Page 99 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Darcy's voice lowered.

"And that I hope Pemberley deserves you."

She stared at him.

"Fitzwilliam."

He looked suddenly uncomfortable. "You asked."

"Yes."

Elizabeth crossed the room and stood before him.

"You speak very beautifully when you forget to be grave."

"I am always grave."

"Not always."

She bent and kissed his forehead.

Darcy looked up in surprise.

Elizabeth smiled. "Write to Mrs. Reynolds that I require no changes. Only room on the shelves."

"How much room?"

"A great deal."

"I feared that."

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

The Last Sunday at Longbourn

The Sunday before the wedding was quiet by Longbourn standards.

No one was ill. No officers were being arrested. No countesses arrived unexpectedly. Lady Catherine remained safely in Kent. Even Mrs. Bennet's nerves seemed to understand that they had been overworked and required rest. The family walked to church together. Darcy and Bingley met them there. Elizabeth saw Darcy before he saw her. He stood outside with Richard and the Earl, one hand resting on his cane. The morning was mild enough that his coat hung open. He laughed at something Richard said.

Elizabeth stopped. Jane nearly walked into her.

"What is it?"

"Nothing."

Jane followed her gaze.

A slow smile appeared.

"Oh."

"Do not."

"I said nothing."

"You said 'oh.'"

"So did Mama when Mr. Bingley first danced with me."