Page 127 of A Question of Character

That answer had an effect. Mr. Bennet’s brow furrowed, and the light humor that ordinarily guarded him vanished.

“You believe my daughter in danger from him.”

“I believe every family should be cautious where Wickham is received.”

“Yet you will not give particulars.”

“Not without permission that is not mine to grant.”

Mr. Bennet was silent long enough that the sounds from the parlor became audible: Mrs. Bennet speaking too quickly, Bingley answering with warmth, Lydia laughing at something, Elizabeth’s lower reply.

At last Mr. Bennet said, “I will be vigilant.”

Darcy inclined his head. “That is all I can ask.”

“No, Mr. Darcy. It is not all you can ask. You can ask that I trust your warning despite your withholding the very facts that would justify it.”

Darcy accepted the rebuke. “Yes.”

Mr. Bennet’s mouth twisted slightly. “A difficult position for us both.”

“I know.”

“I shall make inquiries of my own. Mr. Philips thinks highly of the young man.”

“I am aware.”

“And you think poorly of him.”

“Very.”

“Then we shall see which judgment holds.” Mr. Bennet rose, signaling the interview at an end, though his expression remained contemplative. “As for Lizzy, you may court her. As for Wickham, I shall watch him.”

Darcy stood. “Thank you, sir.”

Mr. Bennet walked him to the door. Before opening it, he paused.

“One more thing.”

“Yes?”

“If you wound my daughter through pride or carelessness, I shall be very disappointed in you.”

Darcy met his gaze. “So shall I.”

Mr. Bennet gave a short nod and opened the door.

The voices from the drawing room reached Darcy before he crossed the threshold.

Mrs. Bennet was recounting, with considerable animation, an unfortunate incident involving a goose, a wheelbarrow, and one of Mrs. Long’s nephews. Bingley laughed in precisely the right places, whether from genuine amusement or generous instinct Darcy could not have said. Jane listened with patient attention. Lydia and Kitty occasionally supplied corrections that complicated the tale further.

Elizabeth stood near the window.

She glanced toward the doorway the instant he entered.

It was the briefest meeting of eyes, but something in her expression had evolved since the previous day. She was searching his face.

He wondered whether his own betrayed equal curiosity.