Page 34 of Attempted Compromises
Georgiana’s brow furrowed. “If she were fortune hunting, as you seem to suggest, wouldn’t she be directing her attentions toward you instead, brother? You are far wealthier.”
Darcy turned to her, startled by her frankness. “Georgiana,” he said, his voice low, “that is not what I—”
But she interrupted him with a small, knowing smile. “I think she is like me,” she said simply. “She isn’t effusive by nature, but look at her— she isn’t just smiling and nodding. She leans forward when she listens to him, her eyes looking into his as if she’s truly interested. And she answers him— not just politely, but with equal intensity, as if their conversation matters as much to her as to him.”
Darcy’s eyes narrowed as he watched more closely. He had to admit, there was a natural ease between Bingley and Jane, onethat hinted at mutual enjoyment rather than mere propriety. His frown deepened as he considered her words. “When did you become so wise?” he asked, a note of surprise in his tone.
She straightened, her cheeks faintly pink. “Perhaps I’ve always been, Brother. You are only just noticing.”
He gave a startled chuckle at her tease.Where did this new side of my sister come from?
Oblivious to his thoughts, Georgiana continued, “No, I think it is the new company I have been keeping. Or perhaps,” she added with a teasing glance, “I simply learned from your mistakes.”
Darcy’s lips twitched with a reluctant smile as he returned his gaze to Bingley and Jane. Georgiana’s insight gnawed at the edges of his certainty, leaving him with more questions than answers, but only for a few moments.
Involuntarily, his returned his attention to the room, his gaze lingered on Elizabeth once more. Her graciousness toward Mrs. Annesley, her lively intelligence, and her ability to navigate the unspoken slights of the evening had not gone unnoticed.
It seemed his sister wasn’t the only one full of surprises tonight.
∞∞∞
Across the room, Caroline Bingley seethed as she watched Darcy stare at that insipid Eliza Bennet chit. Determined to break hisconcentration, she said loudly, “Pray, Mr. Darcy, how is your cousin the viscount doing?”
Darcy blinked, startled from his thoughts, but at least his eyes were now focused on her. “I was not aware you were acquainted with Milton.”
She felt her face turn red. “Oh, I am not. That is, I just read in the paper that he had taken a fall off a horse while riding down Rotten Row. I do hope he is unharmed.”
“I believe it occurred as he was dismounting and suffered no injury. He is walking about just fine.”
Darcy then fell silent, his gaze going back to Elizabeth. Desperate for his attention, Caroline said, “Speaking of walking, I believe I shall take a turn about the room. Will you join me, Miss Eliza?”
Elizabeth, who had still been in conversation with Mrs. Annesley, look up with surprise. “Of course, Miss Bingley.” She rose to her feet and joined her hostess, and they began to walk in silence.
Halfway through the circuit, Caroline said, “Mr. Darcy, do come and join us. It is quite refreshing.”
“I’m sorry, but I believe that would defeat the purpose.”
Caroline felt a shiver go up her spine. “The purpose, sir?” she asked in an airy tone.
“Why, yes. There can only be two purposes for your exercise. Either you two are confidantes with secret affairs to discuss, or else you are aware that your figures appear best when walking.”Ignoring Georgiana’s scandalized gasp at his side, he continued, “My presence would interfere with both objects. From here, I cannot hear you, and I can admire you both much better,” he finished with a sly smirk.
Elizabeth let out a shocked giggle, while Georgiana gaped at her brother. “Oh, how dreadful!” Caroline cried, happy to be the recipient of Darcy’s teasing. Eager to continue the lighthearted banter, she turned to her companion and ask, “How shall we punish him?”
“Oh, I think Mr. Darcy already has his punishment, as he has quite shocked his sister. Now she knows she can tease him… even laugh at him.”
“Tease Mr. Darcy?” Caroline exclaimed shrilly. “That cannot be possible, as he is a man without fault.”
Now Elizabeth’s amusement displayed itself with a deep laugh, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “A man without fault, is he?” she repeated, turning her gaze toward Darcy. “I daresay, Miss Bingley, that you and I must be speaking of two very different gentlemen. For no man, surely, is without fault.”
Darcy raised a brow, his expression poised but amused. “And what faults would you assign me, Miss Elizabeth? I must warn you, this is dangerous territory.”
Elizabeth tilted her head, her smile playful. “Oh, I would not presume to list them all, Mr. Darcy. That would take far too long and might damage your delicate sensibilities. But I will say that your tendency toward pride is rather evident.”
Georgiana, still recovering from her initial shock, looked between them with wide eyes. Caroline, however, seized the opportunity to defend him.
“Pride!” she exclaimed. “Surely, Miss Eliza, you do not call pride a fault. Pride is what sets a gentleman of Mr. Darcy’s station apart from others. Indeed, I think a certain degree of pride is essential.”
Elizabeth’s gaze remained fixed on Darcy, her tone thoughtful as she responded. “I suppose it depends on the nature of that pride. There is a pride that inspires one to act with integrity, and then there is a pride that blinds one to the worth of others. I wonder which kind you favor, Mr. Darcy?”
