Page 77 of The Engagement at Longbourn

“Only if you wish.”

Elizabeth considered the windows. Then she stepped closer and kissed his cheek.

Darcy looked disappointed.

She whispered, “You may earn the rest after the wedding.”

His eyes darkened with startled warmth.

Elizabeth blushed and stepped back. “Get in the carriage, Mr. Darcy.”

“Yes, Miss Elizabeth.”

He obeyed. When the carriage disappeared down the drive, Longbourn felt wrong.

Elizabeth entered the house.

Lydia ran down the stairs. “La! You only kissed his cheek.”

Elizabeth stared at her.

Lydia stopped.

“You were watching.”

“No.”

“Lydia.”

“Kitty was watching. I happened to be standing beside her.”

Kitty shouted from upstairs, “Liar!”

Elizabeth laughed until tears came. At Netherfield, Darcy opened Lydia’s parcel. Inside was a small painted wooden fox. A note was tied around its neck. For your desk, so you remember foxes are not always unlucky.

Darcy sat very still.

Then he laughed. He placed the fox on the mantel in his room. It would later travel with him to Pemberley.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

The Gardiners Arrive

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner came from London ten days before the wedding.

Darcy had heard much of them. Mrs. Bennet had mentioned her brother’s business whenever she feared Darcy might have forgotten the family’s connections. Elizabeth had spoken of the Gardiners with unmistakable affection. Jane trusted them. Mr. Bennet respected them.

Darcy was curious. He was also ashamed to remember that before his accident he had mentally placed the words uncle in trade among Elizabeth’s disadvantages. Mr. Gardiner was a pleasant, intelligent man in his forties with an eye for landscape, fishing, and sound investments.

Mrs. Gardiner had lived near Lambton as a girl and knew Derbyshire. That fact transformed the first dinner.

“You know Lambton?” Darcy asked.

“Very well,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “My father practised there for several years.”

Darcy’s reserve warmed. “Then you know the walk along the river above the old mill.”

“I do. Unless the winter floods have altered it.”