There was nothing unusual in the greeting, but she had the curious impression that he found the circumstances of their meeting faintly amusing, a smirk lingered at the corner of his mouth.
Dinner resumed and for a time the conversation remained general. Elizabeth was beginning to hope she might pass through the meal without attracting attention when Captain Henderson turned towards her once more.
"Mrs Goose tells me you and your husband arrived during the worst of yesterday's storm."
"It was not as bad as all that," said Elizabeth.
"My dear," said Mrs Prentice, before Henderson could reply, "your arrival was the most exciting thing that has happened here all week. I cannot believe how quickly you have recovered. The resilience of youth I imagine."
Henderson smiled at this. "Then I am pleased to find you looking so…" his eyes took her in slowly, "well." The story sounded most alarming when I first heard it. I suspect you are made of sterner stuff than most travellers."
The conversation shifted and Elizabeth passed a pleasant quarter of an hour discussing books with the handsome captain. His easy charm made him agreeable company and, unlike certain gentlemen she could name, he appeared capable of conversing with a woman without turning every exchange into a disagreement.
It was also, she noticed after a time, beginning to irritate Mr Darcy. He had become very stiff beside her. In fact, the more Captain Henderson directed his attention towards her, the quieter Mr Darcy seemed to grow.
"I confess," said Henderson, leaning back in his chair, "You are not what I expected, Mrs Darcy."
Elizabeth felt herself colour slightly.
"From the tales of last night, I expected a swooning invalid. Instead, I have been treated to the most charming dinner companion I can remember. "
Mr Darcy set down his wine glass and glared at the captain.
"Forgive me, Mr Darcy," he said lightly. "I meant no offence, indeed I congratulate you on having won such a wonderful lady. Most gentlemen would be pleased to hear their wives praised."
She could have sworn she heard Mr Darcy growl. But all at once she was overcome with a sudden pain in her temple. She pressed her fingertips to her temple.
At once Mr Darcy turned towards her, "You are unwell?"
"No." The answer emerged more sharply than she intended.
"You are pale."
"I have been pale all day. It is just a momentary headache."
"You are tired."
"I am not—"
She broke off as a wave of dizziness passed over her. Across the table Captain Henderson frowned. "Perhaps Mrs Darcy should retire for the evening."
Mrs Goose appeared at her elbow as though summoned by magic. "The gentleman is right, my dear. Off to bed with you."
Elizabeth looked around the table and discovered that every face was turned towards her. It was impossible to maintain one's dignity—or to put up a fight—under such circumstances.
"Very well," she muttered.
Mr Darcy rose at once. Henderson stood also and gave a small bow. "I hope tomorrow finds you fully recovered, Mrs Darcy."
"Thank you, Captain."
Mr Darcy nodded stiffly, but he said nothing and offered Elizabeth his arm. She accepted his assistance and allowed herself to be escorted from the room, though she could not help noticing that Captain Henderson's gaze followed them to the door.
Chapter Nine
The corridor beyond the dining room was quiet. Most of the guests remained within and the distant murmur of conversation drifted faintly upwards from the taproom. Lamps fixed along the walls cast pools of golden light across the worn floorboards.
They continued a little further in silence. The warmth of the dining room had left her feeling oddly light-headed and she found herself leaning more heavily upon his arm than she intended. If Mr Darcy noticed, he gave no sign.
