Page 25 of A Question of Character

“I fear I am.”

“And is that wise?”

“I have reached no conclusion.”

She lowered her eyes to the fan in her hands.

“I begin to think you have formed one.”

“I have postponed saying so.”

“Postponed?”

“For the present.”

The answer ought to have disappointed her.

Instead, it awakened curiosity.

“Is postponement a favorite habit of yours?”

“Just where haste might prove foolish.”

She looked back toward him.

“I had thought you a decisive gentleman.”

“I generally am.”

“But not tonight.”

“No.”

Lady Matlock called across the room.

“Darcy! If you have monopolized Miss Bennet, perhaps the rest of us may enjoy her company again.”

Elizabeth laughed outright.

“You have been discovered.”

“So it appears.”

“You may escape while your reputation is still recoverable.”

“I suspect it is already beyond repair.”

He offered his arm.

“Will you permit me to escort you to my aunt?”

She accepted.

“I should hate to become the cause of a family disagreement.”

“My aunt has forgiven me worse.”

“I should very much like to hear those stories.”