Elizabeth looked at him with uncertainty, sure she was misreading his expression, now unsure about what he intended his words to mean. That Mr. Darcy was a proud man who disliked Herefordshire society in general and her in particular were truths Elizabeth had firmly established in her mind almost as soon as he had entered the neighborhood. His words and expression now seemed contrary to her preconceived notions. Before she could reconcile what he might have meant or what his long look might portend Mr. Darcy seemed to recollect himself and she watched as his previous expression, the proud haughty one she had been so accustomed to, descended, like a mask, over his face.

His arm was still extended to her and so Elizabeth chose to take it without comment. They began their journey to Longbourn at a brisk pace, both being excellent walkers. There was no conversation for some time and Elizabeth kept returning to Mr. Darcy's words and wondering what he could have meant by them. If it were not for that fleeting look of admiration she would have been certain that he had intended them as an insult, but she realized that if she had not viewed him so disapprovingly she may have heard them as a compliment in the first place.

In the end, she decided it did not signify. Mr. Darcy could think what he chose, Elizabeth need not concern herself with it. As it turned out; however, Mr. Darcy's plans did not align with Elizabeth's.

"I hope I did not discomfort you with my words, Miss Elizabeth." He said without looking at her. "You are not usually so quiet."

Of course they had, but Elizabeth was now not entirely certain as to why. Nor was she at all inclined to discuss it.

"Not at all, Mr. Darcy." She assured him with false levity. However, she could not resist adding, "I am only surprised you could find me so singular. I lack all of the accomplishments both you and Miss Bingley require of a lady. I would think I am like all of the other ladies you find not tolerable enough hereabouts."

She had not intended to go that far, but now that the words were out Elizabeth stole a glance at her companion to see how he bore it. They kept walking and it seemed for a while as if the silence would go uninterrupted. Perhaps Mr. Darcy was not one to either understand or respond to criticism. Then, as they reached a bend in the road he halted their progress and turned to face her.

"You heard my remarks to Mr. Bingley at the Assembly." He said, his voice devoid of any emotion.

"I did." She confirmed.

"Miss Elizabeth," he began, then seemed uncertain as to what to say next for some moments. Elizabeth, who had been steadfastly avoiding looking directly at him now risked a glance and what she saw, she decided must be added to her quickly growing library of new and heretofore unseen Mr. Darcy expressions – chagrin and perhaps shame. In addition, she was experiencing an entirely new emotion with regards to Mr. Darcy – sympathy.

"Come now, Mr. Darcy. It was some time ago and we cannot be held accountable for everything that is said at a ball. You must not dwell on it. I shudder to think how severely I could be reprimanded if all of my words from that night were examined too closely." She had intended her words to relieve him of the concern he clearly felt for his careless and rude statement regarding her that night, but suddenly she knew what she said was true. If her own words were inspected as well she too would be found wanting. She certainly had not stopped to consider his feelings when she shared with friends and neighbors what he had said and what she thought about the newest addition to their neighborhood as a result.

He seemed to consider this for a moment.

"While no one's behavior on any occasion, if examined too closely, could be deemed without fault I cannot excuse myself so easily nor imagine you are in need of any pardon at all. My words were unacceptable, ungentlemanly and untrue. I know it is entirely too long in coming but I hope you will accept my apology, Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth took several moments to consider his words and he stood regarding her closely as she did so. Previously she assumed this type of close scrutiny from Mr. Darcy meant he was looking to find fault. She imagined now he was only looking to see how she would respond. His scowl was perhaps not a look of criticism but one of concentration? It was certainly preferable to be concentrated on than criticized but it did raise the question – why? She could explain why he would look at her so often if he was doing so to find something to criticize but if he was merely concentrating on her – why?

Regardless, this was certainly not the Mr. Darcy to whom Elizabeth had become accustomed. He was offering looks of admirations, compliments and apologies. Who was this man?

Whoever he was he was waiting for an answer. All of these thoughts had taken some time and the silence had grown.

Well, if Mr. Darcy could apologize then Elizabeth Bennet could be gracious.

"Of course I accept your apology, Mr. Darcy." She said turning back toward the road indicating they should continue walking. They resumed their journey in a silence that was not entirely uncomfortable. For the first time since the assembly Elizabeth was not inclined to challenge and discompose the handsome Mr. Darcy and she found herself uncertain as to how to interact with him beyond that.

"I am confident Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet will have reached Longbourn by now. You can be assured your sister is receiving the care she needs." Mr. Darcy offered after several minutes.

These kind words were further proof that this Mr. Darcy was not the one she had known these past weeks. It also reminded her of why they had found themselves together on the road in the first place.

"I thank you." She replied determined to focus on what mattered most and not the riddle of the apparently ever-changing Mr. Darcy. "I hope it is nothing more than her having exerted herself too much too soon after her illness."

"I hope so as well, but I know you will feel better when you are able to attend her yourself."

Elizabeth looked up at her companion surprised at his accurate insight.

"Indeed I will." She confirmed.

There was no more conversation between the two before reaching their destination. Elizabeth's thoughts vacillated between Jane's illness and her confusing companion. She worried Jane's illness was truly dire this time and was concerned that the fact that she had not truly recovered was indicative of something serious. She tried to puzzle out Mr. Darcy and return to her former prejudice by explaining away his behavior of the past half hour in any way that did not result in his being any way but proud, haughty and disdainful. Neither train of thought resulted in any satisfaction.

When the pair arrived at Longbourn they discovered that Mr. Bingley had remained after seeing Jane safely home. Ostensibly this was to await his friend so the two could set off for Netherfield together, but it was clear he hoped to remain long enough to hear the report of the apothecary who had been immediately sent for by a concerned Mr. Bennet while a rapturous Mrs. Bennet saw only that Mr. Bingley had been so solicitous as to escort her beautiful Jane home. Elizabeth only stayed below long enough to greet Mr. Bingley and thank him and Mr. Darcy for helping Jane to get home so quickly before she left them to see to Jane with only a fleeting regret about subjecting them to her mother and her mother to Mr. Darcy's disdain.