Page 57 of In Want of a Suspect

“What important dinner?” Elinor added.

“A dinner her mother hosted, for my friend Bingley—you know Bingley?”

“Accused of murder, the man who brought you together!” Marianne said. “And very sweet on Jane Bennet, correct?”

“Cleared of murder,” Darcy reminded them, more for the sake of Miss Woodhouse, who was watching this exchange with curiosity. “Mrs. Bennet is hoping Bingley will propose—which he absolutely will do, the man is lovesick—but to force the matter she hosted a dinner party last night. I was supposed to be there. Or rather, I think I was.”

“You think?” Marianne asked.

“Mr. Darcy, let me fetch you a cup of tea while we wait for Lizzie,” Elinor said. “And sit. You look absolutely wrung out.”

Which was how Darcy found himself sitting in a chair, sipping a bracingly sweet cup of tea, while the Misses Dashwood and Miss Woodhouse quizzed him about Lizzie. “Is this the first time you’ve missed an important social function?” Marianne asked.

“Yes,” he replied. “Although we don’t attend many. Important social functions, that is.”

“Why not?” Elinor asked.

“Well, we don’t often have reason to spend time together socially.”

The Dashwoods and Miss Woodhouse all exchanged looks. “Why not?” asked Miss Woodhouse.

He wasn’t sure he appreciated her interest in the case—she was a total stranger! But Marianne waved a hand. “Don’t mind Miss Woodhouse. She dispenses the best advice.”

Miss Woodhouse smiled. “I do.”

“Um, well...” Darcy glanced longingly at the door but was trapped. “I suppose it’s because we’re both very busy? I have my own work, which I’ve been neglecting lately, and Lizzie is London’s first female solicitor—she must always work twice as hard.”

“London’s first female solicitor! That’s impressive,” Miss Woodhouse said.

“But you mustmakethe time,” Marianne protested.

“It is not for lack of interest! But it always seems...” Darcy hesitated to say anything more. It felt almost like a betrayal, speaking of his relationship with Lizzie with their mutual friends.

“It’s all right,” Elinor urged. “You don’t have to tell us if you don’t want.”

She gave her sister and Miss Woodhouse stern looks that seemed to say,Don’t press.

“It’s likely silly,” he finally admitted. “Except that I get the sense at times she doesn’t wish to socialize with me. She doesn’t even want me to walk her to her front door. And when her mother invited me to dinner, Lizzie seemed resigned.”

The ladies all gasped in shock.

“But you’re perfect together,” Marianne moaned.

“Have you asked her how she feels?” Elinor asked.

“Well... not exactly. But Lizzie is very straightforward. Shewouldn’t hesitate to tell me how she feels.”

All three ladies gave him a look.

“Wouldn’t she?” Darcy asked.

“And how are things when you are working together professionally?” Miss Woodhouse asked. “Does she welcome your help?”

“Of course,” Darcy said. “I’ve been absent from my job more days than not this last week because of this case—her case! I care for her deeply. And I have to say, until recently, I never doubted her feelings either. It’s just that she doesn’t seem to want me anywhere near her parents!”

“Ah,” said Elinor knowingly. “So it might not be about you at all.”

Marianne and Miss Woodhouse were nodding knowingly. “Well?” Darcy demanded. “Are you going to explain it to me?”