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“I had considered doing precisely that.”

“Then reconsider.”

Darcy laughed. The affection in the command was familiar, and he had gone too long without allowing himself to hear it.

They returned downstairs to find Elizabeth waiting with the letter in her hand. She offered it to Darcy before the Colonel could take it.

“You may wish to defend your family.”

“I doubt that will be possible.”

“Papa merely suggested that Charles had brought two unmarried sisters to a house containing one eligible gentleman, and wondered whether you might have a cousin.”

Fitzwilliam put a hand to his heart.

“At last. An invitation which properly values my qualifications.”

Elizabeth looked at him over the paper. “You are rather late.”

“I see that I am.”

Darcy took her hand and drew her to the sofa beside him. He had no wish to pretend indifference for his cousin’s entertainment.

“Miss Bennet has been very patient,” he said. “You must not suppose she would begin again merely because another gentleman has arrived.”

“I should require a much better account of his library,” Elizabeth said.

Fitzwilliam laughed and took the chair opposite. “Then I concede at once. I have nothing to offer you but borrowed books and my own opinion of them.”

“You may keep the books,” she said. “I expect we shall hear your opinions without asking.”

“You may practise upon us until tomorrow,” Darcy told him. “Then you shall meet the rest of the family.”

“Am I to consider this a warning?”

Elizabeth’s fingers tightened upon Darcy’s. “An opportunity, Colonel. We shall see how you use it.”

Chapter Sixty

ELIZABETH HEARD LYDIA before she saw either carriage.

The voice came through an open window as the second coach turned before the house. Kitty was telling her to put her head inside. Lydia replied that she could see perfectly well, which did not appear to have been the objection.

“They are here,” Elizabeth said unnecessarily.

Darcy had already risen. She caught his hand for a moment, then hurried toward the hall with him beside her.

Her father helped Mrs. Bennet from the first carriage. Mary waited until both were clear of the door, then came down with the careful dignity which deserted her as soon as Elizabeth held out her arms.

“Oh, Lizzy.”

Elizabeth embraced her tightly.

“You have come at last.”

“Mama thought we should never reach the house. There was a cart upon the road—”

“There were several,” Mr. Bennet said. “Each was regarded as an attempt to delay your mother’s arrival.”