Page 31 of Twice Chosen

Elizabeth's fingers tightened. "Have I?"

"A little. You wait now."

"I was unaware I had ever been impatient."

Jane laughed. "Lizzy."

They sat in comfortable silence. At last Jane said, "I think of him when he is not here."

Elizabeth did not squeal. She considered this proof of remarkable self-command. "Do you?"

"Yes. And when he is here, I try not to think at all."

Elizabeth squeezed her hand. "Perhaps he would not be offended if you allowed him to see that you enjoy his company."

Jane's smile faded slightly. "Do I seem cold?"

"No. Never cold. But people cannot always distinguish kindness from preference when kindness is your natural language."

Jane considered that. "You think he is uncertain."

"I think anyone might be."

"Would you be?"

Elizabeth thought of Darcy standing in a corridor with her forgotten glove. "Frequently."

Jane smiled slowly. "Mr. Darcy?"

Elizabeth choked on a laugh. "What has Mr. Darcy to do with anything?"

"You smile whenever someone says his name."

"I do not."

"You do."

"Jane Bennet, you are becoming impertinent."

"Perhaps you might allow him to see your preference as well."

Elizabeth frowned. "I have no preference."

Jane merely looked at her.

Elizabeth sighed. Sisters were intolerable.

At Netherfield, Darcy was conducting a similar conversation with considerably more pacing.

Bingley stood before the library fire, one hand braced against the mantel. "She likes me."

Darcy sat with a book open upon his knee. "I believe so."

"You believe?"

"Yes."

"How much?"