“Mama, do you not see that they are courting?”
Kitty gave a small laugh.
Mrs. Bennet turned at once. “Courting? Nonsense, child! What an idea. Mr. Darcy – and Lizzy…” She stopped. “Mr. Darcy! ten thousand a year… Why would you say such a thing?”
Lydia rolled her eyes. “Mama, they have had several walks together. You remember last Sunday? And he seems to enjoy our parlour. I think it is obvious.”
Mrs. Bennet opened her mouth, but no words followed. When she looked at her eldest daughter, Jane nodded.
The effect was immediate.
“God bless me! How did I not see this? Mr. Darcy and our Lizzy.”
Miss Bingley sat very still. Mrs. Hurst’s composure did not entirely conceal her attention. “Such conclusions,” said she, with measured restraint, “are, I think, rather premature.”
“Very much so,” added Mrs. Hurst.
Caroline’s smile, though perfectly arranged, did not reach her eyes. “Indeed, I cannot imagine upon what foundation such an idea could rest. Mr. Darcy has always shown himself most particular in his attentions. To suppose that he should form an attachment so suddenly – and in such a manner – is quite… extraordinary, I must think.”
Lydia, wholly undeterred, replied, “I do not think it sudden at all. He has been at Longbourn very often, and he always finds something to say to Lizzy.”
Kitty nodded. “And he asked her to walk just now.”
“That proves nothing,” Caroline returned quickly. “And he did not even address himself to her in particular. A gentleman may offer such civilities without the least intention beyond them.”
“Especially,” added Mrs. Hurst, “when circumstances require politeness.”
Lydia laughed. “If that is politeness, I should like to see what comes next.”
Caroline’s composure faltered for the briefest moment. “You mistake entirely. Mr. Darcy is not a man to act without consideration. His connections, his family – his expectations…” She stopped herself, though not before the implication was clear.
Mrs. Bennet, however, was no longer attending to her. Her eyes had already moved back to Jane. She rose. “I believe,” she said, with sudden resolution, “that I shall take a little air.”
***
Darcy and Elizabeth had not gone far.
They walked at an easy pace, their conversation quiet and unforced – each perhaps more aware of the other than of the path before them.
It was Elizabeth who first perceived the approach. She stopped. Darcy stopped at once beside her.
Mrs. Bennet was advancing toward them with a degree of purpose that admitted of no misunderstanding.
She said nothing as she came near. Instead, she halted directly before them. For a moment, she only looked.
First at Elizabeth. Then at Darcy.
Then again at Elizabeth. And again at Darcy.
The silence was not a comfortable one.
Elizabeth felt the colour rise in her cheeks. Darcy, though perfectly composed, did not immediately speak. They exchanged a glance – instinctive, unguarded – and as quickly returned their attention to Mrs. Bennet.
She looked from one to the other once more. Then, with all the directness of her character, she asked:
“Are you two courting?”
Darcy did not hesitate. He turned slightly toward Elizabeth before answering. “I hope to be so, madam,” he said, “with Miss Elizabeth’s consent.”
