectly good. But how came you to tell us that he was so disagreeable?”

“Of course, Lizzy,” said her aunt, “he is not as handsome as Wickham. Or rather, he doesn’t have Wickham’s expression, because his features are perfectly good. But why did you tell us he was so unpleasant?”

Elizabeth excused herself as well as she could: said that she had liked him better when they met in Kent than before, and that she had never seen him so pleasant as this morning.

Elizabeth explained herself as best she could. She said she had liked him better when they met in Kent than she had before. She added that she had never seen him as pleasant as he had been that morning.

“But perhaps he may be a little whimsical in his civilities,” replied her uncle. “Your great men often are; and therefore I shall not take him at his word about fishing, as he might change his mind another day, and warn me off his grounds.”

“But perhaps he may be a little unpredictable in his politeness,” her uncle replied. “Important men often are. So I won't take him at his word about fishing. He might change his mind another day and tell me to stay off his land.”

Elizabeth felt that they had entirely mistaken his character, but said nothing.

Elizabeth felt they had completely misunderstood his character, but she said nothing.

“From what we have seen of him,” continued Mrs. Gardiner, “I really should not have thought that he could have behaved in so cruel a way by anybody as he has done by poor Wickham. He has not an ill-natured look. On the contrary, there is something pleasing about his mouth when he speaks. And there is something of dignity in his countenance, that would not give one an unfavourable idea of his heart. But, to be sure, the good lady who showed us the house did give him a most flaming character! I could hardly help laughing aloud sometimes. But he is a liberal master, I suppose, and that, in the eye of a servant, comprehends every virtue.”

“From what we have seen of him,” continued Mrs. Gardiner, “I really would not have thought him capable of such cruelty. Yet he has treated poor Wickham that way. He does not look unkind. On the contrary, there is something pleasant about his mouth when he speaks. And there is a dignity in his face that would not make you think badly of his heart. But certainly, the good lady who showed us the house praised him to the skies! Sometimes I could hardly keep from laughing aloud. But I suppose he is a generous employer, and that, in a servant’s eyes, includes every virtue.”

Elizabeth here felt herself called on to say something in vindication of his behaviour to Wickham; and, therefore, gave them to understand, in as guarded a manner as she could, that by what she had heard from his relations in Kent, his actions were capable of a very different construction; and that his character was by no means so faulty, nor Wickham’s so amiable, as they had been considered in Hertfordshire. In confirmation of this, she related the particulars of all the pecuniary transactions in which they had been connected, without actually naming her authority, but stating it to be such as might be relied on.

Elizabeth now felt she should say something to defend his treatment of Wickham. So she explained, as cautiously as she could, what she had heard from his relatives in Kent. Their accounts suggested that his actions could be understood very differently. His character was by no means as flawed, nor Wickham’s as admirable, as people in Hertfordshire had believed. To support her account, she described the details of all the financial dealings between the two men. She did not name her source, but said the source could be trusted.

Mrs. Gardiner was surprised and concerned: but as they were now approaching the scene of her former pleasures, every idea gave way to the charm of recollection; and she was too much engaged in pointing out to her husband all the interesting spots in its environs, to think of anything else. Fatigued as she had been by the morning’s walk, they had no sooner dined than she set off again in quest of her former acquaintance, and the evening was spent in the satisfactions of an intercourse renewed after many years’ discontinuance.

Mrs. Gardiner was surprised and concerned. But as they approached the place where she had once enjoyed herself, fond memories pushed every other thought aside. She was too busy pointing out all the interesting places nearby to her husband to think of anything else. Although tired from the morning’s walk, she set out again as soon as they had finished dinner. She went to find her old acquaintances. The evening passed pleasantly as they renewed friendships after many years apart.

The occurrences of the day were too full of interest to leave Elizabeth much attention for any of these new friends; and she could do nothing but think, and think with wonder, of Mr. Darcy’s civility, and, above all, of his wishing her to be acquainted with his sister.

The day’s events were too absorbing for Elizabeth to pay much attention to any of these new friends. She could only think, with wonder, about Mr. Darcy’s politeness. Above all, she kept thinking about his wish for her to meet his sister.