Page 120 of The Engagement at Longbourn

“I love her.”

“I know.”

They stood together a moment longer. Then Georgiana stepped back and looked at his cuffs. “You must change them.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She laughed. Darcy put on his father’s cuff links. At nine-thirty, he descended the Netherfield stairs without his cane. He carried it in one hand anyway.

That, too, was progress.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

Meryton Watches

Meryton had not seen such a crowd at the parish church in years.

People arrived early enough to secure places near the front, then pretended their punctuality had nothing to do with curiosity. Farmers stood beside tradesmen. Officers filled two pews, conspicuously sober after the scandal of Wickham and his companions. Lady Lucas wore her best bonnet. Mrs. Phillips had purchased a new one and informed everyone who complimented it that she was aunt to both brides.

The churchyard itself became a theatre. “Is that the Earl’s carriage?”

“No, that is Mr. Bingley’s.”

“Mr. Darcy is already inside.”

“I heard he still limps.”

“He nearly lost the leg.”

“My sister says he proposed while unconscious.”

“He was not unconscious. Miss Lizzy was.”

“That makes no sense.”

“Neither did the story when Mrs. Long told it.”

Inside, Darcy stood near the front with Bingley. Bingley had stopped pacing only because Richard threatened to stand on his foot.

“Is it nine fifty-five?” Bingley whispered.

“Yes.”

“How long until ten?”

Darcy looked at him. “Five minutes.”

“I know that.”

“Then why ask?”

“I hoped time had accelerated.”

Richard, behind them, said, “If either of you faints, I am leaving you on the floor.”

Bingley turned. “Darcy has experience with that.”

Darcy stared straight ahead. The Earl hid a smile. Mr. Hurst coughed into his glove.