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When he caught her eye across the table, she gave him a small, secret smile that sent his heart racing.

It took all of his self-control not to announce their engagement then and there.

Instead, he contented himself with imagining future dinners at Pemberley, with Elizabeth seated beside him not as a guest, but as the mistress of the house.

As the meal progressed, Darcy noticed Jane and Bingley exchanging fond glances, their happiness evident to all. He wondered if anyone at the table could discern the change in his own demeanour, the barely contained joy that threatened to burst forth at any moment.

As the main course was served, the conversation turned to Bingley and Jane’s upcoming nuptials.

“Have you decided where you’ll settle after the wedding, Bingley?” Darcy asked, genuinely interested in his friend’s plans.

Bingley beamed, glancing at Jane. “We’ve been discussing that very matter. While Netherfield has been a pleasant temporary home, we’re looking to purchase an estate of our own.”

“Oh?” Darcy raised an eyebrow, curious. “Have you considered any particular areas?”

Jane spoke up, her voice soft but clear. “We’re thinking of looking at estates in the north, actually.”

This caught Darcy by surprise. He noticed Elizabeth’s eyes widened slightly as well.

“North?” Darcy repeated, trying to keep his tone neutral. “That’s… unexpected. May I ask what prompted this consideration?”

Bingley smiled, his eyes never leaving Jane’s face. “We’ve realised that we both enjoy the wilder beauty of the northern counties. And, well…” He hesitated, looking slightly embarrassed.

Jane finished for him, her cheeks tinged with pink. “We thought it might be nice to be closer to Pemberley.”

Darcy felt a rush of warmth at this declaration. He caught Elizabeth’s eye across the table, seeing his own pleasure mirrored in her gaze.

“That’s wonderful news,” Darcy said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’d be more than happy to introduce you to some of my acquaintances in Derbyshire or the surrounding counties. There are often fine estates coming up for sale that never make it to the general market.”

“That would be most helpful, Darcy,” Bingley replied enthusiastically. “What do you think, Mr Gardiner? You know the area well, I believe.”

As Mr Gardiner joined the conversation, offering his thoughts on various neighbourhoods and the benefits of owning versus leasing, Darcy found his attention drawn back to Elizabeth.

She was listening intently, a thoughtful expression on her face.

He longed to ask her opinion, to include her in the planning as if it were their own future they were discussing.

“And what of you, Mr Darcy?” Miss Bingley’s voice cut through his reverie. “Surely you don’t intend to spend all your time at Pemberley? London society would miss you terribly.”

Darcy cleared his throat, aware of Elizabeth’s gaze upon him. “Pemberley is my home, Miss Bingley, but I do enjoy the occasional visit to town. Perhaps more frequently in the future.” He allowed himself a small smile in Elizabeth’s direction.

“I am sure whoever becomes mistress of Pemberley will have her own ideas about dividing time between country and town,” Mrs Gardiner added with a knowing glance between Darcy and Elizabeth.

Darcy felt a warmth spread through him at the thought. Yes, he and Elizabeth would make those decisions together. He looked forward to every moment of it.

“Tell me, Miss Elizabeth,” he heard himself say during a lull in conversation, “how do you find Pemberley so far?”

Elizabeth’s eyes met his, a hint of mischief in their depths. “It’s quite lovely, Mr Darcy,” she replied. “Though I confess I’ve yet to explore it fully. Perhaps you might show me more of the grounds tomorrow?”

“It would be my pleasure,” Darcy responded, aware of the double meaning in their exchange. He noticed Caroline Bingley’s sharp glance between them but chose to ignore it.

As the dessert course was served, Darcy found himself both impatient for the meal to end so he could speak with Mr Gardiner, and reluctant for this moment of shared secret joy to pass. He savoured each glance, each subtle interaction with Elizabeth, storing them away in his memory.

The evening was drawing to a close, and soon he would be able to make their happiness known to all. But for now, he levered in this precious time, where their love was a cherished secret, known only to them and a select few.

* * *

Pemberley, Dining Room - Caroline Bingley

As the gentlemen remained behind for their port, Caroline Bingley rose with the other ladies, her eyes sharp as she observed their movements. She noted with some irritation how closely Miss Eliza Bennet walked beside Georgiana Darcy, the two of them whispering and smiling like old friends.

Once in the drawing room, Caroline positioned herself near Eliza, determined to keep a close watch on the woman who seemed to have captured Mr Darcy’s attention.

“Miss Eliza,” Caroline said, her voice syrupy sweet, “I couldn’t help but notice how familiar you’ve become with dear Georgiana. One might almost think you’d known each other for years.”

Eliza smiled politely. “Georgiana is a delightful young woman. We’ve found we have much in common.”

“Indeed?” Caroline raised an eyebrow. “How… fortunate.”

Mrs Gardiner joined their conversation, her eyes twinkling. “I believe music is one of their shared interests. Perhaps we might prevail upon one of you ladies to play for us while we await the gentlemen?”

Before Caroline could offer, Georgiana spoke up. “Oh, Elizabeth, would you play that piece we were discussing earlier? I’d so love to hear it.”

Caroline watched, seething internally, as Eliza moved to the pianoforte. As the first notes filled the air, she couldn’t help but notice how Mrs Gardiner smiled warmly at her niece, while Louisa looked on with polite interest.

Mrs Gardiner’s obvious pride in Eliza only served to increase Caroline’s irritation. She turned to Louisa, hoping to find some solidarity, but her sister seemed content to simply enjoy the music without comment.

“Louisa,” Caroline whispered, leaning closer to her sister, “don’t you think Eliza is being rather forward, monopolising the instrument like this?”

Louisa merely shrugged, her attention still on the performance. “She plays quite well, Caroline. And she was asked to play, after all.”

Frustrated by her sister’s lack of support, Caroline turned her attention back to Eliza, determined to find some fault in her performance.

Caroline was about to reply when the door opened, admitting Mr Bingley and Mr Hurst. Her brother immediately moved to Jane’s side, while Mr Hurst settled into a comfortable chair near Louisa.

Several minutes passed, filled with light conversation and another musical performance, this time from Georgiana. Caroline found herself growing increasingly anxious, wondering what could be keeping Mr Darcy and Mr Gardiner.

Finally, after what seemed an eternity to Caroline, the door opened once more.

Mr Darcy entered, followed closely by Mr Gardiner.

Caroline’s breath caught as she saw Mr Darcy’s eyes immediately seek out Eliza.

There was something in his expression, a mixture of nervousness and joy, that she had never seen before.

Mr Gardiner approached his wife, speaking to her in low tones. Mrs Gardiner’s eyes widened, and she glanced between Mr Darcy and Eliza, a smile spreading across her face.

Mr Darcy moved towards Eliza with purpose, bending to speak quietly to her. Whatever he said caused a blush to spread across Eliza’s cheeks, and she nodded, rising to join him .

“If I might have everyone’s attention,” Mr Darcy said, his voice carrying across the room. “There is a matter of great importance I wish to share with you all.”

Caroline felt as though the ground was shifting beneath her feet. She turned to her sister, her composure finally cracking. “Louisa,” she hissed, “what on earth is happening?”

But even as the words left her lips, Caroline knew. The realisation dawned on her with a sickening clarity, and she could only watch in stunned silence as her carefully laid plans crumbled before her eyes.