Page 50 of Twice Chosen

He had intended to protect Georgiana by keeping the world small.

Perhaps healing required letting it become larger.

Chapter Thirteen

Caroline Notices

Caroline Bingley noticed everything involving Mr. Darcy.

She had therefore noticed Elizabeth Bennet.

At first she dismissed the interest. Darcy admired beauty; Miss Elizabeth was pretty enough in an unfashionable country way, with dark eyes that were perhaps too lively and a manner far too confident for a woman without consequence. Caroline had seen Darcy attend handsome women before without any danger to himself.

Then he began smiling.

Not frequently. That would have been alarming.

But at Elizabeth.

Only Elizabeth.

Worse, Elizabeth did not appear impressed.

Caroline found that offensive on principle.

At Netherfield one evening, Caroline attempted the old tactic Elizabeth remembered too well. She rose from the card table, linked arms with Louisa, and suggested a turn about the room. Elizabeth had been reading near Georgiana and knew exactly what came next.

"Miss Eliza, do join us," Caroline said with an airy smile.

Elizabeth closed her book. "Certainly."

They walked. Darcy remained seated with a volume open upon his knee.

Caroline waited long enough to ensure he noticed, then said, "Mr. Darcy, will you not join us?"

He did not look up. "No."

Elizabeth bit her lip.

Caroline frowned. "Surely you must be tired of sitting."

"I am not."

"Then perhaps you might admire our figures to greater advantage while we walk."

Darcy lowered the book.

Elizabeth knew the line from their first life. He had eventually admitted that his remarks about eyes and figures that evening had been among the stupidest things he had ever said while imagining himself clever.

Darcy looked at Elizabeth.

She lifted one eyebrow.

Warning.

His eyes warmed.

"I have already had sufficient opportunity to admire what deserves admiration," he said.