Page 22 of Timing Is Everything

“You could also apologize for separating him from Jane.”

“Did it really break her heart when he left?”

“Yes.”

“Then I will tell him.”

The smile that Elizabeth gave him in response made him willing to give her anything else that she asked for.

“Now, are there any other decisions you have made recently you would like to discuss with me?” Elizabeth asked, thinking of the lady’s maid they had brought with them from Kent. Sally was a wonderful maid, and Elizabeth had learned she had no desire to return to Kent, but she would have liked to have been consulted concerning the hiring of a personal maid, all the same.

Darcy’s mind had gone a much different direction, as he was only considering the topics they had canvassed since entering the study. Since the only thing that remained was his expressed desire to kiss her, he assumed Elizabeth had just asked him to do so. Smiling, he took Elizabeth’s face in his hands and gently kissed her lips. He was enchanted by the bright blush that infused her face and neck, but confused when she stammered out something incomprehensible and fled the room.

Chapter 13

Elizabeth was agitated. Her mind was jumbled. Even though she had told Darcy that she would rather he ask her to marry him, than assume he could kiss her, she had not expected him to steal a kiss. After she fled the study, she attempted to engage herself with mindless sewing. Unfortunately, the mending basket had been recently emptied. Needing some occupation, she decided to start sewing some of the smaller items she would need once she was married.

A few moments after watching Elizabeth run from the study, Darcy called for Mr. Morris in order to start on the purchase offer for the Great House at Stoke. By the time they had finished their discussion, it was almost time to sit down for dinner.

When Darcy joined Elizabeth, she was just finishing a handkerchief with her future initials. As she started to put it aside, Darcy noticed the initials.

“May I?” he asked, holding his hand out for the handkerchief.

“Of course,” Elizabeth answered, placing the handkerchief in his outstretched palm. She was amazed at the expression of heartfelt delight that spread across his face as he gently fingered the initials.

After a moment, Elizabeth reached for the handkerchief in order to put it away. Darcy quickly grasped her hand and brought it to his mouth for a kiss, instead.

“May I keep this?”

“You want my handkerchief?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“The initials are a promise for the future. I would like to keep it.”

“So, you desire it as a token?”

“Yes, just as you have kept the handkerchiefs I have given you.”

Blushing, Elizabeth pulled one of his handkerchiefs from her pocket. She had not meant to keep them, but it felt natural to do so. She had even started placing one in her pocket every day, without really considering her motivation for doing so.

“You may have them back, if you desire.”

“No, you should keep them. It pleases me that you want to carry a part of me with you throughout the day.”

Any further discussion was stopped when Mrs. Hill announced that dinner was ready, and the family made their way to the dining room. Darcy gave Elizabeth’s hand a quick squeeze before placing her handkerchief in the pocket containing her hairpin and extending his arm to escort her to dinner.

Darcy was decidedly uncomfortable. There were very few times since becoming an adult that he had felt compelled to apologize. The carriage ride from Longbourn to Netherfield Park was not very long, but he knew he needed to apologize to Bingley before they arrived. Otherwise, there was no guarantee he would be able to talk to Bingley privately before they retired for the evening.

“Bingley,” Darcy started, but could not get any other words out of his mouth.

“Yes?” Bingley replied when it was clear Darcy was not planning on saying anything else.

“I’m sorry.”

Uncomprehending, Bingley watched Darcy as he waited for him to continue.