A/N: This idea just flew into my head and I had to write it, hope you enjoy…

Summary: What if Lydia Bennet did not elope from Brighton with Mr Wickham and Elizabeth was able to stay on at Derbyshire with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner? Would the relationship between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy be improved? Would he have the courage to propose a second time after the disaster of the first?

On with the story…

Chapter 1 - A Letter from Jane.

"Shall we walk toward the church, Lizzy?" Mrs Gardiner asked as the party of three gathered their hats and gloves.

"I have heard that it is a beautiful walk, I would like that well indeed." Mr Gardiner agreed quickly before the group exited the inn into the magnificent summer breeze of Derbyshire. There, left behind at the inn laid a letter from Jane to her sister. It held nothing of importance, only mention of all of their families health, including her Mother's nerves, and hopes of her enjoying her stay in Derbyshire.

The sun illuminated the beauty of Lambton as the group walked through the town past the aged chestnut tree outside of the smithy which Mr Darcy had mentioned. Its grandness made Elizabeth smile and imagine a young Mr Darcy running from Pemberley to Lambton as a child. She was quickly drawn from her reverie by her Uncle Gardiner.

"Do you approve of the town, Lizzy?" He asked as he gazed at the small shops and contented occupants who nodded in welcome as they passed.

"Very much. Though I am afraid that it is nothing compared to Pemberley."

"No, indeed." Mrs Gardiner stated. "I remember as a child that the beauty of Lambton was always diminished by that of Pemberley."

"Did you enjoy your childhood here, Aunt?" Lizzy asked as she gazed down the road toward the church.

"I had a very happy childhood here. The occupants are very welcome with some very respectable families close by."

"It must have been advantageous for you to have your childhood here." Lizzy replied with a smile.

"Indeed it was, Lizzy. I could not imagine a better place for a child to emerge into adulthood. I was humbled by it, I assure you." There was silence for a moment in which Elizabeth's thoughts yet again strayed. She only looked back to the scenery when an approaching horse made her move to the side.

"Good morning, Mr Darcy." Mr Gardiner stated, forcing Elizabeth's concentration to the gentleman who had arrived at their side on horseback.

"Good morning Mr Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet." Mr Darcy said before he slid from his horse to the ground. "I hope I find you well this morning?"

"Very well indeed, Mr Darcy. I thank you." Mrs Gardiner stated as she made her curtsy.

"I was on my way into town on some business, I was going to call in at the inn before attending to it." Darcy said as he gathered the horses reins and pulled it in close beside him.

"I thank you for considering us while passing through the village." Mr Gardiner said with a smile. "My wife, niece and I were just now walking toward the church."

"It is an excellent walk, there is some magnificent scenery along the path. I hope that you will allow me to join you."

"We would not like to deter you from your business, Mr Darcy." Mrs Gardiner protested.

"Not at all, it would be my pleasure." Mr Darcy smiled slightly before calling a boy to take his horse. "Take him to the stables at the inn, will you?" He stated to the young boy before handing him the reins and pressing a small coin into his hand. The young boy smiled down at the coin for a moment before pulling on the reins and leading the horse in the direction of the inn.

Mr and Mrs Gardiner led the way along the path to the church closely followed by Elizabeth who felt slightly uncomfortable with Mr Darcy at her side. As they walked a number of gentlemen passed of Mr Darcy's acquaintance, he smiled at them slightly before lifting his hat slightly in respect and muttering a cheerful good morning.

"Do you often ride into Lambton, Mr Darcy?" Elizabeth asked, determined to prevent silence.

"Yes, quite often. Many of my tenants live in Lambton and it is my duty to be an appropriate Master. I have to inspect my lands and that occasionally demands a ride into town."

"I have heard that you are a very agreeable Master." Elizabeth stated with a smile.

"I fear who your informant is, I am inclined to suppose they have given you the wrong impression of me."

"I think not." Elizabeth said as she laughed. "It was your housekeeper, Mrs Reynolds."

"Ah, well I am afraid that Mrs Reynolds can give a good account of my character, she has known me since I was a child. She is too noble to exaggerate or lie, you may at least have faith in that."

"I think I can." Elizabeth said whilst trying to prevent laughter escaping. She sensed that Mr Darcy was also amused, a slight increase in the slope of his lips informed her that he was desperate to smile.

"How long do you intend to stay in Derbyshire?" He asked as they approached the church.

"A number of weeks I believe before returning to Hertfordshire. My Mother I believe will not envy my absence. My Father however, will be miserable at the loss of his witty daughter." Mr Darcy laughed slightly.

"I hope that your family are well, Miss Bennet."

"They are I thank you. Only this morning I received a letter from my sister, Jane confirming that everyone is well."

"I hope that you and your Aunt and Uncle should enjoy spending some time at Pemberley with the other members of the party during your stay."

"We would like that very much, Mr Darcy."

"I am aware that we have made arrangements for dinner this evening but I would also like to forward an invitation from my sister to join the party at a picnic. Would Monday be acceptable?" Elizabeth laughed slightly.

"I am unaware of any other plans, Mr Darcy. You must forward my thanks to Miss Darcy. We would be honoured to join your party." Mr Darcy turned his face away for a moment toward the scenery and Elizabeth thought she saw him smile.

"I am pleased that you will join us."

Upon returning to the inn Mr Darcy refused the offer of tea and made excuses to tend to his business. As he swung into his saddle outside of the inn he raised his hat to the Gardiners and Elizabeth.

"Good day Mr Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet. Until dinner this evening." With a kick of his heels into the horses flank he was down the street and out of sight to the Gardiners and Elizabeth. With a contented smile the group departed into the inn for tea and a well deserved rest before dinner at Pemberley.