He said nothing, but she saw the way his mouth curved, the smallest nod that followed.
As the elegant birds glided smoothly across the water, Elizabeth realized she was not in the least troubled by the thought of staying longer at Netherfield. Not if it meant more moments like this—where the world narrowed toa single conversation and a man who, against all expectations, was beginning to show her his heart. She turned back towards the pond, her cheeks warming. She did not know what to make of Mr. Darcy's sudden openness, nor her own response to it. But she was glad he had come. This morning felt like a gift—brief, unexpected, and strangely precious.
And though she could not say what the day would bring, she knew already it had begun with promise.
After her peaceful walk by the pond, Elizabeth returned indoors with her spirits lifted and her cheeks pleasantly flushed by the brisk morning air. The warmth of the house wrapped around her as she shed her cloak, handing it off to a footman with a quiet word of thanks. The sun was now higher, casting stronger light through the tall windows and revealing the soft gleam of the polished floors and the elegant floral carpets beneath her feet.
She made her way to the chamber she shared with Jane and found the maid assigned to her standing ready near the small hearth. The girl was perhaps seventeen,with light brown hair tucked neatly under a starched cap and an open, earnest face.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth,” she said, bobbing a quick curtsy. “My name is Nora. Mrs. Nicholls assigned me to you and Miss Bennet while you’re staying with us.”
“Good morning, Nora. I am pleased to make your acquaintance.” Elizabeth offered her a warm smile. “I should like to change before breakfast, if you please.”
“Of course, miss. Mrs. Nicholls sent up hot water not ten minutes ago.”
With quiet efficiency, Nora helped Elizabeth out of her walking gown and into a fresh morning dress of soft sage green sprigged muslin. The bodice was high and modest, trimmed with delicate white work embroidery, and a fine ribbon of ivory silk encircled her waist and tied neatly at the back. Her hair, wind-tossed from the garden, was re-brushed and pinned into a neat knot at her crown, with a few soft curls left to frame her face. Elizabeth added a brooch—a simple garnet—and surveyed herself in the mirror with satisfaction.
“Thank you, Nora,” she said. “That will do very nicely.”
With a nod of thanks, she crossed the room to the adjoining door and tapped lightly before entering.
Jane sat before the mirror, her cheeks already pink with a natural glow, and her soft golden curls cascading downher back as Nora stepped forward and began pinning them with care.
“You look lovely, Jane,” Elizabeth said warmly.
Jane smiled and turned, smoothing her gown—a gown of palest blue silk with ivory lace trimming the sleeves and hem. It was elegant without being ostentatious, and it enhanced her gentle beauty to perfection.
“Do I?” Jane asked, her tone light, but her eyes searching Elizabeth’s face.
“You do,” Elizabeth said, unable to keep the teasing edge from her voice. “But your expression gives you away far more than your gown. There is a certain anticipation in your manner. Whatever could you be thinking?”
Jane laughed and looked down, adjusting her gloves. “I am thinking only of breakfast,” she said primly.
“Oh, of course. And the company at breakfast is entirely incidental.”
“You are very provoking,” Jane said, still smiling.
Elizabeth took her arm as they descended the stairs. “Perhaps. But I am also correct.”
They arrived at the breakfast room, where the Bingley sisters were already seated, along with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Dishes of eggs, toast, ham, and preserves sat steaming on silver trays, the room filled with the warm scent of teaand butter.
As Jane and Elizabeth entered, Miss Bingley turned, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Good morning, Miss Bennet… Miss Eliza. I was beginning to think you had adopted Town hours while in the country.”
Elizabeth opened her mouth to reply, but Mr. Darcy interrupted coolly.
“On the contrary, Miss Bingley. I have it on good authority that Miss Elizabeth has been awake for several hours. She took a walk to the pond before most of us had stirred.”
Miss Bingley’s mouth thinned, clearly displeased to have her jab so effectively countered.
Elizabeth, hoping to diffuse the tension, added, “The Whooper swans have returned. They were quite majestic this morning, gliding across the pond.”
“Oh, those dreadful birds,” Miss Bingley said with a shudder. “They honk all hours and chase after anyone who gets too near. Vicious creatures.”
“I find them noble,” Mr. Bingley offered, reaching for the toast. “They are devoted companions. There is something admirable in that, do you not think?”
“They remind me of kings on the water,” Darcy said quietly, glancing towards Elizabeth. “Regal in bearing. Watchful. Loyal.”
Mrs. Hurst leaned back in her chair and turned to her sister. “Well, Caroline, what do you propose we do today to amuse ourselves? Shall we have music, cards, or perhaps something livelier?”
