Page 3 of To Win Her Affections

“Mrs. Reynolds mentioned your aunt still had some family in the area.”

“That is my understanding,” said Elizabeth, “though I am not at all acquainted with them. I shall meet some of them before we leave the neighborhood.”

That provided a topic of conversation that occupied them for several moments. Elizabeth perceived, however, that Mr. Darcy’s mind was not on the conversation, though what he was thinking she did not know. He seemed distracted, his frequent glances at her filled with questions.

It was an insight into his character that Elizabeth had never considered before. She had always seen Mr. Darcy as haughty, proud, and above his company, unwilling to speak unless he considered his companions worth his time. Now that she knew him better, she was certain this was in part because of his reticence. More than that, however, she now perceived that he often drew into himself when preoccupied by his thoughts, perhaps not even understanding how silent he had become.

Just when they were in danger of lapsing into silence, Mr. Darcy changed the subject again.

“Miss Bennet,” said he, appearing nervous. “I wondered . . . That is . . . If you will indulge me . . .”

When the gentleman fell silent again, Elizabeth, charmed by his hesitation, said: “Yes, Mr. Darcy?”

The gentleman did not respond at once, then he blurted: “My sister is to return to Pemberley today. Would you allow me to introduce her to you and your relations?”

It was all Elizabeth could do to keep a straight face. “Unless I am mistaken, I believe you already proposed such an introduction, Mr. Darcy. I am more than willing, and even eager to make your sister’s acquaintance.”

Mr. Darcy blinked, then looked away. He was not the sort to color when he was embarrassed, but if he did, Elizabeth was certain he would resemble a ripe cherry. Again, she had to force her mirth away.

“Ah . . . Yes, I suppose I have.”

The gentleman paused, gathering himself. “Georgiana is quite shy, you see. She does not make friends easily—I am certain she would appreciate an introduction to a young lady near her age.”

“That must be a falsehood, Mr. Darcy!” cried Elizabeth.

Mr. Darcy turned to her in shock. Then he seemed to catch her mischievous smirk, and his own lips turned up in response.

“Why, no less an authority than Miss Bingley herself has spoken of your sister!” continued Elizabeth. “When I meet her, I expect to find that she is at least ten feet tall, with a presence so commanding that I must shrink in terror!”

Though amused by her witticism, Mr. Darcy could not stop himself from glancing heavenward. “Georgiana is not as Miss Bingley suggested.”

“Is that so?” asked Elizabeth, arching a brow. “I never would have guessed.”

They laughed together, the tension between them broken. Then Mr. Darcy sobered, seemed to steel himself, and changed the subject again.

“I find myself curious, Miss Bennet,” said he. “Though I had not the wit to see it, something has altered between us.”

“Without a doubt,” agreed Elizabeth.

“Considering our last meeting, it is curious.”

Then Elizabeth knew what he was asking. She stepped toward him and placed a hand on his arm, looking up at him, realizing for the first time how tall and handsome he was.

“Perhaps, Mr. Darcy, it is best to forget our last meeting. If we examine what happened, I suspect we agree that neither of us behaved well.”

Mr. Darcy searched her eyes. “Then your opinion of me is not the same.”

“How could it be?” asked Elizabeth. “As you appear determined not to speak plainly, I shall do so in your stead. I did read your letter.”

“And what was your conclusion?” asked he, impatient to hear her answer.

“Can you doubt it?”

“The results appear clear,” said he, “but I sense they are more complicated than your answer suggests.”

Elizabeth nodded and prepared to respond, remembering her initial skepticism, her growing certainty that his account was true, and the resulting change in her opinions of both Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth could not say how much her feelings had changed; she knew they had changed enough to have a different perspective.

“At first, I was uncertain,” said Elizabeth, thinking back to those days. “In the matter of Mr. Bingley and my sister, I understood your concerns, though I do still believe you were a little officious in that affair.”