Page 117 of A Question of Character

“I did?”

“You refused Mr. Bennet’s first proposal.”

Mrs. Bennet laughed outright.

“I had forgotten that.”

“You made him ask twice.”

“He deserved a little encouragement.”

Mr. Bennet entered just in time to hear the conclusion.

“I assure you,” he observed, “your mother required very little encouragement after the second proposal.”

Mrs. Bennet tossed her head.

“I wished to be certain.”

“You were.”

“I have never regretted it.”

Mr. Bennet crossed the room and kissed the top of her head with such absent familiarity that Elizabeth looked away before they noticed her watching.

Jane smiled into her embroidery.

Elizabeth’s heart grew unexpectedly light.

Whatever faults existed within her family, affection had never been wanting.

The afternoon proved too beautiful to remain indoors.

Elizabeth escaped with her bonnet and set off alone.

The familiar paths around Longbourn had always possessed the curious ability to untangle difficult thoughts.

Today they refused.

Mr. Darcy. Mr. Wickham. She recalled the overheard conversation. One declared the other deceitful beyond redemption. The other declined even the smallest accusation.

Both accounts could not be true.

She paused upon a rise overlooking the valley.

Fields spread beneath her in orderly greens and golds.

Harvest approached.

The first hints of autumn touched the hedgerows.

She thought of Mr. Darcy’s expression when he first saw Mr. Wickham.

No actor, however accomplished, could have produced such astonishment.

Unless...

No.