Page 11 of A Question of Character

“The Lakes are beautiful, though I confess a partiality for Derbyshire.”

“Because it is your own.”

“In part.”

“And in the other part?”

“Because I believe it superior.”

“That is conveniently loyal.”

“It is also true.”

Miss Bennet leaned back in her chair, her book resting loosely in her hands. “Then I must reserve judgment until I have seen both, though I warn you, Mr. Darcy, I am not easily persuaded by partial witnesses.”

“I would not expect you to be.”

The answer came more plainly than he had intended. Her amusement did not vanish; a different awareness entered the pause between them, brief enough to be denied by either if necessary. Mrs. Gardiner chose that instant to ask whether his sister preferred Italian music or English airs, and the conversation resumed its correct path with admirable assistance.

Darcy remained half an hour.

He knew because the clock upon the mantel chimed the quarter, and Mrs. Gardiner, with all the benevolence of a woman who had decided to rescue him from himself, observed that Mr. Gardiner would be sorry to have missed him but delighted by the invitation.

Darcy rose.

“I have already trespassed upon your morning.”

“Not at all,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “We are very happy to receive old friends.”

“And new ones,” Miss Bennet added, then appeared to regret the frankness enough to lower her eyes to the book in her hands.

Darcy bowed. “Then I shall count myself fortunate on both accounts. I look forward to Thursday.”

“So do we,” Mrs. Gardiner replied.

Miss Bennet stood as he took his leave. “Good morning, Mr. Darcy.”

“Good morning, Miss Bennet.”

The footman brought his hat and gloves. Darcy stepped into the carriage a few minutes later, gave the direction, and sat back as the horses moved into the street.

Half an hour.

He had remained precisely half an hour.

It had been the proper length for a morning call.

It had also been, by some defect in the clock, absurdly brief.

Darcy entered the parlor to find Georgiana alone. “Where is Mrs. Younge?” he asked.

His sister jumped and shoved the letter in her hand into her work basket. She looked a little chagrinned… or perhaps that was guilt. Darcy brushed off the thought that his dear sister could be hiding anything from him.

“Mrs. Younge is resting. I fear I tired her on our walk in the park. The first signs of spring had me enthralled.” Georgiana grinned and stood, nudging her work basket partially behind the chaise with her foot.

“As you say.” Darcy grinned. “I called upon the Gardiners and Miss Bennet. I must say, I believe you will like the young lady very much. She has a way of drawing one out.”

His sister had too few female friends. He hoped she would form a bond with Miss Bennet, especially since he was himself completely enamored with the lady. Never had a female so bewitched him in so short a time.