Page 20 of Idle Gossip

“I believe you already informed me that all of Hertfordshire would consider us engaged.” Her heart beat rapidly in her chest. Would an engagement be such a terrible thing?

“Let me clarify: what would you think of my asking for three sets?”

Ah. He wished to know her heart. If she was agreeable, he would take it to mean she was now in favor of a future as his wife.

Am I agreeable? Am I prepared to accept his hand in marriage? She did not know.

“Perhaps,” she hedged, “perhaps I would not be entirely distressed by the conclusions drawn.” Humor came naturally in an attempt to lighten the seriousness of their discourse. “You dislike dancing, if I recall,” Elizabeth deflected. “Will you torment yourself by standing up half the night?”

His gaze grew heated. “I have revised my opinion.”

“Of dancing?”

“In a manner of speaking. The activity can be enjoyable when one has the proper partner.”

“That sounds suspiciously like flattery.” She winked saucily.

“Flattery has its uses, and I assure you, it is always sincere. The discovery is unexpected, but not unwanted.”

Elizabeth placed her hand on his arm. “Then you have learned nothing from me! I distrust it exceedingly.”

“Empty flattery, perhaps, but everyone—lady or gentleman—appreciates sincere compliments. Would you like me to endeavor to be more insulting?”

“I think not. I have been the recipient of that Mr. Darcy and I find this one to be preferable.”

He grinned broadly.

It made her heart beat a little faster. “Charlotte was right, Mr. Darcy. You do smile more around me.”

“Miss Lucas has been studying me?”

“Did you think you were the only one with the habit? You are the subject of great local interest, sir, especially now that your name has been connected to mine.” Elizabeth was conscious of Mr. Darcy’s arm beneath her hand. She knew she ought to withdraw, but the action felt…right.

“And her investigation has revealed that you make me smile?”

Elizabeth nodded. “She guessed at your regard before I knew of it. Of course, I told her she was ridiculous. How I despise being wrong!”

“And my smiles brought her to this conclusion?”

“That and your habit of staring. It was a surprise to learn you were capable of smiling at all.”

“It is a vicious rumor,” Darcy protested. “I shall have to be more guarded.”

She knew he was teasing, but Elizabeth grew serious. “I would rather you did not,” she said earnestly.

“Did not what?”

“Stop smiling.” She liked it, especially when his face lit up upon noting her presence.

His hand covered hers where it rested on her arm. “They are all for you, Elizabeth.” He waited a breath before speaking again. “May I ask you one question?”

“You have already asked several,” she pointed out.

“Do you still dislike me?” he asked, ignoring her tease.

She felt both relief and disappointment that he had not asked her to marry him. “You are becoming very demanding,” she jested. “No, I do not dislike you. My poor opinions have been quite undone.”

“High praise, given your claims of a resentful temperament.”