Page 19 of Honor Requires

Elizabeth blinked.

Mr. Darcy reached calmly into his coat and produced a small piece of bacon, which he offered to the dog. Bruno accepted it with reverence. His tail resumed its wagging—striking Elizabeth’s leg with painful enthusiasm. She winced.

“Good heavens,” she murmured.

“Down,” Mr. Darcy said.

Bruno obeyed at once, stretching himself upon the floor. Another piece of bacon followed.

Elizabeth stared. “I am astonished, Mr. Darcy. I have never seen such success.”

He inclined his head. “He is a sensible creature.”

“Sensible?” she repeated. “I should not have applied that word to him before this moment.”

“He appears to have a proper regard for bacon.”

Elizabeth laughed. “It appears you came prepared for battle today.”

“I thought it prudent,” he replied. “And I am pleased to discover that Bruno is not indifferent to my strategy.”

“We have never tried bacon,” Elizabeth admitted. “I shall add it to our arsenal of persuasive tactics at once.”

“I recommend it.”

Bruno maintained an exceptional degree of immobility, appearing resolute in his pursuit of further reward for good behavior.

Elizabeth regarded him with renewed respect. “You have done in a moment what I have attempted for months.”

“I had the advantage of novelty.”

“And bacon.”

His chuckle was deep and sent a thrill through her. “That also.”

The interruption, though unexpected, seemed only to have improved the ease of their conversation. Elizabeth resumed her seat, still smiling, while Bruno lay obediently at Mr. Darcy’s feet.

He is very good with him. The thought pleased her.

The remainder of the call passed in a similarly agreeable manner. Mr. Gardiner returned, and conversation resumed among the whole party, though Elizabeth found her attention drawn more than once to Mr. Darcy, and to the steadiness with which he engaged in every exchange.

At length, the time for departure arrived.

Mr. Darcy rose and turned to Mrs. Gardiner. “Mrs. Gardiner, might I have the pleasure of your company tomorrow? My sister and I intend to visit Mrs. Peacock’s tea parlor for ices, and we should be most happy if you and Miss Bennet would join us. And Mr. Gardiner, if he is unengaged.”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “We should be delighted.”

Elizabeth inclined her head, unable to suppress her own pleasure.

The Darcys took their leave soon after, Miss Darcy parting from Elizabeth with evident warmth. When they had gone, and the door had closed behind them, Mrs. Gardiner turned to her niece with a knowing expression.

“Mr. Darcy is most attentive.”

Elizabeth shook her head lightly. “He is merely being friendly.”

“Is he?”

Elizabeth busied herself unnecessarily with adjusting the folds of her gown. “I see nothing more in it.” Liar, she scolded herself.