Jane’s voice softened. “What has passed between you and Mr. Darcy?”
Elizabeth turned away briefly, walking slowly toward the window. The rain traced soft lines upon the glass.
“Has Papa not already told you something?”
“He has told me nothing,” said Jane. “But he has behaved in such a way that I cannot doubt there is something to be told. He did not really need to talk to me.”
Elizabeth could not help laughing quietly. “I am sorry.”
Jane came a step closer. “Lizzy… he asked Papa’s permission, did he not?”
Elizabeth did not answer immediately. Then, after a moment, she inclined her head. “Yes.”
Jane’s eyes widened, though her expression was all warmth. “And you?”
Elizabeth hesitated. “He has not asked for my answer,” she said at last. “At least – not yet.”
“But he wishes for it.”
“Yes.”
Jane took her hand. “Extraordinary. And what do you wish?”
Elizabeth looked at her sister, and for once, there was no attempt at wit in her expression. “I do not yet know,” she said honestly. “Only… that I do not wish him to give up just yet.”
Jane’s smile deepened. “Then I think you know more than you suppose.”
Elizabeth shook her head slightly, though she smiled in return. “Perhaps. But I should like to understand my own mind before I am required to declare it.”
“And he is willing to wait?”
“He said he was.”
Jane’s expression grew thoughtful. “Oh, Lizzy! Just imagine… He must be very much in earnest.”
Elizabeth turned again toward the window, though she was no longer looking at the rain. “Yes,” she said quietly. “I believe he is.”
***
By the time Elizabeth and Jane returned to the parlour, the house had settled into its usual rhythm, though the steady fall of rain lent the morning an air of quiet enclosure.
Mr. Bennet soon joined them, followed shortly by Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth, who had not expected to see him again so soon after their walk, felt a renewed awareness at his entrance. He bowed to the company with his usual composure, though when his eyes met hers, there was something in his expression – calmer now, yet no less intent – that made her look away more quickly than she wished.
Mrs. Bennet received him with undiminished civility. “Mr. Darcy, we are quite honoured that you remain with us. Such dreadful weather! You must not think of venturing out again until it improves.”
“I am very comfortable here, madam,” he replied.
“Indeed, you must stay for luncheon. It would be quite impossible to send you away in such rain.”
Darcy inclined his head. “You are most obliging.”
Luncheon was soon announced. They all assembled around the table.
Elizabeth seated herself, endeavouring to appear entirely composed. Jane, however, after a brief hesitation, chose a place beside her mother instead.
The consequence was immediate.
