Page 115 of What Change Entails

Across the table, Elizabeth’s gaze met his.

He had begun to seek her without meaning to do it visibly. Worse, she had begun to do the same. He would enter a room and find her gaze lifting before she recollected herself. In company she no longer avoided his side. Three days ago, in Lambton, she had smiled at him openly across the street while Miss Bingley held his arm and complained of mud with great feeling.

He had thought of that smile for an unreasonable length of time.

He had thought of the bookshop as well.

The volume between their hands. Her blush. The small, brave way she had told him he had brought her to exactly the right place.

He still possessed restraint. He had evidence of it in every day’s conduct. Unfortunately, Elizabeth’s entrance into a room tested it more severely than tenant disputes, estate accounts, or Lady Catherine ever had.

“Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bingley said, reclaiming his attention, “surely you cannot approve of ladies turning an afternoon’s amusement into a contest. One would think Miss Lydia intended to challenge the militia.”

“I see no objection to it,” Darcy replied.

Her spoon stilled in the teacup.

Bingley brightened. “Excellent. Darcy approves. That settles everything.”

“It settles nothing,” Mrs. Hurst murmured, though without much vigor.

Miss Bingley smiled toward Georgiana. “My dear, you need not participate if you do not wish to fatigue yourself. I am sure Mr. Darcy will not expect it of you.”

Georgiana placed her teacup down slowly. Lydia nudged her with her elbow. Darcy saw the tiny movement because he had begun watching these exchanges too closely to miss them.

“I should like to try,” Georgiana said.

Miss Bingley’s face remained pleasant. Her fingers pressed against the handle of her cup.

Lydia leaned forward. “And I intend to win.”

Elizabeth was doubtful. “You have never shot an arrow in your life.”

“That makes victory more impressive.”

“Or unlikely.”

“Lizzy, your lack of faith will shame you later.”

Mr. Gardiner folded his newspaper. “I should enjoy seeing the contest. I have not held a bow since I was a boy.”

“Then we must have teams,” Bingley declared. “Teams improve all sport.”

“Teams ruin peace,” Mrs. Hurst said.

Miss Bingley recovered enthusiasm. “Teams might be arranged very sensibly. Mr. Darcy should guide Georgiana, of course. Mr. Bingley may assist Miss Lydia, since he delights so much in disorder. Mr. Gardiner will perhaps instruct Miss Elizabeth.”

Darcy knew at once what she intended.

So did Elizabeth, if the slight downward flicker of her lashes meant anything.

Lydia shifted her attention between them, then to Georgiana. Her expression became one of great innocence, which Darcy had learned never to trust.

“But I require Mr. Gardiner,” Lydia announced.

Her uncle looked up. “Do you?”

“Yes. He is used to my family’s failings and will not be shocked.”