Page 3 of Symptoms of Peculiar Regard

She caught her sister’s eye, and knew Elizabeth understood her, for she frowned fiercely. Jane could not be deceived, however; Elizabeth was perhaps not attracted, but certainly interested. Jane fought back a laugh that her sister’s interest revealed itself in the form of a bramble, scrambling in a prickly fashion in the direction of the gentleman. It did not creep far across the space towards them, but advanced steadily as Elizabeth cast frequent surreptitious glances at Mr Darcy for the rest of the evening. She was far from in love with Mr Darcy, but Jane suspected—or hoped—that for the first time, her sister’s mind and her heart had been opened to the possibility that a man might admire her—and that she might be capable of admiring him in return.

“It is impossible,” Elizabeth said that evening as they retired, unknowingly confirming her sister’s thoughts in the very act of attempting to refute them.

“Very well,” Jane replied, continuing to fold a dress. Contradiction only strengthened Elizabeth’s conviction; acceptance disconcerted her.

“I do not see how hecouldhave any interest in me,” Elizabeth added a few minutes later.

“You have already declared it impossible.”

“I observed him closely all evening. He sought only to contradict and contest everything I said.”

Jane could not resist teasing her sister a little. “Yes, I agree. There was little opportunity for any other conversation, the two of you were so intent on disagreeing with one another.”

Elizabeth made a discontented noise and turned the subject. “I am glad you have recovered from your illness. It is for the best that we are to return home tomorrow.”

Mr Bingley was the only one to protest their departure the following day. Now that Jane had recovered, she felt it would not do to tempt the whispers of society by prolonging the visit too far. Mr Bingley had, however, extracted a promise from her to remain until the afternoon. Feeling more herself than she had for some days, and finding Elizabeth slept longer than usual, Jane decided to walk in the gardens before breakfast.

She had not gone far when she encountered Mr Darcy, striding alone along the paths, deep in thought. His brow was furrowed, even pained, and Jane almost fancied she could see the branches of his feelings battling against the restraint he held them under. Rapidly, she formed a resolution. Whatever might come of her speaking, his continuing in this manner would only cause himself harm, and perhaps also others around him. She would not be responsible for seeing Elizabeth hurt when she could put in a word to prevent it.

“Good morning,” she greeted him. “Are you finishing a walk? I would be glad of your company if you are not yet returning to the house.”

Mr Darcy looked surprised—as well he might, for she had never previously sought his company—but turned politely and fell into step with her.

Now that she had the opportunity, Jane was not quite sure how to begin, and the silence hung heavily between them for some time.

“How do you find Hertfordshire?” she eventually asked.

“It has its attractions,” he replied blandly. Jane smiled to herself, suspecting he was not speaking of the landscape.

“Do you think you will stay much longer?”

“I have been invited to remain until after your wedding.”

“I am glad of it. Mr Bingley values your friendship.”

“And I, his.”

“He tells me he shares everything with you.” Jane stopped and lifted her chin to look at the gentleman, who had arrested his steps with hers. “In particular, I gather he has told you about my gift.”

Mr Darcy nodded shortly, and resumed walking, Jane following suit. “Yes, he told me. I understood you had agreed that he might do so?”

“Yes,” Jane affirmed, prompting another nod of acknowledgement.

“It is a rare gift you have.”

“You do not doubt the truth of it?”

“No. Bingley’s description of what he saw is similar to other stories I have heard. I do not believe he imagined it.”

“You have heard of others with similar abilities before?” Jane could not repress a note of excitement at discovering there could be others with this singular power.

Mr Darcy nodded. “Yes—my mother could see affection, and my sister can too. It proved very valuable to her recently in avoiding the advances of an unscrupulous fortune hunter.”

“I am glad it served her so well.”

“Thank you. I too am grateful for it. I wish you every happiness in your marriage.”

His manner was not warm, but it was forthright and she believed he meant it. Having obtained this concession, Jane’s feelings for her sister and her confidence in what she had seen prompted her to venture forward. She wished to give a hint that he could do himself a great deal of harm if he continued to resist his natural inclinations.

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