Page 169 of A Question of Character

The civility was thin, strained, and hardly sufficient to bear much weight. Still, it existed. A week earlier Elizabeth would not have believed such a sentence could pass between them without shattering.

Mrs. Bennet, who could not endure seriousness beyond a certain duration, declared that tea must be refreshed, for scandals, bills, and courtship all required nourishment. Hill was summoned. Chairs were rearranged. Lydia, though still anxious, took her place nearer Kitty than Wickham, which Elizabeth suspected cost her some effort. Mr. Bennet retired with the bill after informing Mr. Darcy he would compare notes with him “if the world insists upon becoming a legal puzzle.”

The room slowly remembered how to be ordinary.

Darcy remained standing until Elizabeth, still embarrassed but unwilling to make matters worse by fleeing, took up her work. He sat near her, not too near, and accepted a cup of tea from Jane.

Mr. Bingley was mentioned.

Jane’s color rose.

Elizabeth saw it this time.

“How long has Mr. Bingley been so attentive?” she murmured when the others were occupied.

Jane’s smile answered before she did. “Long enough that you ought to have noticed.”

“I am a dreadful sister.”

“You are a distracted sister.”

“That is kinder.”

“It is also true.”

Elizabeth glanced toward Darcy, who was speaking to Mary with impressive gravity about the moral duties attached to reputation. Mary looked both suspicious and pleased.

“Mr. Darcy has occupied a great deal of my attention.”

“So I had observed.”

“And Mr. Wickham.”

Jane’s smile faded somewhat. “Yes.”

“I wish matters were simpler.”

“So does everyone involved, I think.”

Elizabeth looked toward Wickham, who had drawn Lydia into conversation about her mending and was being instructed, with great emphasis, that the trouble with linen was its ingratitude.

“Do you believe him?” Elizabeth asked softly.

Jane was quiet long enough that Elizabeth said it again.

“I believe he is distressed,” Jane said. “I believe Mr. Darcy is distressed. I believe you are distressed. That is a great many distressed people for one false bill.”

“You are too charitable to be useful.”

“I am useful in other ways.”

Elizabeth laughed under her breath, grateful for the small release.

After tea, Wickham rose to take his leave, saying he must return to Mr. Philips and begin gathering the names and dates Mr. Bennet required. Lydia followed him as far as the doorway, under the full supervision of half the room.

“You will not worry too much,” she told him.

“I shall attempt moderation.”