Page 79 of The Crown’s Gift

"The beams are sound," he reported. "Sir Thomas says the slate failed because someone used poor nails twenty years ago."

Lady Bennet looked offended. "Mr Hill's cousin repaired that roof. I always said he drank."

"Then history has identified its villain," Darcy said.

While the others inspected the damage, Bingley drew Jane toward the window.

"I have been thinking about Longbourn."

"That is wise in the present room."

"Not the roof. Our future."

Jane's expression softened.

"The lease ends in two years," he continued. "Your father will renew it, but the house must eventually pass to Mr Collins. I could purchase an estate now. Darcy knows of one in Surrey. It is larger, and there would be no uncertainty."

"Do you want it?"

"I want a home that is ours. I thought Longbourn might be that because you love it."

Jane looked around the schoolroom. "I do love it. But it is full of my family's memories. I do not know whether I wish our marriage to feel as though I returned to childhood with a husband added."

Bingley's worry eased into curiosity. "What would you wish?"

"To remain here for a year. Long enough to learn how we live together. Then search slowly. Not for the largest estate or the grandest name. For one where you understand the land and I can know the tenants."

"Together?"

"Every part."

He smiled. "I believe I should like that better than Surrey."

"You have not seen Surrey."

"Then it has already disappointed me."

Jane laughed and rested her head briefly against his shoulder.

Across the room, Elizabeth turned away to grant privacy and found Darcy watching her.

"They have learned quickly," he said.

"Jane has always known how to listen. Mr Bingley has learned to ask."

"A useful distinction."

The carpenter called Sir Thomas downstairs. Lady Bennet followed to ensure no portrait was moved. Jane and Bingley went to inspect the nursery, leaving Elizabeth and Darcy alone among the childhood marks.

Darcy approached the doorframe. "Which is yours?"

Elizabeth pointed. "E.B., age eleven. Papa attempted to measure us after dinner and made every mark too high because our shoes were on. Miss Harwood corrected him the next morning."

"He kept the incorrect marks."

"To preserve the record of his error, he said."

Darcy touched the faint pencil line with one finger. "Your father possesses an unusual willingness to make correction visible."