“Really! Mr. Darcy’s comments were not directed at me?” Lizzy said, laughing. “Charlotte, it will not do. He looked right at me, and please do not concern yourself. This matter is no longer of any interest to me. Any hurt I might have felt has long since passed because my father has assured me I am definitely more than tolerable.”

Because Charlotte lacked the good looks possessed by many of the young women of her neighborhood, she often found herself without a dance partner. No matter how unenviable her situation, it afforded Charlotte an opportunity to observe the subtle beginnings of a new relationship: the covert smile, the accidental touch, the whispers, and the long gazes. Lovers rarely realized how obvious they were to others.

“You must hear me out, Lizzy. Mr. Darcy was directing his remarks to Mr. Bingley, and before you start laughing again, let me tell you what I think actually happened. Despite Mr. Darcy repeatedly telling Mr. Bingley that he did not intend to dance, he would not let the matter rest. That was the cause of the harshness of his reply. I was looking right at Mr. Darcy, and I can tell you that from where he stood, it was impossible for him to take your likeness, especially since he merely glanced at you over his shoulder. Contrary to what you think, Mr. Darcy admires you.”

“Nonsense, Charlotte! Mr. Darcy spent most of the evening in the cardroom. If he had wanted to make amends, there was ample opportunity to ask me to dance, but he chose not to do so.”

“But you did not see how he looked at you when he came out of the cardroom. At first, I thought he was looking for Mr. Bingley or one of the sisters, but then he walked by his friend and kept looking until his eyes had settled on you. And the same thing happened the other night at Lucas Lodge. His eyes followed you everywhere you went, and when you challenged him about listening to your conversation, he admitted he had been doing that very thing.”