Darcy gave a quiet laugh. “I consulted Jane.”
Elizabeth held up her hand, admiring it. “It is perfect. Thank you.”
Darcy took her hand again. “I like seeing it there.”
He lifted it and pressed a light kiss to her fingers. After a moment, he smiled.
“We should go rescue Anne.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “Yes, we should.”
They left the study together, their hands still joined.
When they entered the drawing room, Anne was seated with Lady Catherine.
They had scarcely taken their places when the butler appeared. “Mr. Philip Denham.”
Anne brightened at once. “Good afternoon, Mr. Denham. I do not believe you have met my mother. Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Denham, a friend of Mr. Darcy’s.”
Lady Catherine inclined her head, though her expression remained far from welcoming.
Darcy rose. “Denham, it is good to see you again.”
Mr. Denham bowed politely to Darcy and Elizabeth before taking the seat Anne indicated beside her.
Lady Catherine seemed poised to speak, but her attention was suddenly caught.
Her gaze fixed upon Elizabeth’s hand. “That ring,” she said sharply, pointing with her cane. “Where did you get it?”
Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged a brief glance.
Darcy answered calmly: “I have asked Miss Elizabeth to marry me, and she has accepted. Mr. Bennet has given his permission and his blessing.”
He and Elizabeth turned toward one another, both smiling.
Lady Catherine struck her cane against the floor.
Elizabeth looked at her with composed expectation. “I hope that was a prelude to your offering your congratulations.”
Anne smiled. “Congratulations to you both.”
Mr. Denham added with a grin, “Yes, Darcy, my congratulations. I had begun to think you meant never to marry.”
Lady Catherine sank back slightly in her chair. “Congratulations,” she said at last.
Elizabeth reached out and lightly touched her hand. “I am very glad of it.”
Lady Catherine gave a small, resigned nod, but said nothing further.
Mr. Denham turned to Anne. “Miss de Bourgh, I wondered whether you might care to take a carriage ride in Hyde Park tomorrow afternoon?”
Anne hesitated, then smiled. “We are to visit the museum tomorrow. Perhaps you might join us, and we could ride another day?”
Mr. Denham’s expression warmed. “That sounds an excellent plan. I should like that very much.”
***
Darcy and Elizabeth were in the drawing room with Mrs. Bennet.
