"That is impossible." Jane said.
"But I think he does."
Elizabeth then recounted each of her encounters with Mr. Darcy. The assembly. Lucas Lodge. Oakham Mount. The peculiar questions regarding crowded rooms and conversation. The deliberate manner in which he always placed himself upon her left.
"I believe he saw me repeat his words at the assembly," Elizabeth said. "I suspect that was when he first guessed." She sighed. "In truth, I do not know what to think anymore. Perhaps I am merely surprised that he has noticed me at all. Or perhaps I am surprised that I may be right."
Jane was silent for some time.
"He said you were not handsome enough to tempt him, and now he pays you particular attention?" she said at last. "I admit the circumstance invites suspicion."
"Exactly." Elizabeth pointed at her sister. "More suspicious still is the manner in which he contrived my acquaintance with his sister."
At this Jane shook her head. "Whatever may be said of Mr. Darcy, I do not believe his desire for you to know Miss Darcy has anything to do with this."
"No?"
"No. Charles speaks of him often. Mr. Darcy is exceedingly protective of his sister. Indeed, the very fact that he sought your acquaintance for his sister suggests that he trusts your judgement and values your character." Jane tilted her head slightly. "What do you think?"
Elizabeth was quiet for a long moment.
Her thoughts returned to Georgiana.
Then to Darcy standing at the edge of the room at Lucas Lodge, watching them converse with that expression she had been unable to name at the time.
She was beginning to name it now.
"I think," she said slowly, "that whatever his reason for wishing me acquainted with Miss Darcy, it is not a simple one. The fact that he sought it only after he began observing me suggests as much."
She paused, considering the matter further.
"And I think there is something about Miss Darcy that I do not yet understand."
Jane only nodded. She did not press further.
That was one of Jane's greatest virtues. She always knew when enough had been said.
"Lizzy." She reached out and briefly squeezed Elizabeth's hand. "You have never allowed your hearing to govern your life. Ido not know another person who accomplishes half of what you do whilst managing such a difficulty."
Elizabeth smiled faintly.
"Whatever Mr. Darcy knows or does not know," Jane continued, "he has treated you with nothing but consideration. That must count for something."
"It counts for a great deal," Elizabeth admitted. "A great many ladies would be pleased to receive such attention."
"Exactly."
"Which is precisely why it unsettles me."
Jane laughed softly.
She rose, smoothed her skirts, and moved towards the door.
"Perhaps," she said, pausing with her hand upon the latch, "being unsettled is not the worst thing that could happen to you."
She departed before Elizabeth could think of a suitable reply.
Elizabeth sank back against her pillow and stared up at the ceiling.
