Page 14 of Twice Chosen

Elizabeth walked directly to Jane.

Darcy walked directly outside.

Bingley followed. "Darcy! What happened?"

"Nothing."

"You look like you've seen a ghost."

Darcy stopped in the darkened passage.

Perhaps he had.

The remainder of the assembly gave Elizabeth no peace. Darcy danced again--with Charlotte, to Sir William's astonishment--and spoke to Mrs. Long for long enough that Mrs. Long later informed everyone he was "reserved, certainly, but not rude." Bingley watched his friend with increasing fascination.

Elizabeth watched too.

When Darcy crossed near her after his second dance, Lydia whispered, "He keeps looking at you."

Elizabeth pretended interest in the musicians. "Perhaps something is wrong with my gown."

"Nothing is wrong with your gown. I wanted that gown."

"You wanted every gown in the house."

Lydia considered. "True."

Charlotte, on Elizabeth's other side, said quietly, "He looks at you as though he has misplaced you before."

Elizabeth's head turned.

Charlotte's brows lifted. "That was an odd expression. I only mean he seems relieved each time he sees you."

Relieved.

Elizabeth looked across the room.

Darcy was speaking with Bingley, but his attention drifted back to her as though drawn by habit. Their eyes met.

He looked away first.

Not proud.

Afraid.

The realization unsettled her more than any insult could have.

Later, Mr. Bennet collected his family for the journey home. Mrs. Bennet talked the entire way about Bingley's attentions to Jane, the size of Netherfield, and Mr. Darcy's unexpected dancing.

"I cannot understand him," she declared. "One moment he looks as though no one in the county is good enough to speak to him, and the next he is dancing with Charlotte Lucas."

Mr. Bennet said, "Perhaps he has discovered the county improved during supper."

Lydia laughed.

Elizabeth almost did too. Then she saw Mary smiling uncertainly, unsure whether the joke included her, and Kitty watching Lydia to know when to laugh.

Everything felt sharper now.