Page 33 of Twice Chosen

His expression softened.

"Darcy remained at Netherfield to write to his sister," he explained, though no one had asked. "He may join us later."

Jane nodded. "I hope Miss Darcy is well."

"Better, I think. Darcy has become very attentive to her."

Elizabeth's head lifted.

Bingley noticed. "More attentive than usual, I mean. He writes every few days now."

Mrs. Bennet, who had little interest in correspondence not related to marriage, turned the conversation toward Netherfield's dining arrangements. Elizabeth remained thoughtful.

Later, while Jane and Bingley walked in the shrubbery under Kitty's entirely unnecessary supervision, Elizabeth sat with Mary near the pianoforte.

Mary said abruptly, "Mr. Bingley listens to Jane."

Elizabeth looked over. "Yes."

"Most gentlemen listen only until they think of what they wish to say."

"An alarming observation."

Mary frowned. "I was serious."

"So was I."

Mary looked toward the window where Jane and Bingley could be seen between bare branches. "Do you think he will marry her?"

The question struck more deeply than Mary knew.

Elizabeth could have answered from memory.

Instead she said, "I think they are very fond of one another. What they do with that fondness belongs to them."

Mary considered. "That sounds almost moral."

Elizabeth laughed. "Do not tell anyone."

When Darcy arrived an hour later, he found Elizabeth still smiling.

"What amused you?" he asked as they crossed near the card table.

"Mary accused me of morality."

Darcy's mouth curved. "A serious charge."

"I denied everything."

"Naturally."

Bingley, passing behind them, stopped. "How do you two always begin in the middle of conversations?"

Darcy and Elizabeth both froze.

Bingley looked from one to the other. "There. You did it again."

Elizabeth recovered first. "Perhaps, Mr. Bingley, you simply arrive late."