Elizabeth’s expression suggested she did not wholly accept that explanation, but she did not contradict him.
***
Elizabeth did not accompany the gentlemen to the door when they took their leave. She left that office to her mother and Jane. Yet she found herself, almost without intention, pausing at the bay window of the parlour. From there, she could see the sweep of the drive and the gentlemen mounting.
She ought not to have lingered.
As Mr. Darcy adjusted the reins of his horse, he lifted his head – and looked directly toward the window. She started, as though discovered.
For a fleeting instant, she had the absurd impression that he had known she stood there all along. Before she could recollect herself, another thought intruded – unbidden and inconvenient.
He made a very fine figure on horseback.
She drew back at once, half vexed with herself.
That so little as four-and-twenty hours should alter one’s judgement was a circumstance she would not have believed possible.
***
Within minutes, they had left Longbourn behind them.
Darcy could not suppress a faint rolling of the eyes as Bingley turned in his saddle for the third time to look back. Miss Bennet still stood at the gate, her hand raised in parting.
He could only hope he himself would never cut so conspicuous a figure.
Bingley began to speak almost at once. “I cannot recall a more agreeable afternoon,” he declared, urging his horse forward before remembering himself and moderating the pace to match Darcy’s. “We were fortunate with the weather. I had the most excellent walk with Miss Bennet. It was only right to accompany her. Thank you for indulging me.”
“Yes, well,” Darcy replied evenly, “it was not merely a walk.”
“Indeed not. Quite unexpected, after last evening. But Mrs. Bennet would have been deeply disappointed had we refused.”
“And it afforded you a second opportunity to remain at Miss Bennet’s side.”
Bingley did not attempt denial. “Why, that was partly the inducement,” he admitted cheerfully. After a pause, he added, “You should have seen how she looked at me. I think – I hope – I interpreted her expression correctly. She seemed pleased that we accepted. Oh, Darcy, Miss Bennet possesses the sweetest temper in the world! I do not believe I have ever known a young lady so entirely free of artifice.”
Darcy inclined his head. He could think of another. “Yes.”
Bingley glanced sideways at him. “Once again – thank you. I know such invitations are not always to your taste.”
Darcy’s brows lifted slightly. “Why is it universally assumed that I must object to a country table?”
Bingley laughed. “You would not ordinarily seek it.”
“That may be true,” Darcy said. “But it does not follow that I cannot value it.”
“Value it?” Bingley repeated with interest.
“Yes. There is a difference between simplicity and deficiency.”
Bingley smiled at that. “Then you were not suffering?”
“Hardly.”
Bingley’s expression grew more mischievous.
“And the company?”
Darcy kept his eyes on the road ahead. “The company,” he said after a moment, “presented an interesting tableau. Mrs. Bennet is rightly praised for her offerings.”
