Wilson remained attentive toward Elizabeth throughout.
Darcy noticed every instance.
The man no longer overwhelmed her with constant conversation. Instead, he timed his remarks carefully now, drawing Elizabeth into discussions where her intelligence naturally engaged. Trade, estate management, books, tenant welfare—subjects substantial enough to interest her genuinely.
It was infuriatingly effective.
Darcy hated himself slightly for recognizing that.
At one point Wilson asked Elizabeth whether she missed London still.
“Rarely,” she answered. “Though I miss certain things connected to it.”
“Your father?”
The tenderness entering her expression struck Darcy unexpectedly hard. “Yes.”
Wilson nodded thoughtfully. “I know you remember him only somewhat, but you must know he was respected.”
Elizabeth nodded. “He worked very hard.”
“He built something lasting,” Wilson replied. “There is honor in that.”
Darcy swirled his wine in his glass.
Because Wilson understood something important there. Something many people would not.
Miss Bingley, meanwhile, watched the exchange with growing displeasure.
She waited until the next course before striking.
“I confess,” she said lightly while addressing no one and everyone simultaneously, “I continue to find trade discussions remarkably unfashionable for dinner conversation. Though perhaps country society differs from town in such matters.”
Silence threatened briefly.
Elizabeth’s posture altered almost imperceptibly beside Darcy.
Wilson stiffened.
Mrs. Bennet set down her fork with dangerous calm.
Before anyone else could respond, Darcy spoke. “I was unaware usefulness had become vulgar.”
Miss Bingley tittered delicately. “Surely you misunderstand me.”
“I think not.”
Bingley, sensing danger at last, attempted rescue. “My father spoke of business at dinner constantly.”
“Our father,” Miss Bingley replied carefully, “was hardly typical.”
The silence deepened further.
Elizabeth kept her eyes fixed steadily upon her plate though faint color had risen in her cheeks.
Mrs. Bennet directed an unmistakably approving glance toward Darcy.
Wilson appeared thoughtful.
