CHAPTER XLIII.

1ELIZABETH, 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.

2The park was very large, and contained great variety of ground. 3They entered it in one of its lowest points, and drove for some time through a beautiful wood stretching over a wide extent.

4Elizabeth’s mind was too full for conversation, but she saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view. 5They 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. 6It 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. 7Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. 8Elizabeth was delighted. 9She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. 10They were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!

11They 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. 12She dreaded lest the chambermaid had been mistaken. 13On 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.

14The housekeeper came; a respectable looking elderly woman, much less fine, and more civil, than she had any notion of finding her. 15They followed her into the dining-parlour. 16It was a large, well-proportioned room, handsomely fitted up. 17Elizabeth, after slightly surveying it, went to a window to enjoy its prospect. 18The hill, crowned with wood, from which they had descended, receiving increased abruptness from the distance, was a beautiful object. 19Every 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. 20As they passed into other rooms, these objects were taking different positions; but from every window there were beauties to be seen. 21The 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.

22“And of this place,” thought she, “I might have been mistress! 23With these rooms I might have now been familiarly acquainted! 24Instead 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. 25But, 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.”

26This was a lucky recollection—it saved her from something like regret.

27She longed to inquire of the housekeeper whether her master were really absent, but had not courage for it. 28At 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.” 29How rejoiced was Elizabeth that their own journey had not by any circumstance been delayed a day!

30Her aunt now called her to look at a picture. 31She approached, and saw the likeness of Mr. Wickham, suspended, amongst several other miniatures, over the mantel-piece. 32Her aunt asked her, smilingly, how she liked it. 33The 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. 34“He is now gone into the army,” she added; “but I am afraid he has turned out very wild.”

35Mrs. Gardiner looked at her niece with a smile, but Elizabeth could not return it.

36“And that,” said Mrs. Reynolds, pointing to another of the miniatures, “is my master—and very like him. 37It was drawn at the same time as the other—about eight years ago.”

38“I have heard much of your master’s fine person,” said Mrs. Gardiner, looking at the picture; “it is a handsome face. 39But, Lizzy, you can tell us whether it is like or not.”

40Mrs. Reynolds’ respect for Elizabeth seemed to increase on this intimation of her knowing her master.

41“Does that young lady know Mr. Darcy?”

42Elizabeth coloured, and said, “A little.”

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

44“Yes, very handsome.”

45“I am sure I know none so handsome; but in the gallery upstairs you will see a finer, larger picture of him than this. 46This room was my late master’s favourite room, and these miniatures are just as they used to be then. 47He was very fond of them.”

48This accounted to Elizabeth for Mr. Wickham’s being among them.

49Mrs. Reynolds then directed their attention to one of Miss Darcy, drawn when she was only eight years old.

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

51“Oh, yes—the handsomest young lady that ever was seen; and so accomplished! 52She plays and sings all day long. 53In the next room is a new instrument just come down for her—a present from my master: she comes here to-morrow with him.”

54Mr. 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.

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

56“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.”

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

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

59“Yes, sir; but I do not know when that will be. 60I do not know who is good enough for him.”

61Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner smiled. 62Elizabeth could not help saying, “It is very much to his credit, I am sure, that you should think so.”

63“I say no more than the truth, and what everybody will say that knows him,” replied the other. 64Elizabeth 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.”

65This was praise of all others most extraordinary, most opposite to her ideas. 66That he was not a good-tempered man had been her firmest opinion. 67Her keenest attention was awakened: she longed to hear more; and was grateful to her uncle for saying,—

68“There are very few people of whom so much can be said. 69You are lucky in having such a master.”

70“Yes, sir, I know I am. 71If I were to go through the world, I could not meet with a better. 72But 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.”

73Elizabeth almost stared at her. 74“Can this be Mr. Darcy?” thought she.

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

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

77Elizabeth listened, wondered, doubted, and was impatient for more. 78Mrs. Reynolds could interest her on no other point. 79She related the subjects of the pictures, the dimensions of the rooms, and the price of the furniture in vain. 80Mr. 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.

81“He is the best landlord, and the best master,” said she, “that ever lived. 82Not like the wild young men now-a-days, who think of nothing but themselves. 83There is not one of his tenants or servants but what will give him a good name. 84Some people call him proud; but I am sure I never saw anything of it. 85To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men.”

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

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

88“Perhaps we might be deceived.”

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

90On 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.

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

92Mrs. Reynolds anticipated Miss Darcy’s delight, when she should enter the room. 93“And this is always the way with him,” she added. 94“Whatever can give his sister any pleasure, is sure to be done in a moment. 95There is nothing he would not do for her.”

96The picture gallery, and two or three of the principal bed-rooms, were all that remained to be shown. 97In 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.

98In the gallery there were many family portraits, but they could have little to fix the attention of a stranger. 99Elizabeth walked on in quest of the only face whose features would be known to her. 100At 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. 101She stood several minutes before the picture, in earnest contemplation, and returned to it again before they quitted the gallery. 102Mrs. Reynolds informed them, that it had been taken in his father’s lifetime.

103There 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. 104The commendation bestowed on him by Mrs. Reynolds was of no trifling nature. 105What praise is more valuable than the praise of an intelligent servant? 106As a brother, a landlord, a master, she considered how many people’s happiness were in his guardianship! 107How much of pleasure or pain it was in his power to bestow! 108How much of good or evil must be done by him! 109Every 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.

110When 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.

111As 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.

112They were within twenty yards of each other; and so abrupt was his appearance, that it was impossible to avoid his sight. 113Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush. 114He 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.

