There it was again.
A smile earned honestly.
Bingley, oblivious to every undercurrent in the room except those involving Jane, asked Miss Bennet whether she had resumed walking out of doors. Jane answered that she had only ventured as far as the garden. Bingley directly offered Netherfield’s shrubbery walks when she felt well enough, then appeared to realize too late that he had nearly invited the entire Bennet family to his grounds without consulting anyone.
Mrs. Bennet accepted the implied invitation with perfect grace.
“That would be delightful when Jane is stronger.”
Bingley appeared relieved. “Yes. Exactly. When she is stronger.”
Elizabeth turned her face aside to hide a smile.
Darcy saw it.
Wilson saw it too.
That was the first moment Darcy realized Wilson was watching him in return.
The knowledge changed everything.
The remainder of the call was outwardly pleasant. Mary showed Darcy a passage from the book he had returned the previous week and asked whether he agreed with the author’s conclusions regarding Henry V. Darcy answered carefully, grateful for the distraction, though Elizabeth’s voice continued to draw him from every subject.
Wilson had learned moderation. Worse, he had learned to appeal to her respect instead of only trying her patience.
By the time Darcy and Bingley rose to depart, Darcy felt less decided than when he arrived.
Mrs. Bennet walked them to the hall herself. “You must convey our regards to your sisters, Mr. Bingley.”
“Of course.”
“And we shall expect you all whenever Jane is well enough for Netherfield’s walks.”
Bingley smiled at Jane with such unconcealed delight that Darcy almost envied the simplicity of his friend’s attachment.
Outside, the horses waited.
Bingley mounted first, still looking back toward the house.
Darcy had just taken the reins when a movement near the side path caught his attention.
Two small figures stood half-concealed behind a hedge, beckoning with urgency.
Thomas and Toby.
Of course.
Darcy turned to Bingley. “Go on. I have forgotten something.”
Bingley glanced toward the house. “Shall I wait?”
“No. I shall follow shortly.”
Bingley, trusting and distracted, nodded and rode ahead.
Darcy waited until the groom had turned aside before walking toward the hedge.
The twins emerged together.
