Page 58 of The Engagement at Longbourn

“Walking?”

“Outside.”

“I warned you that windows were a poor substitute.”

“You warn me of many things.”

“One of my better qualities.”

“Yes.”

The easy agreement made her smile. Darcy looked down the drive. “When I leave Longbourn, I shall miss it.”

Elizabeth turned toward him. He did not look at her.

“Even breakfast?” she asked.

“Especially breakfast.”

“Now I know your mind has not fully recovered.”

“I have become accustomed to knowing Lydia’s opinion of every officer before nine o’clock.”

“She has fewer opinions now.”

“Better opinions.”

Elizabeth’s smile faded slightly. “She has grown.”

“So have we all.”

She looked at him.

Darcy’s face was serious.

“You included yourself,” she said.

“Yes.”

“What have you learned?”

He considered. “That observation is not the same as understanding. That being embarrassed by a person does not mean the person has no virtues. That reserve can be as rude as noise when used without consideration.”

Elizabeth listened without teasing.

He continued, “That your mother’s concern for marriages is partly fear. Longbourn is entailed. She has five daughters and no power to secure the estate for them.”

Elizabeth’s throat tightened.

“I knew that,” Darcy said. “I did not understand it.”

“That is a distinction you have become fond of.”

“A useful one.”

“Yes.” He looked at her then. “And I have learned that you are less certain than you pretend.”

Elizabeth blinked. “Indeed?”