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“That is more difficult to object to.”

Jane waited. Elizabeth had never found it easy to withstand her sister’s patience when there was something she very much wished to tell her.

“I love him,” she said.

Jane’s smile softened.

“I hoped you did.”

“You might have informed me. I should have been spared a great deal of trouble deciding what I thought.”

“I doubt you would have thanked me.”

“No.” Elizabeth laughed. “I should have supplied a very persuasive account of why you were mistaken.”

“And believed it for half an hour.”

“At least.”

Jane glanced toward the adjoining room, where Charles could be heard speaking to his son in a voice entirely unsuitable for anybody capable of answering him.

“Does Mr. Darcy know?” she asked quietly.

“Yes.”

“Then I am very glad.”

“He has not formally asked me anything. We agreed to wait until you were recovering. I did not wish Mama to have two events to arrange while you most needed her attention.”

Jane laughed outright, then put a hand against her side and settled back more carefully.

“I am sorry,” Elizabeth said at once.

“You must not cease making me laugh. I shall tell you when I have had enough.”

“Then I shall not restrain myself entirely.”

“Charles will be delighted with your news,” Jane said.

“I think he might allow Mr. Darcy to ask the question first.”

“I shall endeavour to restrain him.”

“Will you be happy here?” Jane asked.

Elizabeth looked toward the window. Beyond the bare trees lay walks she knew now by their turns, a cottage where she would be welcomed, and a house which had ceased to feel like an imposing place through which she must be conducted.

“Yes.” She turned back. “Though I shall still wish to go home.”

“So shall I, when we are at Alderbrook.”

“You will be scarcely settled before Mama offers to visit.”

“Then she may. I should like her to see it.”

Elizabeth smiled. “And to approve the nursery before Caroline has another suggestion?”

“Caroline may suggest anything she pleases. Charles and I know which room we want.”