"I have spent half the journey imagining this conversation and none of my imaginings prepared me particularly well."
"You surprise me. You usually appear prepared for everything."
"I could never be prepared for loving you."
The words were spoken quietly, but they lingered between them.
Elizabeth lowered her eyes for a moment. There was something inexpressibly affecting in seeing him thus. The proud, reserved gentleman who had first entered her acquaintance seemed very far away. In his place stood a man who had abandoned dignity and caution with a determination she found both touching and irresistible.
When she looked up again, she discovered that he was watching her with a smile.
"What is it?"
"I was wondering whether Mrs Makepeace would consider this a satisfactory outcome."
Elizabeth laughed. "She would probably take credit for it."
"Undoubtedly."
"I imagine she has already decided she was chiefly responsible."
"I received a letter only yesterday in which she informed me that young people rarely know what is good for them and that providence therefore relies heavily upon older women of sense and understanding."
The absurdity of it sent Elizabeth into fresh laughter. "That sounds exactly like her."
"She also expressed the opinion that I ought never again to attempt any grand romantic gestures involving excessive running."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "Did she? I quite enjoyed the running."
"She described my pursuit of your father's carriage as 'encouraging in sentiment but weak in execution.'"
For a moment neither could speak for laughing.
"I shall miss her."
Darcy's expression softened. "So shall I," he said. "Because I shall always think of her home, of Lyme as the place where I met you."
The tenderness of the remark robbed her of any playful answer.
For a little while they stood in silence and considered each other. There was no awkwardness, no uncertainty, just each other. And Elizabeth felt something in her soul settle.
At last Darcy drew a breath. "There is one thing I should like to do properly."
Elizabeth smiled. "Oh?"
"When I asked you in Lyme, I was not at my best."
"No?"
"No. I was blinded by duty and not at all willing to admit how in love I have been with you since you almost knocked me unconscious in Mrs Makepeace’s parlour."
"It was quite endearing in hindsight."
"But I should like another opportunity nevertheless."
Something in his voice made her heart begin to beat rather faster.
Darcy released her hand and stepped back slightly. "Elizabeth Bennet," he began, "I have loved you for longer than I properly understood. You have altered every expectation I possessed for my life and improved every future I can imagine."
