“Did you read about Australia because you knew Mr. Wickham would be sent there?” Elizabeth asked curiously.
“Yes,” Georgiana admitted. “I have been very interested to discover what sort of life awaits him when he arrives.”
They continued along the path, listening as Georgiana enumerated her many questions about the distant continent and the strange creatures she imagined must inhabit it. When at last she paused, Darcy turned to Elizabeth.
“And where does this path lead, Miss Elizabeth?”
“To Oakham Mount, sir.”
“Ah.” He inclined his head. “And Sparky, ma’am?”
Elizabeth smiled, and Georgiana looked between them in curiosity. “Who is Sparky?”
“My walking companion,” Elizabeth replied. “He weighs perhaps ten pounds and possesses a smooth white coat. A small terrier who imagines himself a Newfoundland and delights in harassing the squirrels.”
Georgiana laughed. “He sounds very like my Poppy. She is a three-year-old beagle and considers moles and squirrels her mortal enemies.”
Elizabeth laughed, and Mr. Darcy joined them with a quiet chuckle.
As she glanced at him, Elizabeth could not help but notice how neatly his side whiskers were trimmed, little more than a shadow that defined the strong line of his jaw. His dark lashes framed eyes that were now fixed upon her with an intensity that sent a sudden warmth coursing to her very core and made her breath catch in her throat.
He turned away, but not before she noted that his complexion had heightened. She was grateful he was not witness to the blush she felt rising swiftly along her neck and into her cheeks.
Fortunately, Georgiana’s attention was diverted by the discovery of the swing. She ran toward it, asking, “Lizzy, will it hold two?”
“Yes. My sisters ride it together very often.”
She turned eagerly to her brother. “Will you push us?”
Darcy glanced down at Elizabeth, who felt a sudden, foolish embarrassment. His lips curved.
“I am entirely at your service,” he said. “If you require a lackey, I shall perform the office with diligence.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Very well, sir. If you do not object, I shall take a turn with Georgiana, who seems to consider this equal to our balloon ascent.”
His expression softened. “That was indeed a pleasurable diversion. I shall never forget it.”
The two young women settled themselves upon the swing and set it in motion. When their feet left the ground, Darcy placed a steadying hand behind each of them and gave a firm push. The branch arched high overhead, the ropes were long and strong,and soon the swing carried them upward in broad, exhilarating sweeps.
Their laughter rang out across the garden.
After several vigorous passes, Darcy stepped back, fearing one or the other might be pitched forward. When the swing slowed to a gentle sway, he withdrew and consulted his pocket watch.
“Our visit has exceeded an hour. Perhaps Charles waits for us.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Jane would have sent for us had he been waiting. I suspect they remain very much engaged.” When at last the trio returned toward the rose garden, they saw Mr. Bingley and Jane standing close together, their heads bent in earnest conversation. At the sound of approaching steps, Jane turned. She smiled at her sister.
“Lizzy, I am betrothed!”
She flew into her sister’s arms and embraced her with unrestrained joy. Elizabeth held her fast, laughing even as tears slipped down her cheeks.
Darcy crossed at once to his friend and clasped his hand. “Congratulations, Charles. I wish you every happiness.”
Bingley was laughing. “Thank you, Darcy. I am the happiest of men. Mr. Bennet has allowed us to fix a date. We shall marry quietly in August, and we will be allowed a wedding breakfast, as it will then have been four months, and the good people of Meryton will forgive us for not waiting out the full year.”
Hearing approaching steps, Elizabeth turned and saw Mrs. Hill and Alice emerging with a tray of glasses and a bottle of champagne. Mr. Bennet followed close behind. He requestedthat Mr. Darcy perform the office of uncorking the bottle, then placed it in Elizabeth’s hands. She poured for each in turn.
Glasses were raised, and the happy pair were toasted with much affection and many good wishes. They all seated themselves beneath the early afternoon light, speaking of wedding arrangements and of Netherfield.
