Darcy allowed himself the smallest smile. “Yes. You were very certain of it.”
Elizabeth leaned back slightly in her chair. “You have met him, sir. I think the matter requires little explanation.”
Darcy studied her for a moment. “You have formed an idea, then, of what would make you happy.”
Elizabeth’s expression brightened with a touch of playful defiance. “Of course I have.”
“And you will not tell me what it is.”
“No.”
“Not even a hint?”
She shook her head. “I think, Mr. Darcy, that would be far too revealing.”
“Perhaps you will tell me when we are better acquainted.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “But you are going away. I do not see how our acquaintance can improve very much.”
She paused a moment, as though the thought required less composure than it unexpectedly did. A slight, unwelcome tightness stirred within her, which she could not immediately account for, and was determined not to examine.
Before Darcy could reply, the door opened, and Mrs. Bennet returned, followed by a maid carrying a tray.
“My dear Mr. Darcy, you must take something,” she said briskly. “It is so good of you to come. You are the cure for a mother’s nerves, sir. Here, have some refreshment.” She arranged the cups with great energy before settling herself with evident satisfaction. “Lizzy, help Mr. Darcy.” Then she turned back to their guest. “I must say,” she continued, “I do not know what made Miss Bingley believe you were leaving the neighbourhood so suddenly. The idea has thrown us all into the greatest confusion.”
“You are not leaving, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth stopped in the middle of pouring tea.
“No, indeed. Nobody is leaving. Miss Bingley?” He asked both of them.
“She sent a message yesterday saying you were all going to London, for good,” Elizabeth said. “So, you are not leaving at all?”
“Yes, yes,” Mrs. Bennet said. “Miss Bingley wrote to my daughter yesterday that you were all quitting Netherfield and returning to London.”
Darcy’s expression changed. “I assure you, madam, Miss Elizabeth, no such plan exists.”
Elizabeth lowered her eyes briefly.
“None whatsoever,” he continued. “Mr. Bingley has business in London for a few days, but he intends to return very shortly.”
Elizabeth looked up quickly. “Return? He returns?”
“Yes. Did he not say so to Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth hesitated a moment. She rose. “I must tell Jane. Excuse me.” She moved toward the door, but before leaving, she turned back. “Miss Bingley made her believe she was abandoned. She has not come down this morning.” With that, she left the room.
The quiet distress in her voice and the tenderness with which she spoke of her sister struck Darcy more strongly than he expected.
For a moment, there was silence. He had risen when she stood suddenly, the cup in his hands. He called to her. “Miss Elizabeth!”
She paused at the doorway and turned back.
“I must beg a moment of your attention. I came, in fact, partly on Mr. Bingley’s behalf. He asked me to deliver a message, to Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth regarded him with quick attention and stepped back into the room. “A message?”
Darcy inclined his head.
“I shall try to persuade her to come downstairs.” With that, she left the room.
