Page 85 of The Crown’s Gift

"After I discovered my stupidity."

"That narrows nothing."

He laughed against her temple.

They began the descent slowly. Halfway down, Elizabeth stopped.

"I must tell you something unflattering."

"Only one thing?"

"When I first saw Pemberley, I wondered whether being mistress of it might alter a woman's feelings."

"Did it?"

"It altered my understanding. Mrs Reynolds and the tenants showed me who you were where you felt responsible rather than judged. But the house did not make me love you. You did."

Darcy's expression became grave with feeling. He lifted her hand to his lips. "Then I am grateful the house introduced us."

"Pemberley will be offended to receive so little credit."

Near the foot of the mount, they met Lydia and Kitty walking with Miss Harwood. Lydia saw their joined hands immediately.

She stopped so abruptly Kitty collided with her.

"You are engaged!"

Miss Harwood closed her eyes.

Elizabeth released Darcy's hand too late. "Lydia—"

"You are. Mr Darcy looks almost happy."

"I am entirely happy," Darcy said.

Lydia stared at him, then shrieked and embraced Elizabeth. Kitty followed with tears. Miss Harwood offered Darcy a composed congratulation while attempting to herd the girls away.

"We shall not tell Mama before Lizzy does," Kitty promised.

"Of course not," Lydia said. "We shall only arrive first."

They ran.

Elizabeth looked at Darcy. "Our private happiness has approximately four minutes."

"Then we should walk slowly."

They did, though Lydia's voice could be heard from the terrace before they crossed half the lawn.

Lady Bennet met them at the doors.

Her face moved from triumph to tears so quickly that even Elizabeth was unprepared. She embraced her daughter, then Darcy, then apologized for embracing him and did it again.

"Ten thousand a year—no, I shall not speak of money. Pemberley! That is not better. Oh, Lizzy, you will be so far away."

The final fear emerged beneath every boast. Elizabeth held her.

"We shall visit. You will come to Pemberley."