Page 89 of Her Whole Heart
Darcy’s thoughts drifted to Miss Elizabeth and the supper dance. “I find myself anticipating the evening’s festivities as well.”
His friend laughed. “I have no doubt.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
It had been ten weeks since the ball at Lady Ashford’s. It felt both as quick as a wink and an eternity. So much had changed. Elizabeth walked into Lady Morgan’s ballroom with Jane and Amelia by her side, Lord and Lady Carlisle ahead of them, and though the room was dazzling, surpassing even the grandeur of Lady Ashford’s celebrated fête, this time neither she nor Jane gasped at the splendour.
The chandeliers, filled with hundreds of lit candles, cast a warm, almost ethereal glow over the polished floor. Just as at Lady Ashford’s, the dance floor was adorned with an intricate chalk drawing, this one of Haines Park and the land surrounding. The artist must have worked from a portrait, for the detail was exceptional.
“You all look especially lovely this evening, ladies,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said as he approached.
“Thank you, Colonel.” As the eldest, Jane accepted the compliment on their behalf.
Elizabeth peered cautiously about, and the colonel smiled.
“If you are searching for Darcy, Miss Elizabeth, he has been detained on the other side of the room.” He offered his arm. “May I take you to him?”
Elizabeth unconsciously touched her hair where her maid had pinned a few of Mr. Darcy's roses to the braided twist at the back of her head. She glanced at her sister and friend, who smiled and nodded at her. “I thank you, yes.”
“Before I go,” the colonel said as they departed, “I meant to ask whether Miss Bennet would reserve the first set for me, Miss Hamilton, the third, and Miss Elizabeth the sixth?”
Jane and Amelia murmured their assent, and the colonel smiled and led Elizabeth away. As they made their way through the crowd, she saw Diana and Cordelia engaging in pleasant conversation with Simon, the Carlisle’s son, Lord Milton, and Mrs. Caruthers. She smiled at them, but the colonel seemed intent on reaching Mr. Darcy and so they did not stop.
A moment later, she understood why. He was standing with Mr. Bingley, but Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were also there, their voices overly charming, clearly hoping to be asked to dance. Mr. Darcy was clearly uncomfortable but unwilling to extract himself lest he appear rude.
It was her fault in a way, Elizabeth thought, amused. Mr. Darcy had insulted her so grievously that now he apparently felt an increased duty to be polite even to the worst hangers-on, particularly as they were his friend’s sisters. There must be some medium that they could find together.
When he bowed for her and then straightened, she could see that his waistcoat was green, a darker, more masculine green than the silk she was wearing, but one that complemented her gown most becomingly. Georgiana’s insistence on viewing their gowns suddenly made sense, and her heart pounded erratically. He had chosen his clothing to match her own.
Miss Bingley, dressed in an orange gown with yellow undertones that made her appear sallow, smiled coyly at Mr. Darcy in a way that made Elizabeth’s stomach turn.
No one ought to look that way at Mr. Darcy. He was hers.
In the manner of old friends, Miss Bingley said, “Mr. Darcy, I do hope you have saved a dance for me this evening. We have always danced so well together.”
“Caroline.” Mr. Bingley’s warning was unusually firm, and Elizabeth's eyes were drawn to him.
“Yes, Charles?”
“A lady does not ask a gentleman for a dance,” he hissed.
“Do not be ridiculous,” Miss Bingley said, waving a hand dismissively, “Mr. Darcy and I are old friends. Stop complaining, Charles. You have been ludicrous enough this day to last a year.” Mrs. Hurst nodded in support.
Mr. Darcy’s eyes bored into Elizabeth’s. He was silently begging her for an escape, and she took pity on him with a slight nod. The tug of his lips upward disappeared so quickly she doubted anyone else had seen it.
“You cannot have a partner for the first, sir,” Miss Bingley said. “Do allow me to assist you in this regard.”
“I apologise, Miss Bingley, but I must decline your generous offer. I do indeed have a previous commitment for the first set.”
Miss Bingley’s smile faltered, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features. Her question, however, was smoothly delivered. “How is that possible, sir, when you have only just arrived? No, you must be teasing me.”
“Caroline,” Mr. Bingley said quietly, “you are making a scene. Please recall what I said before we arrived this evening.”
This angered Miss Bingley, but she did not speak further.
Had the woman actually been watching for Mr. Darcy’s entrance and then attached herself to him so that he could not ask another lady for her hand? Elizabeth did not at all understand how Mr. Bingley could have come from the same family as his sisters. Mr. Darcy shifted uncomfortably, but before he could respond, Elizabeth spoke.
“Mr. Darcy has already offered me the first set, Miss Bingley, and I am disinclined to relinquish it. I do hope you will forgive me for monopolizing his attention.” She gazed up at the colonel, who had been uncharacteristically silent. Perhaps he did not wish to draw Miss Bingley’s attention. Wise man. “Mr. Darcy, as your cousin will be partnering with my sister, perhaps we ought to make our way back to her?”
