Page 61 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“I have lost often enough.”

“Not with that face.”

A few people laughed. Darcy nodded, returned the chair to its place, and resumed his seat without looking around for approval.

Mary watched him as Elizabeth gathered the cards for the next hand. “Do not say it.”

“I have said nothing.”

“Your silence has the air of a conclusion.”

“Then you have supplied it.”

Mr. Allen tapped the table. “Are we playing or reforming one another? I prefer cards. Reform lasts too long.”

They played on.

At the next table, Caroline spoke to Darcy in a low voice. Elizabeth could not hear the words, but Louisa looked across from her own game. Her gaze rested on Caroline, then moved to Elizabeth and back again.

Hurst noticed the same exchange. He ate another almond and said something to his wife. Louisa gave him a warning look and Hurst shrugged.

When the games ended, servants cleared two tables to make room for supper. Sir William proposed music, but the damaged pianoforte defeated his ambition. Conversation divided into smaller groups.

Bingley and Jane stood near the windows, discussing a view neither appeared to see. Kitty remained beside Wickham, while Lydia tried to draw Denny into their conversation. Mary found Mr. Allen near the fire and listened as he described a fever that had swept through Meryton thirty years before.

Elizabeth moved toward the refreshment table and reached it at the same time as Darcy.

“Miss Elizabeth.”

“Mr. Darcy.”

He handed her a glass before taking one for himself. “Your partner appears satisfied with the game.”

“Mr. Allen declared that my errors preserved his dignity.”

“Then he found advantage in them.”

“You see profit where others see failure.”

“Not in every case.”

The answer carried enough meaning to recall their encounter in the lane. Elizabeth looked at him and he met her gaze without retreat.

“Have you inspected any gates today?” she asked.

“No.”

“Then Hertfordshire has escaped judgment for an afternoon.”

“I offered no judgment of Hertfordshire.”

“Only of one estate.”

“Only of one gate.”

Elizabeth took a sip from her glass. “Your distinctions multiply whenever they become convenient.”

“And your conclusions arrive before the evidence.”