Page 98 of The Engagement at Longbourn

"That you are loud."

Lydia gasped.

He opened one eye. "And brave."

She stopped.

"Oh."

Darcy returned to breakfast. Lydia sat beside Kitty, unexpectedly quiet. Later Elizabeth found Darcy in the library.

"What else did you tell Mrs. Reynolds?"

He looked up. "About Longbourn?"

"Yes."

"That your father has an excellent library but an unreliable habit of disappearing into it."

"True."

"That your mother remembers every illness within five miles."

"Also true."

"That Mary plays more solemn music than Georgiana."

"Nearly impossible, but true."

"That Kitty is improving at chess."

"She cheats."

"Poorly."

Elizabeth smiled. "And me?"

Darcy became still.

"What did you write about me?"

He closed the book on his lap.

"That you walk farther than anyone sensible in bad weather."

"Insulting."

"That you argue with me even when I am plainly right."

"More insulting."

"That you are kind when no one is watching."

Her smile faded.

"That you make Georgiana laugh. That you know the names of Longbourn's tenants. That you read quickly and judge books harshly. That you prefer windows open even when rooms are cold. That you love your family without pretending they are perfect."

Elizabeth swallowed.