Elizabeth shook her head. “Nothing that need be repeated. I simply do not wish to be the cause of discomfort within your household.”
Bingley gave a small shrug. “Caroline is frequently uncomfortable. It is, I believe, her natural state.”
Elizabeth smiled, though her tone remained gentle. “Even so, it places us under some strain as well.”
She turned back to her father. “What do you think?”
Darcy leaned slightly closer and said in a low voice, “You did not mention the library.”
Elizabeth’s eyes brightened with amusement. “I believe he is already aware of it.”
Mr. Bennet rose. “Mr. Darcy, perhaps you would be so good as to join me in the library.”
“Certainly.”
The two gentlemen left the room together. The library was quiet when they entered. Mr. Bennet seated himself and indicated a chair opposite. Darcy complied.
For a moment, Mr. Bennet said nothing. He studied Darcy with a calm, measuring expression that was neither unfriendly nor indulgent.
At last, he spoke. “Mr. Darcy, I am not insensible to the kindness you have shown my family. However, I should be remiss as a father if I did not inquire how far that kindness is meant to extend.”
Darcy met his gaze without hesitation. “Sir, I will not pretend to misunderstand you. My intentions toward Miss Bennet are entirely honorable. I would not presume upon her, nor expose her to the slightest impropriety.”
Mr. Bennet inclined his head, as if weighing the answer. “I am glad to hear it. My daughter is not easily persuaded.”
Darcy’s expression softened, though his tone remained steady. “Nor should she be.”
A brief silence followed. Mr. Bennet regarded him for a moment longer, as if revising an earlier judgment. Then Mr. Bennet rose and extended his hand. “Then I believe we understand one another. At least for the present.”
Darcy stood and accepted it. “Thank you, sir.”
***
Elizabeth sat at the writing desk in the library, reviewing the household ledgers, when Lady Catherine entered.
She glanced up but did not rise. “Good morning. Can I assist you?”
Lady Catherine advanced and stopped before the desk. “What is this nonsense I hear of a harvest dance for the tenants?”
Elizabeth regarded her calmly. “I was not aware that it had been described to you as nonsense.”
Lady Catherine struck her cane sharply against the floor. “Do not trifle with me.”
Elizabeth winced slightly at the sound. “I must again request that you refrain from striking the floors with your cane. It is quite hard on them.”
“I am accustomed to having my questions answered directly.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “I have no doubt that you are. It must be very convenient. However, I find it more efficient when the question itself is clearly stated.”
Lady Catherine’s eyes narrowed as she looked at her.
Elizabeth continued, her tone even. “If you wish to inquire about the harvest dance, I am happy to explain it. If you wish to object to it, you may do so plainly. At present, you appear to be doing both, and neither very effectively.”
Lady Catherine stared at her.
Elizabeth met her gaze without hesitation.
“I believe,” Elizabeth went on, “that you do not truly object to the dance itself. It has been held for years without incident. You are instead seeking to establish whether I may be persuaded to alter my decisions at your direction.”
