Page 3 of Idle Gossip

Charlotte nodded. “Unless another Mr. Darcy has arrived, that is exactly who I mean.”

“Your imagination is very rapid, my friend.”

“Eliza, gentlemen who do not like ladies avoid them. He has been following you around all evening.” Charlotte turned slightly to the right. Elizabeth followed the movement and noted Mr. Darcy hovering nearby, watching them.

“Charlotte, I told you, your father attempted to pressure Mr. Darcy into asking me for a set. You must note that he has stood up with no other.”

“That supports my suppositions rather than contradicting them.”

“In what way?” Charlotte was speaking nonsense and Elizabeth’s patience was wearing thin.

“He has not even seen fit to ask Miss Bingley—his hostess—for a set. We know from the assembly that he will not be pushed to do something he does not wish. His friend, Mr. Bingley, could not get him to ask you to dance. Why would my father hold more sway?”

Elizabeth was forced to concede the point. But it was impossible. Mr. Darcy did not admire her—he could not.

“He watches you constantly and is attentive to everything you say. When you move about the room, he positions himself so he can see you, if not hear you. Tonight he has paid more attention to you than anyone or anything else.

“He is critical of me. His stares mean he is judging me. The glowers he bestows upon me testify that he finds me wanting.”

Charlotte was unconvinced.

“May I remind you of his words? ‘She is tolerable, I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me. I am in no mood to give consequence to women slighted by other men.’ Those are not the words of a gentleman who admires me.”

“For someone who professes to care nothing for Mr. Darcy’s opinions, you recall his words with great accuracy.” Charlotte paused. “Eliza, when people have insulted you in the past, you disregard them instantly and do not dwell on their offenses. Why is Mr. Darcy different?”

Charlotte’s words were uncomfortable. She did not wish to analyze the complex emotions Mr. Darcy had awakened within her. Elizabeth closed her eyes briefly, recalling Mr. Darcy coming into the assembly. Tall, handsome, imposing. She had admired him in that moment. She had watched him stand up with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, had admired his fine form. It was not until his words to Mr. Bingley that her admiration had died.

Had it died? She could not say for certain. His dismissal had wounded her deeply, and she had resolved to dislike the disagreeable gentleman forever.

Tolerable. Used to being referred to as one of the jewels of the county, this descriptor had cut her to the quick.

“I remember it exceptionally well because it was an exceptionally rude thing to say, especially when a proper introduction had not yet occurred.”

The look Charlotte gave her was pointed and knowing. Elizabeth chose to ignore it.

Mr. Darcy hovered nearby, just out of hearing distance through it all. She was acutely aware of his presence without even glancing in his direction.

As if summoned by her thoughts, he approached.

“Mr. Darcy! We are very pleased you and your party joined us tonight.” Charlotte was all smiles, even as Elizabeth struggled to gather the shreds of her equanimity.

“Yes, it is a…well-attended gathering.” Mr. Darcy’s reply was polite, if a little awkward.

“Indeed, my father adores company. I hope you are enjoying yourself.”

Mr. Darcy was mute as he stared at Elizabeth. She could feel his gaze, but refused to look at him. He made a stiff bow and strode away, leaving her in peace.

That is, until Charlotte started again.

“You see? He could have no reason to approach me other than to speak with you.”

He has been listening. Yes, Elizabeth could admit to that, but never aloud.

“That is enough, Charlotte.”

“What, precisely, have I done?” Charlotte’s innocent expression did not falter.

“I must go to Jane.” Elizabeth left without further remark, seeking Jane out as a shield against her friend’s assumptions.