Page 40 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

“Mary?” I asked.

“Walking is excellent for one’s health,” she replied, “but I have reached a passage that requires my full attention.”

Darcy turned to me.

“We shall stay within the bounds of the estate and keep to the paths visible from the house.”

“You have prepared your defense.”

“Since this morning.”

I accepted.

The sky was low, the air mild. We followed the main drive first, then the path that crossed a small wood to the east of Longbourn. The house disappeared behind the trees. I pointed this out to him.

“We are therefore compromised,” he said.

“Only if someone discovers us.”

“This philosophy surprises me, coming from you.”

“Do not rejoice too quickly. I am merely warning you that if my reputation suffers, you will have to marry me.”

He stopped.

I realized my jest had struck too close to our uncertainty.

“Forgive me,” I said.

“Do not apologize.”

“You look offended.”

“I am not. I am only trying not to say that I sometimes wish a scandal would decide for you.”

The frankness of this admission made my heart beat faster.

“You do not truly wish it.”

“No. But desire is not always honorable before the will corrects it.”

We resumed our walk.

“Is it difficult?” I asked.

“What?”

“To wait.”

He turned to me with an almost incredulous look.

“Yes.”

“You could have lied.”

“You would have reproached me for it.”

“Probably.”