Page 73 of Penned By Mr Darcy
“He does?”
“Yes! Even my father has outstanding money owed to him – my mother is quite cross about the whole thing. I have heard too that he has many people looking for him in London with far more serious accusations. Constable Jones saw him return there to face his sins.”
“I had no idea.”
“Men tend to keep these things amongst themselves,” Charlotte said. “I am sure my father has lost just as many times – there is no shame in it, I suppose, as long as one’s debts are settled. I have even heard that there are a long line of debtors from Mr Wickham’s past who would be very interested to know his whereabouts. It is no wonder he departed in such a hurry.”
“I see.”
“Never mind all that; how are you?”
“Quite well, thank you.”
“Are you sure?” Charlotte asked. “You seem rather distracted. Are you looking for someone?”
“No, no, I…”
“I see Mr Darcy has met your cousin, Mr Collins,” Charlotte said, glancing behind Lizzy. “Is there any news of Mr Bingley and darling Jane?”
Lizzy turned, following Charlotte’s gaze. Mr Bingley and Jane had found one another, and Lizzy was pleased to see Jane laughing brightly as Mr Bingley gazed upon her with adoring eyes.
“I believe there will be soon.”
“Look at the two of them! I am surprised to see Jane look upon him with such open affection; she has always been so reserved.Looking at them, there is no doubt that they are very fond of one another. The very picture of romance!”
“They are.”
“I am glad. Should we all find such happiness!”
Lizzy smiled; she wondered what had inspired the change in Jane. Perhaps it was enough being permitted time with Mr Bingley without interference, so that they may get to know one another. Jane was a shy creature by nature – Lizzy did not doubt that the interest in her affairs from their family would be a stifling environment in which to fall in love.
“Who will you dance with tonight, Lizzy?” Charlotte asked. “Mr Bingley has asked me for a set; he really is a wonderful partner. So light on his feet! I am selfishly glad etiquette dictates he may only dance two with one partner, for I do not doubt he would dance every set with darling Jane if he could!”
“I am sure that he would! As for me, Mr Collins has unfortunately made sure to secure the first set,” Lizzy told her. “I would be entirely in your debt if you would distract him for a set or two this evening.”
“Oh?”
“I have had too much of his company, and believe me, I have avoided it whenever possible. I fear he will spend the evening trailing after me like a lost puppy.”
“I have heard from your mother that a marriage between the two of you is all but agreed!”
“What?!” Lizzy asked in horror. “When did she say such a thing?”
“I overheard her talking to my mother when she paid a call to us earlier in the week.”
“That is not the case – not at all!”
“Perhaps you should correct Mrs Bennet,” Charlotte said with a wry smile. “I know your mother well; I do not doubt that the entire ball shall hear of this apparent arrangement by night’s end.”
“If you will excuse me,” Lizzy said. “I will search her out now and make sure she does not say another word of the ridiculous notion!”
She parted from Charlotte, making her way through the crowd as she searched for her mother. She could not see her – she could not see any of her family, in fact. They had no doubt separated and fanned out to terrorise as many people as possible. She wandered in and out of the rooms, swallowed by crowds as she moved, and still could not see her mother.
The music began, and she hurried back to the ballroom. She was not eager to dance with Mr Collins, but she would not sacrifice the rest of the night’s merriment by missing this first set. He lingered on the edge of the dance floor, anxiously looking about. When he caught sight of her, his face lit up in a most unpleasant way.
She took his hand and began the dance, wincing as he stumbled through the steps. It was a miracle he was able to dance at all, she supposed, and did not doubt that he had learned the dances as carefully as he had learned his manners. As they weaved in and out of the dancers, Elizabeth’s eye was caught by Miss Bingley and Mr Darcy dancing at the end of the line. Her cheeks heated as she watched him; she had never seen him dance before, and though he was clearly concentrating greatly, he was a surprisingly skilled dancer.
The dance concluded, and Elizabeth sank into her curtsy for Mr Collins with all the grace she could muster, though her mind wasalready plotting escape. She could not—would not—risk being claimed for the second set. The moment propriety allowed, she stepped back, slipping free like a fish from the line, and vanished into the flow of guests.
