Darcy, Elizabeth, Anne, and Mr. Denham rode in one carriage; Bingley, Jane, Mary, and Georgiana in the other.
Mr. Denham glanced at Darcy. “I must confess, I had some concern yesterday when your engagement was announced. Lady Catherine appeared on the verge of striking you with her cane.”
Anne sighed softly. “Yes, I fear she often threatens it.”
She turned to Elizabeth. “You seem to be the only one who has any influence over her.”
Elizabeth laughed lightly. “I rather doubt she would agree with that.”
Darcy smiled at Elizabeth. “I think Anne is correct. She has… softened is not the proper word, but my aunt is certainly less belligerent.”
Mr. Denham smiled. “Then is there some secret to winning her favor?”
Anne shook her head. “None that I know.”
Elizabeth’s eyes danced. “It is more a matter of surviving the encounter.”
Soon they arrived at the British Museum, its imposing façade and tall columns lending it an air of quiet authority.
They descended from the carriages and entered together.
Mary was speaking eagerly to Georgiana. “I have never been here before. Have you?”
Georgiana nodded. “Oh yes, we come nearly every year. The Egyptian collection is quite fascinating, though I find the mummies a little… unsettling.”
Jane and Bingley walked close together, speaking softly, as though the world beyond them had momentarily ceased to exist.
Elizabeth observed them with a smile, wondering whether they were at all aware of their surroundings.
They had just passed the King’s Library when a familiar voice called out, not to the group in general, but very specifically to Mr. Darcy.
They turned.
Miss Bingley approached, Mrs. Hurst beside her.
Miss Bingley greeted Darcy with animated warmth, speaking as though she had not the slightest awareness that Elizabeth stood beside him, her hand resting lightly upon his arm.
Elizabeth lowered her gaze, concealing a smile.
Miss Bingley gestured toward another gallery. “You must come and see it, Mr. Darcy. I am certain it will interest you.”
Darcy shook his head calmly. “No, thank you. I would prefer to remain with my fiancée.”
Miss Bingley stared at him. “Your… fiancée?”
Darcy’s expression softened as he looked at Elizabeth. “Yesterday, Miss Elizabeth did me the honor of accepting my offer of marriage. We are engaged.”
Miss Bingley’s composure faltered. “Engaged? To Eliza Bennet? You cannot be serious.”
Mrs. Hurst stepped forward at once. “You both have my congratulations.”
She turned to her sister. “Caroline, we must not detain them.” Taking Miss Bingley’s arm with quiet firmness, she guided her away.
Elizabeth glanced up at Darcy. “I believe you enjoyed that.”
Darcy smiled, unrepentant. “Perhaps a little.”
He offered his arm more securely. “Shall we continue?”
