He was tolerably certain of what he had seen. Lip-reading was not a common accomplishment. In his experience, it was possessed almost exclusively by those whose hearing could not always be depended upon. He had reflected upon the matter many times in the fortnight since the assembly, the accuracy ofit, the ease with which she had done it, the manner in which she had repeated his words without a moment's hesitation, and he could not make it signify anything other than what it appeared to signify.
He required certainty.
When Sir William's invitation to an evening at Lucas Lodge arrived, Darcy resolved to make use of the occasion.
The carriage that evening conveyed himself, Georgiana, Bingley, and Miss Bingley. The Hursts followed in their own. Darcy sat beside his sister and occupied himself with what he had been attempting, with very little success, for the past fortnight: drawing her out of herself. Georgiana had spent the greater part of the previous two weeks indoors. Her days were divided between the pianoforte, walks about the grounds of Netherfield, and various needlework projects undertaken with Mrs. Annesley, occupations which, though respectable, could scarcely be called an engagement with the wider world. Anxiety on her account had rendered him thoughtful all evening, and Miss Bingley's constant complaints regarding country society did nothing to improve his humour.
"It has not been nearly so bad as all that," Bingley said, dismissing his sister's argument that the assemblies they had attended bore no comparison to those of London. "Meryton knows very well how to conduct a ball. I have found them exceedingly pleasant."
"Have you indeed, Charles?" Miss Bingley's smile was thin. "Or does your eagerness to dance with Miss Bennet upon every possible occasion somewhat influence your judgement?"
"What I enjoy, and how often I dance with any particular lady, are entirely my own concerns, Caroline." Bingley did not look at her. "You might concern yourself with securing partners of your own."
Miss Bingley drew a sharp breath, recovered herself with visible effort, and turned to Darcy.
"Perhaps you might speak some sense to your friend, Mr. Darcy. I fear he is becoming the victim of ambitious mothers and their designs."
"I see no reason to interfere in Bingley's affairs," Darcy replied. "Nor do I perceive any design worth remarking upon."
Bingley turned toward the window with a look of satisfaction. Miss Bingley subsided into a silence that conveyed her displeasure more effectively than words.
Georgiana said nothing. She sat with her hands folded in her lap, watching the dark road ahead, present and absent in equal measure.
After a pause, Darcy seized the opportunity to make further enquiries concerning Miss Elizabeth.
"The Bennet family are well regarded in the neighbourhood, I collect," he said to no one in particular.
"Universally," Bingley replied. "Mr. Bennet is one of the most entertaining gentlemen I have ever met. Though I do not think he much enjoys outdoor pursuits. I am persuaded you will like him. Mrs. Bennet is... spirited. All the daughters are generally liked, but the elder girls are especially agreeable."
"And Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy kept his tone easy enough to disguise his interest. "What is generally said of her?"
Bingley glanced at him with mild curiosity.
"Lively. Very clever. Fond of walking in all weather, I am told. Why do you ask?"
"She struck me as thoughtful," Darcy said carelessly. "I wondered whether she preferred smaller gatherings to larger ones. Whether she found rooms such as the assembly, the noise, the crowd, fatiguing."
Bingley considered the question.
"I could not say. Miss Bennet has never mentioned anything of the sort. Miss Elizabeth always appears perfectly at her ease."
"She does," Darcy agreed.
"Why do you ask?" Miss Bingley's eyes sharpened with immediate interest. "Has she said or done anything to suggest otherwise?"
"Not at all," Darcy replied. "I merely find those who observe more interesting than those who strive to attract notice. I wondered whether it was disposition or habit."
Miss Bingley appeared dissatisfied with the answer, but her interest soon faded. Bingley returned his attention to the window. Georgiana glanced briefly at her brother, said nothing, and looked away once more.
Darcy allowed his thoughts to return to the subject which had occupied them so frequently of late. No one appeared to have noticed anything unusual about Miss Elizabeth Bennet. That fact alone was instructive. Unless he had entirely mistaken the matter, Miss Elizabeth concealed her difficulty exceedingly well.
If there is a difficulty to conceal at all, he thought.
Before the evening was over, he intended to know the truth.
The carriage turned through the gates of Lucas Lodge. Lamps burned along the drive, and the house stood warm and welcoming against the darkness of the October evening. Darcy adjusted his coat and offered Georgiana his arm as they descended.
"You need not remain beside me all evening," she said quietly.
