Elizabeth laughed, though emotion still lingered perilously near the surface. “You speak as though I have bestowed some extraordinary favor.”
“You have.”
The answer came without hesitation.
“You have altered my life completely.”
The sincerity of it left her briefly unable to reply.
Down the corridor, Toby’s voice rang out distinctly.
“We deserve extra pudding.”
Darcy closed his eyes briefly.
Elizabeth dissolved into helpless laughter.
“I fear my brothers intend to claim permanent credit for our engagement.”
“I am beginning to suspect the same.” He glanced toward the drawing room with grave resignation. “I shall apparently remain indebted to them for the remainder of my natural life.”
“That is a very dreadful prospect.”
“Truly alarming.”
Her laughter abated.
Standing there beside him, her hand still secure within his, Elizabeth felt the last remnants of uncertainty disappear altogether. Nothing about the future seemed frightening now. Not change. Not marriage. Not even the thought of one day leaving Longbourn.
Because wherever Darcy stood had already begun to feel remarkably like home.
As they left the library, voices drifted from the drawing room. Elizabeth reached the threshold just in time to hear Mr. Wilson speaking in a low tone to Mr. Bennet, who had apparently paused to allow the others to enter ahead.
Wilson’s expression was grave but composed.
“I congratulate Miss Elizabeth with all sincerity,” he said. “I cannot pretend disappointment is absent, but I believe I was competing against a sentiment long established. Once a woman looks at one gentleman as Miss Elizabeth looks at Mr. Darcy, another man has very little prospect.”
Mr. Bennet clasped his shoulder warmly.
“You are a sensible fellow, Wilson. There will be another lady who values you exactly as you deserve.”
Wilson bowed his head and stepped back.
Elizabeth’s esteem for him increased in that moment.
He met her gaze, bowed, and offered a disappointed but genuine smile.
“I wish you every happiness, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wilson.”
The drawing room fell silent when she entered beside her father.
Mr. Bennet surveyed the assembled company with evident satisfaction.
“It appears,” he said, “that Longbourn is to lose another daughter.”
Mrs. Bennet pressed her handkerchief to her eyes.
