“Oh,” Elizabeth said, rolling her eyes with just a hint of exasperation, “he’s still on the run. At least five women have come forward about his catfishing scams on various dating platforms. He meets them, takes their money, and disappears. It’s ridiculous.”
“Hmm.” Mr. Bennet smiled. “A man who runs scams and runs from commitment and consequence. He runs so much, it practically justifies calling himdashing.Or what was the adjective Lydia used to describe him again when she called?”
That did it. Laughter broke around the table, even from Mary, who tried to hide her smile behind the newspaper and failed entirely.
The conversation trailed as they ate. For the first time in weeks, it was ordinary—bickering and jokes about grocery store mishaps and Mr. Bennet’s latest attempt at a new breakfast recipe.
And then the doorbell rang.
Almost immediately, Elizabeth’s stomach gave a tiny lurch.
Mr. Bennet looked up. “Are you expecting someone?”
“No,” Elizabeth said, frowning. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Not here. Not now.
Mrs. Bennet waved a hand. “Probably a delivery or a neighbour. Don’t worry about it.”
Elizabeth got up slowly and crossed the living room.
Her skin went pale, and her heart thudded harder as she opened the door.
There, standing on her porch, was Fitzwilliam Darcy.
And just behind him—quiet, composed, her eyes carrying the same careful tension as her brother’s—stood Georgiana. Elizabeth recognized her instantly. The face was unmistakable from the pictures Wickham had once sent.
For a moment, Elizabeth nearly staggered backward.
“Mr… Mr. Darcy?” she said, her voice catching.
His gaze was steady. Not apologetic—but open, sincere. There was something in his expression that made her chest tighten.
“Elizabeth,” he began, voice quiet and even, “I hope I’m not intruding. I came to speak with you… if you’ll hear me out.”
Before she could answer, the girl beside him stepped forward. She was younger than Elizabeth expected, dressed simply, her hands clasped in front of her.
“Hello, Elizabeth,” she said softly. “I’ve heard so many nice things about you. I… I asked if I could come. I wanted to meet you. If that’s alright.”
The porch suddenly felt too narrow. Her pulse roared in her ears.
Elizabeth blinked, thrown off balance by the sight of them both.
Her mind scrambled for footing—How did he find out where she was? Was he here with a lawsuit? So many other silly thoughts ran through her mind.
But before she could follow the thought, Darcy added gently, “We won’t stay long. But if you're willing, we’d really appreciate a moment.”
Her legs were made of cotton.
For lack of what to say, Elizabeth swallowed, then glanced at the girl. “It’s nice to meet you, Georgiana,” she said softly.
And somehow, that was enough to let the moment breathe.
***
Inside, Mrs. Bennet had only just realized who was standing at her door when Elizabeth introduced Mr. Darcy aloud.
“Oh my goodness,” she gasped, clutching at her chest like she might faint with joy. “A billionaire in my living room—someone pinch me!”
“Mother,” Elizabeth hissed, stepping aside so they could enter.
