“Mr. Darcy.” There was no strain in her voice now. No guarded distance. Only something softer. Warmer.
Mrs. Bennet, meanwhile, had fixed upon another matter entirely. “And where are your sisters?” she asked Mr. Bingley.
Bingley smiled, though there was a trace of relief in it. “They departed for London this morning.”
Mrs. Bennet blinked. “So suddenly?”
“They had engagements which required their attention,” he said.
Charlotte, standing beside Elizabeth, cast her a brief glance. It said everything.
Elizabeth’s lips curved in the faintest of smiles.
“I see,” Charlotte murmured. Aloud, she said, “I have several calls yet to make this morning. I must not delay.” She took her leave with grace, though not without another glance toward Elizabeth that held a understanding.
The room settled once more, though the atmosphere had altered.
Miss Darcy was soon drawn into conversation with Mary, while Lydia and Kitty took immediate interest in her gown, their enthusiasm requiring little encouragement. Mrs. Bennet seated Mr. Bingley beside Jane with unmistakable intention, and the two fell into easy conversation that required no assistance.
Which left—
Elizabeth turned slightly. Mr. Darcy stood beside her.
For a moment, neither spoke. Then he said, “I hope you are well.”
“I am,” she replied.
There was a pause.
“I was not certain,” he said, “that I would see you today.”
Elizabeth’s smile was small, but genuine. “Nor I.”
He studied her for a moment. “You seem… different.”
She raised a brow. “Do I?”
“Yes.”
“And is that an improvement?”
He did not hesitate. “Decidedly.”
She laughed then, the sound light and unrestrained. “I am glad to hear it,” she said.
His expression softened in response. There was something easier between them now, something that did not require deliberate navigation.
“I believe,” she said after a moment, “that I owe you an apology.”
“For what?”
“For being so very determined to misunderstand you.” She had only meant to guard her heart, but in doing so, she had wounded him.
Darcy shook his head. “You owe me nothing of the kind.”
“I do,” she said. “Though I suspect you will not insist upon it.”
“I will not,” he agreed.
