Page 95 of Twice Chosen

"Your own carriage!"

"Mama."

"And pin money!"

Elizabeth closed her eyes.

Darcy stood near the fireplace enduring the celebration with the expression of a man who had agreed to face cannon fire and discovered the cannon could speak.

Mrs. Bennet clutched Elizabeth's hands. "I always knew--"

Elizabeth stared.

Mrs. Bennet stopped. "Well. I hoped."

Mr. Bennet laughed from his chair.

Darcy's left thumb had begun rubbing his forefinger.

Overwhelmed.

Elizabeth moved slightly closer. Not touching. Enough.

Mrs. Bennet turned toward Darcy. "You must know Lizzy has very particular opinions."

"I am aware."

"She reads too much."

"I know."

"She walks everywhere, even when there is a perfectly good carriage."

"Yes."

"And her hair--"

"Mama!"

Darcy's mouth twitched.

Mrs. Bennet beamed at him. "Oh, you will manage."

Elizabeth covered her face.

Mr. Bennet eventually rescued Darcy by inviting him into the library.

Elizabeth watched the door close behind them and wished, briefly, for the ability to hear through wood.

Inside, Mr. Bennet poured two glasses of wine and handed one to Darcy.

"You have returned," he said.

Darcy accepted the glass. "Yes, sir."

"And apparently acquired my daughter."

"She is not an estate."