Page 87 of In Want of a Suspect

“I didn’t wait,” she acknowledged. “But it’s not because I don’t trust you or didn’t want you with me.”

“The case is important,” Darcy murmured.

“Yes. The case. And... I didn’t go alone. I wouldn’t have gone alone. I had the Dashwoods.”

“I know. But there are so many dangers in the world, even for three very capable young ladies such as yourselves.”

Lizzie sighed. She was so used to arguing that she was more than able to handle herself, she was loath to admit when there were situations she might not be able to wiggle out of. And yet, the beating she’d taken tonight was proof that her modes of persuasion were not infallible. Sometimes, men chose violence. When she closed her eyes, she saw flashes of the dead women she’d encountered over the course of her work—Abigail, Leticia. She might have been one of them, if not for Marianne and Elinor Dashwood.

“I know,” she whispered.

They rode in silence, and Lizzie was grateful. She didn’t want to argue with Darcy—she just wanted to stay in his arms,feel the beat of her own heart, and give thanks that she was alive.

“I won’t ever stop you, you know.”

“Hmm?”

“I won’t stop you,” he said, his voice low but strong in her ear. “I want you to know that whatever you decide to do, wherever you decide to go, I won’t ever try to stop you.”

Her breath caught. “Oh? And if I decide to sail to the farthest edges of the world on a whim?”

“I wouldn’t stop you,” he repeated. “I might inquire as to your plans, to ensure you’re well taken care of. But I’d never stand in your way.”

Tears sprang to her eyes unexpectedly, and she blinked them back. She tried to keep her voice light. “But would you come with me?”

“Lizzie.” He exhaled her name like an oath. “I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth, if you’ll let me.”

Now the tears fell, but they were tears of relief. “I think I know this. But I’m still afraid, because youcouldstop me.”

“I’d never.”

“But you could. And I don’t even think that I believe you would. Even before you said it. But... Darcy, I need some time. To reckon with what this means.”

He kissed her forehead. “Of course. But... just to be clear, we aren’t speaking of you taking a long sea trip?”

She laughed. “No, I think it’s quite obvious that now we are speaking about the future.”

Even now, she couldn’t quite bring herself to say the wordmarriage. But she felt an immense relief as her fears were named and Darcy tightened his arms around her. “I’m sorry I’ve been rather trying lately,” she said. “It’s not that I don’t want you to call or come to dinner.”

“I know,” he said.

“You know? What do you know?” She turned to look at him. The light was still dim, but she thought she could see the outline of his mouth, smiling.

“I know what your mother wants,” Darcy said. “And I have been a bit nervous that your father is going to corner me and ask me to declare my intentions. And, Lizzie, to be clear—my intention is to continue helping you however you’d like, in whatever capacity you prefer. But it’s been rather nerve-racking feeling like I have to dodge them constantly.”

“That’s my fault,” Lizzie admitted. “I’ve been contriving reasons to keep you away because... well, you know what my mother is like! I don’t want her to badger you into a proposal if you’re not ready!”

“Have a little faith, love. I can withstand your mother.”

Lizzie’s heart fluttered at the term of endearment, even as she laughed. “Oh, thank goodness. Perhaps we ought to sit in darkened, enclosed spaces more often. It seems to be where we have our most honest conversations.”

“I would prefer we leave out the enclosed bit,” Darcy said, but she could feel the laughter in his chest. “Speaking of your mother badgering me into a proposal, how did Bingley fare last night?”

“Well, he didn’t propose, if that’s what you’re asking. I’m afraid our case spoiled the mood.”

“Oh no,” Darcy said, but he didn’t sound surprised. “How’s Jane taking it?”

“Disappointed but hiding it well. Mama is devastated and hiding it not at all.” Lizzie waited for Darcy to say something, but when he didn’t she turned to face him. “Darcy. Do you have knowledge of Bingley’s intentions?”