Page 40 of Ashes and Understanding
Bingley, seemingly unaware of the scandalized look on his sister’s face, nodded enthusiastically. “Of course! A footman may not take the same care. I shall be most careful, and I dare say Miss Bennet will find the arrangement preferable to being stuck in her chambers for days on end.”
Elizabeth pressed her lips together to suppress a smile. She had no doubt that Jane would be flustered beyond measure at such attentions, but she could not deny that Bingley’s enthusiasm was… endearing.
Miss Bingley, regaining some of her composure, sniffed and turned to Darcy. “Surely you agree, Mr. Darcy? A lady of true refinement would not wish to be seen in such a state. No doubt Miss Bennet would prefer to remain upstairs rather than endure such… humiliations.”
Darcy set down his cup and regarded her with a steady gaze. “I think Miss Bennet’s preference is for Miss Bennet to decide,” he said coolly.
Elizabeth nearly choked on her tea.
Miss Bingley’s mouth pressed into a thin line, but before she could respond, Bingley beamed at Darcy. “Exactly, my friend! And I am quite certain Miss Bennet will be grateful for the chance to join us in the drawing room when she is able.”
Miss Bingley, clearly realizing she had lost this particular battle, exhaled through her nose and picked up her fork once more. “Well,” she said, forcing a smile, “I am sure we will all do our utmost to ensure Miss Bennet’s recovery is swift and pleasant.”
Elizabeth tilted her head. “Indeed, Miss Bingley. I am sure she will be most grateful for your concern.”
A slight twitch appeared at the corner of Darcy’s mouth, and Elizabeth found herself struggling to hold back a grin.
Oh yes, this was going to be an amusing stay indeed.
∞∞∞
A few hours later, after having returned to her sister and assured herself of Jane’s comfort, Elizabeth wandered into theNetherfield library, in search of something to read. She browsed the sparsely-populated shelves, lamenting the fact that she had not thought to ask for a few books when a servant went to fetch hers and Jane’s things.
“I am afraid you will not find very much.”
Startled, Elizabeth jumped slightly and whirled around to face Darcy standing only a few feet behind her.
“Good heavens!” she cried, raising one hand to her chest to cover her beating heart. “I had not known anyone else was in here.”
“I apologize for startling you,” he said. “It was not my intention.”
“I suppose I am just used to my noisy sisters,” she said a bit breathlessly.
He inclined his head. “I have always walked rather quietly—my sister often says I ought to tie a bell to my shoes so as not to startle people.”
Elizabeth let out a startled laugh, the tension of her surprise completely melting away. “That sounds like something Kitty might say. I suppose I must apologize, then, for not having sharper ears. You might have said something, though.”
“I do not speak often unless necessary.”
“Well, we make quite the contrast, then!” Elizabeth laughed again. “My mother is always telling me that I talk too much. It seems, Mr. Darcy, that we are destined to be either the best of friends or the worst of enemies.”
A hint of amusement flickered across Darcy’s face. “I hope, for the sake of everyone at Netherfield, that it is the former.”
Elizabeth arched a brow playfully. “A declaration of friendship, Mr. Darcy? Are you feeling quite well?”
“I do not believe my health has much bearing on the matter,” he returned dryly. “Though I assure you, my speaking little is no sign of rudeness. Prolonged conversation often aggravates my cough.”
Her amusement softened into understanding. “Then I shall endeavor to do the speaking for both of us.”
Darcy let out a quiet huff that might have been a laugh. “A most generous offer.”
Elizabeth grinned. “Though, in fairness, if we are to be the worst of enemies, I should think you would be required to speak more often, if only to engage in verbal battles with me.”
Darcy exhaled lightly, the closest thing to a chuckle she had yet heard from him. “Then I suppose I am fortunate that my silence makes such a battle impossible. You would win too easily.”
Elizabeth tilted her head, eyes twinkling. “A wise man knows when he cannot win, I suppose.”
“Or when to choose his battles wisely.”
