Page 22 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Darcy stared at him. “Did I?”

“Apparently.”

Darcy covered his face with one hand. The movement tugged at bruised ribs and he hissed.

“Careful,” Dr. Morrison said.

Darcy lowered his hand. “What else?”

Richard was silent. That silence was worse than laughter.

“What else?”

Richard folded his arms. “Congratulations.”

Darcy frowned.

“On your engagement.”

The room seemed to tilt despite Darcy lying flat. “My what?”

“You are engaged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“I am not.”

“You have told half of Hertfordshire otherwise.”

Darcy stared at him.

Richard’s amusement faded. “You truly do not remember?”

“No.”

Dr. Morrison intervened. “Do not press him. Memory often returns in pieces.”

Darcy ignored him. “Where did you hear this?”

“From you. Repeatedly. From Mr. Barnes, who helped move you. From two labourers. From every person in Meryton by now. Also from my mother, who has welcomed Miss Elizabeth to the family with considerable enthusiasm.”

Darcy closed his eyes again. “Mother is here?”

“My mother.”

“That is what I meant.”

“And Father.”

Darcy swore.

“Exactly my response.”

The door opened.

Mr. Bennet entered. He looked from Darcy to Richard. “Am I interrupting a family celebration?”