She glanced toward him, her expression softening, but his attention remained fixed upon the stage, as though nothing were out of the ordinary.
His fingers tightened slightly around hers, a quiet acknowledgment, before his composure returned unchanged.
Elizabeth turned her gaze back to the stage, though she could not have said what passed upon it.
The conclusion of the act brought a stir of movement, as the audience rose and conversation resumed with renewed energy.
During the interval, refreshments were brought, and glasses of lemonade quietly set before the ladies.
Several gentlemen approached the box, requesting the honour of an introduction. Darcy complied with calm ease, presenting the ladies with a composure that suggested such attention was neither unexpected nor unwelcome.
Elizabeth bore it with grace, though she was not entirely insensible to the notice she attracted.
When the next interval brought further requests of the same nature, Darcy received them with rather less enthusiasm, though his manners remained perfectly correct.
By the close of the performance, even the most attentive among them felt the length of the evening, and the party welcomed the prospect of returning home. Georgiana’s early animation had softened into quiet contentment, while Anne, though smiling, showed clear signs of fatigue. Even Elizabeth felt the gentle weight of the long evening.
Darcy and Elizabeth guided the party toward the exit.
After a short wait, their carriage was brought round. The ladies entered and took their seats, and after a moment Jane joined them.
The return passed in near silence, the fatigue of the evening settling over them all.
Upon their arrival at Darcy House, the ladies began to ascend the stairs, but Darcy detained Elizabeth for a moment.
He smiled. “I believe I could be persuaded to enjoy London society, when it is shared with such company.”
Elizabeth returned his smile. “I shall remember that sir. Good night.”
Chapter twenty-six
Bingley arrived at Darcy House while most of the family was still at breakfast. When he was announced, he stood awkwardly for a few moments before turning to Mr. Bennet.
“Sir, might I have a word with Miss Bennet?”
Mr. Bennet regarded him with a twinkle in his eye. “Of course. She is sitting just there.”
Bingley straightened. “I meant, if I might speak with her in private.”
Mr. Bennet turned to Jane. “Do you wish to speak with Mr. Bingley?”
Jane gave a small, pleading smile. “Papa, do not tease so. Yes, I would.”
Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged an amused glance.
“You may use my study,” Darcy said.
“But the door will remain open,” Mr. Bennet added. “You may have ten minutes.”
Jane rose, and Bingley led her from the room.
They entered Darcy’s study, and Bingley closed the door partway. He gestured toward a chair, and Jane sat, her hands folded with quiet composure, though a hint of nervousness betrayed her.
Bingley stood before her for a moment, then, as though unable to do otherwise, sank to one knee and took her hand.
“Miss Bennet, I had intended to speak properly, but I find I cannot recall a word of it. Only this, I love you. You are very beautiful, but it is your sweetness, your goodness, that has won my heart entirely. Nothing would make me happier than to spend my life with you, if you would allow it.”
Jane’s eyes filled with tears.
