Page 9 of Honor Requires

Elizabeth attempted to maintain composure, though she suspected her enthusiasm might already be visible. “I confess I liked them exceedingly well.”

“As did I,” Mrs. Gardiner said warmly. “Miss Darcy in particular is a most engaging young lady.”

Elizabeth nodded at once. “She is delightful.”

Miss Darcy had impressed her greatly. The girl possessed a refinement that spoke of careful upbringing and thoughtful instruction. Though she was young—likely near Lydia’s age—her manners were restrained in a way Elizabeth found both admirable and somewhat astonishing.

There had been none of Lydia’s reckless chatter nor Kitty’s nervous giggling.

Instead, Miss Darcy listened attentively and spoke with a gentle intelligence that suggested a well-governed mind.

She must have benefited from a very capable governess.

Mrs. Gardiner folded the letter thoughtfully. “We are fortunate in the acquaintance, Lizzy.”

Elizabeth tilted her head. “Fortunate?”

“Yes, indeed.” Mrs. Gardiner seated herself and gestured for Elizabeth to do the same. “You may not be aware of the full extent of Mr. Darcy’s position.”

Elizabeth raised a brow with playful curiosity. “I know he possesses an estate called Pemberley, which my aunt seems to hold in high regard.”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “It is more than merely respectable. Mr. Darcy’s income is said to be ten thousand a year.”

Elizabeth blinked. Ten thousand. The number settled upon her thoughts with mild astonishment. “That is…considerable.”

“Very.”

Elizabeth leaned back, folding her hands in her lap. “Well,” she said after a moment, “such an august family could not wish to maintain connection to a tradesman.”

Mrs. Gardiner’s expression shifted immediately. “Hush, child.”

Elizabeth laughed. “I mean no disrespect to Uncle. I merely observe that society does not always share my liberal opinions.”

Mrs. Gardiner shook her head with gentle reproach. “Let us hope you are wrong.”

Elizabeth studied her aunt curiously. “Do you believe it possible that they will continue the acquaintance?”

“I do,” Mrs. Gardiner replied calmly. “Mr. Darcy appeared most sincere in his invitation, and Miss Darcy clearly took a liking to you.”

Elizabeth could not deny that observation. Their conversation upon the beach had flowed easily, and Miss Darcy had seemed eager for further companionship.

Mrs. Gardiner went on, “Having such an acquaintance could be beneficial in many ways.”

Elizabeth inclined her head thoughtfully. “That is true.”

Her aunt rose then, setting the letter upon the small table beside the chair. “We shall write our acceptance this afternoon.”

Elizabeth watched her depart, the closing of the door leaving the room once more in peaceful silence.

Bruno lifted his head briefly before settling again.

Elizabeth returned to the window. The breeze had strengthened moderately, stirring the curtains and carrying with it the distant murmur of the sea. Her thoughts returned, as they inevitably did, to Mr. Darcy.

Ten thousand a year. The figure was impressive, certainly. But it was not what occupied her imagination.

Instead, she recalled the calm steadiness with which he had risen from the sand. The sober dignity of his bow. The unexpected warmth of his smile when Georgiana laughed.

There had been kindness in him, and intelligence. And something else she could not quite name.