Page 62 of Twice Chosen

"You answered very smoothly."

"To what?"

"Whether you have known him before."

Elizabeth forced herself not to react.

Her father leaned back. "I do not think you lied."

"Good."

"I do think you answered a different question."

Elizabeth stared.

Mr. Bennet smiled faintly. "You are not the only person in this family who notices things."

Her throat tightened.

"Papa--"

He waved a hand. "I am not asking. Whatever peculiar understanding exists between you, I care chiefly whether it makes you happy."

Elizabeth's eyes filled.

Mr. Bennet looked alarmed. "Do stop. Everyone is crying lately."

She laughed.

He relaxed.

For once his curiosity yielded to affection.

Chapter Sixteen

Mr. Bennet Notices

Mr. Bennet liked Darcy.

This disturbed him.

He had expected to dislike the man on principle. Ten thousand a year encouraged solemnity, and solemnity was rarely entertaining. Yet Darcy came to Longbourn and listened. Worse, he occasionally answered sarcasm with sarcasm.

Not brilliantly. Elizabeth still won.

But he tried.

One evening Mr. Bennet invited Darcy into the library after dinner. Elizabeth gave Darcy a look as he followed her father from the room.

Behave.

Darcy nearly laughed.

Mr. Bennet closed the door and gestured toward a chair. "Sit."

Darcy sat.

Mr. Bennet studied him for several seconds, apparently in no hurry to speak.