Page 98 of Twice Chosen

Elizabeth glared.

Darcy continued, "You once told me I could not love you while requiring you to become convenient."

Her expression softened.

"Your family is inconvenient," he said.

"Extremely."

"So is mine."

"Lady Catherine alone balances Mama."

"Exactly."

Elizabeth laughed.

Darcy took her hand. "You may change how you respond. You may speak privately when someone is cruel or unsafe. But if you spend every gathering trying to prevent embarrassment, you will become as controlling as I once was with Bingley."

She winced. "That was unnecessary."

"Effective?"

"Unfortunately."

At the next dinner Mrs. Bennet announced that Darcy's income was likely greater than rumor suggested.

Elizabeth breathed.

Darcy drank his wine.

Neither died.

Progress.

Darcy's first formal visit to Longbourn after the engagement became neighborhood entertainment. Mrs. Phillips arrived "by accident" ten minutes after him. Lady Lucas sent Maria with a basket that did not require delivery. Mrs. Long walked past the front gate twice.

Elizabeth noticed every maneuver and laughed.

Darcy noticed none of them until Lydia informed him.

"Mrs. Long is spying on you," she said during tea.

Mrs. Bennet gasped. "Lydia!"

Darcy looked toward the window. A bonnet disappeared behind the hedge.

Elizabeth covered her mouth.

Darcy's eyes narrowed. "Is this common?"

Mr. Bennet answered from his chair, "My dear sir, you are ten thousand a year and engaged to a local girl. You are now public property."

Darcy looked appalled.

Elizabeth laughed. "You survived London society."

"London society pretends not to watch."