Page 76 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Lydia grinned. Jane kissed his cheek like a brother. Darcy went still in surprise, then smiled.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

“For what?”

“For bringing Charles back to himself.”

Darcy’s expression sobered. “I nearly kept him from you.”

“And you admitted it.”

“That does not undo it.”

“No. But people cannot undo mistakes. They can only choose what comes next.”

Darcy looked at her with new understanding. “You and Elizabeth are very alike.”

Jane laughed softly. “Do not tell her. She prefers to think herself unique.”

Mr. Bennet shook Darcy’s hand in the hall. “Netherfield is a long distance. Write when you arrive.”

Darcy smiled. “I shall.”

“Do not encourage him, Papa,” Elizabeth said.

Then everyone tactfully became busy elsewhere. Elizabeth walked Darcy to the carriage. The March-like brightness of late February lay over the lawn. A few birds argued in the hedge.

Darcy stopped before the carriage step. “I shall see you this afternoon.”

“At Netherfield.”

“Yes.”

“And tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

“This is ridiculous.”

“Entirely.”

Neither moved. Elizabeth looked toward the house. No one appeared at the windows, which meant at least four people were watching from behind curtains.

She smiled.

“What?” Darcy asked.

“We have an audience.”

He glanced back. A curtain in the upstairs window twitched violently.

“Lydia.”

“Almost certainly.”

Darcy lowered his voice. “May I kiss you?”

“Here?”