Page 27 of Timing Is Everything

“Are you off to Longbourn?” Bingley asked him.

“Yes, I would like to see Elizabeth today,” Darcy said.

“If you would wait for my horse to be readied, I would like to join you,” Bingley told him.

Although Darcy was antsy to be on his way, he could not deny his friend. It was only a few minutes later that the gentlemen were on their way to Longbourn, each with a different sister on their minds.

Chapter 16

Elizabeth had not realized how tense she was until Mr. Darcy was shown into the drawing room at Longbourn. She had refused to admit that she missed his typical morning visit while he stayed at Netherfield to bid farewell to the Hursts and Miss Bingley. She had even told herself that she welcomed his absence as it gave her a chance to work on the replacement handkerchiefs without Mr. Darcy knowing.

It had not taken long to stitch three handkerchiefs, as the ones she had kept were only embellished with his initials. When she had completed the handkerchiefs, and Mr. Darcy had still not arrived, she decided to add some embellishments to one of them. Then another one. After finishing a basic leaf border on the third handkerchief, she made herself set them down and pick up a book. She did not know how long she had been alternating between staring at the open page and staring out the window, when Mr. Darcy finally appeared. He had not even made it across the room to address her before Mr. Bingley was suggesting they all walk about the gardens. With a smile, she picked up the pile of handkerchiefs and made her way to the door.

Once in the garden, Elizabeth quickly led Darcy down a path that separated them from Jane and Mr. Bingley.

“I am making restitution,” Elizabeth announced, holding the handkerchiefs in front of her.

“Restitution for what?” Darcy asked, looking at the folded fabric a little dubiously.

“For stealing your handkerchiefs,” Elizabeth answered.

“It cannot be called stealing when it is freely given,” Darcy replied. “And if you remember, you already allowed me to keep one of your handkerchiefs in exchange.”

“Yes, but I cannot imagine you will actually use that handkerchief. It is much too feminine for you.”

“That is true,” Darcy replied, finally taking the pile of handkerchiefs from Elizabeth’s hand. He unfolded the top one, holding it up by two corners. “Did you make these?”

“Do you like them?” Elizabeth asked, with a small nod.

“They are wonderful,” Darcy assured her, then systematically looked at each one before folding them and putting them in his pocket. “All the more amazing because you made them. I do not remember the last time anyone made me a handkerchief. I usually just ask my valet to order some for me.”

“I cannot imagine ordering something as simple as a handkerchief,” Elizabeth said with a laugh. “I would be happy to make your handkerchiefs from now on, unless you prefer ordering them.”

“I would be delighted to carry handkerchiefs that you have stitched for me,” Darcy said. “But, when the time comes that you no longer desire to do so, please do not hesitate to let me know.”

“You are so certain I will tire of the activity?”

“I have heard my sister lament her sewing lessons for as long as I can remember.”

“Oh, but I thought she was a very accomplished woman,” Elizabeth replied, with a smile.

“She would be happy to sit at the pianoforte all day long. She enjoys riding and can draw creditably. She speaks French and Italian. But hand her a needle and she will mumble and groan like she is being tortured.”

“Your sister sounds like a much less formidable woman than I was led to believe. Between the two of us, we may just have enough accomplishments to satisfy Miss Bingley’s requirements for an accomplished woman,” Elizabeth said, laughing. “I will admit that your description makes meeting your sister not quite so intimidating of an endeavor.”

“I have missed your laugh,” Darcy said softly.

“I dearly love to laugh. It was bound to happen again eventually.”

Looking into the dancing eyes of the woman he loved, Fitzwilliam Darcy desperately wanted to kiss her. Not lost to all propriety, he looked around to ensure there was no one else in sight.

“If I kiss you, do you promise not to run away from me again? I dearly wish to kiss you, but I desire your company even more.”

“I will not leave you,” Elizabeth agreed, blushing slightly.

The resulting kiss lasted much longer than their first.

“I find I like that very much,” Elizabeth whispered with a sigh as Darcy drew away.