She had not expected him to be amusing. That much was clear. She had expected pride, formality, and the stiff disapproval he had shown at the assembly.
And he had surprised her.
He tried to focus on his correspondence. He managed three sentences before his thoughts drifted back to the tea.
“Did,”she had pressed.“I did judge too quickly.”
And he had told her the truth. The company here was more engaging than expected. She was more engaging than expected. She was?—
He set down his pen with more force than necessary.
This was absurd. Miss Elizabeth Bennet was a country gentleman's daughter with no fortune, a family whose behaviorranged from embarrassing to mortifying, and a sharp tongue that ought to have repelled him entirely.
Instead, it intrigued him.
He replayed their conversations in his mind, searching for hidden meanings, wondering what she truly thought of him beneath all that wit and challenge.
He reached for the pen again, determined to compose at least one sensible letter but was interrupted by Caroline.
He started. Caroline stood in the doorway. “I hope I am not interrupting. I hoped we could talk for a moment.”
Darcy smothered a flash of irritation, but Caroline was his host’s sister, and not poor company before she had gotten it into her head there might be some romantic agreement between them.
“Come in,” he said, waving her towards the chair opposite him
Caroline sat, smoothing her skirts. Her expression was softer than usual—almost contrite. “I confess I have been doing some thinking since yesterday.”
Darcy met her gaze, mildly surprised. This was not the Caroline who had schemed and needled just days ago.
“I fear I may have been too harsh in my assessment of Miss Bennet.” She folded her hands in her lap. “Charles is clearly devoted to her, and she does seem to return his regard with sincerity. I sometimes forget that my protectiveness for my brother can make me appear unkind.”
Darcy felt something ease in his chest. Perhaps his pointed remarks yesterday had made an impression after all.
“I am pleased to hear it,” he said, and meant it.
“I have resolved to be more welcoming.” Caroline smiled. “After all, if Miss Bennet is to be my sister, I should make every effort to know her better. And Miss Elizabeth as well. She is... spirited.”
“She is,” Darcy agreed.
It was a relief, frankly, to have Caroline speak of the Bennets without venom. And if she was turning her attention toward being a gracious hostess rather than... other pursuits... so much the better. He had grown weary of deflecting her more pointed attentions.
“I do hope you will enjoy the holiday entertainment.” Caroline's tone brightened. “I have been planning some special traditions. Festivities that I learned of from a friend in London. Very fashionable. Very modern.”
“That sounds pleasant,” Darcy said, only half attending. His thoughts had already drifted back to Miss Elizabeth—to her laugh, her wit, the way she had looked at him when they spoke of perspectives changing.
“I think they will make the evening quite memorable.” Caroline rose, smoothing her skirts. “Do let me know if there is anything particular you might wish for at the entertainment. I want everyone to feel welcome.”
“That is kind of you.”
She paused at the door, offering him one last smile. “I am glad we had this talk, Mr. Darcy. I feel we understand each other better now.”
“As do I.”
She swept from the room, and Darcy returned to his thoughts with a sense of cautious optimism. Perhaps Caroline had finallyaccepted that her brother's heart was fixed. Perhaps she had decided to make the best of the situation rather than fight it.
Perhaps this holiday season would be more pleasant than he had anticipated.
He allowed himself a small smile and went back to contemplating the far more agreeable subject of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
