Page 70 of To Go Against Her Heart
“I enjoy her company as well, and there is a possibility that she may accompany her brother to Jane’s wedding,” she said.
“Well, I hope Lady Matlock is not disappointed by Jane’s absence during the ball.”
“I am certain she won’t, and Miss Darcy presses us to stay at her aunt’s place after the ball.”
“Do you wish to?”
“No! We can return home; I am grateful that you are accompanying me and do not want you to stay away from the children for my sake.”
Her aunt nodded and helped her pick a gown for the ball.
She could see that Elizabeth felt unsettled in Darcy’s company, and it was evident to her aunt that she reciprocated Darcy’s feelings in equal measure. She wanted to help her niece overcome any lingering doubts about the past, but she wondered if it was right to intervene before anything was certain.
The next day, Elizabeth received an express from her father and Jane, both conveying the same joyful news—Mr. Bennet had given his consent for the marriage, and they expressed their wish to see her at Longbourn soon.
With a wedding to plan, Elizabeth was eager to return home, though she wondered how Darcy would feel about their impending separation. She knew he would not call on her in the following days, as they were expected to meet at the ball on Saturday.
As for Darcy, he was impatient to meet Elizabeth again, and as far as he knew, he had no intention of allowing her to depart town without making her fully aware of his feelings. He hoped that when he did, she would accept him, or if she needed time to give her consent, he was willing to wait. He had no desire to know about her past unless she chose to share it. To him, every struggle he had witnessed in her eyes back in Hertfordshire had vanished; it was clear that she no longer doubted him—or her own feelings.
At last, the day of the ball arrived, and Georgiana could hardly contain her excitement. Darcy saw in her the return of her former cheerful self and knew he owed much of that transformation to Elizabeth. In their company, Elizabeth always placed the young girl first, never allowing her feelings for Darcy to take precedence, and he admired that quality in her.
He readied himself for the ball, elated at the prospect of spending time with Elizabeth for a few hours at length, and hoped to find the right moment to reveal his heart. They wereto accompany the Matlocks to the ball, and Richard immediately teased Darcy regarding Mr. Bingley once they reached his house.
“Mr. Bingley seems to be a man of surprises, does he not? I had assumed you would be the first to surprise me with something of the sort,” he teased his cousin.
“I suggest you refrain from embarrassing me tonight amidst company,” Darcy warned.
“You mean in the presence of Miss Elizabeth?” Richard asked, warranting a glare from Darcy.
Lady Matlock looked forward to seeing Elizabeth again and hoped her nephew would not leave matters to chance.
The Ashfords were well respected in society and were known for hosting the finest balls in town. Darcy’s aunt and uncle were long-time friends of the family. As the party reached the ball, they were received with warmth by the hosts, and Lady Matlock waited eagerly for Elizabeth. She smiled, unable to tell which of the Darcy siblings was more impatient for her arrival.
And as always, Elizabeth arrived punctually with her aunt, and Georgiana was immediately beside her. She greeted everyone and apologized to Lady Matlock for Jane’s absence.
“Why, Miss Elizabeth, she has the best excuse for her absence, does she not? Let me congratulate you on the happy news, and I am well acquainted with Mr. Bingley; he is a wonderful gentleman,” Lady Matlock said to put Elizabeth at ease. She introduced Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth to the hosts, who seemed very interested in knowing more about the new acquaintance of the Matlocks. Since her arrival, Darcy had not spoken to her except for the initial greeting; in truth, he was enchanted by her appearance. He thought her lovelier than he had ever beheld her, and her eyes shone with a gentle delight at the approaching evening.
“You look very beautiful this evening,” he finally said, and she smiled at him with a blush.
Richard winked at Georgiana, hearing Darcy’s comment, as they had hardly heard him compliment any woman.
The ballroom had started to fill up with guests, and the Ashfords were most attentive hosts. Just before the ladies sat down for refreshments, Darcy asked Elizabeth for the first dance, and she readily agreed. He left her reluctantly to join the men, and Richard followed him.
“I assumed you would request all her dances,” he said teasingly.
“I have secured the first and fifth,” Darcy replied bluntly.
“Well then, you have allowed me a chance to dance with her, and do not doubt it, I will put in a good word for you,” he said, and Darcy glared.
Meanwhile, Lady Matlock continued introducing Elizabeth and her aunt to all her acquaintances, andElizabeth was aware of the glances that were fixed upon her, puzzled by the importance Lady Matlock bestowed upon them.
“I thank you for attending the ball today, Miss Elizabeth. I do realize that you are impatient to reunite with your sister,” Georgiana said.
“I am, but I am honored with your aunt’s invitation and did not want to miss the ball and your company as well. I hope you will attend my sister’s wedding, which should be in Hertfordshire.”
“My brother has promised that he would take me, and we would return to Pemberley after that,” Georgiana said, and she noticed Elizabeth’s face darken.
I am certain she loves him as well!
