Her fan opened with a snap. “Indeed. Country society provides endless novelty. Though whether novelty is a recommendation, I leave you to judge.” The sarcasm fairly dripped from her tongue.
Darcy made no reply.
Miss Bingley’s gaze followed his. “Miss Eliza Bennet is a great favorite here, it seems.”
“She appears to be well liked.”
She sneered. “How fortunate for her. Such admiration must be very pleasant where there is so little competition.”
Darcy turned back at the dancers.
Miss Bennet turned through the figure with effortless ease, Bingley at her side. Her movements were graceful without affectation. Miss Elizabeth stood nearby, her expression lively and her attention fully engaged. She made no attempt to attract admiration; perhaps that was precisely why admiration followed her.
“She has fine eyes,” he said.
The words escaped before prudence could intervene.
Miss Bingley’s fan became perfectly still. “Fine eyes?” There was a distinct chill in her tone.
Darcy recognized his mistake as soon as the words left the lady’s mouth.
“Yes.”
Now he had almost certainly secured Miss Elizabeth an even greater share of Miss Bingley’s disdain.
A brief silence followed.
“I had never observed them,” Miss Bingley said.
Darcy allowed himself the smallest pause.
“That surprises me.”
“Indeed? I confess I have never made so close a study of her person.”
Darcy inclined his head slightly. “It would appear not.”
Miss Bingley’s smile returned, though with a sharper edge. “I suppose one may discover tolerable features in almost anyone, provided one is sufficiently charitable.”
The word's effect on him was considerable.
His gaze hardened before he could fully prevent it. “Charity has no part in the matter.”
Her expression shifted—only slightly, but enough.
“I see.”
He had revealed more than he intended. Miss Bingley had set the trap, and he had stepped into it without reluctance.
She turned her attention back to the room; her silence conveyed more displeasure than her words had done.
Darcy cursed his carelessness.
The dance concluded. Miss Elizabeth bid her conversation partner farewell and moved toward her sister. Darcy considered approaching again, but Miss Bingley remained too near, and the moment was spoiled.
Soon after, there was more music.
Miss Bingley spoke with Mrs. Hurst in tones too low for general hearing. Darcy had no desire to know the subject. He knew enough.
