Page 66 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“I did not seek it.”

They turned with the set. Darcy's attention did not leave her face.

“Mr. Wickham thinks your conduct tonight served an audience,” Elizabeth said.

“Mr. Wickham assigns motives with confidence.”

“You do the same.”

“Then you have grounds to distrust us both.”

The answer checked her. She had expected denial or anger, not agreement.

“You make a poor defense,” she said.

“I was not defending myself.”

“That may be your first sensible choice this evening.”

“My first?”

“You accepted Sir William's proposal.”

“I accepted yours.”

“I made none.”

“You agreed to dance.”

“After you asked.”

“Then we share responsibility.”

Elizabeth almost smiled. Across the room, Caroline’s attention made concealment impossible.

“Miss Bingley appears concerned for your share,” Elizabeth said.

Darcy did not look toward Caroline. “Miss Bingley concerns herself with many things.”

“She believes concern grants authority.”

“It does not.”

The set brought them apart before Elizabeth could answer. When they returned to one another, Darcy spoke first.

“Did she presume to speak for me?”

Elizabeth met his eyes. “Ask her.”

“I am asking you.”

“Then you place me in the position you warned her against.”

His expression sharpened, then eased. “A fair correction.”

“Do not grow accustomed to them.”

“I doubt you would permit it.”