"You are acquainted with most of the neighbourhood, I believe," Darcy said at last.
"Most of it," she said. "Meryton is not large."
"And do you find it agreeable?" he asked. "The society here?"
"Very agreeable indeed. I have known most of these people all my life. There is a comfort in such familiarity."
"I daresay there is." Darcy paused, considering his next words. "Though I sometimes wonder whether familiarity makes it easier to be at ease in company. In a room such as this."
Elizabeth turned towards him.
"I am not certain I understand you, Mr. Darcy."
"Only that a room full of strangers presents different demands than a room full of acquaintances," he said carefully. "The noise, the movement, the number of conversations happening at once." He kept his voice entirely neutral. "Some people find it fatiguing. Others manage it with considerable — skill."
Elizabeth was silent for a moment.
He watched her consider both the question and the motive behind it.
"I find it perfectly manageable," she said at last.
Her voice remained light. Her eyes did not.
"I always have."
"Of course."
"Mr. Darcy." She turned fully towards him for the first time. It ought to have felt encouraging. It did not. "You are a very observant gentleman."
"I have occasionally been accused of it."
"I am sure the talent serves you well," she said pleasantly. "In the proper company."
It was not a question. Nor was it quite a warning.
It occupied a careful space between the two, delivered with a composure that made her wishes perfectly clear.
She did not desire his company.
"If you will excuse me." Her voice remained pleasant and entirely firm. "I believe my mother requires my attention."
He glanced across the room.
Mrs. Bennet was doing no such thing. Indeed, she was deeply engaged in conversation with Mrs. Lucas and not facing their direction at all.
When he looked back, Elizabeth had already half turned away, lifting her glass with unhurried composure.
He had one opportunity remaining before she excused herself entirely.
"Miss Bennet." He called quietly.
She paused.
"Before the evening advances further, might I prevail upon you to spend a little time with my sister? She has been at Netherfield a fortnight and has enjoyed very little society beyond our own party. I believe she would value the acquaintance."
Elizabeth heaved a sigh.
When she turned back, the wariness remained, but something else had entered her expression. Not warmth, certainly, but a willingness to consider the request.
