Page 154 of A Question of Character

“I did.”

Bingley leaned back.

“You know, Darcy, there are very few people whose judgment I trust more than yours.”

Darcy looked up.

“But there is one thing I have observed.”

“What is that?”

“When you become convinced you are protecting someone, you cease hearing anything that contradicts you.”

Darcy stared.

Bingley gave an apologetic shrug.

“You did it with Georgiana.”

“I was protecting my sister.”

“You were.”

“You believe I was wrong?”

“I have no notion.” Bingley spread his hands. “I know nothing of Wickham except that you dislike him and Elizabeth does not. I merely observe that everyone who disagrees with you lately leaves looking rather unhappy.”

Darcy could not dispute the charge.

Elizabeth.

Georgiana.

Richard.

Even Bingley had hesitated more than once before offering an opinion.

The realization sat heavily.

“I love her,” Darcy said.

“I know.”

“I have never doubted anything so completely.”

Bingley smiled.

“I thought you had never doubted anything at all.”

Despite himself, Darcy gave a short laugh.

“Perhaps that has been my failing.”

“Perhaps.”

Neither spoke for several moments.

The fire shifted upon the hearth.