115She had instinctively turned away; but stopping on his approach, received his compliments with an embarrassment impossible to be overcome. 116Had 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. 117They 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. 118Amazed 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. 119Nor 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.

120At length, every idea seemed to fail him; and after standing a few moments without saying a word, he suddenly recollected himself, and took leave.

121The 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. 122She was overpowered by shame and vexation. 123Her coming there was the most unfortunate, the most ill-judged thing in the world! 124How strange must it appear to him! 125In what a disgraceful light might it not strike so vain a man! 126It might seem as if she had purposely thrown herself in his way again! 127Oh! 128why did she come? 129or, why did he thus come a day before he was expected? 130Had 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. 131She blushed again and again over the perverseness of the meeting. 132And his behaviour, so strikingly altered,—what could it mean? 133That he should even speak to her was amazing!—but to speak with such civility, to inquire after her family! 134Never in her life had she seen his manners so little dignified, never had he spoken with such gentleness as on this unexpected meeting. 135What a contrast did it offer to his last address in Rosings Park, when he put his letter into her hand! 136She knew not what to think, or how to account for it.

137They 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. 138Her thoughts were all fixed on that one spot of Pemberley House, whichever it might be, where Mr. Darcy then was. 139She 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. 140Perhaps he had been civil only because he felt himself at ease; yet there had been that in his voice, which was not like ease. 141Whether 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.

142At length, however, the remarks of her companions on her absence of mind roused her, and she felt the necessity of appearing more like herself.

143They 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. 144Mr. Gardiner expressed a wish of going round the whole park, but feared it might be beyond a walk. 145With a triumphant smile, they were told, that it was ten miles round. 146It 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. 147They 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. 148Elizabeth 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. 149Her 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. 150Whilst 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. 151The walk being here less sheltered than on the other side, allowed them to see him before they met. 152Elizabeth, 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. 153For a few moments, indeed, she felt that he would probably strike into some other path. 154The idea lasted while a turning in the walk concealed him from their view; the turning past, he was immediately before them. 155With 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. 156Her colour changed, and she said no more.

157Mrs. 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. 158This 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. 159“What will be his surprise,” thought she, “when he knows who they are! 160He takes them now for people of fashion.”

161The 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. 162That 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. 163Elizabeth could not but be pleased, could not but triumph. 164It was consoling that he should know she had some relations for whom there was no need to blush. 165She 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.

166The 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. 167Mrs. Gardiner, who was walking arm in arm with Elizabeth, gave her a look expressive of her wonder. 168Elizabeth said nothing, but it gratified her exceedingly; the compliment must be all for herself. 169Her astonishment, however, was extreme; and continually was she repeating, “Why is he so altered? 170From what can it proceed? 171It cannot be for me, it cannot be for my sake that his manners are thus softened. 172My reproofs at Hunsford could not work such a change as this. 173It is impossible that he should still love me.”

174After 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. 175It 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. 176Mr. Darcy took her place by her niece, and they walked on together. 177After a short silence the lady first spoke. 178She 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.” 179He 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. 180“They will join me early to-morrow,” he continued, “and among them are some who will claim an acquaintance with you,—Mr. 181Bingley and his sisters.”

182Elizabeth answered only by a slight bow. 183Her 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.

184“There is also one other person in the party,” he continued after a pause, “who more particularly wishes to be known to you. 185Will you allow me, or do I ask too much, to introduce my sister to your acquaintance during your stay at Lambton?”

186The surprise of such an application was great indeed; it was too great for her to know in what manner she acceded to it. 187She 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.

188They now walked on in silence; each of them deep in thought. 189Elizabeth was not comfortable; that was impossible; but she was flattered and pleased. 190His wish of introducing his sister to her was a compliment of the highest kind. 191They soon outstripped the others; and when they had reached the carriage, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were half a quarter of a mile behind.

192He then asked her to walk into the house—but she declared herself not tired, and they stood together on the lawn. 193At such a time much might have been said, and silence was very awkward. 194She wanted to talk, but there seemed an embargo on every subject. 195At last she recollected that she had been travelling, and they talked of Matlock and Dovedale with great perseverance. 196Yet time and her aunt moved slowly—and her patience and her ideas were nearly worn out before the tête-à-tête was over.

197On 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. 198Mr. Darcy handed the ladies into the carriage; and when it drove off, Elizabeth saw him walking slowly towards the house.

199The observations of her uncle and aunt now began; and each of them pronounced him to be infinitely superior to anything they had expected.

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

201“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. 202I can now say with the housekeeper, that though some people may call him proud, I have seen nothing of it.”

203“I was never more surprised than by his behaviour to us. 204It was more than civil; it was really attentive; and there was no necessity for such attention. 205His acquaintance with Elizabeth was very trifling.”

206“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. 207But how came you to tell us that he was so disagreeable?”

208Elizabeth 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.

209“But perhaps he may be a little whimsical in his civilities,” replied her uncle. 210“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.”

211Elizabeth felt that they had entirely mistaken his character, but said nothing.

212“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. 213He has not an ill-natured look. 214On the contrary, there is something pleasing about his mouth when he speaks. 215And there is something of dignity in his countenance, that would not give one an unfavourable idea of his heart. 216But, to be sure, the good lady who showed us the house did give him a most flaming character! 217I could hardly help laughing aloud sometimes. 218But he is a liberal master, I suppose, and that, in the eye of a servant, comprehends every virtue.”

219Elizabeth 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. 220In 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.

221Mrs. 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. 222Fatigued 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.

223The 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.