Page 161 of Near Pemberley

“Elizabeth…”

“I choose you, Fitzwilliam.”

The use of his Christian name seemed to undo him.

“I have chosen you for some time, I believe. I simply did not understand it.”

He could only look at her. Then, very quietly, he said,

“You have no idea what that means to me.”

The room seemed to hold its breath.

Darcy had faced anger, disappointment, and humiliation without hesitation. He had stood before Wickham, prepared to suffer whatever came from his actions.

Yet this – Elizabeth choosing him freely – affected him more deeply than any victory ever could.

“Elizabeth…”

His voice was barely above a whisper.

She saw the emotion he was trying so carefully to contain, and something in her expression softened.

“You need not look so surprised,” she said gently.

“I am not surprised.” A faint smile touched his lips. “I am grateful.”

That was the word that undid her.

Not triumph. Not satisfaction.

Gratitude.

She had never imagined that Fitzwilliam Darcy – a man who appeared so certain of everything – could look at her as though she had given him something precious beyond measure.

Without thinking, she lifted her hand to his face. Carefully, avoiding the bruise, she touched his cheek.

Darcy closed his eyes briefly at the tenderness of the gesture. “Elizabeth,” he said again.

This time, she answered before he could say anything more.

“I am here.”

His eyes opened. And that was enough. Slowly, giving her every opportunity to move away, he leant towards her.

Their first kiss was gentle. Almost uncertain.

Not because they lacked feeling, but because there was too much of it.

For so long, they had stood on opposite sides of pride, misunderstanding, and fear. Now there was nothing left between them except the truth they had finally spoken.

Darcy’s hand rose carefully to her shoulder, mindful of his injuries, as though even now he feared taking too much.

Elizabeth smiled against his lips. “Still afraid of asking too much?” The question was whispered.

Darcy looked at her. “Always.”

The honesty of the answer touched her.