Her smile softened. “Then perhaps we ought to end it.”
“That is precisely my intention,” he said. “I wish to end our pretend courtship and begin a real one.”
The words hung between them, simple and unadorned, yet all the more beautiful for it.
Elizabeth did not answer at once. She thought of first impressions and second chances. Of pride bruised and prejudice undone, and of whispered rumours and quiet acts of honour. Ofthe man before her who had defended her family when it cost him comfort, who had learned when he might have insisted, who now stood before her without arrogance or assumption.
She thought, too, of herself, of how easily she had once misjudged him, and how willingly she now chose him.
“I believe,” she said slowly, “that our pretence was more honest than either of us intended.”
Hope shone unmistakably in Darcy’s eyes.
“And I also believe,” Elizabeth continued, allowing herself a smile that reached all the way to her heart, “that I should be very sorry to see it end unless it is to be replaced by something better.”
“Then you accept me?” Darcy asked. His voice betrayed no small vulnerability.
“I do,” Elizabeth said. “Gladly.”
For a moment, neither moved. The intimacy of the moment pressed close, made all the sharper by the quiet around them. Darcy offered his arm, and Elizabeth took it, stepped a little closer to him, appreciating the closeness they now shared.
They resumed their walk, and the tension between them transformed into something warm and exhilarating.
“There will be challenges,” Darcy said after a moment, his tone thoughtful. “Your family, my relations —”
“— society,” Elizabeth finished. “Yes. I expect it will have opinions.”
Darcy smiled. “I find myself less inclined than ever to be governed by them.”
“As do I,” Elizabeth said, laughing softly. “We are well-versed in navigating the views of others by now. Though I cannot promise not to argue with you about it.”
“I should be disappointed if you did not, Elizabeth.”
They turned back toward Gracechurch Street at last, the windows of the Gardiners’ home glowing invitingly ahead. Elizabeth felt a contentment settle over her that was unlike anything she had known before, not giddy or uncertain, but deep and steady.
As they reached the door, Darcy paused. “There is one more thing,” he said. “I should like to court you openly. Properly. With no disguises and no rumours to guide us.”
Elizabeth’s smile was radiant. “Then you must prepare yourself, Mr Darcy. I have very firm opinions.”
He laughed softly. “I would expect nothing less.”
Inside, Jane welcomed them with a knowing smile, her eyes bright with happiness.
Elizabeth felt a quiet certainty bloom within her. That this chapter was closed at last, not with scandal or suspicion, but with affection. As she sat beside Darcy, her hand resting easily upon his arm, Elizabeth Bennet knew that what had begun in falsehood had ended in truth, and that their happily ever after, hard-won and deeply deserved, had already begun.
THE END
