Page 86 of The Scarred Duchess
Elizabeth blushed.Oh my.Clearly Jane heard as well, for she gripped Elizabeth’s hand and laughing quietly, whispered, “Matchmaker.”
Georgiana bit her lip and nodded. She continued to play. Thirty minutes later, the four gentlemen joined the ladies, where Darcy solicited Jane’s hand and Elizabeth’s was claimed by his father. The Gardiners stood up together, as did Lord and Lady Matlock.
The music began and the couples elegantly performed. The ladies circled under the men’s arms, and likewise, the men hardly bowed their heads to do the same. The music ended and the room filled with applause, none more robust than that of the earl and countess.
“Allow me to say that your fair partner does not disgrace you, Darcy,” said Lord Matlock.
Elizabeth clamped her lips to keep from laughing aloud.The earl was uproariously funny. Lady Matlock slapped his arm.
“A change of partners,” called out Lady Catherine.She seems quite pleased with herself.She immediately lost her line of thought when Mr Darcy took her hand and led her to the line. Mrs Gardiner paired with Mr George Darcy.
Lady Catherine nodded to Georgiana, who played the opening chords to a waltz. Elizabeth swallowed; she stood opposite Mr Darcy and knew not how to proceed.
“We are a family party. There is no impropriety,” claimed Lady Catherine. “As you know, I am excessively attentive to all these things.”
The tension crumbled as the group laughed at Lady Catherine’s jest. Georgiana began playing softly. The notes filled the air, enveloping Elizabeth in an additional embrace. Mr Darcy’s hand was warm and strong on her own. He gently tugged her towards him; she allowed the movement, her head still bowed. Mr Darcy turned her to her right; she instinctively moved her left foot forward. She followed him into another partial turn, her right foot sliding back. Her feet seemed to move of their own volition. She stiffened against his next step, but he firmly guided her through another turn. His hand flexed upon her back. It was warm. Very warm.
Mr Darcy’s hand was twined with her own. Her confidence rose. She closed her eyes and allowed the melody to infuse her. The music began to crescendo; she freed herself from her last inhibition.
“Wonderful,” he whispered.
Elizabeth lost herself in the music, the movement, and the man. Mr Darcy guided her around the floor with a gentle firmness.I could, and would, do this for an eternity.They had yet to speak, but should the dance remain wordless, she cared not a jot.
The music’s tempo increased. Mr Darcy spun her around and around. The melody filled the hall; they floated across the floor. The music rose to a crescendo with the final twelve chords; Georgiana played the last four in a happy fury.
Mr Darcy and Elizabeth stopped twirling, yet their arms remained in place. Her chest rapidly rose and fell from her fevered breathing.He is breathless as well.Elizabeth saw only Mr Darcy.
His gaze moved from her eyes to her mouth. She moistened her top lip with her bottom; his eyes widened. The distance between their noses grew smaller as he leant towards her. She gripped his arms tighter; she rose on her toes. Elizabeth tilted her chin up. Mr Darcy shook his head. She dropped her heels. Vowing to herself not to tear up, she smiled, stepped back, and curtseyed.
“Thank you for the lovely dance,” she whispered.
He bowed and cleared his throat. Differing emotions passed across his face.
He held out his hand, and she placed hers into his without hesitation. She hoped the dance had affected him as deeply as she had been but his silent manner provided no clue.
“Lizzy, you were amazing!” gushed Georgiana. She clapped giddily. Elizabeth reached for her hand.
“Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth. I shall cede you to my sister.” Mr Darcy bowed and exited.
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Gardiner glanced at the news sheets and chuckled. London had seen the last of the callow Charles Bingley.
London Financial News
Purchased, Bingley Carriage Works, by Gardiner Enterprises, a transaction completed in full and in good standing. All existing orders will be met and delivered in a timely manner. Customers may make enquiries to the desk at Coutts.
Scarborough Financial Times
Sold, Bingley Carriage Works, to Gardiner Enterprises, a transaction completed in full and in good standing. All outstanding debts or vowels held in the Bingley family name may be addressed through Mr _______, their man of all business. Seekers may address personal debts to the family holdings at a direction to be published at alater date.
Gardiner had respected the elder Mr Bingley. He had been a good man, and his early investment had been critical to Gardiner’s fortunes. It was a shame his children were feckless.Youthful, naïve, impetuous, and rather stupid. Ran off rather than meet Lambrook. Best of luck to him and his sister on the marriage mart.
Darcy was in the game parlour, sitting in front of the chessboard he had last played with Miss Elizabeth. A single taper lit the table; her winning strategy was apparent to him at the ninth move. He only continued to play to bask in her allure. His head presented every argument for propriety; his sister’s desires and his heart’s wants fought a valiant battle.
He looked up as the pianoforte in the music room came to life. Darcy craned his head to look through the open door. He had never heard Elizabeth play a solo. He extinguished his candle and silently stood in the doorway.
At first, the notes were hesitant, even a little unsteady. But then the music grew into a melody that had him mesmerised. The chords changed with each measure, and he allowed himself to be taken away on a journey—his guide spoke of love and longing. It was unlike anything he had ever heard.
