Page 103 of The Engagement at Longbourn

"I never knew his mother."

"No."

"Would she have liked me?"

Lady Matlock's expression changed.

"Anne loved people who made her think. She also loved her son enough to worry that he took himself too seriously."

Elizabeth's mouth curved.

"Then perhaps."

"More than perhaps."

Elizabeth lifted the ring carefully.

"Was she like him?"

"In loyalty. In reserve when she first entered a room. In remembering everything anyone said to her. But Anne laughed easily among family. Darcy did too as a boy."

Elizabeth thought of the man in the lane smiling after she said yes; of his rare laughter becoming less rare at Longbourn.

"He misses her."

"Every day, I think."

Elizabeth slipped the ring onto her finger.

It fit almost perfectly.

Lady Matlock's eyes filled.

"Oh, dear. I promised myself I would not become sentimental."

"That promise appears unpopular in your family."

"Richard cries at military promotions and denies it."

Elizabeth laughed. The door opened without a knock.

Darcy entered.

He stopped. His eyes went immediately to Elizabeth's hand.

The room became silent.

"Aunt," he said.

Lady Matlock rose. "I remember suddenly that I promised Georgiana something."

"You did not."

"How fortunate you are marrying a woman who values honesty."

She escaped. Darcy remained by the door. Elizabeth looked at the ring.

"Do you object?"