Trust. Such a small word for such an enormous leap.
“I will try,” Elizabeth said.
“Good. Now, go down to breakfast. I suspect a certain gentleman will be eager to see you this morning.”
“Jane!”
“Go,” Jane urged, her eyes dancing despite her pallor. “And Lizzy? Do not fight this. Allow yourself to be happy, please.”
Elizabeth kissed her sister’s forehead, then made her way downstairs, her heart beating faster with each step.
The moment Elizabethentered the breakfast room, Mr. Darcy’s attention found her like a compass needle finding north. He stood at the sideboard, his expression relaxed.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Bingley rose with his customary enthusiasm. “Good morning! I trust you slept well. How is Miss Bennet faring this morning? Does she have everything she needs? Do I need to send for the apothecary to attend her? Do you think she might be well enough to join us today?”
Elizabeth smiled. “I thank you for asking, sir. Jane is much improved. She is weak yet. But recovering.”
“Excellent news!” Bingley beamed. “Cook has outdone herself this morning. Please be seated anywhere you choose. We do not stand on ceremony.”
Elizabeth moved to the sideboard, acutely aware that Mr. Darcy stood a mere foot away.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he murmured, his words for her alone. “Might I prepare you a plate?”
A small gesture. However, coming from a man who had servants to perform the task, it was significant.
“Thank you,” she said, meeting his gaze.
The smile that crossed his face was brief but devastating in its warmth.
As he selected items for her, Miss Bingley’s voice cut across the room like a blade wrapped in silk. “How domestic, Mr. Darcy. I had no idea you possessed such skills. Though I suppose in the country, one must adapt to all manner of peculiar customs.”
Her insult was clear. Serving a woman of Elizabeth’s station was beneath him in Miss Bingley’s estimation.
Mr. Darcy did not even glance at her. “I find it no hardship to attend to those I…” He paused, then finished smoothly, “Those whose company I value.”
He handed Elizabeth the plate, and their fingers brushed. The contact was brief, but a current of lightning bolted up her arm.
“Thank you, sir.”
“The pleasure is entirely mine.”
Miss Bingley attacked her eggs aggressively.
Once seated, Mr. Darcy claimed the chair beside Elizabeth. The meal proceeded with Miss Bingley growing increasingly frustrated as every conversational gambit she launched towardMr. Darcy was met with polite distance. His focus was solely on Elizabeth.
“Will you be walking this morning, Miss Elizabeth?” he asked. “The grounds at Netherfield are quite pleasant, and the weather is clear.”
“I need to remain with Jane.”
“I believe that Miss Bennet would want you to take the air,” Mr. Bingley interjected cheerfully. “Fresh air aids recovery, both for the patient and her devoted sister. You must not exhaust yourself with constant attendance. An hour’s walk would do you good.”
Elizabeth glanced at the man seated alongside her. Seeing hope in his eyes, she said, “Perhaps a brief walk if Jane is resting comfortably.”
“Excellent!” Bingley said. “Darcy, you must show Miss Elizabeth the view from the east rose garden overlooking the pond. The ducks are a delight to see at this hour.”
“It would be my honor,” Mr. Darcy said.
Miss Bingley set down her teacup with enough force to rattle the saucer.
