Page 52 of A Question of Character

“I believe Gracechurch Street deserves rather more.”

“I was thinking precisely the same.”

The answer arrived so readily that she could not mistake his meaning, though she immediately attempted to persuade herself she ought to.

Fortunately, Mr. Darcy continued before she was obliged to reply.

“Your journey approaches very quickly.”

“It does.”

“Do you look forward to Ireland?”

“I believe I do.”

“You sound uncertain.”

Elizabeth smiled.

“I expect I shall miss England while wishing to see Ireland.”

“A sensible contradiction.”

“My aunt assures me it is possible to experience both.”

“I have never visited Ireland.”

“Then we shall both have discoveries before us this summer.”

He slowed his pace a little as they approached the water.

“I hope you find everything you anticipate.”

“I suspect I shall find many things I do not anticipate.”

“That has generally proved the more rewarding.”

She laughed.

“Mr. Darcy, you have become remarkably optimistic.”

“I attribute the improvement to excellent company.”

“How fortunate for your friends.”

“They are the fortunate ones.”

The compliment, though gently spoken, produced an embarrassing warmth in her cheeks.

She was rescued from answering by a gentleman on horseback whose spirited mount insisted upon displaying its opinion of restraint. Darcy instinctively guided Elizabeth a little farther from the path until horse and rider had safely passed.

It was afterward that either appeared conscious of the small movement.

Elizabeth looked toward the Serpentine.

“My uncle tells me we shall leave London within three days.”

“So soon?”