There was no doubt left in his mind—Miss Bennet cared for Bingley as much as Bingley cared for her.
He glanced back at his friend. Unlike moments ago, Bingley’s smile embodied every aspect of his person. He stood there dumbfounded as he drank in the sight of the lady he loved.
Darcy thought it strange that, with all that was happening in the room, Elizabeth was staring at Georgiana. His sister’s wide eyes were moving quickly back and forth between Miss Bennet and Bingley. Meanwhile, Georgiana looked quite pleased with what was so clearly taking place before her.
Elizabeth’s smile widened, and then she turned her gaze upon Darcy. Her eyes shone with tears. They were so full of appreciation, his breath caught.
Allowing himself a moment to enjoy the warmth she directed towards him, he closed his eyes. But then shame coursed through him, and his eyes flew open. The part he had played in separating this couple was unpardonable, and yet here he was, basking in the glory of Elizabeth’s gratitude towards him? He should not profit from her misinterpretation of his motives.
Elizabeth noticed his change in demeanor, furrowing her brow and tilting her head slightly to the side as if asking him what the matter was.
How could even that expression be so attractive on this lady?
Aunt Adelaide coughed loudly, diverting his attention.
Although he could tell his aunt was quite entertained with the tender scene the reunited lovers were playing out before her—for anyone with intelligence must be able to recognize what was occurring—she was plainly reminding him he had forgotten his manners.
Clearing his throat, he re-introduced her to Bingley, for of course she had met him before.
Darcy was glad Aunt Adelaide seemed amused his friend could barely look away from Miss Bennet long enough to be polite.
Chapter 10
Elizabeth had carefully observed Miss Darcy’s reaction during Jane and Mr. Bingley’s reunion. Contrary to Miss Bingley’s claims, she determined there was not a hint of significance present in the young lady’s looks towards her brother’s friend. This was a great relief because she knew Jane would feel forever at fault if she thought Miss Darcy’s heart would be broken because of her own interest in the gentleman.
While it was a balm to Elizabeth’s heart to see Jane so happy again, uncertainties plagued her.
Yesterday, she had been surprised by how low her mood had sunk when the butler notified Miss Darcy that her brother would not be rejoining them.
The same happened this morning; when he was not present to greet them. The depth of her displeasure shocked her.
Was it only that she was not able to continue her observation of his interactions with Jane? It is what she told herself, over and over, all day yesterday. Additionally, as she lay awake last night, examining all that had been happening, it was the only thing that she could come up with. But somewhere deep inside, she knew it was not the true reason. Especially since she felt such relief last evening when he joined them later for supper.
And just now, when he entered, her heart took flight, even before she had noticed who he brought with him.
Another thing that confused her: when Mr. Darcy led Mr. Bingley into the room, it had been evident to her that it had been arranged so Mr. Bingley and Jane could reunite. Why would he do such a thing if it were his intention to offer for Jane?
Had she been mistaken about what caused the interest he had been displaying in her sister?
For some strange reason, that single thought brought her more pleasure than seeing Jane and Mr. Bingley enjoying each other’s company once again.
But… why?
It bothered her that, whilst Mr. Darcy had seemed pleased by the reunion at first, several moments later, an expression of agony descended over his features.
Could it be that Mr. Darcy sacrificed his own happiness to promote his friend’s?
It pained her to think it possible, but if it was the case, she was glad he had done so. Jane would never have been genuinely happy with any man except Mr. Bingley.
Additionally, she now decided that a match between Mr. Darcy and Jane would not have suited, for joining their reticent dispositions would have been a disastrous combination in the end.
No… Jane had fallen in love with someone outgoing, who owned a hearty sense of humor, which was perfect for her since his lively nature would lessen her reserve. Mr. Darcy would do better with a wife who possessed a temperament opposite to his, as well.
Someone like me, she thought.
Good heavens! Where had that come from?
Had her heart been secretly hoping Mr. Darcy would fall in love with her? Was this why she had become sick to her stomach every time she thought of Mr. Darcy with Jane?
She gulped in a breath and looked around her.
Jane and Mr. Bingley had naturally fallen into their old habit of talking privately, as they often ended up doing in Hertfordshire. Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley were doing the same. From the corner of her eye, she could see Mr. Darcy had not done much since he had entered the room; he was now standing near the window with the cup of tea his sister had offered him, observing the others, as he often did.
However, Lady Adelaide was watching her, and Elizabeth could not help but wonder whether her previous thoughts had been displayed upon her face.
Forcing a smile for the countess, Elizabeth put down her teacup. Thank goodness it had been almost empty, or the trembling in her hand might have spilled it. She rose and made her way to the other end of the room, where the gifts for the orphans were stacked, and busied herself with straightening the papers upon which all the names of the children were smartly written in Aunt Madeline’s handwriting, along with their particulars.
Every fibre of Elizabeth’s being ached to submit to a sudden urge to turn and glance at Mr. Darcy, in order to discover how she would react.
No! She refused to look directly at the gentleman. She must appear as she normally did, and furthermore, she must give herself time to think.
Could it have been simply a stray thought flitting its way across her mind?
Last evening, the group had worked late to complete the sewing. Soon after they had finished, the ladies found that Mr. Darcy had concluded his business meeting and could join them for a light supper before they returned home. Elizabeth had been shocked to experience a great degree of relief—and delight—when he joined them at the head of the table. To be able to hear the deep timbre of his voice and to see the twinkle in his eye when it met hers had truly been a pleasure.
Why did his company affect her so unexpectedly?
While it was true that, from their first meeting, she had thought Mr. Darcy to be the most attractive gentleman she had ever met, she had been disappointed when he was deemed a proud, disagreeable man by everyone in the neighbourhood, especially her.
As if struck by a lightning bolt, Elizabeth suddenly knew for certain that her vanity had probably played a part in her bitter judgement against him when she overheard his comment at the assembly ball, stating Elizabeth was not handsome enough to tempt him. He had injured her pride. She had held that remark against him during most of their acquaintance thus far.
And yet, the entire time, she had been drawn to him, watching him at every opportunity, paying special attention to everything he did or said. She had told herself this was due to his true nature being so challenging to puzzle out, but currently, she could judge her difficulties more clearly.