Elizabeth caught Jane’s eye, and her sister offered a small, helpless smile. From the far side of the table, Mrs. Purvis—one of the neighborhood’s more reserved ladies—shifted uncomfortably in her seat, as though contemplating escape.
“I do hope your family has a similar appreciation for liveliness, Miss Bingley,” Mrs. Bennet continued, her tone almost triumphant.
Caroline smiled thinly, her eyes flicking toward Darcy as though to gauge his reaction. “I find a lively spirit charming in moderation,” she said smoothly. “Though I confess, I prefer quieter pursuits.”
“Quiet pursuits,” Elizabeth said lightly, “can often disguise the loudest ambitions.”
Caroline turned toward her, her smile tight as a bowstring. “I suppose you would know, Miss Eliza. You do have such a way of making yourself heard.”
Elizabeth’s smile brightened. “Thank you, Miss Bingley. I find it impossible to stay silent when there is so much of interest to remark upon.”
Across the table, Mrs. Purvis’s delicate sigh broke through the tension, her fan fluttering lightly against her cheek. “Such spirited conversation this evening. It is always a pleasure to see. My congratulations, Miss Bingley, on a thrilling evening.”
Darcy coughed softly, though Elizabeth thought it might have been a laugh. Caroline’s eyes narrowed, her composure cracking just slightly, and Elizabeth felt an undeniable rush of satisfaction.
Six
Darcy set down hiswineglass, his fingers brushing the stem with meditative slowness. Across the table, Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s smile sharpened like the point of a quill, her wit slicing through Caroline Bingley’s carefully laid remarks with the kind of effortless precision that left even him taken aback.
He coughed lightly, though the sound seemed to draw her attention. She glanced at him, her eyes bright with amusement, and for a moment—just a moment—he felt the flicker of a smile threatening to escape.
No. Not here.
He reached for his knife instead, slicing a neat line through the roast on his plate, though he barely tasted it. Across the table, Caroline shifted in her seat, her expression schooled into something meant to resemble poise. Darcy knew better. He could see the tightness in her jaw, the slight rigidity of her shoulders. Miss Bennet had scored a hit, and Caroline was preparing her counter.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Caroline began, her voice sweet enough to curdle. “I must say, your loyalty to your neighbors is rather inspiring. It is such a delight to see someone so... spirited.”
Elizabeth inclined her head, her expression neutral but her eyes alive with challenge. “How kind of you to say, Miss Bingley. I do hope I have not bored you with my observations.”
“Not at all,” Caroline said, her smile tight. “Indeed, I was only just thinking of how important and rare true, spirited conversation is—particularly among ladies. My dear friend Georgiana, for example, always appreciates a good wit.”
Darcy’s hand froze briefly above his plate. The mention of Georgiana was calculated, of course. Caroline wielded her supposed intimacy with his sister like a weapon, and it was a tactic he found increasingly tiresome.
“Your sister is such a treasure, Mr. Darcy,” Caroline continued, turning toward him now with an indulgent smile. “She often writes to me, you know, sharing her thoughts on music, art... so many subjects. Such refinement for one so young.”
Elizabeth’s gaze flicked toward him briefly, curiosity flashing in her eyes. Darcy set down his knife with deliberate care. “Georgiana is indeed talented,” he said evenly. “Though I was not aware she corresponded with you so regularly.”
Caroline’s smile wavered, just for an instant. “Oh, well, perhaps not regularly,” she admitted, her tone airy. “But we have exchanged letters. She is always so eager to hear my thoughts on matters of taste.”
Elizabeth’s mouth curved faintly, like a wolf catching the scent of blood, though she said nothing. Darcy resisted the urge to shift in his seat.
“Your guidance must be invaluable to her, Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth said at last, her voice carrying just enough sweetnessto match Caroline’s. “How fortunate that she has you to look up to.”
Caroline straightened, clearly interpreting Elizabeth’s words as genuine. “Indeed. Georgiana is such a darling girl, and I do feel quite protective of her. It is only natural, of course, given my closeness to Mr. Darcy and his family.”
Darcy’s grip tightened briefly on the edge of the table, but he remained silent, his expression impassive. Elizabeth, however, was not so restrained.
“How noble of you, Miss Bingley,” she said, tilting her head slightly. “To take such an interest in a young woman’s development. I am sure Mr. Darcy values your mentorship of his sister greatly.”
Caroline hesitated, clearly unsure whether Elizabeth’s words were sincere or mocking. “Of course,” she said after a moment, her tone clipped. “Could I do less for such a sweet young friend?”
“No, indeed,” Elizabeth replied, her eyes glittering. “Though I must confess, it surprises me that someone of your sophistication and many obligations would have so much time for correspondence.”
Darcy fought valiantly, but in the end, he managed to suppress the urge to smile. Caroline, on the other hand, faltered visibly, her reply catching on her tongue before she could deliver it.
“It is no trouble,” Caroline said finally, her voice brittle. “One must always make time for those in need of guidance.”
“Especially those so young,” Elizabeth added lightly. “I daresay she must look upon you as a second elder sister.”
