“Yes, I do,” she said, a bit breathlessly. A gentleman of his stature had actually paid attention to the adornments on her bonnets!
Mr. Darcy told Jane and Mr. Bingley he believed they were now well prepared to move to their own work station. Elizabeth stepped up to the opposite side of the table, facing him, as their counterparts had done. She picked up another length of string and began to tie the same continuous knot around the other end of the parcel.
Mr. Darcy said, “We will accomplish much more today since you have this knowledge.”
It would be rude not to look at him. She braced herself, picturing her feet planted firmly in a soil soaked with disinterest before raising her head.
Her determination to display no emotion was uprooted instantly by the brightness of his smile.
Elizabeth’s heart melted and nature took control. She reciprocated the gesture.
His smiled widened, and with it, dimples appeared in his cheeks.
Mr. Darcy had dimples! How was it she had never noticed them before? But then, he had rarely, if ever, smiled when they were in Hertfordshire.
Philanthropy seemed to bring out the best in him.
As they bundled the gifts for one child after another, they did not speak much, and she assumed it was because they had too much to accomplish. Strangely, it was not awkward in the least; it was a companionable silence.
Although they were on opposite sides of the table, the top was small enough that they were constantly bumping into or brushing up against each other. Each time it happened, Elizabeth became aware of a pleasant tingling that moved up her arm and spread throughout her entire being. No matter how many times it happened, it did not lessen in intensity.
The cause of this sensation? It had to be a reaction to Mr. Darcy.
No matter what she did to try to prevent it from happening, it continued. She would shift her body, giving him more room, then suddenly, he was closer, and it would occur once again.
At one point, she could have sworn he modified his stance to be closer to her—on purpose!
She quietly observed Mr. Darcy. He did not immediately divert his attention from his work; in fact, he seemed enthralled by it. It felt as if she had been staring at him forever before the movement of his hands stilled and he looked up.
He cocked his head to the side. “Is something wrong?”
What should she say? Her mind was a blank, so she only shook her head.
The longer he held her gaze captive, the more the light in his eyes softened, and the more fiercely her heart beat. For the smallest instant, she could have sworn his gaze flicked to her lips.
No, it could not be. Her mind was playing tricks on her. Being this close to him for such a long time was almost maddening.
“Are you well, Miss Elizabeth? Your colour is heightened. May I suggest you sit nearby and hold the roll while I tie the ribbon and string alone for a few minutes?”
“I am fine.” She would not admit it was being on the receiving end of his intense look that was causing her blush. “I was just thinking… perhaps I could work on the second turkshead knot for each gift at a different table to give you more room, sir.”
He frowned, and now his colour rose a tad. “I am afraid it would not be beneficial since I need to hold the roll whilst you tie the ribbon.”
“Ah, yes…” she answered. “It was only an idea.”
As they both began working again, he took a step to his left, further away from her.
She felt the loss immediately and glanced up.
Was it her imagination, or did Mr. Darcy appear disappointed, too?
You are reading too much into this, Lizzy! Elizabeth thought.
Chapter 13
As the maids wheeled in the tea cart, Aunt Adelaide made an announcement that they all deserved a respite. Their group must have been hungry since the chamber became suddenly quiet and Darcy was left to his own thoughts.
He had taken a seat across from Elizabeth, hoping to give her the space she needed. Earlier, he had been enjoying the closeness between them, their camaraderie and cooperation whilst working towards a common goal close to both their hearts. He could even say it been mesmerizing—for him, at least.
Therefore, it had been quite the blow to hear her suggest they work at different tables. Moving further away from her, he found he sorely missed the lack of her presence, even though she was only a few additional inches away from him. Truly, it was ridiculous! The announcement of tea had been a blessing since he could barely concentrate on what he was doing.
He could not dwell on this setback—he had to devise a strategy. He must do something, say something, that might impress Elizabeth.
In the past, he had heard her mention more than once that she loved to laugh. Perhaps he should prepare a few amusing tales to mention over their work?
He wracked his brain. Nothing came to him. Why was it that when he wished to entertain, it became impossible?
His train of thought was interrupted by the melodious sound of Elizabeth’s voice. “Jane, was there any news from home in Kitty’s letter?” She hesitated. “Oh, but I do not suppose you had a chance to read it yet.”
Miss Bennet glanced at her sister, then met Bingley’s gaze, and an almost palpable warmth built up between them. “It came as we were leaving our aunt and uncle’s house, so I slipped it into my pocket.”
Bingley smiled. “I have been wondering if there was any news amongst my new neighbours. Would you share it with us?”
Bingley was looking at her with an intensity leaving no doubt in Miss Bennet’s mind as to his interest in whatever she had to say.
Miss Bennet looked almost ready to swoon for a moment before looking away.
Excellent job, Bingley. Mayhap Darcy should give that intense look a try?
Miss Bennet broke the seal. “My sister Kitty informs me—oh! this is for your sake, Lizzy. Mr. Gibbons has received the shipment you and Papa were waiting for.”
“Good. I have been looking forward to procuring a new book for ages,” Elizabeth replied, then met Aunt Adelaide’s gaze. “I had no idea we would soon be in London, so Papa allowed me to place an order.”
Ah, books! At least there he could be of assistance. “Please feel free to borrow anything from our library here at Darcy House,” he offered immediately. “I could take you on a tour of our collection later today.”
Elizabeth coloured, looked down at her lap, then back up again. “Thank you, sir.”
Although he enjoyed watching her blush, he wished he did not cause her to do so this frequently. It could not bode well for him.
Miss Bennet slid her finger down the page and smiled. “The new baby has arrived at the Claussen farm at Longbourn—a boy, who will go by the name of James. Mrs. Claussen and the child are well.”
“Wonderful news!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “I hope Mary remembered to bring them a basket.”
“She did.” Jane nodded. “Kitty and Lydia went with her.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow in response.
Darcy could imagine why. Her youngest sisters were flighty, to put it nicely. Having them tag along would be of no assistance to Miss Mary, who had a more sober disposition. On the contrary, he expected their being present had caused more work for her.
Miss Bennet continued. “Apparently, Miss King has inherited a fortune from a relation on her mother’s side, a great-uncle whom she never knew existed.”
“What a happy circumstance for her!” replied Bingley. “She lives with her father’s brother, does she not?”
“She came to live with him several years ago, after her parents died.” Miss Bennet looked down at the letter once again. Her smile faded. “As soon as the news spread, Mr. Wickham immediately began courting her.”