Page 32 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

“Mr. Darcy,” she said, “my sister claims your friend is incapable of choosing between two dates for their wedding. Perhaps you could decide for him. You have experience in that area.”

Bingley nearly choked. Jane blushed. Mrs. Bennet, who hadn't understood, warmly approved the idea.

I looked at Elizabeth.

“I've renounced that role. It proved ill-suited to my character.”

“A sign of wisdom.”

“Belated.”

Her expression softened.

Bingley, with his characteristic lack of subtlety, proposed a walk. Mrs. Bennet encouraged Jane to accompany him, ordered Kitty and Lydia to stay, then decided Elizabeth should show Mr. Darcy the improvements to the garden.

“What improvements?” my hostess asked after sending us outside. “Well, you'll find them.”

Elizabeth lowered her head to hide her laughter.

We followed the path behind the house. Bingley and Jane walked far ahead, so absorbed in each other they had forgotten any duty to chaperone.

“Your mother seems to approve of my presence,” I observed.

“My mother would approve of an earthquake if it possessed ten thousand pounds a year.”

“Should I find that reassuring?”

“That depends. Are you in the habit of causing considerable destruction?”

“Only in my friends’ relationships.”

She stopped.

I immediately regretted this attempt at humor.

“I did not mean to…”

“I know.”

She resumed walking, more slowly now.

“Jane is happy. She does not hold it against you.”

“And you?”

The question escaped before I could stop it.

Elizabeth looked at the trees.

“I resented you greatly.”

“That is not what I asked.”

She drew a breath.

“I do not yet know how to name what I feel. My anger has not disappeared simply because you made amends. But it is no longer alone.”

My heart beat faster.