Mr. Collins looked like he might join them, but Mr. Darcy quelled him with a glance, and he slunk back and returned to the seat he had occupied earlier.
“After you, Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy waited politely for her to proceed him out of the door. He sounded so stern, Elizabeth knew the game was up.
She passed by him, feeling self-conscious and miserable.
Not wanting to face him alone, she sent a look of entreaty to Jane, but her sister was engaged with Mr. Bingley and did not even look in Elizabeth’s direction.
She prepared herself for the worst. She would rise to the occasion. She would not be intimidated.
***
MR. COLLINS WAS WATCHINGthem with hawk eyes as they left the parlor. Elizabeth turned her back to him so he would not witness her humiliation and prepared to deal with whatever blow she was about to receive.
“I know these situations can be awkward, and you may not be willing to receive assistance from someone you have not known for very long. I understand that pride can sometimes get in the way.”
This was not what she had expected.
“Of course. I hope I do not seem ungrateful, sir.”
“I am not saying this because I expect gratitude,” he replied. “I just want to assure you that you need not feel alone. I am at your disposal, Miss Elizabeth, any time, night or day.”
His voice was warm and deep and completely unfamiliar. She stood frozen in place, not quite sure how to respond to this unexpected side of him. Was this the same Mr. Darcy who had snubbed her at the Meryton Assembly? It seemed impossible.
She would have liked to laugh dismissively, but the intensity of his gaze did not allow it. She shifted uneasily and looked away, her conscience gnawing at her, nagging her to tell the truth.
If only she could put an end to the charade.
“Would you ring for refreshments, Lizzy? You are close to the bellpull.”
It was yet another reminder from Jane, who must have sensed that Elizabeth was weakening again.
Elizabeth gave Darcy a regretful smile. “I will not forget your offer, sir, nor your kindness.”
She did not wait for his response. She could not look him fully in the face again. Instead, she escaped to the parlor to join the others.
It was a coward’s way out, but there was nothing she could do about it.
As Mrs. Hill brought in pies and cold meats several minutes later, Lydia sauntered into the room and sat next to Mr. Collins.
“May I help you to some steak and ale pie, Mr. Collins?” said Lydia, very sweetly.
Then, handing him his plate, she added, “I wanted to thank you for your speedy actions this morning. It is thanks to you that Mama is on the road to recovery.”
Mr. Collins’ eyes darted towards Mr. Darcy, but Lydia was smiling so tenderly at him, he could not bring himself to give credit to someone else.
“It was nothing,” he said. “I merely did my duty, something I always aspire to do. In fact, her ladyship—”
He was about to embark on yet another long monologue extolling his own virtues along with Lady Catherine’s. Mr. Darcy’s mouth was curling in distaste.
Elizabeth groaned inwardly and turned to Mr. Bingley to deflect everyone’s attention from Mr. Collins.
“Miss Bingley must be pleased the ball was so successful. It was indeed a very enjoyable evening.”
“It certainly was, Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Bingley. “My sister is experienced in organizing balls. There is nothing she does not know about them. She always ensures that everything runs smoothly, and that everyone is in good spirits.” He sent Jane a significant glance. “I especially enjoyed the musicians. It was a good orchestra, was it not, Miss Bennet? My sister arranged for them to come down from London.”
Jane blushed as she found herself the center of attention.
