As they drove toward Pemberley, Elizabeth felt very anxious. When they entered the park, she was amazed. The grounds were huge and beautiful, with high hills and a lovely river. The house itself was a large, handsome stone building. It looked elegant and natural, not showing off like Lady Catherine’s house.
"To be the mistress of Pemberley might be something!" Elizabeth thought.
They went inside and were met by the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds. She was a polite, elderly woman. As she showed them the rooms, Elizabeth noticed that the furniture was expensive but simple. It showed very good taste. Elizabeth thought, "I could have lived here. I could have welcomed my aunt and uncle as my guests. But no—if I had married him, he probably wouldn't have allowed me to invite them." She felt a little better after that thought.
Elizabeth wanted to be sure Mr. Darcy was away. Her uncle asked the question for her.
"Is your master at home?" Mr. Gardiner asked.
"No, sir," Mrs. Reynolds replied. "But we expect him tomorrow with a large group of friends."
Elizabeth was relieved they had arrived today!
As they looked at the pictures on the walls, Mrs. Reynolds began to talk about her master. To Elizabeth’s surprise, the housekeeper praised him warmly.
"I have never had a cross word from him in my life," she said. "I have known him since he was four years old. He was the sweetest, most generous boy in the world. Now, he is the best landlord and the best master. Some people call him proud, but that is only because he is quiet."
Elizabeth was shocked. Could this be the same Mr. Darcy? She listened carefully as the housekeeper described him as a wonderful brother who would do anything to make his sister happy. Elizabeth felt a new sense of respect and gratitude toward him.
They finished looking at the house and went outside to see the gardens. As they walked toward the river, a man suddenly appeared from behind the stables.
It was Mr. Darcy!
He was only twenty yards away. It was impossible to hide. Their eyes met, and both of them turned bright red. Darcy started with surprise, but he quickly walked toward them. To Elizabeth’s total amazement, he spoke with perfect politeness.
Elizabeth was so embarrassed she could hardly look at him. She explained that they had thought he was away. Darcy was not his usual cold self. He was nervous and hurried, asking her several times when she had left Longbourn. After a few minutes, he said goodbye and went toward the house.
The Gardiners were very impressed by his appearance, but Elizabeth could only think of her own shame. Why had she come? What would he think of her? It looked like she was trying to follow him! And yet, his behavior was so different. He was gentle and civil. It was a complete contrast to the last time they had spoken in Kent.
They continued their walk, but Elizabeth’s mind was still on Darcy. A little later, they were surprised again—Mr. Darcy was walking toward them a second time. This time, he looked much more at ease.
He asked Elizabeth to introduce him to her friends. Elizabeth was surprised he wanted to meet her "inferior" relatives, but she made the introduction. She watched his face when she said they were her aunt and uncle. Darcy did not run away. Instead, he stayed and talked to Mr. Gardiner about fishing. He even invited Mr. Gardiner to fish in his river as often as he liked.
Elizabeth was more astonished than ever. "Why is he so altered?" she wondered. "It cannot be for my sake."
As they walked, Darcy walked next to Elizabeth. He told her that Mr. Bingley and his sisters would arrive the next day. Then, he said something that surprised her most of all.
"There is one other person who wants to know you," he said. "Will you allow me to introduce my sister, Georgiana, to you while you are here?"
Elizabeth was deeply flattered. To be introduced to his sister was a huge compliment. She realized that he did not hate her. In fact, he was trying very hard to be kind.
When they reached the carriage, Darcy helped the ladies in and said a polite goodbye. As they drove away, her aunt and uncle couldn't stop talking about him.
"He is perfectly well-behaved and polite," her uncle said.
"He is not proud at all," her aunt added. "Lizzy, why did you tell us he was so disagreeable?"
Elizabeth explained that he had improved since they met in Kent. She also told them the truth about Wickham and the money he had wasted. Mrs. Gardiner was surprised, but soon she was too busy looking at the scenery to talk more.
Elizabeth, however, could think of nothing but Mr. Darcy. She wondered if he still loved her, and she felt a deep sense of wonder at how much he had changed.