Page 92 of Her Whole Heart
The music grew livelier for the second set, but Elizabeth was happy to sit this one out. She was hoping there would be good news in the offing, and she should hate to miss it.
“Lizzy,” Amelia crowed, drawing Elizabeth’s attention back from her musing, “how was your dance with Mr. Darcy?”
“It was lovely,” Elizabeth said. “Mr. Darcy is an excellent dancer, and our conversation was engaging.”
“Engaging,” repeated Cordelia. “Mm-hmm.”
Amelia giggled. “From where I was standing with Mr. Grey, it appeared you two were quite lost in one another’s eyes.”
“And do not think we did not notice that his waistcoat matches your gown,” Diana teased.
Jane leaned forward. “Do you see the roses in her hair? Mr. Darcy sent them to Carlisle House this morning.”
“Jane!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “He sent flowers to you too—and AmeliaandLady Carlisle!”
“But not roses. And we are not wearing them, are we?”
Diana clasped Elizabeth’s hand. “Please do not mind our teasing. It is just so romantic!”
Amelia nudged Elizabeth playfully with her elbow. “All the men who have been attempting to gain your attention this season must be confused that the only one who insulted you is the one you chose.”
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. “None of them were serious.”
Jane laughed. “I told you, Amelia. She did not even notice. Behold, Lizzy.” She turned and held out her hand, indicating the entire ballroom. “Bees.” She turned back and touched the petal of a rose in Elizabeth’s hair. “Flower.”
Amelia’s smile was smug. “And as for your dance, I am sure the conversation was charming, but I daresay the way Mr. Darcy was gazing at you spoke quite eloquently without any words at all.”
“I am so happy to see you enjoying yourself, Lizzy. There is no one I know who deserves it more.” Jane reached out to squeeze Elizabeth’s hand.
“Very well,” Elizabeth said, humbled by the good wishes of her sister and friends. “I confess my feelings for Mr. Darcy have grown stronger.”
“Stronger,” Cordelia said, shaking her head. “What we just witnessed was something more than that.”
Just then, Lady Carlisle approached the group. “Jane, Elizabeth, might I steal you away for a moment?”
Jane glanced curiously at Elizabeth before following Lady Carlisle across the room, Elizabeth in her wake. As they approached a relatively quiet corner, Elizabeth heard a sharp intake of breath from Jane.
Behind several different groups of people, none of whom were paying them any mind, Mr. Bingley stood in the corner with Mr. Darcy, tugging nervously at his cuffs. Mr. Darcy gave his friend an encouraging nod as they approached.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Bingley said, bowing politely. “I hope you will forgive the intrusion on your notice, but I wished to speak with you. Particularly Miss Bennet.”
Jane pulled herself up to her full height. “Certainly, Mr. Bingley. What is it you wish to say?”
“Miss Bennet,” he said, his words sincere and regretful, “I must offer you my profound apology. When we were at the museum, I allowed my sisters to say offensive things about you without so much as insisting that they stop. It was cowardly of me.”
Jane closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them again, she said, simply, “Your inaction was disappointing.”
“I have long learned to simply tune my sisters out when they begin to worry on a bone. But when I considered it from your perspective, Miss Bennet, I understood immediately why you felt you needed to withdraw from our courtship. But I do not desire that.”
“I am sorry for your pain, sir—” Jane began, but was interrupted.
“I also wished to share some news with you. I have taken the step of establishing my own residence here in London. My sister Caroline will not be living with me, nor will the Hursts—ever. Further, I have informed them both that they will respect my decisions about the way in which I intend to conduct my life. If they do not, they shall not be welcome even to visit.”
Jane’s eyes widened. Elizabeth could tell that she was impressed. “That is wonderful, Mr. Bingley,” she said. “I am happy to hear that you are taking the necessary steps to ensure your own happiness.”
Mr. Bingley’s confidence seemed bolstered by her approval. “Thank you. Your approval means a great deal to me.” He hesitated as he gathered his courage. “I know I still have much to prove, but I was hoping you might grant me the honour of a dance this evening.”
Her sister considered Mr. Bingley for a moment, then glanced at Elizabeth who offered a little smile. Jane turned back to Bingley and nodded, a soft smile of her own gracing her countenance. “I believe in the goodness of your heart, Mr. Bingley. It takes courage to admit one’s faults and more still to act to change. So yes, I would be happy to dance a set with you.”
