“I do not desire company after a journey, but I thank you for the invitation.”

Then why do you not stay alone? Why insist on my company? Oh, that’s right! I am no longer ‘company’, but will soon be simply an extension of yourself. Of course! How could I have been so silly!

She nodded and walked on, stopping to pick up a smooth stone and hurl it into the water. Darcy watched her silently for several minutes, an odd feeling intruding on his notice. He could not place what it was exactly, but Elizabeth seemed unhappy. Why? They had been getting along so well in their letters. He’d convinced himself her attempt to cry off had simply been bridal jitters and maidenly fears. Clearly she was growing more accustomed to him, or so she seemed in her letters. In person, she was still a bit uneasy, but was that not to be expected after a month’s separation and the eventful time they were in? She would grow used to his presence in time, just like she had grown used to him in their correspondence. He just needed to continue to show her affection and kindness and she would grow in ease and affection for him.

By now they had turned back and were nearing the path to the Bennet cottage. He caught her hand as she turned away to go up the stone steps leading away from the shore.

“Elizabeth?”

“Yes?”

He squeezed her hand. “Know that I will do anything within my power to make you comfortable—I will do anything for your happiness. You must know this.”

She nodded and smiled just a little, then looked ahead and quickened her pace.

After speaking briefly with her father, Darcy went to his hotel and Elizabeth sat down with a book before preparing for dinner. Mrs. Bennet had invited Darcy to join them, of course, and he had readily agreed. He had spoken with her father. After dinner, the remainder of her family would go to the neighbors for cards while she and Mr. Darcy stayed behind with Lydia. The latter was not in any way a deterrent to the couple spending time alone together, and Mr. Darcy seemed very pleased with his achievement while Elizabeth felt mildly queasy.