Page 94 of The Engagement at Longbourn

"Your improvement? Immensely."

"I meant teasing me."

"That too."

He lifted her hand toward his mouth, then paused.

Elizabeth nodded.

He kissed her fingers. Across the room, Mr. Bennet saw and turned deliberately back to his cards. Mr. Gardiner noticed him noticing.

Neither said a word.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

A Scar

The first time Elizabeth saw the full scar on Darcy's leg was an accident.

Dr. Morrison had come for what he announced would be his final regular examination before the wedding. Darcy was at Longbourn because Mrs. Bennet had insisted the physician take luncheon after his visit. Elizabeth passed the open guest-room door carrying fresh towels Hill had given her. Darcy sat on the edge of the bed with his trouser leg rolled above the knee. Dr. Morrison was unwrapping a light support bandage.

Elizabeth stopped.

The scar was ugly. There was no gentler word. A jagged line ran along the outside of his lower leg where the bone had broken through and the physicians had enlarged the wound to clean and stitch it. Smaller marks showed where swelling and infection had damaged the skin. Elizabeth had seen blood that first day. She had seen bandages for months. She had never seen what remained beneath them.

Darcy noticed her.

His face changed. Elizabeth immediately looked away. "Forgive me." She continued down the passage. An hour later he found her in the small parlour. She was alone, pretending to read.

"Elizabeth."

She closed the book.

"I did not mean to intrude."

"I know."

He stood near the door. For once he seemed uncertain how to approach her.

"It is not as bad as it appears."

Elizabeth looked at him.

"That is a ridiculous sentence."

Darcy almost smiled. She set the book aside.

"Does it hurt?"

"Sometimes."

"How often?"

He hesitated.

"Fitzwilliam."

"Most mornings. After too much walking. In damp weather."