Page 36 of The Crown’s Gift

Colonel Fitzwilliam turned from the next painting and looked far too amused.

Elizabeth left with her aunt soon afterward. Darcy watched until the green pelisse disappeared into the crowd.

"You neglected to mention her," the colonel said.

"There was nothing to mention."

"You look at nothing with remarkable concentration."

Darcy walked on.

He encountered the Bennets repeatedly after that. Sir Thomas attended a dinner at the home of a cabinet minister who admired his estate reforms. Lady Bennet occupied a box at the opera and whispered too loudly during an aria, then silenced an impertinent gentleman with a remark so direct that Darcy's aunt laughed for five minutes. Elizabeth and Mary attended a musicale at the Fitzwilliams' London house.

There Darcy observed Elizabeth with Lady Matlock.

She did not flatter. She answered questions fully, asked her own, and allowed the countess to discover her wit rather than displaying it. When Lady Matlock mentioned the King's gratitude, Elizabeth redirected attention to the estate schools Sir Thomas had established.

"His Majesty gave Papa land," she said. "Papa thought the best thanks would be making it useful."

Darcy had known heirs who treated inherited estates as proof of merit. Sir Thomas treated a gifted one as debt.

Mary stood near the pianoforte, pale with nerves. Elizabeth remained within sight without hovering. When asked to perform, Mary declined once. At the second request she looked toward Elizabeth, received a small nod, and sat.

Her playing was exquisite.

Not brilliant in Caroline's sense—no rapid passages chosen to display agility—but controlled, thoughtful, and deeply felt. The room quieted for reasons beyond politeness.

Darcy thought of Georgiana.

Afterward he approached Mary. "My sister would admire your interpretation. She plays the same piece but rushes the second movement when anxious."

Mary's eyes widened. "I used to rush it. My master made me practice the left hand alone for a month."

"Would you tell her that?"

"Tell Miss Darcy?"

"She is in town. If Sir Thomas permits, perhaps you might meet."

Mary looked at Elizabeth, who looked at Darcy. Distrust remained, but surprise softened it.

"Mary would enjoy that," Elizabeth said.

"Would you accompany her?"

The question held more than necessity. They both heard it.

"If Mary wishes."

Mary looked between them. "I believe I do."

Across the room, Caroline Bingley watched the arrangement form.

She had come expecting Georgiana to secure Darcy's distance from the Bennets. Instead, his sister would become another bridge.

Caroline left early and went directly to the Hursts' house.

"You will never guess whom Darcy invited to meet Georgiana."