Page 60 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

Mary ignored the remark. “Mr. Darcy has refused cards.”

“Perhaps he fears defeat.”

“He does not look afraid.”

“Then perhaps he fears victory would appear proud.”

Mary looked at her. “You have decided that every choice he makes confirms the same fault.”

“Not every choice. Some reveal new ones.”

Before Mary could answer, Sir William called for partners. Bingley secured Jane for a table with Mr. and Mrs. Phillips. Caroline claimed Darcy before another guest could approach him, and Louisa joined Hurst at a table with Lady Lucas and Mr. Goulding.

Elizabeth expected Wickham to ask her, but Kitty had drawn him toward a game with Lydia and two officers. Sir William soon introduced her to Mr. Denny’s uncle, an apothecary who was hard of hearing.

“Mr. Allen requires a partner,” Sir William said. “You will find him a man of sense.”

Mr. Allen bowed. “I was once. Age has corrected the fault.”

Elizabeth accepted the seat opposite him. Mary joined them, along with Mrs. Long, whose questions began before the cards reached the table.

“Have you seen much of Mr. Wickham, Miss Elizabeth?”

“No more than the rest of Meryton.”

“Such agreeable manners. His regiment speaks well of him.”

Mr. Allen arranged his cards. “A regiment will speak well of any man who pays his debts and laughs at the colonel's stories.”

“Then Mr. Wickham has met two useful tests,” Elizabeth said.

Across the room, Darcy sat with Caroline and two local gentlemen. He should have given his attention to the game, yet Elizabeth caught his gaze twice before the first hand ended. The second time, Caroline followed it.

She placed a card with more force than the game required, and Darcy looked down at the table.

Mrs. Long leaned toward Elizabeth. “Mr. Darcy watches every person as though he expects a confession.”

“Perhaps he keeps a private court.”

Mr. Allen heard only part of the exchange. “Who keeps a court?”

“Mr. Darcy,” Mary said.

The old gentleman turned in Darcy's direction. “Too young for a judge and too solemn for a prisoner.”

Elizabeth laughed, and Darcy looked up at the sound. Caroline saw that as well.

The game continued until Mr. Allen dropped two cards. One slid beneath the neighboring table. He bent, but his knee failed him, and the movement brought a sharp breath through his teeth.

Darcy rose before Sir William noticed. He retrieved the card, moved Mr. Allen's chair away from the table, and placed the fallen cards within reach.

“You have the nine of clubs, sir,” he said.

Mr. Allen looked up. “Have I? Then I possess more than I deserve.”

“The card belongs to you. Deserve has no part in it.”

“Spoken like a man who has never lost at whist.”