Page 145 of Colour My World
He lifted it to his lips and kissed it.
A vow.
Chapter 52
Longbourn, three mornings later…
Elizabeth waited at the gate. She hummed at the warmth she felt when she spotted Mr Darcy atop Goliath. He dismounted several yards away and walked towards her.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth.”
“You are early, she replied.”
“You are here.”
“A coincidence, I assure you.”
“I was hoping for one.”
She glanced at him. “Is that the sort of thing you say often?”
“Only when I mean it.”
He led Goliath to the stables and returned within minutes. Together they turned down the lane that bordered the empty hedgerows, their boots brushing through the soft damp left by morning mist. The trees stood nearly bare—grey bark and clinging brown leaves—but the air was clean and sharp, as if waiting to be filled with something new.
“You came yesterday as well, she said.”
“I did.”
“And the day before that.”
“True as well.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I begin to suspect you have business with someone in the house.”
“Very pressing business.”
“I am sure Jane is flattered.”
“I am sure she is confused.”
Elizabeth tilted her head. “Well. That leaves—”
“You,” he said without hesitation.
“Indeed.”
“I am courting you, Miss Elizabeth.”
“You are? I do not remember a petition of that sort.”
“You may consider it afait accompli.”
She laughed and pressed herself against his arm. “Shall we discuss wedding dates andlogistiques?”
“Not today. Today is for discretion.”
“And the next day?”
