Page 85 of Dear Friend

“I shall speak to Colonel Forster. He commands the regiment and ought to know the character of a man serving under him. I can tell him enough of Wickham's debts, extravagance, and dishonesty without mentioning Georgiana.” His mouth tightened. “Wickham is seldom without some scheme in hand. If he means to cause trouble in Meryton, I would rather Forster be warned before the damage is done.”

Elizabeth nodded. “That seems very sensible.”

They had reached the end of the garden and turned back towards the house. Darcy was relieved to have the subject of Wickham behind them. Elizabeth knew enough now to understand what she had witnessed in Meryton, and he had told her as much as he could without reservation.

They had gone some distance before Elizabeth spoke again. She had been unusually quiet since they turned towards the house, and when Darcy glanced at her, he found her attention fixed upon the path.

“Mr. Darcy... there is another matter I wished to speak to you about.”

He looked at her in surprise. “Another matter?”

A little colour had risen into her cheeks. “Yesterday morning, I told you I wished for time to consider your request.”

Only then did Darcy understand her, and whatever answer rose to his lips was checked by the sudden quickening of his pulse.

“You did.”

“And you said I might have as much as I required.”

“I meant it.”

“I know.” Elizabeth was silent for a moment, then looked up at him, her expression caught somewhere between shyness and amusement. “But I find I did not require nearly so much as I supposed.”

Darcy stopped. Elizabeth did likewise, and the small smile upon her face made it difficult to remain composed.

“You asked whether I would permit you to pay your addresses to me openly,” she continued. A small smile touched her lips. “Here is my answer, sir... I will.”

For a moment he could only look at her, his heart pounding as her answer settled over him. “You are certain?”

Her brows rose. “You have formed a tolerably accurate opinion of my stubbornness, Mr. Darcy. Surely you do not imagine I could be persuaded into encouraging a gentleman whose attentions I did not want.”

Darcy laughed. “No. I cannot suppose it.”

“Then you may cease looking so alarmed.”

“I am very happy.”

Her expression softened. “So am I.”

The words sent a warmth through him which made restraint unexpectedly difficult. He wanted to take her hand, but contented himself with a smile. “Then I shall speak to your father.”

“Today?”

“If you have no objection.”

“I have none, though I warn you that Papa may enjoy the conversation considerably more than you do.”

“I have survived several such conversations.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Then perhaps you are prepared after all.”

They continued towards the house, Darcy happier than he could remember being in years. Yet as they reached the door, Elizabeth's earlier words returned to him.

You may trust me.

His happiness remained, but the words pricked at his conscience. Elizabeth had given him her trust freely, while still knowing nothing of the confidence he had taken from her without permission.

Chapter Thirty