Page 65 of Twice Chosen

"No."

Darcy had liked him less in old age for moments like this.

Now he saw the appeal.

Eventually Mr. Bennet sobered. "Do not hurt her."

Darcy's irritation vanished. "I would rather hurt myself."

Mr. Bennet watched him carefully. "That is precisely the sort of answer that makes fathers nervous."

Darcy almost laughed. "Nevertheless."

Mr. Bennet nodded.

Permission had not been given. Not exactly.

But trust had begun.

When Darcy returned to the drawing room, Elizabeth glanced up from a book. One look at his face and she knew.

"He laughed at you," she murmured when Darcy passed near her chair.

"For several minutes."

Elizabeth's eyes brightened. "I am sorry I missed it."

Darcy glared.

She smiled into her book.

The Netherfield ball also produced a smaller change no one noticed except Elizabeth. During supper Mary sat beside Mrs. Cunningham, the clergyman's wife, who praised her choice of music and then offered a gentle correction about tempo.

Mary did not stiffen.

She asked a question.

Mrs. Cunningham answered.

Elizabeth watched the exchange and later approached the older woman. "Would you ever consider giving Mary lessons?"

Mrs. Cunningham looked surprised. "If she wished them."

"I think she might, if it did not sound like criticism."

The woman smiled knowingly. "Most people prefer improvement when it is not announced as correction."

Elizabeth laughed. "I shall remember that."

"Do. It may improve marriages too."

Elizabeth nearly choked.

Mrs. Cunningham looked concerned. "Are you well?"

"Perfectly."

The following week Mary began lessons.