I hope to complete my business in town within the next fortnight, and then perhaps I will join you in Margate. Until then, I remain,

Yours,

F. Darcy

Darcy satisfied himself that it was a passable effort and that it would have to do. He made a fair copy, put the old one in the drawer of his desk, and put it on the pile of outgoing mail.

~

Elizabeth opened Darcy’s letter with more than a little nervousness. She had no idea how he would receive her letter, or if he was even willing to be civil with her after what she had suggested. It was with great relief that she read his lines and noticed he seemed to be putting it behind him, just as she had. It would seem they were going to pretend it had never happened. Only, she did notice there were no endearments in this letter. Of course, she hadn’t really expected them. What man makes love to a woman who has just asked to be released from their engagement? But still, she wondered if she had damaged something irreparably and what the consequences would be. She was no expert on marriage, but she did think a husband who loved his wife was likely to be much kinder than one who did not.

Deciding there was nothing she could do about it at present, she set to writing her reply.

Dear Mr. Darcy,

The Lakes sound like a wonderful idea for a wedding trip! I long to see them! Thank you for arranging it—it is very thoughtful of you. As for answers to your questions, my birthdate is the fourteenth of July. Mayhap I will celebrate this year in the Lake District? That sounds like a charming gift to me. My exact age should remain a mystery, as no woman likes such information spread abroad, but if you can keep it to yourself I will tell you. This summer I shall attain my majority. There. Now you know I am but twenty years of age to your—well, isn’t this odd? It would seem I do not know how old you are, either. Now, sir, I do think it only fair that you tell me forthwith since I was gracious enough to provide you with the same information about myself. Men are never so secretive about their ages, anyway.

While you are divulging personal information, would you be so kind as to tell me your favorite color and scent and your favorite dishes? My mother would like to know. Not that I am uninterested, but if I am going to ask questions, I would prefer to know your favorite book and which pastimes you prefer. Do you favor riding over shooting? Do you like to fish? My uncle is very fond of it, but it has always seemed frightfully dull to me, though perhaps I am missing something of import.