Page 184 of Near Pemberley

Darcy’s gaze softened. “I can see that.”

One of the seamstresses smiled discreetly and returned to her work.

Elizabeth glanced towards him. “Did everything go well?”

“It did.”

She searched his face.

“Your father gave his consent.”

Her face brightened immediately. “Then we are officially betrothed.”

“We are.”

“And Mama?”

Darcy’s mouth twitched. “Your mother was considerably more enthusiastic than your father.”

Elizabeth laughed. “I can imagine.”

“She has a son.” Darcy looked at her for a moment. “Those were her exact words.”

“Bless her. It must have been a shock to her.”

“I do not believe it was, actually; when I left, she said something to the effect that she knew I could not resist you.”

“Really? When did she… Perhaps she saw something when you took us home.”

“Perhaps. She also filled the trunk as you had asked.”

“Oh, thank you.”

His eyes rested upon the gown again. “You look very beautiful.”

A faint colour touched her cheeks. “I am not certain I look like myself.”

“That may be the difficulty.”

She raised an eyebrow. “What difficulty?”

“I may have become accustomed to looking at Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth smiled. “And now?”

Darcy looked at her for a long moment. “Now I must become accustomed to the thought that you will soon be Mrs. Darcy.”

The seamstresses exchanged a discreet glance.

Lydia, however, had no such restraint.

“You had better become accustomed to it quickly.”

Darcy looked at her. “I shall make every effort.”

Elizabeth laughed softly. The sound seemed to please him more than the gown itself.

One of the ladies stepped forward. “Mr. Darcy, if you would permit us, we should like Miss Bennet to try the blue silk next.”