Page 116 of A Question of Character

“I considered it optional.”

“It was not.”

Even Mary smiled.

Mr. Wickham laughed with genuine amusement.

For several minutes he appeared restored.

Only when he believed himself unobserved did that thoughtful expression return.

Elizabeth noticed it twice.

No more.

She could not reconcile such behavior with deliberate malice.

If he truly intended harm toward Mr. Darcy—or toward anyone connected with him—why speak so carefully?

Why caution Lydia against judging another gentleman too hastily?

The easiest course would have been to blacken Mr. Darcy’s character before an audience eager to hear it.

He had declined.

That alone deserved consideration.

Mr. Wickham departed before luncheon. Lydia accompanied him to the front steps. Elizabeth watched from the window. They did not stand absurdly close, as many courting couples chose to do, but rather they maintained a respectable distance, talking softly.

Lydia laughed. Mr. Wickham answered with one of those expressions that transformed his ordinarily handsome features into something warmer. He bowed. She curtsied with exaggerated solemnity, spoiled an instant later by irrepressible laughter. Then he walked away.

Lydia remained watching until he disappeared beyond the hedgerow.

Mrs. Bennet joined Elizabeth at the window.

“I shall have one daughter well married before Christmas.”

Elizabeth smiled. “You have become very confident.” Did her mother not know of Mr. Wickham’s wish to wait until Lydia is sixteen?

“My confidence is wholly justified.”

“I believe Mr. Wickham wishes to establish himself before marrying.” Best do what she could to curb her mother’s coming disappointment.

Mrs. Bennet waved away the objection. “Men always say such things.”

Jane glanced up from her work. “I think it reflects well upon him.”

“So do I,” Elizabeth agreed.

Mrs. Bennet sighed theatrically. “You are all determined to be sensible.”

“It is one of Jane’s better influences,” Elizabeth replied.

“I protest I deserve some credit.”

“You taught us very early that marrying for affection is preferable.”

Mrs. Bennet blinked.