Page 121 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

He smiled and excused himself from his host.

Miss Thorne watched him cross the room.

“I spent years wondering what I might do to make him look at me in just that way. Now I know there was nothing I could have done.”

She rose before Darcy reached them.

“I hope we shall meet again, Miss Bennet. I believe I shall like you very much.”

“Thank you, Miss Thorne.”

Miss Thorne went to join her mother as Darcy took the chair beside Elizabeth.

Elizabeth placed her hand beside his on the settee and slipped her fingers beneath his.

Darcy looked down at their joined hands before closing his fingers around hers.

They remained that way while the conversation continued around them.

When the company rose to move to the music room, Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm, and they followed the others.

He led her to a place near the far end of the room and sat beside her. Elizabeth slipped her hand into his, and they fell into quiet conversation, giving no attention to anyone around them.

Chapter 40: Family and Friends

Late October 1811

Elizabeth heard the carriage before she saw it.

She had been sitting with Mrs. Radcliff in the drawing room when the sound of wheels upon the drive brought her to her feet. Mrs. Radcliff laughed as Elizabeth crossed to the window.

“I believe you have been listening for them all morning.”

“Yes, ma’am. I cannot help myself.”

The Gardiner carriage came into view, followed by a second carrying the children, their nurse, and the greater part of the luggage.

Elizabeth was already halfway to the door when Mrs. Radcliff called after her, “You might allow the servants to open it, my dear.”

Elizabeth continued on.

She reached the entrance hall as the first carriage stopped. A footman opened the door, but Elizabeth was outside before the steps had been lowered.

Jane descended first.

“Lizzy!”

Elizabeth caught her sister in her arms.

For several moments, neither spoke.

Jane drew back at last and looked at her.

“Oh, Lizzy.”

“Jane, I have missed you so.”

Jane embraced her again.