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After some time had passed, where Mr. Darcy had barely lent a word to advance the conversation, his purpose in being there that morning dawned on Elizabeth. He means to find fault. Then he will forbid his sister to have any further association with me. Elizabeth’s courage always rose with any attempt to daunt her. Let Mr. Darcy sit there and brood and judge all he likes.

Georgiana evidenced enough enthusiasm for both her and her brother. “Elizabeth, as I have no sisters of my own, I am compelled to live vicariously through your many accounts of your own sisters. Pray, what news is there from Longbourn?”

Elizabeth enjoyed a most advantageous view of both her guests. Try as she might, she could not help but discern the grimace that graced Mr. Darcy’s countenance. “Georgiana, all my sisters are exceedingly well.”

“And what news is there of your eldest sister, Miss Bennet, and Mr. Bingley?”

There it is again! Clearly, Mr. Darcy is troubled by his sister’s questions. Elizabeth’s question was why! “I received a missive from Jane this morning. She speaks as fondly of Mr. Bingley as ever. I can only suppose they are getting along perfectly well.”

“Oh, I do hope there will be a wedding.”

Mr. Darcy’s face turned a disturbing shade of pale as he tugged at his crisp white cravat. For Heaven’s sake, breathe, Mr. Darcy. “Pardon me, Mr. Darcy. Is your tea to your liking?”

He nodded his head and set his porcelain cup aside. “Yes—thank you, Miss Elizabeth.”

Georgiana looked back and forth between Elizabeth and Darcy. “You never said, Elizabeth, how my brother was received in Hertfordshire.”

Here is a chance to rattle Mr. Darcy even more than I did last evening, but do I dare? He was not at all impressed with my making mention of Mr. Wickham’s name. “You will recall I did not have the privilege of meeting Mr. Darcy in Hertfordshire.” Elizabeth and Darcy’s eyes met. He is far too serious! What this conversation needs is a bit of liveliness. “However, from what I heard, I beg you to prepare yourself for something very dreadful, Georgiana. You see, your brother danced with no one at the assembly save those of his own party, and there were several young ladies sitting about with no partners.”

Wide-eyed, Georgiana turned to face him. “Brother!”

He cleared his throat. “Aside from Mr. Bingley’s sisters, all those in attendance in want of dance partners were strangers.”

“Your circumstances were no different from Mr. Bingley’s, and yet he danced with many,” cried Elizabeth. “He suffered no difficulties at all forming many new acquaintances.”

“If I may be allowed to speak frankly, Mr. Bingley is very amiable and flows readily into conversation with all whom he meets, whereas my brother often boasts of a hesitance to engage in conversation with people he does not know.”

Elizabeth said, “Or perhaps your brother does not consider it is worth his time to speak to those whom he deems unworthy.”

Darcy crumbled his brow. “You seem rather fond of ascribing opinions to me as though they were my own, Miss Elizabeth. I can only imagine you enjoy doing so as a means of provoking me.” He leaned forward. “I am not afraid of you.”

Elizabeth pressed her hand to her chest. “Heavens, Mr. Darcy! You have painted me in such an unflattering light in which I would want no one to regard me, and here I meant to pass myself off as one is who is in equal parts perceptive and endearing.”

“On the contrary, Miss Elizabeth. No one who has had the privilege of standing opposite you on the dance floor will find you lacking.”

Elizabeth, having rather expected to affront him, was amazed at his gallantry.

Not wishing to be denied her share in the conversation, Georgiana said, “What a beautiful pianoforte.”

“It is a gift from my uncle to my aunt and has only arrived mere days ago. I shall tell my aunt you approve. After having seen for herself the magnificent instrument at Pemberley, I am certain that she will surely appreciate the weight of your compliment.”

Barely able to contain her enthusiasm, Georgiana shifted impatiently in her seat.

“You are welcome to exhibit.”

Georgiana blew out a long breath before smiling. “As much as I would love to exhibit, I fear my brother may be growing restless.”

Darcy cleared his throat. “If Miss Elizabeth has no objection, then we might stay a bit longer.”

Georgiana walked quickly to the instrument and took a seat. “Will you join me, Elizabeth?”

Elizabeth would do anything to escape Mr. Darcy’s penetrating stare. “It will be my pleasure.” She stood, scurried over, and sat next to her friend.

Georgiana could not help observing that Darcy had his eyes fixed upon her friend. In a voice only Elizabeth could hear, she said, “How goes your list? Would you say you met anyone worthy of consideration at last evening’s ball?”

Elizabeth hushed her friend. “Imagine what your brother would think if he knew my secret.”

The younger woman raised her brow. “Perchance my brother shall find his way on the list.” She knew her brother well enough to know he did not regard women in the manner in which he regarded Elizabeth as a habit.