Page 45 of Twice Chosen

"I accept."

His eyes warmed.

"But not immediately," she added.

Darcy frowned. "Why?"

"Because if we become engaged within a fortnight of meeting, Mama will be unbearable and everyone will assume you were struck on the head."

"Bingley already suspects that."

"Also, we need to watch what changes."

Darcy nodded reluctantly.

Elizabeth squeezed his arm. "And I would like to be courted."

He looked at her.

Her smile became softer. "We were terrible at it the first time."

"We scarcely managed it."

"Exactly."

Darcy lifted her hand and kissed her glove. "Then I shall do better."

Elizabeth's pulse fluttered. "That was respectable."

"I can be respectable."

"Occasionally."

They continued walking.

Neither saw Lydia watching from an upstairs Longbourn window.

She turned to Kitty. "Lizzy is walking with Mr. Darcy."

Kitty rushed over. "Where?"

"There."

Kitty stared. "They look very close."

Lydia grinned. "Oh, this is interesting."

Chapter Twelve

Georgiana Comes to Hertfordshire

Georgiana's second letter changed Darcy's plans.

I would like to see you.

Simple.

Devastating.