Page 89 of Dear Friend

Darcy inclined his head. “He believes there may be something worth pursuing, though I would rather not raise your expectations until he knows more.”

Elizabeth considered this for a moment. “Could someone not simply go to Somerset? To Willowbrook, by the Timber plantation. I believe I have mentioned the address to you before.”

Darcy looked away, and the pause before he answered struck Elizabeth as peculiar. “I believe you have.”

“Then surely someone there must know what became of Julia and her family. Even if they have left the place, neighbours or servants might know where they went.”

“That would ordinarily be the simplest course,” Darcy said. “But Richard has already found something which may lead us nearer to Miss Harding. I would rather allow him to pursue it before beginning another inquiry.”

Elizabeth could see the sense in that. “Very well. I shall trust your judgement.”

Something in his expression changed at the words, though so briefly she could make nothing of it.

They walked on in silence for a little while, Elizabeth turning the matter over in her mind before she spoke again. “I confess, I have felt Julia’s absence rather less keenly these last several days.”

Darcy looked towards her.

“Not because I miss her less,” she added quickly. “I do not. There has simply been less emptiness in my days.”

“I am glad.”

“You ought to ask why before accepting the compliment.”

His brows lifted. “Was it intended as one?”

“Perhaps.”

Darcy waited, and Elizabeth became conscious that she had placed herself in a difficulty entirely of her own making.

“I have had rather more pleasant occupation for my thoughts lately,” she admitted.

For once, Mr. Darcy appeared to have no answer ready.

Elizabeth glanced at him and found the effect sufficiently gratifying to reward her boldness.

“Miss Elizabeth.”

“Yes?”

“You frequently accuse me of deliberately discomposing you.”

“I do.”

“I begin to suspect some hypocrisy in the accusation.”

She laughed. “Then perhaps your cousin had better succeed quickly. I should hate for my concern over Julia to suffer entirely from your presence.”

“I shall impress the urgency upon him.”

“You had better.”

His smile remained as they continued, and Elizabeth found herself touched all over again by what he had done. Darcy had not merely listened when she spoke of something which mattered to her. He had remembered afterwards and quietly attempted to help.

It was impossible not to love such a man.

Ahead of them, Bingley assisted Jane across a stile with such unnecessary care that Elizabeth suspected he would have carried her bodily over it had propriety permitted.

“Do you think they know?” she asked.