Mr. Bingley and Jane had drawn ahead with very little effort. Their conversation flowed with such ease that neither appeared aware of the increasing distance.
Left somewhat behind, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy walked in silence.
Darcy observed Bingley and Jane for a few moments before speaking. “Why do I have the feeling,” he said quietly, “that we are chaperoning?”
Elizabeth glanced at him, amused despite herself. “Perhaps because those two, when together, contrive to forget the existence of all others.”
“They are… engaged.”
“They were so last night as well.”
He looked at her then. “You felt neglected?”
“Quite. I occupied his other side at dinner, yet I might as well have been a decorative object. I am not used to that.”
“I can certainly see that… And Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth allowed herself a small smile. “I should say she was very well satisfied.”
He absorbed this without comment.
“Do you not approve?” she asked, more seriously now.
“It is not a question of approval.”
“Then of what?”
He hesitated – only briefly. “Of consequence.”
She studied him more closely now. “It wasyourfriend who asked Jane to dance twice at the assembly.”
“Yes.”
“And he has shown no inclination to repent of it since.”
“That is evident.”
They walked a few steps in silence. Ahead of them, Mr. Bingley laughed again, entirely unguarded. Elizabeth’s expression softened.
“You altered the seating last night,” he said at length.
Elizabeth stiffened, though she kept her eyes ahead.
“I know you have apologised, but I would know why? Why did you do it? Why me?”
She exhaled slowly. “You will not approve.”
He looked at her questioningly.
“It was… an impulse. I wished to observe how you would conduct yourself. I am not certain I regret it – though I ought.”
His expression did not change. “You intended to provoke me.”
She inclined her head in reluctant admission.
“Well,” he said after a moment, “and how did I perform?”
She almost smiled. “Too well. I had supposed you might resent not being placed at the head of the table beside my father.”
