Page 97 of What Change Entails

“And possibly Horace.”

Elizabeth bit back another smile. “Lydia has adopted Georgiana completely.”

“She has.”

“And your sister appears happier for it.”

Darcy’s attention remained on the distant movement of Georgiana’s blue walking dress farther down the hill.

“Yes.” The word emerged rougher than intended.

Elizabeth studied him before speaking again. “You worry over her a great deal.”

“I have not always done so wisely.”

“You have always cared.”

His head pivoted toward her with a jerk.

Elizabeth’s gaze dropped almost immediately to the path between them. A faint flush remained along her cheeks.

The urge to take her hand arrived so suddenly it unsettled him.

Too soon. Far too soon. And yet every day near her made restraint increasingly unbearable.

“I owe you another apology,” he said.

Elizabeth was surprised. “For what now?”

“For Bingley.”

The warmth faded from her expression. Not coldness, exactly but caution.

Darcy deserved that. “I have spoken honestly with you regarding my interference,” he continued, “yet I have not corrected matters with him.”

Elizabeth’s shoulders stiffened slightly beneath her pelisse. “Did you never tell him?”

“No.” The admission sat heavily between them. Darcy forced himself onward. “Beyond our journey to Pemberley, we have scarcely met in recent months. And when we did…” He exhaled shortly. “Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were continually present. I would not discuss your sister before them.”

Elizabeth considered this in silence.

Ahead, Miss Lydia’s voice floated faintly through the trees followed by Georgiana’s laughter.

At length Elizabeth nodded once. “I suppose that is reasonable.”

“Reasonable,” Darcy repeated bleakly. “Miss Bennet deserved better than reasonable.”

Elizabeth let her attention settle upon the stream. “Jane has borne it with more composure than I.”

“That does not lessen my fault.”

“No,” she admitted. “It does not.”

He accepted the blow willingly.

After another few moments, she spoke again, more thoughtfully. “I have sometimes suspected Mr. Bingley wished to ask after Jane.”

Darcy frowned. “And?”