Page 75 of The Crown’s Gift

"Because she sees people clearly when prejudice does not hurry her—and she has courage to correct herself when it does. Because she loves without making dependence small. She challenges me, but not for sport. She made Georgiana feel safe. At Pemberley, she understood the estate not as an ornament but a trust. When she enters a room, I know the truth will become more difficult and the room more alive."

Sir Thomas looked down, perhaps hiding emotion.

"And Lady Bennet?"

Darcy did not mistake the test. "She is devoted to her daughters, more perceptive than I first believed, and louder than anyone in my family. I do not require her to become someone else."

"Kitty and Lydia?"

"Will be welcomed at Pemberley under reasonable supervision."

"Mary?"

"Georgiana would object if she were not."

"Longbourn's entail?"

"Irrelevant to Elizabeth's security. Her settlement will be generous and independent."

Sir Thomas leaned back. "You have answered the easy questions."

Darcy almost smiled. "I was warned."

"Here is the difficult one. What will you do when Elizabeth's judgment differs from yours and no evidence proves either of you correct?"

Darcy thought of Bingley, Georgiana, Hunsford, and the toll house.

"I will tell her what troubles me and hear her answer. If the matter concerns us both, we shall settle it together. If it is hers, I shall try not to interfere."

"Can you?"

"I am learning."

Sir Thomas rose. "So am I. You have my consent if she accepts. But you will not propose tonight merely because permission burns in your pocket. She has spent the day wondering whether you came for her. Let anticipation do some useful work."

Darcy stared, then recognized the humor.

"Tomorrow?"

"I do not schedule my daughters' proposals."

When Darcy returned to the drawing room, Elizabeth looked at his face and knew the interview had ended well.

He did not ask her to walk.

Sir Thomas entered behind him, accepted a glass of port, and appeared unbearably innocent.

Elizabeth resolved to speak severely to both men in the morning.

She had no opportunity.

Before breakfast, Lady Catherine de Bourgh arrived at Netherfield.

* * *

Lady Catherine's carriage announced itself with four horses, two outriders, and enough gravel thrown against the windows to suggest artillery.

Lady Bennet looked up from the breakfast table. "Who calls at this hour?"