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“And you have changed your opinion of him.”

“Entirely.”

Her aunt glanced at the door. Mr Donelson had yet to return. “If Mr Darcy asked you again, what would you say?”

Elizabeth had been prepared to defend Jane’s happiness and Mr Darcy’s good character. She had even been prepared to explain why no second proposal was likely, but her aunt had passed over all three arguments.

“I would say yes.” She was surprised by how little effort the admission required. “Aunt, I think I love him.”

Mrs Gardiner took her hand. “There, you have your answer.”

“Only to your question. He may never ask me.”

“He may not. I have no wish to promise what another person will do.” Her aunt’s mouth curved. “But I should be surprised if your uncle’s ankle healed before Mr Darcy found an opportunity.”

“You are very confident.”

“I watched him yesterday in the billiards room. He looked as though he meant to be stern about the damage, but when you laughed, he laughed too.”

Elizabeth laughed heartily. “Is that your evidence?”

“I have more, but I would hate to spoil your enjoyment of discovering it.” Mrs Gardiner squeezed her hand. “You need not decide for him. You know what you would say if he does ask.”

Elizabeth hated the uncertainty of waiting, but she no longer needed to argue herself out of wanting what she wanted. She picked up Jane’s letter. “I passed over the best detail. Mamma had Mr Bingley served tea in the good cups before anyone had learnt whether he meant to stay for ten minutes.”

“A decisive welcome.”

“Jane says he stayed two hours. I fear Mamma will credit the china.”

They were laughing over Jane’s account when the door opened and a footman guided Uncle Edward’s Bath chair inside, with Mr Donelson just behind it.

“My ankle is improving,” Uncle Edward announced, “and my wife may hear that from someone she believes.”

“The swelling has gone down,” Mr Donelson confirmed. “But you must keep the foot still and elevated for several more days. Please, sir, do not try to stand on it merely to prove you can.”

“I make no promises.”

“Then I shall accept your wife’s.”

“You have them,” Mrs Gardiner assured the man. “He will remain in the chair, and I shall see that his foot is raised.”

Uncle Edward looked at Elizabeth. “Your aunt has acquired the apothecary’s authority as well as her own. How is Jane?”

“Very happy.” Elizabeth held up the letter. “Mr Bingley has returned to Netherfield and asked to court her.”

Her uncle’s face lit. “At last! I hope he brought her something better than an explanation.”

“He brought himself,” Mrs Gardiner said. “Jane appears content with the choice.”

Mr Donelson closed his bag and prepared to leave. His gig was waiting at the front, but Mrs Lovejoy was still downstairs. Mrs Gardiner rang for a servant and asked that she be told her companion was ready.

The footman returned after a short interval, followed by Mrs Lovejoy and Mrs Reynolds. They came into the room together, leaving a careful space between them. Mrs Lovejoy’s bonnet sat perfectly straight. Mrs Reynolds’s keys were quiet at her waist. Neither woman acknowledged the other.

“I hope you found the tea to your liking, Mrs Lovejoy,” Mrs Gardiner said to the wall.

“I did. Thank you.” Mrs Lovejoy said to the clasp of her reticule. “A very generous cup.”

Whatever had passed in the housekeeper’s parlour had been left there, together with the tea things. Mrs Lovejoy wished Uncle Edward a speedy recovery, then turned to Elizabeth. “I hope the news from home is of a good nature, my dear.” Mr Donelson offered his arm for the walk to the door.