Page 127 of What Change Entails

The disagreeable gentleman she remembered from Hertfordshire no longer fit comfortably beside the man standing near her now. Perhaps she had mistaken reserve for disdain simply because disdain had been easier to laugh at.

Charlotte’s advice returned unexpectedly.

Jane ought to encourage Bingley if she hoped to secure him.

Elizabeth had mocked such reasoning months ago.

Now she wondered whether encouragement might simply mean allowing honesty to appear where resentment once stood.

Lydia concluded her assault upon the pianoforte with a triumphant flourish.

“There,” she announced. “You are welcome.”

“Are we?” Darcy asked.

Lydia rose from the bench and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “I defended you this afternoon.”

“You did. Heroically.”

“Then you owe me loyalty.”

“I begin to understand extortion forms a central part of your character.”

“One of my finest qualities.”

Georgiana reclaimed the bench, still smiling.

Mrs. Gardiner folded her embroidery carefully into her lap. “One more piece perhaps, Miss Darcy, and then civilized society must remember the existence of sleep.”

“Very well.”

This selection carried less brilliance and more intimacy. Rain continued against the windows while Georgiana played softly enough that conversation beneath the music no longer felt intrusive.

Lydia wandered toward Bingley and began demanding to know whether gentlemen discussed courtship strategies privately among themselves.

Bingley answered with alarming earnestness.

Darcy remained beside Elizabeth’s chair.

Not close enough to attract attention. But near enough that she became conscious whenever he shifted his weight or rested one hand upon the back of her chair.

She became absurdly conscious of the distance between his shoulder and her own. Elizabeth came toward him at last. “You love her dearly.”

“Georgiana?” His expression altered. “Entirely.”

“She appears happier now.”

“I believe she is.”

“You were frightened for her.”

A pause followed.

“Yes.”

The directness of the answer surprised her.

Darcy seldom used many words where feeling was concerned. Lately he had begun speaking to her plainly, without the old reserved formality that once surrounded every conversation between them.