“Nonsense.”
“She was denied all opportunity for society due to my selfishness.”
“Would you have endured a thousand unpleasant evenings with strangers begging for your attention for her care?” Elizabeth paused for emphasis. “You would have. I know your character sufficiently to saythat.”
The dance ended, and Elizabeth stopped playing and bowed to the couples on the floor, who clapped for her. She looked to Darcy, her deep eyes touching his. “You need not feel poorly. Your failure, in so far as you failed, was a lack of imagination, a lack of a genius for understanding your fellow man — one ought never feel poorly for lacking any genius. We, none of us, choose the talents we are possessed by, merely what we shall do with them.”
Georgiana ran up to them. “Lizzy, fine playing! Did you watch me, Fitzwilliam? You did.”
“I did.”
Mr. Lucas walked up. “I return Miss Darcy to you, Mr. Darcy. She has been a fine partner for the set.”
“The evening is not over yet. I have another round of playing in me. And then,” Elizabeth called to Mrs. Lucas, “it shall be your turn to display.”
“Me?” The woman pressed her hands against her cheeks. “But I am not even the equal ofyou.”
“Not even the equal? That seems more a hidden insult than a hidden request for a compliment.”
“I liked your playing very much,” Georgiana said.
“I am pleased to possessonedefender.” Elizabeth archly looked at Darcy. “Though my vanity lacks a musical turn.”
This time Mr. Goulding partnered with Georgiana as the couples lined up.
“I have seldom heard any performer I enjoyed so much as you, Miss Bennet. That is truth.”
“Lies! A sweet one, but I am not deceived by my talent.”
“Talent isnotthe lone determinant of the enjoyment given by a performance. Pleasure in the performer can add pleasure to the performance.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks pinked. Darcy thought he was improving his skills at rakish banter.
“I am glad Georgie is coming out of her shell.”
“I owe her present delight to you. It makes me feel…as though I am less than I should be.”
“You care deeply for her.”
“That is not enough. It is my duty,mineto make her happy. I was too suspicious of the people around. Motivations, I always questioned. Always doubting, always worried.”
“Georgie’s happiness is not your duty alone. She must live her own life.”
Darcy enjoyed sitting next to Elizabeth and listening to her play. There was a peacefulness being with her that soothed him.
When Elizabeth finished her piece and shook out her hands, she pressed her hand onto Darcy’s leg for a briefest second. “Your sister is happy. You have guarded her as you best you could, and that has been good. Do not despise yourself.”
She stood.
Darcy missed the pressure of Elizabeth’s body against his leg, as if something had been amputated from him.
Following this Mrs. Lucas took her turn at the piano, and Darcy danced with Jane while Elizabeth partnered with Mr. Lucas. Then the servants brought out ices to cool them down.
Darcy hoped to talk to Elizabeth, but she approached Georgiana and pulled her to the side. They stood in a corner, with little blue-veined porcelain bowls of ice cream balanced elegantly in their hands. Georgiana slowly took bites with her small silver spoon, as Elizabeth forgot the delicacy and spoke softly, but persistently to Georgiana.
His sister looked down and said something. Elizabeth exclaimed, “Nonsense!” in a voice that carried to Darcy.
He could not stop staring. Elizabeth was too absorbed with his sister to notice. The curve of her neck was lovely, and the dress she wore puffed around her breasts, making the hourglass of her waist stand out vividly.
