Page 59 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

Bingley crossed to Jane. “You came.”

“Your surprise does not flatter Sir William's invitation.”

“I meant only that the evening has improved.”

Jane smiled, and Bingley answered it with one of his own.

Elizabeth looked toward Darcy. His bow held no warmth, but neither did it carry the reserve she expected from him. His gaze remained on her a moment after the greeting ended.

“Miss Elizabeth,” he said.

“Mr. Darcy.”

Kitty drew Elizabeth's attention toward the officers near the far wall. Wickham stood among them, speaking to Lydia and two of the Lucas girls. He saw Elizabeth and excused himself from the group.

“Miss Bennet.” His smile included Jane before settling on Elizabeth. “I had begun to fear Meryton had lost its best company to Netherfield.”

“Netherfield returned us before we suffered permanent damage.”

“Then the neighborhood owes Mr. Bingley its gratitude.”

Bingley heard his name and turned. “What have I done to earn thanks?”

“For restoring Miss Elizabeth to her friends.”

“I claim no credit. She left despite every inducement to remain.”

“Mr. Bingley's inducements concerned the south walk,” Elizabeth said. “Miss Bingley's concerned my manners.”

Caroline's head turned from across the room. Elizabeth could not know if she had heard the words, but Darcy had. His mouth altered, though the change fell short of a smile.

Wickham followed Elizabeth's glance. “Advice from Netherfield must carry weight.”

“When it proves useful.”

“Then you judge it as you would any other gift.”

“I judge the intention and the value.”

“A demanding standard.”

“For advice offered without request? I think not.”

Kitty joined them before Wickham could answer. “Mr. Wickham has promised to teach me piquet, Lizzy. He says the rules are simple.”

“They are,” Wickham said. “Winning is another matter.”

Kitty laughed. “You said I possessed every gift required.”

“And I shall expect instruction.”

Elizabeth left them to it and found Mary near the pianoforte. Mary had declined to play after Lady Lucas explained that the instrument had lost two strings and one key. She now surveyed the room with the grave attention she gave a sermon.

“You appear severe,” Elizabeth said.

“I am observing.”

“That often leads to severity.”