Page 90 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Darcy joined her.

She held up blue silk. "Jane."

"Yes."

A green ribbon. "Me."

"Obviously."

"Why obviously?"

"You wear green often."

Elizabeth blinked.

Darcy reached for a darker shade. "This one."

She stared at him.

"What?"

"You have an opinion on ribbon."

"I have eyes."

"Three months at Longbourn have changed you beyond recognition."

He ignored her.

Outside, they encountered Sir William Lucas. "Mr. Darcy! Delighted, delighted. And Miss Eliza. Such felicity! I hope we shall soon see you both at Lucas Lodge before Derbyshire steals you from us."

Before his accident, Darcy might have replied with a bow and minimal words.

Now he said, "Thank you, Sir William. We would be pleased to come."

Elizabeth looked at him.

Sir William beamed. "Capital! I shall tell Lady Lucas. Such a pleasure to see a young couple—" He continued for several minutes.

Darcy listened.

Afterward Elizabeth said, "That cost you something."

"Only time."

"You used to guard it as if each minute were inherited land."

Darcy looked down the street.

"Sir William was always kind to me. Even when I gave him very little encouragement."

"Yes."

"Courtesy is not surrender."

Elizabeth smiled.

"Another revelation?"