Page 37 of One Good Sonnet

They moved that direction, both watching the flakes fall lazily past the panes.

“Has Longbourn frightened you away yet?” she asked.

“Not at all. If anything, I have learned the folly of judging a person by appearances alone.”

“I cannot tell if that was meant as a compliment or an insult, sir,” she replied. “You have endured my sisters, my mother, and even my father’s jibes.”

“I have survived worse.”

“Indeed. You seem to have dismantled seven years of poor reputation with ease.”

Darcy nodded. “Precisely.” He paused. “I like your family.”

“Surely, you jest.”

“Perhaps I do not like all of them equally, but they are not the objectionable creatures Miss Bingley thinks they are.”

“I see what you mean,” she replied.

“Do you? There is affection here that most homes cannot boast. I grew up in a silent museum of a house. There is love here that cannot be disguised.”

“That may be the kindest thing you have ever said about us.”

Darcy grimaced. “Your standards for me remain remarkably low. Besides, I cannot recall making any derogatory remarks about the Bennets.”

She chuckled. “I suppose you have not.”

“Am I making any progress?” he asked boldly.

Elizabeth studied him seriously. “Yes,” she finally replied.

On the journey back to Netherfield, Bingley chattered endlessly about his engagement. Mrs. Hurst dozed on her husband’s shoulder, and Darcy listened patiently to his friend. Or rather, he tried to listen. His thoughts wandered continually to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He thought of her laugh, her wit, her humor.

At least I shall be in her company again tomorrow. The Netherfield party had been invited to partake of Christmas dinner with the Bennets.

How Darcy wished to present Elizabeth with a gift. They were not attached—not yet. He envied Bingley’s freedom to bequeath tokens of his affection to Miss Bennet.

As magnificent as Pemberley was, Darcy found he preferred the Christmas celebrations found at Longbourn. Miss Elizabeth aside, he had enjoyed the love and tenderness imbued in the house. He closed his eyes and pictured it. Mrs. Bennet fussing over Mrs. Hurst, Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty’s excited whispers. Miss Mary’s lovely playing of Christmas carols as Mr. Bennet remarked dryly about some observation or another. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner sitting with their children, reading from the Bible…

Yes, there was much to appreciate. All the noise, warmth, and imperfection helped him understand that a home was not merely a place one inherits. No, it was something someone can choose and build with another.

I wish to build such a home with Elizabeth. She was the only woman for him. Darcy would get through her period of probation, and then, hopefully, he would ask her to be his wife.

15

A Fine, Stout, Healthy Christmas

Christmas Day was as warm and welcoming as the evening before. Darcy enjoyed his time with the Bennets. Elizabeth was kind enough to entertain his presence, and he made the most of it.

They discussed every subject he could think of. They sat together at dinner and then partnered afterward for parlor games.

Miss Bennet and Bingley were happily distracted by each other’s company. They had an uncanny knack for finding themselves under various kissing bows. After the third incident, Darcy thought he rather envied his friend.

Elizabeth was adept at avoiding similar circumstances. Darcy respected her wish to remain uncaught, though he did long to kiss her.

I am still on probation, he reminded himself as he watched Bingley tuck a berry into his pocket.

Despite his dislike for company, Darcy found himself increasingly at ease with the Bennets. Mr. Bennet took great pleasure in tormenting him, and after a time, Darcy began to respond in kind. This seemed to delight the gentleman and only increased his antics.