She might have answered. She might have deflected the remark as she had done before.
She had no need.
Darcy spoke. “Miss Bennet manages herself with more assurance than many who have no such challenges,” he said, his tone even. “I have seen nothing to suggest she is in any way hindered in company.”
The words were well meant.
Elizabeth knew that at once.
And yet—
Something in them struck her wrong.
It was not the defense itself. It was the phrasing. The acknowledgment of “challenges,” the implication of something to be overcome, something to be remarked upon.
Something to be admired for enduring.
A familiar sensation stirred, sharp and unwelcome.
Miss Bingley’s smile did not falter. “Of course,” she said. “It is most admirable. Such fortitude is always deserving of notice.”
There it was.
Admiration.
Fortitude.
Endurance.
Elizabeth felt the warmth drain from her expression.
Darcy said something further—she did not hear what. The conversation moved on, or seemed to. Voices resumed their natural rhythm.
But the moment had settled where it would not be easily dislodged.
She sat for several minutes more, answering when addressed, listening when required, her composure intact by long habit.
Inside, something had shifted.
The understanding she had struggled to maintain over the past fortnight, the fragile balance between hope and restraint—it wavered.
No,she thought, with sudden clarity.No.
Elizabeth rose. “I believe I should like some air,” she said, her tone calm.
Mrs. Bennet glanced toward her at once. “My dear, you must take care—”
“I shall not be long,” Elizabeth replied.
She proceeded without further remonstrance.
She crossed the room with measured steps, her hand finding her walking stick without hesitation. The familiar rhythm of movement steadied her, though not enough to silence the thoughts pressing too insistently upon her mind.
The door closed behind her.
The air outside was cooler than within, the dampness of the afternoon settling lightly upon her skin. She drew a breath, deeper than necessary, and let it out slowly.
Footsteps sounded behind her.
