It had been three days since their meeting at Oakham Mount, and she had scarcely thought of him since. Or so she had assured herself.
The sight of him now suggested otherwise.
Mr. Bingley saw her first. He raised his hat with a smile that demanded nothing of anyone. Mr. Darcy noticed her a moment later. He touched the brim of his hat and offered something that bore a distant resemblance to a smile.
Elizabeth composed herself, curtseyed, and went to meet them.
"Miss Elizabeth." Bingley bowed. "I hope we do not intrude. I had looked forward to another visit so much that I could not persuade myself to wait for a formal invitation."
"You are very welcome, Mr. Bingley," she replied with a smile before turning to his companion. "Mr. Darcy."
"Miss Elizabeth." He inclined his head. "Good morning."
The housekeeper, Mrs. Hill, had already departed to inform the family of their arrival. Elizabeth led the gentlemen into the house, and by the time they reached the drawing room, most of the family had assembled.
Mrs. Bennet received Mr. Bingley with the warmth and flattery that had become customary during his visits.
She received Mr. Darcy with a degree of civility that did not quite approach the enthusiasm she reserved for his friend, but neither did it amount to a snub.
Elizabeth considered it a marked improvement. Following the assemblies, her mother's opinion of Mr. Darcy had seldom been expressed with such restraint. His presence in her drawing room appeared, at the very least, to have encouraged greater courtesy.
Tea was ordered, and the company settled itself. Bingley and Jane soon found themselves upon the same side of the room, as though by long-established habit. Mrs. Bennet devoted her attention to them immediately.
Mr. Darcy took the chair beside Elizabeth.
On her left.
She noticed it and said nothing.
"Your garden is very pleasant," said Mr. Darcy.
"It is more deserving of the compliment in spring." Elizabeth cast a warning glance towards Lydia and Kitty, who were amusing themselves at her expense with expressions they believed subtle. "At present it consists chiefly of stubbornness."
He appeared on the verge of replying when the drawing-room door opened.
The gentlemen rose as Mr. Bennet entered, spectacles in hand and curiosity evident upon his countenance.
"Mr. Bingley." He nodded towards him. "And you must be Mr. Darcy."
His gaze settled upon Darcy with frank interest before extending a hand to him. "I have heard a great deal about you, sir."
"I hope it has been favourable." Darcy accepted the offered hand.
Mr. Bennet considered the matter.
"Whatever I may have heard," he replied, "Mr. Bingley's description of you persuades me that I shall find you worth knowing. Come, sir. Sit with me a while."
He led Darcy towards the chairs by the window.
The conversation that followed concerned Hertfordshire at first, then Derbyshire, books and then some subject Elizabeth entirely lost when Lydia and Kitty began disputing the relative merits of various militia officers and Mary undertook to correct them both for their want of decorum before guests.
Elizabeth continued to direct her attention towards the window, careful not to make her interest too obvious, and watched Darcy converse with her father.
She could make out only portions of what was said, for both gentlemen spoke too quickly for easy reading, but she was quite certain he was enjoying himself.
She had never seen him quite like this before.
Removed from assemblies and crowded gatherings, there was something different about him.
