Darcy’s gaze did not soften, yet something in it altered. “He exceeds it everywhere,” he said quietly.“You may have created an enemy.”
Elizabeth hesitated. “I cannot pretend to understand the whole of it,” she said carefully. “But I understand enough to know that he meant harm.”
Another silence followed – not uncomfortable now, but thoughtful.
Darcy looked at her with new attention. “I must say… You held yourself admirably.”
Elizabeth gave the smallest shake of her head.
The corner of Darcy’s mouth moved faintly. “You threatened to ruin him through the influence of Mrs. Bennet.”
Elizabeth blinked – then laughed softly. “Well,” she said, “it appeared the most immediate authority at my disposal.”
Darcy’s expression almost warmed. “I must then be grateful that I have recently become one of her favourites.”
Elizabeth’s eyes brightened with amusement. “Yes,” she said. “You have improved very much in her estimation. Indulging her at the table and tonight dancing with her daughters has done wonders for your reputation.”
“I shall endeavour to maintain it,” he replied gravely.
She regarded him with a look that was half playful, half thoughtful.
“I do not think my mother’s favour is easily withdrawn once secured. You may find yourself very firmly established.”
Darcy inclined his head slightly. “A formidable alliance.”
Elizabeth’s smile lingered – then slowly faded as the moment returned to its quieter seriousness.
“I hope,” she said more gently, “that your sister will never know her name was used so lightly.”
Darcy held her gaze. “She will not.”
Elizabeth nodded once, satisfied. “I will not share this with anyone. I believe,” she added after a moment, “that we have both been absent from the company longer than is advisable.”
“Yes,” Darcy agreed.
She moved toward the door. After a step or two, she paused and turned slightly back. “I am glad,” she said simply, “that I passed this way.”
Darcy looked at her – and for a moment, the composure he had worn all evening softened. He inclined his head toward her. He could not trust himself to say more.
Elizabeth did the same and opened the door. Light and music spilt once more into the corridor as she returned to the ball.
Darcy had once seen her brave mud and distance for her sister’s sake. Tonight, she had shown equal courage for a lady she had never met. The evening, he reflected, had taken a very unexpected turn.
Chapter 12
Altered Opinions
The Bennet family were among the very last to remain at Netherfield that evening. Owing to a small but determined arrangement of Mrs. Bennet’s, their carriage was not yet at the door, and they found themselves lingering some minutes after the other guests had already departed – a circumstance which did little to improve the spirits of those obliged to remain with them.
Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley scarcely opened their mouths except to lament their fatigue, and repulsed, with polite but chilling brevity, every attempt of Mrs. Bennet to engage them in conversation. Their patience was clearly exhausted, and a languor settled upon the little party which even the most determined good humour could scarcely dispel.
Mr. Bennet, seated somewhat apart, observed the whole with the quiet composure of a gentleman long accustomed to finding entertainment in the peculiar felicities of his own family.
Mr. Bingley and Jane were standing together at a little distance from the others, engaged in a conversation so low and earnest that it seemed meant for no ears but their own.
Darcy’s glance fell upon them more than once. What struck him most was not Miss Bennet’s beauty – though that was undeniable – but the ease with which she received Bingley’s attention. She neither sought it nor appeared conscious of it, a circumstance which, in his experience, was by no means common.
Bingley glanced once toward the door, as though to assure himself that their carriage had not yet arrived and then turned back to her with renewed satisfaction.
