Page 70 of Twice Chosen

"To you?"

"No."

Wickham blinked.

Darcy almost smiled. "I thought you might suspect that."

Wickham looked from him to Elizabeth. "You have been busy."

"Yes."

"What do you want?"

"Nothing."

That unsettled him.

Darcy continued calmly, "Leave the Bennet girls alone."

Elizabeth glanced at him.

Wickham laughed. "There it is."

Darcy's jaw tightened. "Not because they are mine to command. Because Lydia Bennet is fifteen and you are nearly twice her age."

Wickham's smile vanished.

Elizabeth's throat tightened.

Old Darcy might have made it about honor, reputation, or what was due a gentleman's family. This Darcy made it plain.

Wickham walked away.

Elizabeth waited until he was gone, then turned and hit Darcy's arm.

He stared. "What?"

"You used my name."

"I know."

"He noticed."

"I know."

She hit him again.

Darcy caught her hand. "You have become violent."

"You deserved it."

"Probably."

She glared.

Then laughed.

Darcy smiled.