Page 79 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Darcy stared.

Mr. Gardiner laughed. “Ask what she wants to preserve before asking what she wants to change. Pemberley is important to you. She will be afraid of damaging something you love.”

Darcy considered. That had not occurred to him. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome.” They sat in companionable silence.

After a moment Mr. Gardiner said, “Now. About those trout.”

Darcy smiled.

Elizabeth found him the next day in Longbourn’s garden. “I am told my uncle gave you a lecture.”

“He offered advice.”

“You liked it?”

“Yes.” “

How alarming.”

Darcy took her hand. “What do you love most about Longbourn?”

Elizabeth blinked. “What?”

“You will leave it soon. What will you miss?” S

he looked toward the house.

The answer came slowly. “The noise.”

Darcy’s brows rose.

“I know. I complain of it constantly. But I shall miss knowing who is in the next room simply because I can hear them. I shall miss Mama calling up the stairs. Papa laughing behind his library door. Lydia running where she ought to walk.”

Darcy listened.

“The window seat in my room,” she continued. “The hill beyond Oakham Mount. Hill’s plum preserves. Walking without telling anyone where I am going.”

“You may walk at Pemberley.”

“I know.”

“Without asking permission.”

She smiled. “Progress.”

“I will have Mrs. Reynolds put plum preserves on the menu.”

“That is not the point.”

“I know.”

She looked at him.

He squeezed her fingers. “But perhaps some things may travel.”

Her eyes warmed. “Yes,” she said. “Perhaps they may.”