Throughout supper, Mr. Darcy watched Elizabeth carefully. She glowed with the knowledge that she had nearly beaten him. Sitting beside Mrs. Jenkinson and Mr. Collins, she appeared fully engrossed in listening to Mr. Collins speak with Lady Catherine and praise how well the remodel planning progressed. Mr. Darcy wished to roll his eyes at the parson praising himself for work barely begun, and not even done by himself. Lady Catherine was the only one who could intercede, for the moment she looked like she might speak, Mr. Collins stopped speaking regardless of how incomprehensible his words might be. Her interruptions were meant to remind Mr. Collins that she had recommended the workers. Mr. Darcy's only recourse from the inanity was to watch Elizabeth. Every so often, she would glance at him and smile from the memory of their game. He vowed he would not go easy on her a second time.
After dinner, Mrs. Collins suggested Elizabeth should play the pianoforte, and Lady Catherine agreed. "It has been too long since I have been entertained thus. This fire business has taken too much of my time."
Elizabeth was still playing a slow piece when the gentlemen came. Mr. Collins eagerly took a place beside Lady Catherine to announce how wonderful the conversation with her nephews had been. Mr. Darcy and the colonel sighed with relief and moved to the pianoforte where they hoped no one would speak for some time. Elizabeth noticed Mr. Darcy roll his eyes as Lady Catherine spoke over the music about how much she enjoyed listening to music, and Elizabeth nearly lost her place in the music in her attempt to conceal her laughter.
The colonel claimed the place beside her and enjoyed turning the pages while she played. When she finished the song, he asked if she would sing. "Your voice would do much to improve my spirits after such a discussion at dinner."
"Your spirits seem to be unaffected, sir, but if you wish it, I shall sing." While she was going through the music sheets for an appropriate song, she yawned.
Mr. Darcy noticed and was at her side almost immediately stating that she need not perform.
Elizabeth declared with a huff that she felt fine. Upset that he would attempt to curtail her performance, she sat down with renewed vigor, determined that she would sing despite his decided preference for more accomplished ladies.
She was therefore surprised when Mr. Darcy took the seat beside her after Colonel Fitzwilliam had been called over to his aunt. With a sigh of resignation, she began to play and sing. He studied her very carefully and was therefore prompt about turning the pages. He also brushed against her arm while performing his duty. His small half smile as she observed him made her realize he was behaving purposefully. She could not fathom his interest in her, such was her dislike for him. She had delighted in nearly besting him at their game. Now, it seemed he was enacting his penance by remaining close to her side.
As soon as she finished her song, she declared she was tired. Shutting the instrument, she apologized to Lady Catherine who quickly announced that they should all retire. It seemed as though even she could tire of Mr. Collins' babbling.
Mrs. Collins walked with Elizabeth to their wing of the house and asked her if she had enjoyed her day.
Elizabeth thoughtfully responded, "I did until Mr. Darcy chose to discompose me by turning the pages. He seemed pleasant enough while we were playing billiards, but to retaliate by bumping into my arm while I played the pianoforte is too harsh."
"Perhaps he wished to connect with you." Mrs. Collins suggested, waggling her eyebrows.
"Charlotte, do not imagine he could like me."
Mrs. Collins sighed. "You already know my thoughts on the matter. I believe he has cared for you for some time. He is an excellent match."
Elizabeth was about to respond when Mr. Collins caught up to them and began explaining how happy he was that he could spend so much time with Lady Catherine. Instead of saying something that would displease her cousin, Elizabeth quickened her pace to her room, thankful that the thicker walls meant she would sleep in silence.
AN: Thanks for reading!