Page 105 of The Engagement at Longbourn

"What?"

Georgiana began to laugh.

The heaviness broke.

Lydia held Elizabeth's hand at arm's length. "It suits you. Though I would prefer rubies."

"No one is surprised," Elizabeth said.

"Red is cheerful."

Mary looked over from her book. "Rubies have traditionally symbolized passion and protection."

Everyone turned toward her. Mary flushed. "I read it somewhere."

Lydia grinned. "Mary knows about passion!"

"Oh, hush."

Mrs. Bennet entered at the exact moment Mary threw a cushion at Lydia.

"Girls! Mind the tea table. And Lizzy, do not wave that ring about. A stone may loosen."

Darcy looked at Elizabeth. "Your mother has become guardian of the Darcy jewels."

"You gave her a purpose."

"I begin to regret many things."

Mrs. Bennet heard him. "You will regret it if Lizzy loses a sapphire that size."

Darcy inclined his head. "Yes, madam."

Elizabeth laughed. Later, when Georgiana was preparing to leave, she drew Elizabeth aside.

"There is something else."

"What?"

"When you come to Pemberley, will you walk through the gallery with me?"

"Of course."

"Fitzwilliam always becomes quiet there. I thought perhaps..." She stopped, embarrassed.

Elizabeth waited.

"I thought perhaps it would be easier if you were there."

Elizabeth took her hand.

"Then I shall be there."

Georgiana smiled. Across the hall Darcy was arguing with Richard about whether the carriage had been kept waiting too long.

Elizabeth watched him. Soon she would enter not only his house but the rooms containing every version of him that had existed before she knew him: son, brother, master, orphan, proud young gentleman trying to become the man his father had expected. The thought no longer intimidated her as much as it once had. She would not need to understand all of Pemberley in a day. She had needed three months merely to understand its master. And, she suspected, that work would last a lifetime. Darcy glanced up then and caught her watching him. His argument with Richard ceased mid-sentence. He crossed the hall, no longer self-conscious about the slight unevenness of his stride.

"What?" he asked.