He shrugged. “Do not let it go to your head.”
“Oh, it already has. In fact, I may never recover.”
And when she laughed this time, he did not try to stop himself from laughing with her.
#
The strawberries were gone.So was most of his dignity.
Darcy reclined stiffly on the blanket, trying to appear composed while every muscle in his back protested the entire exercise. Across from him, Elizabeth Bennet sat with her knees drawn up, her ribbon askew, her bonnet discarded, and the sun picking out glints of copper in her hair like it was doing it on purpose.
He had almost forgot he hated everything about this day.
Until he saw Dyer.
The solicitor stood across the lawn in dull conversation with the present Lady Matlock, holding a glass of punch and wearing that same smug, impenetrable calm he always did. Darcy barely resisted the urge to mutter a curse.
Elizabeth followed his gaze. “That man owes you money?”
“No.”
“You lost a duel?”
“No.”
“Ah,” she said, drawing it out like a thread. “Romantic rival, then.”
He gave her a withering look. “He is a solicitor.”
She lifted a shoulder. “Still possible.”
Darcy sighed. “He is mine. Rather, he was appointed by the board that manages part of my father’s estate.”
“And you hate him because…?”
“Because he reminds me of things I would rather forget.”
“Such as?”
A pause. Long enough to suggest she ought to let it lie.
She did not.
“Come now,” Miss Bennet said, tilting her head. “You cannot dangle mystery in front of me and then expect I will politely look away.”
He rubbed the crease at his brow with one gloved finger. “It is personal.”
“Good. That is the interesting kind.”
His mouth quirked, then firmed again. “He is the one who reminds me that I am required to marry before I turn thirty.”
She blinked. “How theatrical!Thatis what made you look like you were tasting bile just now? You are but a youth. Thirty is practically ancient!”
“And you are being purposely provoking, for I already told you I am twenty-four.”
“Oh.” She tilted her head, unconvinced. “Only half a dozen years, then. Well, in that case, you are doomed.”
“Five and a half, for my birthday falls in February, and I must leave some time for the banns to be called and the ceremony to be performed.”
