This would never do. She was becoming entirely too aware of him.
Miss Bingley, meanwhile, had noticed enough to grow sharp around the edges. Her gaze moved repeatedly between Darcy and Elizabeth with increasing dissatisfaction, particularly whenever Elizabeth expressed amusement at some dry observation from Mrs. Bennet or Mr. Bennet. The fact that Darcy appeared to notice those moments too clearly aggravated matters further.
At one point during the evening, Elizabeth rose under the pretense of examining Lydia’s fashion plates merely to create distance between herself and Mr. Wilson.
The strategy failed instantly. He followed.
Darcy did not. That distinction lodged itself inconveniently in her thoughts.
Mr. Wilson launched into another conversation almost before she fully reached the table. “I confess,” he said warmly, “Longbourn exceeds every expectation I formed of it. You have all made a remarkable home here.”
“Mama deserves the credit for that.”
“Yes, yes, of course. A sensible woman.” He leaned slightly closer. “Though I suspect the house would feel lively anywhere you reside, Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth wished very much for Mary. Or her father. Even Miss Bingley’s company was preferable. “You flatter beyond necessity, sir.”
“I merely speak plainly.”
Before she could answer, Darcy appeared at Mary’s opposite side.
“Miss Mary,” he said with grave seriousness, “you must settle a matter of debate for me.”
Mary glanced up, visibly pleased to be consulted. “What matter?”
“I have been informed that no gentleman of sense can distinguish half the colors currently fashionable among ladies’ ribbons.”
Mary considered this with unexpected seriousness. “That depends upon the gentleman’s powers of observation.”
Darcy lifted his hands in surrender. “Then I fear many of us are doomed.”
Elizabeth bit the inside of her cheek.
Mr. Wilson frowned slightly, perhaps uncertain whether the interruption had been deliberate.
It absolutely had.
Darcy turned toward the fashion plates with apparent interest. “I confess I had never realized there were quite so many shades of blue.”
“There are several that are distinct,” Mary informed him. “Society, however, often labels them carelessly.”
“Then gentlemen cannot bear sole responsibility for the confusion.”
A flicker of amusement crossed Mary’s face.
Elizabeth spoke before caution could intervene. “You must improve your education, Mr. Darcy.”
His gaze met hers briefly. “I should be most grateful for instruction.”
The warmth beneath the reply passed unmistakably between them.
From the doorway came the faint sound of hurried whispering.
Elizabeth glanced in that direction instinctively.
Thomas and Toby peered through the narrow opening between the hall and drawing room, both boys watching events unfold with astonishing concentration. They whispered together, and Toby pointed meaningfully toward the dining room.
Place cards.
