Darcy, after the slightest pause, took the vacant seat at Elizabeth’s side.
She became suddenly conscious of how little distance the arrangement allowed – she was very much aware of the quiet steadiness of his presence, the faint scent of rain still clinging to his coat. She fixed her attention resolutely upon her plate.
For a time, the conversation proceeded in its usual manner, Mrs. Bennet directing it with cheerful determination.
Darcy spoke when spoken to, attentive and polite, though Elizabeth could not help noticing that, whenever the conversation allowed, his attention returned quietly to her side of the table.
She told herself it was only imagination.
It was not a very convincing argument.
At length, Darcy turned toward Mary. “Miss Mary, allow me to offer my sincere congratulations.”
Mary looked both surprised and pleased. “You are very kind, sir.”
“I understand you are shortly to remove to Hunsford,” he continued. “The parsonage there is, I believe, very comfortably situated.”
“Yes,” said Mary, with modest gravity. “Mr. Collins has described it in very favourable terms.”
“Rosings Park lies near,” Darcy added, with composed civility. “My aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, resides there, and takes a particular interest in all that concerns the parish.”
Elizabeth, hearing this, could not help a slight movement of her eyes in his direction.
Darcy continued, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touching his expression. “My aunt is accustomed to offering her advice – freely, and with great confidence in its value.”
Mary listened with earnest attention.
“Such guidance,” he went on, “may, I think, always be received with respect…”
“Yes, it is very important to listen to our elders.” Mrs. Bennet nodded. “Mary is a very obedient girl.”
Darcy inclined his head toward Mrs. Bennet, but then he turned back to Mary. “Yet there are occasions when one must rely upon one’s own judgement.”
Elizabeth lowered her gaze, though not before a spark of amusement passed through her eyes.
“A lady,” Darcy added, “is best qualified to understand the comfort and order ofher own household.”
“Oh, yes. Mary has learnt a great deal about how to keep a house. And I will make sure she is prepared before the wedding.” Mrs. Bennet added.
Mary looked thoughtful and inclined her head. “I shall endeavour to remember it, sir. Thank you, Mama.”
“I have no doubt that you will succeed.” Darcy finished.
Mr. Bennet, who had been observing this exchange with quiet interest, set down his glass.
“Mary, my dear,” he said, “you are now provided with advice from two authorities – your future husband, and a gentleman who has had the advantage of observing his patroness. Between them, you cannot fail of direction.”
Mary received this with seriousness. “I shall do my best, Papa.”
Elizabeth, who could not trust herself to speak, kept her attention fixed upon her plate, though she was sensible – very sensible – of the gentleman beside her.
For a few moments, conversation resumed its general course. Elizabeth allowed herself to breathe. She had nearly succeeded in persuading herself that she could sit quietly and behave as though nothing at all had changed.
It was at that very moment that Darcy spoke again. “Miss Elizabeth,” he said, in a tone so natural that it might almost have passed unnoticed, “may I assist you?”
She had reached for a dish at the same time as he had.
Their hands came very near.
