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“Then take yourself elsewhere. Your schemes will not work on me.”

Darcy stepped forward, his face a mask. “Are you ready, Bingley?” he asked, pretending he had heard nothing.

“Yes, let us depart.” Bingley did not spare his sister another glance. Darcy followed him out of the house, sincerely hoping Miss Bingley’s antics were over.

The ride was quiet for a time.

Bingley seemed lost in thought.

“What is weighing on your mind, my friend?” Darcy asked.

“Am I wrong, Darcy?” Bingley watched the path ahead of his horse. “Jane told me of your past with her. You have assured me there are no feelings remaining. Am I wrong to feel so strongly for someone so soon?”

“Love is not predictable, Bingley. One might find oneself in the middle before one is aware their heart is engaged. Miss Bennet loves you, of that I am certain. When I knew her years ago, she was full young—Miss Lydia’s age. She has grown into a mature woman with mature feelings. What she feels for you is written on her face every time she sees you. And you? I have never seen you so firm in your purpose. It speaks well of you.”

“Then I have your blessing?”

“Have you need of it?” Darcy would approve of anyone if she loved his friend.

“No, but I should like it all the same.”

“Then go to it. Fulfill your greatest desire and offer for her.” And then he could pursue Miss Elizabeth. It was funny, really. Miss Bingley had always desired a familial connection between their families. She would get her wish, but not in the manner she expected.

Longbourn loomed ahead. The morning frost had burned away, but it was still cold enough that they could see their breath. They were welcomed warmly as always. Darcy looked for Miss Elizabeth. He had not seen her since escorting her home from Oakham Mount. He could not describe the anticipation that grew with each passing moment.

They were fortunate enough to find Miss Bennet and Elizabeth alone. Darcy wondered where the other ladies were, only to learn from Miss Bennet that they had gone into Meryton to shop for Christmas.

“My aunt and uncle have taken their children on a walk before their rest,” she explained. “I am afraid you find us quite alone.”

Bingley and Miss Bennet went to one corner of the room and began to speak in low tones. Darcy joined Elizabeth by the fire. She was wrapped in a shawl with a rug over her lap.

“Cold?” he asked.

“Yes. I can never seem to get warm during the winter.” She shivered. “The snow is delightful, but I prefer warmer weather. Did you ride?”

“I did. My greatcoat kept the chill away.”

“Ladies ought to be able to wear similar garments. We are forced to don dresses, which do very little against a cold breeze. Pelisses and cloaks help, but they are not good enough.”

Darcy conceded the point. “Perhaps some wise seamstress will design such a garment for women.”

“I shall be the first to purchase one when it comes to pass.”

Darcy hesitated a moment. “Miss Elizabeth,” he said haltingly, “I should like to call on you in an official capacity.”

“Official?”

It was a poor way of saying it. “I wish to court you,” he blurted. “I know you still have your suspicions. Let me prove myself worthy of your esteem.” He meant to say love but did not want to scare her away.

She tapped her chin lightly. “Very well.”

“Very well?” he repeated.

“Yes, sir, I shall give you the chance to prove yourself. Jane has asked that I do so. And I try to be fair.”

He beamed. “I will not disappoint you.”

Miss Bennet gasped from the corner. He and Elizabeth turned in tandem. Miss Bennet’s hands were at her mouth, and her eyes were shining.