Page 135 of Twice Chosen

It mattered more to Lydia.

When Howard finally proposed, Lydia did something that would have been impossible at fifteen.

She asked for a week.

Mrs. Bennet nearly died.

"A week?" she cried when Lydia told the family. "Why would you require a week? He is handsome, he has a respectable income, he loves you, and he has all his own teeth!"

Mr. Bennet lowered his newspaper. "An exacting standard."

Mrs. Bennet ignored him. "What is there to think about?"

Lydia looked uncomfortable but did not retreat. "Whether I want the life he is offering."

The room became quiet.

Elizabeth crossed to her and hugged her.

Lydia complained into her shoulder. "Everyone keeps doing that."

"Get used to it."

After six days Lydia accepted.

Her marriage was noisy, affectionate, occasionally explosive, and happy.

Howard did not attempt to make Lydia quiet. Lydia learned that speaking loudly did not prevent listening.

Years later, when both women had children of their own, Lydia sat with Elizabeth at Pemberley and admitted, "I used to think being wanted was the same as being loved."

Elizabeth watched her sister's face. Age had not erased Lydia's brightness. It had given it direction.

"And now?"

Lydia looked toward the lawn where Howard was arguing with Darcy over a breeding mare. "Now I know being known is much more inconvenient."

Elizabeth laughed. "Yes."

Lydia smiled. "Worth it, though."

"Usually."

"You cannot say usually. You married Mr. Darcy twice over in spirit, if not in fact."

Elizabeth froze.

Lydia frowned. "What?"

Elizabeth recovered. "Nothing."

"You looked strange."

"Age."

Lydia rolled her eyes. "You have used that excuse since you were twenty."

Elizabeth laughed until the danger passed.