Page 38 of Twice Chosen

Elizabeth lifted his hand to her cheek. "And found me once."

"Twice."

She smiled. "Then perhaps trust your record."

Darcy closed his eyes briefly.

They finally separated.

Elizabeth walked home alone and felt the world appear new in every direction. The same hedges. Same lane. Same church tower. Yet Darcy remembered.

She entered Longbourn smiling.

Lydia looked up from the stairs. "You saw Mr. Darcy."

Elizabeth stopped. "What?"

"You have that face."

"What face?"

Lydia grinned. "The one Jane has after Mr. Bingley leaves."

Elizabeth stared at her youngest sister.

Then laughed all over again.

Chapter Ten

Three Strokes

Elizabeth found Darcy near Oakham Mount the following afternoon.

She had sent a note through Jane asking Bingley whether his friend might walk toward Longbourn. It was not subtle. She had ceased caring.

Darcy stood beneath an oak when she approached. His hat was in one hand. He looked nervous.

Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Nervous.

Elizabeth almost laughed.

"Miss Elizabeth."

"Mr. Darcy."

They stared at one another.

Neither knew where to begin.

Elizabeth decided on cruelty.

"The blue room chimney requires inspecting."

Darcy's face emptied.

Her breath caught.