Page 56 of Twice Chosen

"For part of the year. The lady has a daughter of twelve and would value someone able to supervise lessons occasionally, though there is a governess."

"And what would Mr. Darcy's family expect in return for arranging it?"

Elizabeth stopped. "Nothing."

Charlotte studied her.

Elizabeth continued, "Truly. If you choose Mr. Collins instead, I will not condemn you. If you choose neither, I will not condemn you. I only wanted you to know there may be another door."

Charlotte's expression changed.

Possibility.

Not rescue.

Elizabeth touched her arm. "You need not decide now."

Charlotte looked toward Lucas Lodge. "I would like to hear more."

She did.

Lady Lucas initially objected to the idea of her eldest daughter becoming a paid companion. Sir William found the connection to the Matlocks sufficiently grand to overcome his qualms. Charlotte herself asked practical questions about salary, duties, privacy, and whether she might return home if she disliked the position.

Darcy answered each through proper channels.

Mr. Collins proposed to Elizabeth three days later.

Elizabeth refused.

He considered Charlotte.

Charlotte was no longer waiting.

By Christmas she entered Lady Matlock's household in London.

Elizabeth received her first letter from town two weeks later.

I have a room with a door that closes, Lizzy. You cannot imagine what a luxury that is after seven younger siblings.

Elizabeth laughed until she cried.

Darcy found the letter amusing too.

"We changed this," Elizabeth murmured.

Darcy shook his head. "We opened a door."

She looked at him.

"Charlotte walked through it," he added.

Elizabeth smiled. "Pedant."

"Accurate."

She kissed his cheek when no one was looking.

Darcy decided pedantry had rewards.