Page 50 of A Question of Character

“So do I.”

Elizabeth moved toward the door.

Darcy accompanied her into the hall, where the footman had already brought her bonnet.

He accepted it from the servant before Elizabeth could.

“May I?”

She bowed her head slightly.

With great care he placed the bonnet over her curls and tied the ribbons beneath her chin. His fingers lingered as long as necessity required before he stepped back.

“There.”

“I thank you.”

The front door stood open beyond them. Her carriage waited at the curb.

She held out her hand.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy.”

Instead of merely bowing, he took her gloved hand with deliberation.

His head bent over it, propriety observed in every particular, though Elizabeth suspected no gentleman had ever managed such a simple courtesy with greater seriousness.

When he released her, he did not immediately step aside.

“I do not know what I shall do when you leave.”

The words were spoken so plainly that they nearly escaped notice.

Elizabeth smiled to lighten what had suddenly become too earnest.

“You will have Georgiana to amuse. Then Ramsgate. Before long your friend Mr. Bingley will return, and I imagine he will keep you fully occupied through the summer.”

“Yes.”

She started toward the steps.

“And after?”

Elizabeth looked back.

“And after?”

“After Ramsgate.”

She laughed gently.

“I am quite certain you will discover something to occupy your time, Mr. Darcy.”

He looked as though he wished to answer differently.

Instead he bowed.

“I hope you are right.”