“Tothem?” Caroline’s composure faltered. “A family with whom we are scarcely connected – and after… his former opinions.” She stopped herself, though not before the memory of former expressions rose sharply to mind.
Mrs. Hurst laid a light hand upon her arm. “My dear sister, Mr. Darcy is at liberty to speak with whom he pleases.”
“Certainly,” Caroline replied, with measured restraint. “But one may still be surprised at the direction of his attention.”
Mr. Hurst, with the faintest trace of amusement, added, “Perhaps it is very deliberately directed.”
Caroline turned to him with visible displeasure, but before she could reply, Mrs. Hurst said quietly, “Pray, let us attend.”
Darcy, meanwhile, had joined the Bennet family with an ease that admitted of no hesitation.
His manner was composed – perfectly so – yet there was a steadiness in his attention, particularly when he addressed Miss Elizabeth Bennet, which did not escape notice.
It had certainly not escaped Miss Bingley.
He had dined at Netherfield the evening before. Miss Bingley had spared no effort to render the evening agreeable. Music had been proposed, conversation guided, attentions offered with all her accustomed elegance.
Yet none of it had succeeded in engaging him. For though he had been present, he had not beenoccupied.
His thoughts had returned, more than once, to a pair of lively eyes – eyes which, of late, had been lowered more often than raised, and when raised, with a softness he had not previously observed.
The alteration had not escaped him, nor had it failed to please him. Indeed, the last few days had produced a change in his feelings so marked that he could not but acknowledge it.
He had ceased to resist inclination.
He had, for once, allowed himself to follow it.
And he found, to his own quiet satisfaction, that he was happier for it.
He even began to understand, with some clarity, why so many introductions – so many eligible acquaintances – had failed to interest him.
They had not been Elizabeth Bennet.
And Elizabeth Bennet – who now met him with a reserve so unlike her former ease – was not indifferent.
The service concluded at last, and the congregation began to disperse.
Caroline rose immediately. “We shall wait,” she said.
Mrs. Hurst looked at her. “Wait?”
“Yes. I should like to see whether Mr. Darcy intends to return with us – or whether he has other engagements this morning.”
Mr. Hurst adjusted his coat with mild indifference. “A question of considerable consequence.”
Caroline ignored him entirely. Her attention was fixed ahead.
Darcy had already joined the Bennets once more.
There was no ceremony in it – no hesitation. It was simply done, as though it were the most natural arrangement in the world.
Eliza stood among her family, her bonnet neatly tied, her manner composed – yet not entirely so. Darcy spoke. Elizabeth smiled.
Caroline felt the colour rise in her cheeks.
Eliza laughed – softly, but with unmistakable animation.
Caroline’s hand tightened upon her reticule. “What can he possibly find so entertaining?” she said under her breath.
