Page 88 of The Engagement at Longbourn

The road was uneven. Crowds around the shops made a cane inconvenient. And, if he were honest, he disliked being stared at. By February everyone had heard so many versions of his fall that he suspected some people would be disappointed to see he possessed both legs. Elizabeth challenged him on a Wednesday.

"I require ribbon."

Darcy looked up from his letter.

"I am sure Longbourn owns ribbon."

"Wedding ribbon."

"Is it different?"

"Completely."

"How?"

"It is purchased while engaged."

He gave her a look.

She smiled. "Come to Meryton with me."

Darcy's first instinct was refusal.

She saw it.

"You can walk that far from the carriage."

"I know."

"Then what is it?"

He looked at the letter in his hand.

"Nothing."

Elizabeth waited.

He sighed. "People stare."

Her expression softened at once. "Yes."

"I dislike it."

"Most people do."

"You appear to enjoy attention."

"Only when I control why I am receiving it."

Darcy considered that.

Elizabeth said, "We may go early. Fewer people."

"You need not arrange the world around my discomfort."

"I am not. I dislike crowds when purchasing ribbon too."

He almost smiled. "Liar."