Page 170 of A Question of Character

“You are not very convincing.”

“I have had a trying morning.”

“Then be convincing tomorrow.”

“I shall endeavor to improve.”

Lydia nodded as though accepting a solemn pledge. “Good.”

He bowed over her hand without touching it and took his leave.

Darcy watched him go.

Elizabeth watched Darcy.

His expression was not friendly. That would have been asking too much of one morning. It was, however, less closed than it had been. Less certain, perhaps, though the uncertainty sat uneasily upon him.

When the door closed behind Wickham, Darcy addressed Elizabeth. “Will you walk with me?”

Her pulse leapt foolishly. “Yes.”

Mrs. Bennet gave permission with such eagerness that Elizabeth suspected she expected another kiss before dinner. Jane offered to accompany them, but Mr. Bingley arrived at that moment, proving either providence or excellent timing. He came in with his usual good humor, greeted the room, and fixed upon Jane with such immediate pleasure that Elizabeth smothered a laugh.

Darcy noticed too.

“I think your sister will forgive your absence,” he said as they stepped outside.

“I am beginning to suspect my absence has often been convenient.”

“Bingley has spoken of little but Miss Bennet for days.”

“And I missed it.”

“You had other concerns.”

“That is a generous way of saying I have been absurd.”

“I would not call you absurd.”

“Very wise.”

“I might think it in private.”

She looked at him sharply. His mouth, solemn a moment earlier, gave way to amusement.

Elizabeth shook her head. “You grow bold, sir.”

“I have received encouragement.”

Her cheeks warmed again. “We shall not speak of that.”

“I had hoped we might speak of nothing else.”

“Mr. Darcy.”

“Very well.” He offered his arm as they reached the garden path. “We shall be respectable.”

She took it. “For at least five minutes.”