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"That is very philosophical for a Tuesday."

"Is it Tuesday? How can you tell?"

Charlotte blinked. "Because yesterday was Monday?"

"Of course. I've neglected Monday in all this confusion."

Charlotte looked genuinely worried now. "Lizzy, are you certain you're well?"

"Only tired." Elizabeth attempted a smile. "There has been rather too much plot."

"A what?"

"A long evening. I said a long evening."

Charlotte patted her hand sympathetically, then turned to acknowledge an acquaintance. Elizabeth was left for a moment with her thoughts, which were terrible company right now.

Charlotte had understood none of it. Elizabeth stood beside her oldest friend and had never felt further from her.

She was hyperaware of her isolation.

Elizabeth pressed her lips together. Arguing with it aloud would not improve Charlotte's opinion of her condition.

Charlotte turned back to her. "Shall I stay with you?"

Her kindness was harder to bear than the insult had been. "No. You must not lose your dance on my account."

"Promise you will sit down if you feel ill."

Elizabeth tried the chair beside them. This time her knees bent at once. "There. A very modest accomplishment, but entirely my own."

Charlotte smiled uncertainly. Her next partner came to claim her, and she joined the set at the far end of the room. Elizabeth remained seated until she chose to rise.

"Miss Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth looked up to find Mr. Darcy standing before her.

The gentleman had returned voluntarily, or appeared to have done so. Elizabeth could think of no good reason why either of them should wish it.

"Mr. Darcy." She rose. "Have you come to revise your assessment?"

His expression stiffened. "I came to speak of a remark which should not have been made."

"Then I ought to allow you to make a better one."

"If you will permit me to finish it."

She colored. He had reason to be offended by her manner, however little she had liked his. "I beg your pardon. This has been a disagreeable evening, and I am making it no pleasanter."

He inclined his head. The apology did not make him easy, but he remained.

He studied her with an intensity that would have been uncomfortable if Elizabeth hadn't been beyond caring about comfort at this point.

"You appear distressed," he said slowly. "And you're saying very strange things."

"You have no idea."

"I hope my earlier comment did not—" He paused, and something strange crossed his features. Confusion. Genuine confusion, not the scripted kind. "That is. I find I must apologize for my ungentlemanly remark. It was unworthy of me."