Page 29 of The Crown’s Gift

Jane spoke first.

"Mr Bingley has been an excellent steward of everything entrusted to him. We are grateful Longbourn is full of music and guests again."

Bingley looked at her with such feeling that Elizabeth turned away out of kindness.

Caroline smiled tightly. "Steward is an unusual word for a tenant."

Sir Thomas joined them. "Every owner is a tenant with a longer lease, Miss Bingley. The land remains after us all."

"How philosophical."

"How agricultural."

Darcy's cough concealed a laugh.

Later, Bingley found Caroline in the small morning room. Darcy entered before either noticed him.

"You will cease making the Bennets' ownership a subject of ridicule," Bingley said. "You insult them in their former home while enjoying their furniture."

"I am trying to protect you."

"From what? Jane Bennet's beauty? Sir Thomas's fairness? A family welcomed at Court more warmly than we are?"

Caroline's face hardened. "From imagining that because they are kind, they do not see what you are. Their estate is ancient. Their royal favor is secure. You are the son of a tradesman leasing their entailed house."

Bingley went still.

Darcy stepped into the room. "If that is your fear, Miss Bingley, you have expressed it by behaving as though their consequence were false. It is not."

She turned toward him. "You take their side?"

"I take the side of civility."

"And Miss Eliza's fine eyes have nothing to do with it?"

Bingley's anger gave way to astonishment. Darcy's did not.

"You will not speak of her so."

Caroline stared at him, understanding too much.

Darcy left before Bingley could question him.

In the ballroom, Mr Collins danced with Charlotte and counted every movement aloud. Mary played one set at Bingley's request. Her hands trembled when she began. Georgiana was not there to hear her, but Darcy stood near the instrument with quiet attention. When Mary finished, he thanked her without extravagant praise and asked the name of the piece.

Mary answered with growing ease.

Elizabeth watched him. He glanced toward her and found himself observed. Neither looked away at once.

Wickham had not attended. He claimed business in town, though Elizabeth suspected Darcy's presence explained his absence. The evening was more comfortable without the tension between them.

It was not without consequence.

Near midnight, Bingley and Jane stood in the shadow of the conservatory doors. He said something Elizabeth could not hear. Jane's face softened, then became serious. She answered. Bingley bowed his head as though receiving a precious instruction.

"What do you suppose they discuss?" Charlotte asked.

"If Jane tells me, I shall know."