“How do you know he was watching me? Were you at the wedding?”
“Of course, how could I miss the wedding of one of my dearest friends? We have played together since you were five years old and Jane seven. I slipped into a back pew and let tears of happiness fall without restraint.”
“I am very glad you came, my dear. I was saddened that all our neighbors and friends could not attend the most important event of Jane’s life.”
“It is what it is, Lizzy. All her family was present, and that is what was most important. But what of Mr. Darcy? You turned the subject, my friend. Is there an attachment you are keeping from me?”
“I am not aware of any attachment on his side, Charlotte. His sister, however, is much attached to me.”
Charlotte studied her friend’s face and saw no trace of sentiment there. “Were you much in his company while you were in London?”
Elizabeth considered the question. “We were in company on several occasions; however, Mr. Darcy would never condescend to form an attachment with someone of my circle. Thank you for thinking it possible, my friend, but he is the grandson of an earl and is in possession of a fortune beyond what you or I can imagine. He is destined for a lady of rank and consequence.”
“Do not look now, Eliza, but he watches you with an intensity I have never observed in any gentleman of our acquaintance.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Not even from Mr. Goulding?”
“Do not say such a thing, not even in jest. That man’s very presence is alarming. Ruth’s cousin works in his kitchens, and says that when he imbibes too freely, he throws empty wine bottles against the walls, overturns chairs, and shouts atwhoever happens to be near him. In fact, four servants left his service to enter that of Mr. Bingley. More would have done the same if Mr. Bingley had additional positions.”
The near-betrothal between Mr. Goulding and Jane seemed to hover just beneath the surface, and Elizabeth resolved to change the subject.
“And what of Alexander? Will he return from the Continent soon?”
“He will. My father has sent for him, citing the war. He says Alexander has been away at school and traveling on the Continent long enough. He is to come home and take up the management of the estate.”
“When does he return?” Elizabeth asked.
“In December.”
“He must have grown into a man by now, for he is Jane’s age.”
“Yes. Alexander is now two and twenty. He is old enough to settle down and take charge of the estate, and my father says he must begin to look about him for a wife.”
“Your brother was very handsome when I last saw him,” Elizabeth said. “Yet he was only seventeen then.”
“Yes,” Charlotte replied. “He will return a man and practically a stranger.” Then she took Elizabeth’s hand in her own and drew near enough to whisper in her ear.
“My dear, are you certain that Mr. Darcy has no intentions towards you? He has not stopped looking at you since we first sat down.”
“He does enjoy my company, Charlotte, and thinks me handsome; but it does not follow that he will offer for me. Men of his sphere are raised to marry among their own, and attraction or love has little to do with it.”
Charlotte took Elizabeth’s hand in her own. “I am sorry, Eliza. I can see you have feelings for him; however, you are right in your estimation. Such are the ways of those who move in elevated circles of society.”
Elizabeth began to speak when Charlotte pressed her hand. She raised her eyes and saw Mr. Darcy standing before her.
“Miss Elizabeth, will you walk with me? I am in need of exercise.”
Elizabeth rose. “Allow me to fetch my things.”
She turned to her friend. “You will excuse me, Charlotte.”
Mr. Darcy stepped forward to follow Elizabeth when Miss Bingley approached from behind and slipped her arm through his.
“Mr. Darcy, where are you going, sir? You must remain with me and offer diversion, for I am quite bored.”
Charlotte watched as irritation vanished from his face almost as quickly as it had appeared.
Thinking to assist her friend, she rose and took Miss Bingley’s arm.
