At dinner that evening, Darcy noted that Elizabeth was on her best behaviour. From the sparkle in her eye, it was clear her efforts weren’t sincere. She was mocking both him and Mrs. Morton.
Elizabeth adopted a London accent so exaggerated as to be ridiculous. Since Darcy had warned Mrs. Morton to stop evaluating Lizzy in front of him, Mrs. Morton had to hold her tongue. The contortions of her expression showed her strain in doing so.
Darcy also had to constantly censor himself. Not because he disapproved of Elizabeth’s behaviour—she was delightful. Rather, with Mrs. Morton present, he had to continue the charade that they were engaged. He couldn’t speak to her honestly.
Elizabeth, however, seemed to revel in her role. He couldn’t have chosen better. She was cheerful and self-deprecatin
