There was such quiet joy in her face that Elizabeth could not help embracing her. Jane laughed softly and returned it, and for a moment the maze, the score and even Darcy were forgotten.
"Oh, Jane. I hope it is exactly as you believe."
When they drew apart, Jane looked at her with gentle curiosity. "And what of you?"
Elizabeth lowered her gaze to their joined hands. "Mr Darcy asked me for a dance."
"Only a dance?"
"He had scarcely begun before I made his answer depend upon his conduct tomorrow."
Jane gave her an affectionate look. "Of course you did."
"He did not appear discouraged."
"I cannot imagine that he would. Oh Lizzy, his eyes never leave you. I have never seen a man appear so in love."
Elizabeth smiled, but the unease left by the debate had not quite disappeared. She rose and crossed to the dressing table, moving items around thoughtlessly. "He argued very convincingly today."
"As did you."
"I know. But he spoke so easily of reconsidering a chosen course, and of the courage required to disappoint others when reason demanded it." Elizabeth turned a pin between her fingers. "What if that is what happens when the week is over? Chaffley Hall has allowed us to behave as though the differences between us scarcely matter. But they do matter. He is Mr Darcyof Pemberley, with a sister to launch in society and relations who must expect a very different marriage."
Jane was quiet for a moment. "Has he ever suggested that he is ashamed of his feelings for you?"
"No."
"Or that his family would decide for him?"
"No."
"Then perhaps you should allow him to choose his own course before fearing he will abandon it."
Elizabeth looked back at her.
Jane smiled. "You argued for constancy today. You might show a little faith in his."
That struck near enough to the truth that Elizabeth could not immediately answer. At last she returned to the bed and rested her head briefly against Jane's shoulder. "When did you become the sensible sister?"
"I have always been sensible. You are only noticing now because I have finally begun interrupting you."
Elizabeth laughed and nudged her with one shoulder. "Colonel Fitzwilliam has certainly made you bolder."
"Perhaps Chaffley Hall has made us all a little bolder."
They sat together for another minute before Jane rose. At the door, she turned back.
"Try to sleep. Tomorrow we shall win the maze, Richard will speak to Papa and Mr Darcy will make his intentions clear."
"You have arranged the entire day very neatly."
"I find optimism much more restful than worry."
After Jane had gone, Elizabeth extinguished the candles and climbed into bed. She tried to follow her sister's advice, but sleep remained distant. Tomorrow would decide the Challenge, and the ball might finally tell her whether Mr Darcy's intentions were as steady as his attentions had seemed.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The ladies were shown to the morning room for breakfast, while the gentlemen were sent in the opposite direction towards the smaller dining parlour. No explanation was offered for the separation, though Harriet immediately declared that Lady Hortensia feared the gentlemen might attempt to steal their strategy over the coffee.
