Page 74 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Elizabeth leaned against the table. “There is that troublesome habit again.”

He looked at her.

“Silence.”

“Yes.”

“I am improving.”

“Slowly.”

“Your encouragement is overwhelming.”

She smiled.

Darcy folded the letter carefully. “Anne has always been stronger than she appears.”

“People say the same of Jane.”

“And mistake gentleness for weakness.”

“Frequently.”

He returned the page.

Elizabeth said, “Will you write to Anne?”

“Yes.” “Good.”

“You sound like a governess.”

“You require one.”

“I had one.”

“She failed.”

Darcy’s eyes narrowed.

Elizabeth laughed and escaped before he could retaliate.

The wedding plans proceeded. Mrs. Bennet wished for two hundred guests. Mr. Bennet wished for twelve. Bingley would have invited all of England if it made Jane happy. Jane wished for family, friends, and no fuss. Darcy initially proposed that he and Elizabeth marry quietly at Pemberley.

Elizabeth stared at him until he reconsidered.

“What?”

“My mother would hunt us to Derbyshire with a carving knife.”

“I was attempting to spare you spectacle.”

“You were attempting to spare yourself spectacle.”

He paused. “That too.”

“Honesty. How refreshing.”

They compromised on a double wedding at the Meryton church, followed by a breakfast at Netherfield large enough to satisfy Mrs. Bennet but not so large that Mr. Bennet fled the county.