Page 76 of The Lost Prophecy

Charlotte moved beside Elizabeth. “I shall remain with her during the ball.”

“That places you in danger,” Mr Darcy warned.

“Leaving her to Mr Collins alone places everyone in danger.”

Mr Hurst inclined his head. “Miss Lucas may be our strongest recruit.”

“I have not been recruited.”

“Neither had Collins when the conversation began.”

Elizabeth prepared to depart. The Longbourn carriage would still be waiting, and she needed time away from Netherfield before deciding whether the explanation had restored reason or merely supplied names for madness.

The bowl rolled after her. She stopped and looked at it. “You cannot accompany me.”

It pressed itself against her ankle.

“You belong to Mr Darcy.”

The bowl was deeply unmoved by property law.

Mr Darcy bent and lifted it. The vessel resisted, tilting towards Elizabeth until he held it firmly against his coat. “It will remain here.”

Elizabeth watched the bowl straining in his arms. “You should explain the matter to it more gently. It has feelings.”

“It has metal.”

The bowl struck him in the ribs.

Mr Hurst opened the drawing room door. “The metal disagrees.”

Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley accompanied Elizabeth and Charlotte to the entrance hall, while the gentlemen followed at a short distance. Their pelisses and bonnets were restored, but before Elizabeth stepped outside, she turned to Mr Darcy. He still carried the bowl, which had ceased struggling but was angled in her direction.

“If you have concealed any fact which affects my choice, our agreement is ended, Mr Darcy.”

“I understand.”

“And Mr Wickham will not touch me.”

“No.” The hunger and fear in Mr Darcy’s face made the promise darker than reassurance. “He will not reach you.”

The bowl extended its rim and caught the edge of Elizabeth’s sleeve. She bent, allowing it one final embrace before Mr Darcy drew it back.

Charlotte waited until they had entered the carriage and Netherfield’s door had closed behind them. “I believe the bowl likes you.”

Elizabeth watched the curtained windows as the carriage moved down the drive. “At present, it may be the least disturbing affection I have acquired in that house.”