Darcy’s low voice in her ear made her jump slightly.“Fitzwilliam, forgive me, I did not see you there.”
He smiled at her easy use of his given name and stretched his arm behind her to lead her toward the smaller phaeton.
“I was thinking that your cousin is the ideal brother figure.I wish I had had a brother like him.”
“I am glad to hear it.I believe he looks on you in a similar fashion.He is wonderful with my sister Georgiana as well.”Darcy looked to where the colonel was preparing to depart and helped Elizabeth up into the carriage as the one bearing their friends rolled away.
“Should they not wait for us?”asked Elizabeth, settling herself into the seat.Darcy smiled, a little wickedly she thought, but it must be her imagination, for Mr.Darcy wasneverwicked.
“I told him to go a little ahead.I wished to be alone with you.”
She flushed in pleasure as he moved around the phaeton to climb up the other side and settle in beside her.The vehicle was small, made more for a lady than a gentleman, and they were very close together.Feeling bold after her night of reflection, Elizabeth closed the small distance between them and looped her arm through his.
Darcy froze momentarily, afraid to move for fear of frightening her away.
“How long will it take to drive to the castle?
“Between one and two hours, depending on our speed.”
“Sounds lovely.”
She smiled brightly at him and he flicked the reins, feeling more than a little discombobulated.
They rode in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the new blooms of spring.Darcy wondered at her sudden comfort.When he had gotten close to her before, she had always pulled back after a moment.But here she sat, for nearly ten minutes now, her entire left side pressed to his right, and seemed to have no inclination to move.
“Have you heard from Miss Bennet?”he asked.
“I had a letter yesterday.Mr.Bingley has become a regular fixture at Gracechurch Street.”
“I am glad to hear it.”
“Are you truly?”
He glanced at her and saw she was curious, not accusatory.“I am.Bingley is very happy.His last letter was nearly illegible, which only happens when he is in particularly good spirits.”
Elizabeth laughed, a gentle tinkling sound that washed over his senses like a fresh breeze.“Do you think he will propose soon?Or shall he take his time?”
“I imagine he will be quick about it.He will be insufferable until they are wed.”
Elizabeth laughed, then sighed, a feeling of contentment coming over her.She laid her head on Mr.Darcy’s shoulder for a moment, watching the scenery go by.
“Elizabeth?”
She raised her head and looked at him quizzically.“Yes?”
“Are you happy?”
“Happy?At this moment?”
“Yes.”
“I am.”She smiled brightly.“Can you not tell?”
“I have misread you in the past.I no longer trust my own observations.”
“Fitzwilliam, I am smiling and laughing and the day is perfect.Why would you not think me happy?”
Before he could stop himself, he glanced down to where their bodies were touching and her arm looped through his.He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.Soon he was flushed and looking about for something to say but found himself completely tongue tied.
