Page 72 of The Crown’s Gift

"It would be a question."

"Then may I ask?"

Footsteps sounded in the corridor.

Georgiana entered carrying music, saw their faces, and stopped. "I beg your pardon."

The moment broke. Elizabeth nearly laughed at the absurdity and nearly wept for it.

"You need not," Darcy said, though his voice was unsteady.

Georgiana retreated anyway.

Elizabeth closed the drainage book. "My feelings are not what they were in April."

Darcy went very still.

"I cannot say more while my aunt is waiting for breakfast," she continued, and a smile escaped. "But I would not have you believe silence means indifference."

He understood the echo of Jane and Bingley. "I shall not make that error twice."

They joined the family.

The rain continued through afternoon. Darcy read aloud while the ladies worked. Mr Gardiner and Georgiana played chess. Elizabeth felt Darcy's awareness across the room without anxiety.

After dinner the clouds lifted. A band of gold opened above the western hills. Georgiana proposed a walk to the small temple overlooking the stream.

Mrs Gardiner declared herself tired. Mr Gardiner had letters. Mrs Annesley found a reason to remain with Georgiana near the rose garden, leaving Darcy and Elizabeth to continue along the path in sight but beyond hearing.

"Our families have become very poor at accidental arrangements," Elizabeth said.

"Georgiana has never been subtle."

"She is your sister."

"An unanswerable charge."

At the temple, they stood above the water. The wet landscape held the last light.

Darcy did not ask the question again.

Elizabeth realized she trusted him to wait.

"When we return to Hertfordshire," she said, "Jane's wedding will consume the household. Lady Catherine may hear rumors. Papa will ask you difficult questions if you approach him. Mama will ask easier questions more loudly."

"I have faced Sir Thomas's correspondence and Lady Bennet's supper conversation. I know the hazards."

"And still?"

He turned toward her. "Still."

The word carried no list of objections, no triumph over resistance. Only constancy.

Elizabeth placed her hand upon his arm.

It was the first touch she initiated.

Darcy covered her fingers with his hand, gently enough that she could withdraw. She did not.