Page 27 of Honor Requires

“I find I wish to be so.”

The words, though tenderly spoken, carried significance. Elizabeth felt her breath catch. He speaks with great consideration.

“I believe,” she said, choosing her words with care, “that attentiveness is a quality to be valued.”

“As is discernment.”

“And sincerity.”

He met her gaze fully then. “Most of all, sincerity.” There was something in the moment—something unspoken yet understood—that held them both in stillness for a brief space of time.

Elizabeth felt it clearly. He is in earnest. She did not turn away.

Mrs. Gardiner’s voice broke gently through the stillness.

“Elizabeth, we must not linger too long.”

Elizabeth turned, the moment easing though not entirely lost.

“Of course.”

Mrs. Gardiner approached with Miss Darcy, her expression welcoming though there was a hint of purpose in her manner.

“We must return,” she said. “We have a supper engagement this evening with one of your uncle’s business associates.”

“Already?” Miss Darcy said, a note of disappointment in her voice.

“I am afraid so.”

Darcy inclined his head. “Then we shall not detain you.”

Miss Darcy brightened. “But you will come again? Perhaps the day after tomorrow—for tea?”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “We should be very happy to do so.”

Elizabeth glanced toward Mr. Darcy.

Their eyes met, and a small, private smile passed between them—brief, but full of understanding. It lingered a moment longer than either quite intended. Elizabeth turned away first, though the warmth of it remained, unsettling in its certainty.

“I shall look forward to it,” she said.

“As shall I,” he replied.

And though the party soon separated when the Darcy carriage delivered them to their doorstep, Elizabeth carried with her the warmth of the afternoon—and the certainty that something had begun, though she could not yet say what shape it might take.

Chapter Five

Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy several times a week thereafter. Miss Darcy accompanied them occasionally, but as time passed, she limited her presence, ostensibly so her brother might court his lady without distraction.

Mr. Darcy proved to be an attentive suitor. He brought her flowers, escorted her about Ramsgate, browsed the shops at her side, and, more importantly, came to know her through lengthy, meaningful conversation. Elizabeth learned about his estate, Pemberley, and came to appreciate his dedication to it, and to the people who relied on his leadership. She, in turn, told him the unvarnished truth about her family, detailing the faults and flaws of every member, from her father to her youngest sister, Lydia. Mr. Darcy seemed incredulous at her descriptions, but she assured him they were all true.

“Then I shall be prepared when I meet them.” He patted her hand, which was looped through his arm as they strolled the paths of a little park not far from the house let to the Gardiners. The contact, though slight, was not unnoticed. Elizabeth became suddenly aware of the steadiness of him—of the ease with which he seemed to claim a place beside her.

“Be prepared for a cacophony, sir. You are everything my mother has wished for her daughter, though she will complain loudly my aunt and uncle did not bring Jane.” Elizabeth pitched her voice up. “‘Oh, if only Jane had gone to Ramsgate! Elizabeth’s beauty is nothing to her sister’s and no one deserves such wealth and privilege as my Jane. Mr. Bennet! You must make Mr. Darcy see that Elizabeth is not the woman for him. No, sir, you had much better marry Jane.’”

Elizabeth glanced up at Mr. Darcy to find him staring at her intensely. She faltered beneath the look, her breath catching for no reason she could readily name. There was nothing improper in his expression—and still, she could not mistake its focus.

“Is that an accurate depiction of your mother?” he asked, his voice calm and controlled.