Grinning, Elizabeth nodded, her pleasure evident. “Jane is the most deserving person in the entire world. I could not be happier that she has found someone to love who is her match in every way.”
“They do seem to share many similarities.”
“With just enough differences to keep things…interesting.” She tilted her head and smiled. “It is my hope to find the same felicity someday.”
Too bold, Lizzy,she scolded herself silently.
But he did not draw away in discomfort or disdain. Instead, his gaze dropped to her lips. “I, too, wish to marry for reasons beyond fortune and connection,” he murmured.
He is going to kiss me,she thought as his head inclined. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she angled her head toward his.
A loud crack echoed across the grounds. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy pulled apart at once, both turning away. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. Sanity returned, and she began mentally chastising herself for her foolishness.
“Forgive me,” Mr. Darcy said quietly. “Shall we return to the house?”
Is that all he is going to say?She felt strangely hurt, a sharp pang of disappointment catching her off guard. He did not appear flustered in the least as he stood and extended his hand to assist her. His eyes, however, twinkled with something she could not name.
She accepted his hand, rising even as she wondered whether the near-kiss had affected him as deeply as it had her. Could she deny the evidence seen in his expression?
They did not speak as they walked back toward the house. Elizabeth kept a proper distance, her arm looped lightly through his, her hand resting gently on his coat, hoping to ease any discomfort he might find in her touch. Not that she understood his feelings, but she dared not risk offending him.
They parted just inside the doors. Elizabeth shed her outerwear with haste, eager for the privacy of her chamber. Once safely within, she chastised herself once more—for daring to hope that a man of Mr. Darcy’s standing could ever be hers. Despite the affection that now bloomed in her heart, she had lied to him by omission. He believed her to be the second daughter of a respectable gentleman. He did not know the truth—and she was not at liberty to correct him.
Did she trust him enough to share her secret? Her heart answered with a resounding yes, even as her head protested. Todisclose the truth would be foolish—dangerous. It could ruin her reputation entirely.
Perhaps she was destined never to marry, for who could ever want a lady with no past?
Chapter Eighteen
November 16, 1811
Netherfield Park
Bingley
“Ishallcalluponyouand see how your recovery progresses,” Bingley assured Jane as he handed her into the carriage.
“Your call will be most welcome,” she replied, her lovely features brightening with pleasure.
Sunday services had concluded, and with the return of the carriage, the Bennet ladies had declared their intention to return to Longbourn. “Jane is well enough to travel, and we would not wish to trespass on your hospitality longer than necessary,” Miss Elizabeth had said.
Though her reasoning was sound, Bingley inwardly rebelled at the thought of letting Jane out of his sight. He had no doubt that the moment the carriage departed, Louisa would pounce. Her snide remarks had not gone unnoticed; even Jane had winced at a few, though she was far too well-mannered to return insult for insult.
With his hands clasped behind his back, he watched the carriage roll away. Darcy stood beside him, equally silent. In unison, they turned and mounted the steps to Netherfield’s door.
They had scarcelyentered the parlor before Louisa swept toward him with a purpose. “Charles, you cannot be serious,” she whined. “You could do so much better than the daughter of an insignificant country squire!”
“Whom I choose to marry is no concern of yours. You have wed the gentleman of your choosing and have no cause for complaint.”
“Dear brother, every decision you make reflects upon our family. Caroline has secured an excellent match. Her betrothed is not only a knight, but the second son of a prominent landowner. And you would settle for Miss Jane Bennet?”
“Tell me, Louisa,” he said dryly, “have you ferreted out the amount of her dowry yet?”
“I have, if you must know.” Louisa sniffed disdainfully. “Miss Bennet and all her sisters have ten thousand pounds apiece. A pittance compared to my portion—or to yours.”
“That is a respectable amount. He hasfivedaughters, you know—and a son, too!” Bingley threw up his hands in exasperation. “You may present whatever argument you wish, sister, but it will not sway me. If Miss Bennet accepts my proposal, she will become your sister by marriage. Andwhenthat happens, you will treat her with the respect due to my wife—or cease importuning us with your presence.”
Louisa gasped in affront and stormed from the room, leaving Bingley alone with Darcy.
