Page 62 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“That sounds like an accusation.”

“An observation.”

“I have learned to inspect those.”

Darcy's expression changed. “From Miss Bingley?”

Elizabeth had not expected him to refer to the conversation at Netherfield. “She offered instruction. I supplied the inspection.”

“Did you find value in it?”

“I found intention.”

Before he could answer, Wickham approached with Kitty beside him.

“Darcy,” he said.

Darcy's face closed. “Wickham.”

Kitty looked between them. “Mr. Wickham says you knew one another as boys.”

“We did,” Darcy said.

“He says Pemberley has the finest grounds in Derbyshire.”

“He remembers them well.”

Wickham smiled. “Some places resist forgetting.”

“And some memories improve with repetition,” Darcy said.

The words remained civil, but Kitty's smile faded.

Elizabeth stepped into the silence. “Mr. Wickham has promised to teach Kitty piquet.”

“Miss Catherine requires nothing from me,” Wickham said. “She defeated Denny twice.”

“Once,” Kitty corrected. “The second game ended before supper.”

“Then Denny owes his reputation to the cook.”

Kitty laughed again. Wickham had restored the ease of the group, though Elizabeth noticed Darcy's attention on him rather than her.

“You find Mr. Allen agreeable company?” Wickham asked Elizabeth.

“I do.”

“Darcy appeared concerned for him.”

“Mr. Allen dropped a card. Mr. Darcy returned it.”

“A small service can make an impression when performed before an audience.”

Elizabeth knew Darcy heard him when he became still.

“Mr. Darcy did not appear to consider the audience,” she said.

Wickham's smile remained. “Then his habits have changed.”