Page 216 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Elizabeth stopped before them.

“They are extraordinary.”

She continued along the flower bed bordering the enclosure wall.

The voices from the picnic faded as they went farther into the garden. When the path narrowed beside a low stone border, Darcy offered his hand.

Elizabeth took it.

They had passed the uneven ground before either released the other.

“We are becoming careless, Fitzwilliam.”

“I am finding caution increasingly difficult, Elizabeth. Being always in company is becoming quite a trial.”

They continued along the path.

“Four months will seem very little to our neighbors.”

“It seems an eternity to me.”

Elizabeth looked at him. “I have been thinking that perhaps we might marry at the end of September, if my father approves.”

“Do you think that probable?”

“I am almost afraid to speak to Papa. If he thinks it too soon, I would not have him believe I am eager to put Mamma’s death behind me merely because I wish to marry you. Nor would I have my sisters think it.”

“They know you better than that, Elizabeth.”

“The neighborhood may not.”

Darcy stopped beside her. “I will wait if you wish it, darling. But I would rather not allow the neighborhood to decide when I may marry my wife.”

Her expression softened, and they continued hand in hand among the dahlias. At the end of the flower bed, Elizabeth paused before a deep crimson bloom.

“I think this one is my favorite, sir.”

Darcy bent closer to examine it.

“I will have our gardeners plant some at both Darcy House and Pemberley. Perhaps they will thrive in the orangery at one, if not the other.”

“You are very good to me, sir.”

“It makes me happy to make you happy, Elizabeth.”

* * *

Caroline saw them emerge from the other side of the south wall.

Elizabeth said something Caroline could not hear, and Mr. Darcy looked down at her and laughed.

Caroline stood frozen as the man she had always known for his civility and restraint bent and kissed Elizabeth’s hand.

In all the years she had known him, never had she seen him act thus with any woman.

She could not turn away. When Elizabeth spoke again, Mr. Darcy bent his head nearer to hear her. The longing in his expression was unlike anything Caroline had ever seen from him. She lowered her eyes and took out her handkerchief.

Louisa touched her arm.