Page 3 of Diversions With Darcy & Elizabeth

My mouth fell into a slack position. “Mr. Darcy is supposed to have said this to Miss Bingley? That cannot be true!”

“Yes, Mr. Darcy, the tall, dark-’aired ’andsome one. There’s no mistaking what Miss Bingley said. ’Er back was up like an angry cat!” Lucy straightened her attitude and giggled. “Well, I best return to me work.”

I stared after her, my chest constricting. What have I done?

Friday, 1 November

Longbourn

Elizabeth

“No other man has ever impressed me as much as he has done.” A becoming glow enhanced Jane’s complexion, and her blue eyes twinkled; she had seldom been so animated before.

“I am happy for you.” Earlier, upon my return from a morning ramble, I had met Jane on the stairs, and the two of us took to the garden. After a stroll upon the stone paths, we sat together upon our favourite bench.

“It feels as though we have been acquainted for many months. He is generous, gallant, unaffected, and uncommonly kind. I do not believe he would ever be rude to anyone except by accident.”

“This is a fine beginning. Mr. Bingley’s preference for you has been obvious, and that alone is reason enough for me to think well of him.” My lips pressed together. “It is a shame I cannot say the same for his sisters.”

Her smile dimmed. “I know you do not care for them, but they have been most pleasant to me. I hope you will endeavour to be polite to them.”

With an exaggerated sigh, I adjusted my seat, crossing my ankles. “Oh, very well.”

Jane patted my arm.

I could wait no longer to confide my folly. “You must hear what I have done.” I described the encounter with Luke and Mrs. Greenwood on Tuesday and my use of the purported love potion at last night’s party.

Jane peered at me. “I cannot understand why you would give the potion to him—a man you so dislike.” Her pale eyebrows drew together. “Or perhaps you do favour him after all.”

“Of course not! I never believed the potion would work. I wanted to have a bit of sport, a private laugh at his expense.”

“Still, this is an odd bit of mischief for you to have done.”

“Do you not find the notion amusing—an arrogant, boorish gentleman like Mr. Darcy being made to fall in love contrary to his inclination?”

“No, I do not, and even the suggestion of using a love potion on anyone is rather…absurd.”

“Yes, precisely! I meant this to be absurd—a silly, diverting joke.” I bit my lower lip. “But after what I witnessed at the party, I wish I had thrown the mixture away.”

“Why? What has happened?”

“At first, Mr. Darcy stood apart from everyone else, glaring and looking down his nose at us like he did at the Meryton assembly. After he drank the potion, his conduct altered. On several occasions, he crossed the room to stand near me and listen to my conversations with others. When Charlotte asked me to play the pianoforte, he watched me for the entire time I sat at the instrument. He did not smile, mind you, as one does when they enjoy a performance. He maintained his usual sullen demeanour.”

She held me in a tender look. “Your singing voice is delightful, and everyone loves to hear you play.”

“You are a loyal sister.” I toyed with the strings on my bonnet. “Later that night, Sir William mortified me by suggesting Mr. Darcy should ask me to dance. To my surprise, Mr. Darcy appeared amenable to the scheme before I disavowed any intention of dancing and made my escape.” I completed my report by relating my conversation with Lucy.

When Jane failed to comment, my mouth quirked sideways. “What do you think? Does it not seem as though the potion might have worked?”

Her head tilted, meeting my gaze. “No, I should not make that assumption. A reserved man such as Mr. Darcy is apt to heed the discourse of others far more often than he participates in a dialogue. Nothing is more natural than observing and listening to a musical performer, and it would have been awkward and troublesome for Mr. Darcy to reject a direct request from Sir William, his host. As for Lucy’s bit of gossip, you are very pretty.”

“Others may deem me attractive, but at the assembly Mr. Darcy made it clear he does not.”

Jane tapped her lower lip. “Based upon Mr. Bingley’s profound respect and admiration for the gentleman, I believe Mr. Darcy must be a discerning man. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for his second impression of you to inspire his admiration.”

Goodness, had I been fretting all of last night and this morning for no reason? With a deep exhalation, my shoulders relaxed. “Your logic is sound. It seems I have allowed my imagination to run wild.”

She giggled. “Indeed, you have.”