Page 24

1. Survive the ball

2. Execute the game with Darcy (point system for off-script comments)

3. Not lose her mind if anyone praises Wickham

4. Ask Jane whether she is enjoying herself

5. Document everything

"You look beautiful, Lizzy," Jane said warmly.

Elizabeth examined her reflection. She looked... exactly like a heroine. Not too beautiful (that was Jane's role) but handsome enough. Jane had fastened the blue ribbon at her shoulder. Elizabeth straightened it, then put it back as her sister had arranged it; Jane had the better eye for such things.

"Thank you, Jane. I think Mr. Bingley will find it difficult to attend to anyone else."

Jane smiled and bent to find her gloves. Elizabeth watched her for a moment, hoping that the evening would be as happy as her sister expected.

The Bennet family arrived at Netherfield, and Mrs. Bennet immediately began her tactical assault on the evening.

"Oh my! How grand! Jane, stay close to me! We must ensure Mr. Bingley sees you immediately! Five thousand a year! Five thousand!"

Elizabeth slipped away while her mother was occupied with greeting their host.

She found Darcy near the windows, where he had apparently been placed to discourage anyone from enjoying the evening too much. His face was grave, his posture faultless. Then he saw her, and one eyebrow rose. Elizabeth had been looking forward to that small betrayal of his dignity all afternoon.

She raised hers back. It was their secret signal for "Let the games begin."

Elizabeth danced with officers, smiled at neighbors, and noticed Mr. Wickham's absence with unease. That much followed the original plot. Jane was smiling before Bingley reached her; in the privacy of their room, she had admitted hoping he would ask for another dance. Elizabeth wanted that small anticipation to belong to her sister.

"Miss Elizabeth," a voice said at her elbow. "I believe our dance is approaching."

She turned to find Darcy beside her. The music was already shifting to a new set.

"Mr. Darcy. Have you been allowed to approach, or have you escaped?"

"I tried to come three minutes ago. My feet objected." He offered his hand. "They appear willing now. May I have yours before the situation changes?"

"Might as well. Remember the rules?"

"One point for off-script comments that succeed. Two if they make the other person laugh. Winner chooses our next experiment."

"Excellent. Try to keep up."

Before they took their places, Darcy asked whether an involuntary smile counted as laughter. Elizabeth objected that he could scarcely award himself points for something neither of them had chosen. By the time they settled the question, Elizabeth claimed the right to judge Darcy, and Darcy claimed the right to judge Elizabeth. Their totals were likely to be assertions, not arithmetic; the winner would still have to attempt the agreed experiment before claiming any prize.

Elizabeth placed her hand in his, and...

Her breath caught.

"One," Darcy said immediately. "You're already down one breath-catch. That's disappointing."

"That was automatic! It doesn't count!"

"I claim the point for noticing, Miss Elizabeth."

"I hate you."

"One point to me. You're not supposed to say that during the dance. Too early in the relationship arc."