Page 109 of Colour My World
“Hmm.”
Elizabeth frowned. “What?”
“Oh, nothing,” he said. “I never imagined you the jealous sort.”
She nearly tripped. “I beg your pardon?”
“Well, you are watching them as though they are exchanging confidences.”
Elizabeth scowled. “I do no such thing.”
“Do you not? You have done nothing but watch Darcy since we left the house.”
“That is absurd.” Her cheeks burned.Of course, I looked. But not for the reasons he supposes.Elizabeth forced herself to look forward.
Mr Bingley leant slightly towards her. “Now, truly, Miss Elizabeth, am I to believe you feel nothing when you see my friend with your sister?”
“Of course not.”
Mr Bingley smiled.
“I do not!”
He hummed again.
She pressed her lips together. It was ridiculous. She was not jealous. What an absurd notion. She stole a glance at Mr Darcy and Jane.
Jane was laughing. Mr Darcy was smiling.
Her stomach roiled. She faced forward again, and Mr Bingley chuckled.
* * *
Bingley could not let it rest. The moment they returned toNetherfield, he dogged Darcy’s every step. “Well?” Bingley followed him through the entrance hall. “What do you think of her?”
Darcy shrugged off his coat and handed it to the waiting footman. “She is accomplished.”
Bingley rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes, she is accomplished, but—” He waved a hand. “That is hardly the point. What did you speak of?”
Darcy adjusted his cuffs. “The usual.”
Bingley narrowed his eyes. “And that means?”
Darcy glanced towards the drawing room as if contemplating escape. “Conversation.”
Bingley groaned. “You are impossible.”
Darcy stepped inside and poured himself a glass of brandy.
“I take it,” Bingley said, watching him, “That you found her agreeable?”
Darcy took a sip. “She is amiable.”
Bingley stared. “That is all?”
Darcy set his glass down with deliberate care. “It was a pleasant outing.”
Bingley dragged a hand through his hair. “You spent nearly an hour in her company, and all you can say is that it was a pleasant walk?”
