“If you will allow me,” he said, and began to read.
His voice, though naturally steady, soon took on a warmth and variation that surprised her. There was nothing stiff in it, nothing of mere obligation. He entered into the story with an ease that gave it life, distinguishing each character with subtlety and rendering even the lighter passages with a quiet humour that did not escape her notice.
Elizabeth found herself listening more attentively than she intended.
That he should read well did not astonish her; that he should read a novel so willingly – and with such animation – did.
She had not thought him a man to be easily persuaded into such a task. Nor, she reflected, one to perform it half-heartedly.
And yet – he was both easily persuaded and entirely in earnest.
***
On Monday, at an hour which Mrs. Bennet declared most suitable for a morning visit – though it was already approaching noon – the ladies of Longbourn set out for Netherfield.
They were received with all proper civility.
Miss Bingley, though evidently unprepared for such an intrusion upon her morning, exerted herself to appear gracious; Mrs. Hurst followed her example with somewhat less effort. Tea was offered, chairs arranged, and conversation begun with all the usual forms.
Darcy joined them soon after their arrival.
Miss Bingley, who had watched his approach with particular attention, observed the direction of his glance and was not entirely pleased by it; though she spoke as before, her manner acquired a degree of animation that was less natural than usual.
His manner was composed – perfectly so – yet not indifferent. He addressed Mrs. Bennet with civility, Jane with ease, and the younger sisters with a polite attention that did not encourage excess familiarity.
Yet it did not escape notice, least of all Miss Bingley’s, that his attention, whenever disengaged, returned quietly and with constancy to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Caroline observed – she could not do otherwise. Her attention, once engaged, refused to withdraw, fastening upon them with a restless and unwilling constancy. A hollow dissatisfaction settled upon her as the truth forced itself upon her: Mr. Darcy’s regard was no longer her own to command but wholly directed elsewhere. Yet she could not persuade herself that he would act upon it – surely, he would not go so far.
The visit proceeded in this manner for some time, until, at a natural pause in the conversation, Darcy rose.
“I intend to take a short walk,” he said, with an ease that might almost have passed unnoticed. “If any of the ladies should wish to join me, I should be happy to attend them.”
There was the smallest pause.
“Excepting, of course, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst,” he added, with composed civility, “who must not be deprived of their duties as hostesses.”
The distinction was made so naturally as to admit of no objection.
Miss Bingley smiled – though not without effort. “You are very considerate, Mr. Darcy.”
Elizabeth rose. “I should like some air,” she said.
Mrs. Bennet, who might once have objected, now merely nodded. “Yes, yes, my dear – a little air will do you good. Only do not go too far.”
Darcy offered his arm. Elizabeth accepted it. They left the room together.
For some moments after their departure, conversation continued – though not without interruption.
Mrs. Bennet, who had seated herself near the window, glanced out with an air of growing satisfaction.
“They are very fond of walking, I think,” she observed. “Mr. Darcy has taken a great deal of exercise of late, and Lizzy always preferred it to sitting still. It is quite a fortunate agreement.”
Kitty looked at Lydia. They started to giggle.
“Oh, Mama.”
“What is it, Lydia?”
