Page 30 of To Win Her Affections

Mrs. Gardiner smiled, enjoying her niece’s wit. For Darcy’s part, he did not offer any hint of amusement, knowing that Miss Bingley, though she was quiet beside her brother, was watching him.

“I cannot even say that today’s dinner is interesting, Miss Elizabeth,” said Darcy. “To own the truth, I would appreciate much less amusement and more respect.”

“Yes, I can see that,” said Miss Elizabeth.

“Perhaps, Mr. Darcy,” said Mrs. Gardiner, keeping her voice low to avoid being overheard, “you should take greater care in who you invite to your estate.”

“Trust me, Mrs. Gardiner,” said Darcy, “I was regretting my actions only hours after I came across you on Pemberley’s grounds.”

Darcy glanced at Elizabeth, then back at Mrs. Gardiner. “If I am very lucky, perhaps it will not be much longer before I can cede that responsibility altogether.”

Mrs. Gardiner, delighted, nodded her enthusiasm. “Perhaps that is for the best. Unless I am mistaken, your dear sister would prefer to relinquish the burden.”

“Oh, yes,” said Darcy, still looking at Miss Elizabeth, “I suspect she would at that.”

With a fond smile at Elizabeth, Mrs. Gardiner turned to Mrs. Hurst and began speaking to her. The elder sister was not so ungovernable as the younger, and responded with civility; it soon led to a rational conversation which, if it was not friendly, was at least conducted with good manners.

“It appears, Mr. Darcy,” said Miss Elizabeth, “that you are becoming quite certain of yourself.”

“If I am,” replied Darcy, “you have only yourself to blame. As I recall, I offered to withdraw when we spoke yesterday. My increase in boldness stems from your willingness to continue receiving me.”

Miss Elizabeth did not appear at all displeased, though it was clear she was determined to have her say. For a few moments, she sipped on her soup, accompanied by the clinking of utensils on dishes and the murmur of other conversations around the table. Georgiana laughed at something Mr. Gardiner said, and even Miss Bingley was exchanging a few words with her brother, though Darcy suspected the subject was not agreeable to either. Hurst was, as was his wont, intent upon his meal, having neither the time nor the inclination for conversation. Darcy suspected he had sat his wife next to Mrs. Gardiner so that she could carry the burden of the conversation, knowing Darcy would turn his attention to Miss Elizabeth.

“It occurs to me to wonder how you will perform when we return to Hertfordshire.” She offered him an impish smile. “You do mean to make an appearance there, do you not?”

“Without a doubt.”

Darcy considered this for several minutes, then ventured: “I assume you refer to your mother and her reaction to even the suspicion of my interest in you?”

“I see you have made her acquaintance.”

Though Miss Elizabeth had spoken intending mischief, Darcy decided it was best to respond with earnest intent. Miss Elizabeth was an intelligent woman—she understood the deficiencies in her mother’s behavior as well as he did. A little reassurance now would not go amiss, though he suspected maintaining the light tone would serve him well.

“I have no fear of your mother, Miss Elizabeth,” said Darcy. “She is no ravening beast, determined to devour all suitors for her daughter’s hands.”

As he had intended, she chuckled at his comment. “No, I cannot say that she is. Yet she will have much to say, though I suppose she may find her verbosity curbed when confronted with such a suitor.”

Darcy regarded her, curiosity replacing his levity. “Will she? I beg your pardon, but I recall one memorable exchange at Netherfield, something about four and twenty families? Mrs. Bennet was not so in awe of me then.”

“Ah, but then you were a gentleman she thought was above his company. When she perceives you as a suitor for one of her daughters, that will change her perspective.”

“Then it is her perception that will alter her,” said Darcy, understanding her meaning.

“It is.” Miss Elizabeth paused and colored a little. “Do not suppose that she is above nudging us along.”

Now amused, Darcy said: “In what way?”

“Pushing me forward. Insisting that I wear my best dress, urging me to flutter my eyelashes, or leaving us alone so we may come to the point.” Miss Elizabeth sighed. “Mama is convinced that she alone knows the best way to catch a man. She will not engineer a compromise, but she will use every other trick she can imagine.”

“I begin to anticipate this, Miss Elizabeth,” said Darcy, trying to stifle a chuckle. “Perhaps your mother should be more circumspect, but our courtship will not be dull.”

Though diverted by his comment, Miss Elizabeth turned reflective. “Perhaps I should not say so, Mr. Darcy, but there was a time when I considered your ability to laugh somewhat rudimentary.”

“Yes, I can well imagine it.” Darcy fixed her with a grin. “But consider the circumstances. I went to Hertfordshire with certain family concerns troubling me, thrust into new society where I was not comfortable, and confronted with a teasing vixen who tormented me.” Darcy leaned closer and lowered his voice. “And that does not even take into account the house in which I was staying, and the identity of the mistress.”

A giggle escaped, which she covered by taking a drink of water. Then she turned a baleful eye on him.

“You are harsh, Mr. Darcy. Why, the mistress of that estate is one of the most accomplished ladies in all the land!”