Adrian’s tone was maddeningly mild. “They will like that line.”
“Because it benefits you.”
“Because it benefits the Crown,” he corrected. “Which, in this instance, is the same thing.”
The door opened and Mr. Darcy stepped in. He did not look at Adrian. He had eyes only for Elizabeth.
“Your father has given us his approval.”
“Did he give you much trouble?” she inquired.
Darcy’s mouth tightened in an expression that was nearly a smile. “He is rather formidable.”
“That is not a word I have ever heard in connection with Papa.”
“That,” Mr. Darcy said, “is because he has never been asked for your hand before.”
Adrian made a small, appreciative sound—then turned to join Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Gardiners in their conversation.
Elizabeth slid the letter across the table toward Mr. Darcy.
“Before you say anything,” she said, “I have written to the king and queen.”
Mr. Darcy’s brows rose. “I see.”
“I have told them I will come when summoned.”
A serious nod.
“And that I am engaged to you.”
“Even before my conversation with your father was completed?”
“Yes.”
His gaze turned dark, and for a moment the room narrowed until there was no one in it but them.
“And,” Elizabeth continued, her voice little more than a whisper, “that England will be our home.”
Mr. Darcy blinked once. Then he unfolded the letter and read. He took his time, but when he finished, he lowered the page and shook his head slowly.
Not in objection. With affection.
“You are impossible,” he said, and there was something in his voice that made the word sound like gratitude.
Elizabeth lifted her chin. “I am efficient.”
“Your father asked what I intended to do with my estate and my obligations here,” he said, glancing up. “I told him you and I would decide it together.”
“Oh,” she said, suddenly feeling wrong-footed. “We can certainly discuss—” She stopped when he shook his head.
“I would never force you from Thurnia,” he said, “but neither is it in my nature to relinquish what is mine to manage.”
His eyes returned to her letter. “I find I am . . .” He stopped, as if searching for just the right words. “I find I am profoundly relieved that you have made this decision for us.”
“I did not decide for us,” she said, softer now. “I decidedwithyou, just . . . in advance.”
Adrian, from the window, said without turning, “Yes, yes. You may both admire my statesmanship now.”