Page 50 of Love Among the Shadows
Elizabeth walked on in silence, her admiration for his candour contending with tender compassion for his sister.
At that moment, Miss Bingley’s voice carried from ahead. “I declare, it grows late, and my legs ache. We had best return to the house.”
The party turned back, and Elizabeth found herself walking once more toward Netherfield, her hand still tingling faintly from where Darcy had offered it, her thoughts a whirl. Given his gloom, she had not expected to enjoy his company so thoroughly. Yet as they parted at the door, she realised, with no small astonishment, that she had.
And more than that—Mr Darcy regarded her with something beyond mere civility.
***
Jane was much restored when she woke up that evening. The fever was gone, and with it the heaviness that had oppressedher for days. She confessed a lingering weakness, but with her colour returning, she declared herself strong enough to go home to Longbourn.
Mr Bingley, however, was firm. “Not without Mr Jones’s assurance,” he said, his countenance bright with relief. “We must have him pronounce you well before I allow you to stir a step.”
This resolution was echoed by his sisters.
Jane joined the company at dinner. It was the first time she had sat at table since her illness began, and the household greeted her with polite congratulation. Roast fowl, dressed vegetables, and a light custard formed the meal; Jane, encouraged by Elizabeth’s smiles, ate more heartily than she had in days.
When the meal was ended, the company adjourned to the music room. Georgiana was prevailed upon to play first. With a modest air, she seated herself at the pianoforte and began a piece by Mozart—one of his sonatas, bright and fluid, her fingers moving with sure command.
Elizabeth was impressed.She plays as well as Mary,she thought,perhaps better.
When the last note faded, there was a chorus of polite admiration.
“My dear Georgiana,” Miss Bingley cried, clasping her hands, “it is perfection itself. I vow, London boasts no finer performer.”
Mrs. Hurst echoed her sister. “Exquisite! One hears at once the hand of a master.”
“It was beautifully rendered, Miss Darcy.” Elizabeth smiled warmly.
Georgiana coloured faintly and curtsied her thanks.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley said eagerly, “surely you will favour us next.”
Elizabeth laughed lightly. “I do not claim much skill, sir. But if you wish it—”
She seated herself and began an English air. It was the Banks of Allan Water. Her hands were steady though her heart beat fast under so many eyes.
The piece ended with quiet simplicity. Colonel Fitzwilliam clapped his hands together. “Capital! You undersold yourself, Miss Elizabeth. I have not been so well entertained in weeks.”
“Yes,” Bingley agreed warmly. “You play with feeling. That is worth more than any polish.”
Georgiana spoke shyly, “I thought it lovely.”
“So did I,” said Darcy, his eyes on Elizabeth with an intensity that brought a warmth to her cheeks.
Elizabeth’s lips curved in gratitude.
But Miss Bingley leaned toward Mrs. Hurst, her voice just loud enough. “Did you notice the bridge, Louisa? She stumbled. I distinctly heard it.”
Mrs. Hurst nodded gravely. “Indeed. It was a pity. A performance may be entirely spoiled by so small a fault.”
Elizabeth did not trouble herself over their remarks. It was plain enough that they disliked her, and she had long since ceased to expect civility from that quarter. If anything, the cause was clear: Miss Bingley’s attentions to Mr Darcy were constant, almost ostentatious, and Elizabeth could not but conclude that she desired him for herself. Any word from him in Elizabeth’s favour, any moment of his regard, was therefore provocation enough for Miss Bingley to diminish her whenever she could.
Elizabeth lowered her gaze. That was enough.
The evening moved on, the group gathering later in the drawing-room. Tea was poured, cards laid out, but the conversation soon turned to broader topics.
“Tell us, Mr Darcy,” Miss Bingley began in her smoothest tone, “when do you expect to go to Pemberley? Surely the country must call to you after so long away.”
