Page 71 of The Engagement at Longbourn

“Then why do you look so calm?”

“I have had three months to prepare.”

Mrs. Bennet ignored him and seized Elizabeth’s hands. “My Lizzy! Pemberley! Ten thousand a year! And Jane at Netherfield! Two daughters settled almost at once. Oh, I shall go distracted.”

“You arrived there years ago,” Mr. Bennet murmured.

Elizabeth laughed. Darcy stood near the door with his cane, looking uncertain whether he ought to endure congratulations or retreat. Mrs. Bennet turned on him.

He visibly braced.

Then she embraced him. Darcy’s eyes widened over her shoulder.

Elizabeth covered her mouth.

“My dear Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Bennet said, crying into his coat, “you are never to fall from another horse as long as you live.”

“I shall endeavour not to, madam.”

“And you must not take Lizzy too far away all the time. Derbyshire is a great distance.”

“Mama.”

“What? It is.”

Darcy looked at Elizabeth. “Longbourn will always be welcome at Pemberley.”

Mrs. Bennet drew back. “All of us?”

A flicker of alarm crossed his face.

Elizabeth nearly choked.

Darcy recovered. “All of you.”

“Even Lydia?”

“Mama!” Lydia cried. Darcy looked toward the youngest Bennet, whose mouth had fallen open in outrage.

“Especially Lydia,” he said gravely.

Lydia narrowed her eyes. “You are teasing me.”

“Yes.”

She stared. Then she crowed with delight. “La! Lizzy has ruined him. He makes jokes now.”

“I made jokes before.”

“No one noticed.”

Richard leaned against the mantel. “I have been saying that for years.”

Darcy ignored him.

Mr. Bennet requested Darcy’s company in the library after dinner. This time there was no confusion over intentions. “You have asked again?”

“Yes, sir.”