Page 58 of A Question of Character

“Miss Bennet.”

She directed her attention toward him.

“I hope your journey proves a pleasant one.”

Heart aching, she smiled. “I thank you.”

His returning smile was tender and bittersweet. “I trust Ireland will answer your expectations.”

“I hope so.”

A curious awkwardness fell between them. They had spoken together with such ease throughout the afternoon that ordinary farewell suddenly seemed a far more difficult undertaking than either had anticipated.

Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat with suspicious good timing.

“Elizabeth, my dear.”

She glanced toward the carriage.

“Yes, Uncle.”

She moved to take her leave, then paused once more.

“Mr. Darcy...”

He waited.

“I thank you for today.”

“It was my pleasure.”

There was nothing remarkable in the words themselves.

His manner made them so.

Elizabeth offered him her hand.

He accepted it with evident care, bowing over it according to every rule of good breeding. When he straightened, he did not release it immediately. A heartbeat longer than custom required, yet long enough that she became acutely conscious of the warmth of his hand through her glove.

“I wish you every happiness in Ireland,” he said.

“And I wish you every happiness at Ramsgate.”

A fleeting amusement touched his features.

“I suspect Georgiana’s enjoyment will determine my own.”

“I have very little doubt of it.”

Only then did he let her hand go.

Elizabeth climbed into the carriage beside her aunt. Mr. Gardiner followed, and the footman closed the door before mounting to his place behind.

Darcy stepped back from the carriage.

“Give my regards to your family when next you write,” he said.

“I shall.”