Page 140 of Twice Chosen

"Not sufficiently."

"According to you."

"According to the ground."

Bingley smiled. "No, Darcy."

Darcy stopped.

Across the room Elizabeth lowered her letter.

Jane's mouth twitched.

Darcy leaned back. "No?"

"No. I had Mr. Jarvis examine the drainage last month. The ditch can be extended along the boundary for half the cost you estimated."

Darcy frowned. "And the tenant obligations?"

"Accounted for."

"The eastern road?"

"Also."

"The winter runoff?"

Bingley tapped another paper. "Here."

Darcy read.

Elizabeth whispered to Jane, "Look."

Jane smiled. "I see."

Darcy finished the report and placed it down. "I still think you are wrong."

Bingley laughed. "Excellent."

Darcy looked at him.

"What?"

"You are pleased I disagree?"

"Immensely."

Darcy slowly smiled. "Then I withdraw my objection."

Bingley immediately frowned. "No, don't. I may have missed something."

Darcy laughed.

Elizabeth joined them. "This is very healthy."

Bingley looked suspicious. "For whom?"

"Everyone except the eastern field."