Jane sighed again, setting down her embroidery. “I hope you know what you are doing, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth’s smile faltered. “So do I.”
Charlotte fussed with thetea service with a knowing glance at Elizabeth as the Netherfield party arrive. “You must admire my mother’s persistence,” she whispered. “Every pot of tea is another step toward securing Mr. Bingley for Maria.”
Elizabeth smirked. “I doubt Mrs. Lucas will find him quite so pliable, but I admire her spirit.”
The guests entered, and Elizabeth caught sight of Darcy at once. He was the same as the night of the Assembly: tall, severe, and surveying the room as though it were a field of battle. For a moment, his gaze landed on her, and she stiffened, though she could not say why. He nodded briefly, then turned his attention to Sir William.
Elizabeth suppressed a smile. If Darcy thought her unworthy of notice, she would simply have tomakehim notice.
She would not lower herself by playing the flirt. That would only confirm his view of her as an insipid country girl. His mind… she must make hismindher plaything. Surely even a man as reserved as Darcy could not fail to appreciate wit and lively conversation.
And if he did, then she would simply enjoy besting him in debate.
When the company was seated, she waited for her moment. Charlotte’s father was in the middle of an elaborate speech on the merits of turnips, his words sailing far over the heads of their guests. Elizabeth caught Darcy’s expression—carefully blank, though his fingers tapped the edge of his teacup. It was almost... restless.
“You must find this fascinating, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said, tilting her head as though genuinely interested.
Darcy blinked, his gaze snapping to hers. “Sorry?”
She smiled innocently. “Sir William’s discourse on turnips. Surely such agricultural pursuits are of interest to a gentleman of property.”
Darcy’s brow creased. “Indeed.”
“Tell me, Mr. Darcy, do you believe there is an optimal size for a turnip, or do you think variety is key to cultivation?”
There was a moment of silence. Charlotte coughed into her teacup, while Sir William brightened considerably. “An excellent question, Miss Bennet! A lady with a mind for farming—now that is a rarity!”
Elizabeth kept her gaze on Darcy, who seemed caught between irritation and complete bafflement. “I… I cannot claim to have given turnips much thought,” he said finally. “But I suspect… variety might be more desirable, depending on one’s soil and climate.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “How diplomatic of you, Mr. Darcy. You are not one for strong opinions, then?”
His gaze sharpened. “I have strong opinions where they are warranted.”
“And turnips do not warrant them?”
“Rarely.”
Elizabeth bit back a laugh. She had caught him off guard, but he recovered quickly. His tone was measured, his words precise. Still, there was something in the way he looked at her—something that suggested he was not entirely immune to her efforts.
“Perhaps we ought to move to a safer subject,” Darcy said. “Do you often enjoy provoking conversations about turnips, Miss Bennet, or was today an exception?”
Elizabeth set her teacup down with deliberate care. “Not turnips specifically, Mr. Darcy. But I do enjoy hearing the thoughts of men who pride themselves on their intellect. It is often quite revealing.”
His expression did not change, but his eyes darkened slightly. “And what, precisely, have I revealed?”
“That you are quite practiced at avoiding questions.” She smiled sweetly. “I shall have to work harder next time.”
His reply was cut off as Mrs. Lucas bustled in with another round of tea. Darcy turned away, giving her little choice but to withdraw. Still, as she sipped her tea, she could not help but feel a flicker of satisfaction.
Darcy might not admit it, but she had seen the spark of something—not interest, surely. But annoyance… yes, annoying him would do. The sort of annoyance that could develop into a grudging respect, with enough little pricks of the pin.
She would consider it a small victory.
Charlotte nudged her. “You engaged Mr. Darcy quite readily.”
“Engaged? Hardly,” Elizabeth said. “I was simply amusing myself.”
