Page 71 of To Go Against Her Heart
Within a few minutes, the dances started, and the men sought their partners, and Darcy wasted no time in leading Elizabeth on to the dance floor. As he held her hand firmly as they took their place, and the crowd watched in awe as his sudden appearance with a new woman sparked curiosity.
As the music began, both Elizabeth and Darcy recalled the last time they had danced—at the Netherfield ball.
“Are you finding the evening to your liking?” he asked her.
“I am indeed, and it is very kind of your aunt to invite us to be a part of her party.”
“The pleasure is ours, I assure you. I hope we do not end up fighting at the end of the evening like last time,” he said and smiled at her teasingly.
Elizabeth began to enjoy his sarcastic wit, aware that he rarely displayed it outside his family.
“I understand that you wish to taunt me for the way I acted that day. I assure you; I have long been ashamed of what I said to you that evening and the next day on the mount,” she said in a serious tone which alarmed Darcy.
“I did not intend to make you uneasy; I apologize if I have,” he said with regret, cursing himself for opening such a topic.
Elizabeth said nothing, enjoying the confusion on his face, and slowly smiled.
“You assume that you are the only one who can taunt me, don’t you? Two can play this game, Mr. Darcy,” she said with a small laugh and watched him relax.
I wish you could taunt me for the rest of my life, Darcy thought.
“Are you happy to return to Longbourn? I am certain you have missed your family and home.”
“Do I look happy?” she asked, and Darcy ran his eyes through every feature of her face.
“You look more than happy, and if I must mention, you are elated for your sister. You do derive joy from the happiness of those around you; it is such a rare quality.”
“It is indeed not; I observe the quality more often than not. Why your face brightens when you see your sister laugh, youderive joy in her happiness as well, and in this aspect, we are very much similar.”
“You are a fervent observer of my character these days. Do you suggest any other aspect we may be similar in?”
“This must be a secret, as it would not favor our characters, I feel both of us have a strong temper,” she said, almost whispering, making Darcy smile, and the music ended then. He reluctantly led her back to his party, and Georgiana warmly complimented Elizabeth, remarking on how beautifully she danced. The second set started, and Richard claimed Elizabeth for the dance, and Darcy watched them silently as he stood along with his uncle. He wondered if Richard would keep his word and say something to his advantage.
“I heard Georgiana compliment your dancing, Miss Elizabeth, but I must compliment you on something else,” Richard said.
“I do not have the pleasure of understanding you.”
“Well! My cousin rarely dances, nor does he make the effort to ask a lady at such a ball—yet you seem to have accomplished the unlikely,” he said.
“I do not think it is a rare occurrence; he danced in Hertfordshire as well, so I am not surprised.”
“Is that so? May I ask with whom?” he asked mischievously, making Elizabeth laugh. Richard couldn’t help but glance in Darcy’s direction, expecting to see irritation—but all he saw was warmth and quiet happiness in his cousin’s eyes. It was clear to him then: Darcy had begun to imagine a life with Elizabeth, not just as a companion, but as a future member of the Darcy family.
The conversation drifted to the newly engaged couple, and Richard mentioned that he considered Mr. Bingley as one of the amiable gentlemen among his acquaintances.
“I may not know him as well as Darcy does, but I can confidently say that he is one of the kindest and most sensiblemen I have ever met,” he said, and Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
“It is indeed a happy prospect to see a sibling married. It has been quite some time since we had a wedding in the family, and my cousin has disappointed us long enough by not securing a suitable bride. We still hold him in mild contempt for that,” he said with a teasing smile.
“A wedding in the family is indeed a delightful event, but why must poor Mr. Darcy alone suffer under such expectations? Surely, as a most eligible bachelor yourself, you might have led the way—and relieved him by setting a fine example,” she said, catching Richard quite off guard.
Poor Mr. Darcy, indeed! She is already defending him, and yes, Darcy is fortunate to have won her affection.
“You cannot fault me there, Miss Elizabeth. Unlike my cousin, I have never shied away from the idea of marriage. Sadly, fate has not been kind to me in this aspect,” he said, and Elizabeth somehow felt he would be an excellent pairing for Charlotte.
“Fate often rewards those who make the effort, Colonel Fitzwilliam. I would advise you not to give up hope just yet,” she said with a smile.
As the dance ended, Darcy walked up to Elizabeth and asked her if she wished to dine and then guided their party to supper. Elizabeth observed that Lady Matlock and her aunt had become acquainted with remarkable ease and cordiality.
