Page 118 of The Engagement at Longbourn

“They are not.”

Richard caught one.

It was.

Darcy pulled free. “Say nothing.”

“I have known you since you wore skirts. I reserve all rights.”

Darcy gave him a look.

Richard’s grin softened. “She loves you.”

Darcy stopped. “I know.”

“Do you?”

Darcy almost laughed. “Everyone asks me that.”

“Because you are a difficult man.”

“So I have been told.”

Richard leaned against the dressing table. “You nearly died.”

The words quieted the room. Darcy looked toward the cane. “Yes.”

“I did not tell you how bad it was.”

“You did not need to.”

“No. But I will tell you now.” Richard’s voice lost its teasing. “When I first saw you at Longbourn, I thought you might not last the night.”

Darcy’s face became still.

“You were talking nonsense about south field drainage and Miss Elizabeth’s eyes. Morrison was worried about infection in the bone. Your fever climbed. I wrote to Mother because I did not know if she would arrive in time.”

Darcy looked down.

Richard continued, “And now you are annoyed about a blue coat.”

A laugh escaped Darcy before he could prevent it.

“Perspective,” Richard said.

“Yes.”

A knock came. This time Georgiana waited for permission before entering. She wore pale lavender and carried a small box.

Richard kissed her cheek. “You look terrifyingly respectable.”

“So do you.”

“Cruel child.”

He left them.

Georgiana came to Darcy. “You look handsome.”