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“She attempted to climb out of my arms to reach her.”
“Were you terribly offended?”
“Profoundly. I recovered when she wanted me again ten minutes later.”
Elizabeth smiled. “You are all very easily governed.”
“Yes.”
Anna had spent several nights under his roof now. Ruth remained entirely capable of telling him to move out of the way.
“Thomas means to come tomorrow after his work,” he said. “I asked whether he would stay to eat with Martha. Reynolds will have something for them before they go home.”
“Good.”
“He was inclined to thank me. I hope he will cease thinking an evening with Anna is a favour he must obtain.”
“He may require practice, too.”
Darcy looked toward the cottage path. “I have given him reason to be careful.”
Elizabeth said nothing.
After a moment she drew his attention back to the house.
“I shall miss this walk when I go home.”
He looked down at her.
“After Jane is settled at Alderbrook,” she added. “I have promised Mary an account of the books she sent, and I should like to give it to her in person before she concludes I have neglected them.”
“You would return to Longbourn in the spring?”
“For a visit, certainly.”
For a visit. Darcy repeated the words silently, unwilling to discover that he had attached a meaning to them which she did not intend.
“You must be able to see your family,” he said.
“I mean to.”
“Of course.”
Her fingers moved upon his sleeve. “You need not look as though I have announced a permanent departure.”
“I was considering how little I should enjoy even a temporary one.”
Elizabeth’s expression softened.
“And yet you would survive it.”
“I have no doubt.”
“With letters.”
“A great many.”
“And perhaps by coming with me, when your affairs permit.”
