Page 107 of Twice Chosen

In their first life Elizabeth had helped heal Georgiana because he had finally brought them together.

This time Georgiana had walked toward Elizabeth herself.

Another choice.

Another difference.

Good.

He retreated before either woman saw him.

Later Elizabeth found him in the library.

"You heard."

Darcy looked up from a book he had not been reading. "Some."

Elizabeth crossed the room and stood before him. "She is stronger already."

"Yes."

"And you?"

He frowned. "What about me?"

Elizabeth touched his face. "You are allowed to forgive yourself too."

Darcy's eyes closed.

He had not known he needed permission.

The weeks before Elizabeth's wedding brought Lady Catherine at last.

Her arrival at Longbourn was less dramatic than the first life only because Elizabeth knew exactly how formidable the lady appeared when angry. Mrs. Bennet did not.

Lady Catherine entered the drawing room, surveyed the Bennet family as if evaluating livestock, and demanded a private audience with Elizabeth.

Mrs. Bennet immediately bristled. "My daughter has no secrets from her family."

Elizabeth nearly laughed. That statement was spectacularly false.

Lady Catherine looked offended by the existence of Mrs. Bennet. "This matter concerns my nephew."

Mrs. Bennet's eyes widened. "Mr. Darcy?"

Elizabeth stepped in before incomes were mentioned. "Mama, I shall walk with Lady Catherine."

Outside, the confrontation began much as Elizabeth remembered. Anne. Family expectations. Connections. Duty.

But this Elizabeth was not merely refusing to promise. She was already engaged.

At last she said, "Lady Catherine, your nephew has asked me to marry him and I have accepted."

Lady Catherine stopped.

The silence was magnificent.

"You have what?"