“But now that we have all met, all is well,” Bingley said, grinning.
While Jane and Mr. Bingley conversed about the local country, Lizzy caught Darcy’s eye.
“Mr. Darcy?”
“Yes, Miss Elizabeth.” Upon hearing her name on his lips, she found it took all her power to concentrate on her own words and not his eyes.
“I wanted to thank you, sir, for something of which you are unaware.” He raised a curious brow as she continued. “Your visit to our home yesterday had a most unexpected effect on my younger sister, Kitty. She has proclaimed to alter her behavior and behave with more decorum. For that,thisolder sister is grateful.” He followed her gaze toward Kitty, who was now dancing and smiling up at a young gentleman. “I am not sure if it is noticeable to someone who has only met her once, Mr. Darcy, but your conduct toward my family the other day compelled Kitty to reconsider her behavior.”
“Miss Elizabeth, I apologize if I was in anyway insulting to your family. I was merely distressed by a letter I received earlier that morning upon our arrival in Hertfordshire. I should not have been in company. Please allow me to express my regrets if my actions troubled your sister in anyway.”
She was amazed at his divulging such personal information. His tone was still one of refinement and dignity but there was a sense of contrition as well.
“Oh no, sir, no matter the mode of your conduct, its unintended censure produced most pleasing results. I admit any slight on my loved ones might usually be met with my general spite and prejudice but I find I quite welcome these signs of improvement.” They both looked again at Kitty before Lizzy continued amiably.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Darcy this morning in town. If I may say, what a delightful sister you have! Amidst her reserve and intelligence, there is an air which bespeaks gentle manners and a kind heart.”
Mr. Darcy seemed pleased to hear his sister spoken of in such an affectionate way. “I must agree with your observations, Miss Elizabeth, but I may be accused of being too biased in my praise, and therefore any argument I would make in congruence with yours would be discounted.” He smiled and Lizzy laughed at his ready wit while Bingley’s voice carried over their conversation.
“Do you dance, Miss Bennet?” Mr. Bingley extended his hand and Jane nodded an affirmation. In the next moment, he led her out onto the dance floor.
Lizzy had looked away from Mr. Darcy, not wanting him to believe she was hoping for a partner, when Mrs. Hurst came up behind him and said, “Now Mr. Darcy, I am sure you do not intend to dance tonight for we do not want Miss de Bourgh to receive word that her betrothed is courting another.”
Her insipid laugh made Mr. Darcy flinch, but Mrs. Hurst was too simple-minded and her husband too drunk to notice his glare. However, Lizzy was neither and she turned her back in embarrassment for both Mr. Darcy and herself.
Darcy gasped and when Lizzy looked up at his face, she saw his features become rigid. Lizzy followed his gaze onto the dance floor where she discovered her youngest sister dancing with a good looking, young officer she had never seen before. He was tall and had a charming countenance. Lydia’s laughter could be heard above the din.
Lizzy’s shame at the antics of her family were short lived, however, as the gentleman Lydia was dancing with seemingly recognized Mr. Darcy. His features registered alarm for a moment before a sly, impudent grin slipped across his face. She immediately felt cold at his expression.
Whether Mr. Darcy discerned Lizzy’s concern or not, he bowed to her before excusing himself. Even with his departure, she had noticed the rapid change in his countenance and knew there was more history between these two men than one might uncover in one evening.
Lizzy smiled at Jane and Mr. Bingley on the dance floor before making her way toward an empty chair beside her sister Mary. She sat undisturbed for a quarter of an hour when she saw Mr. Darcy return to the room and look toward where they had last spoken.
She wondered at this man, whose grim visage seemed to relax when he finally saw her. His hint of a smile, however, disappeared as he stopped suddenly while making his way across the room.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” came a male voice from behind her.
Peals of Lydia’s laughter permeated the room. The young officer that the youngest Bennet had been dancing with had returned to partner her again, and although he seemed to be aware of her youthful zeal, he also seemed to enjoy her impropriety. James Hamilton looked at Lizzy with understanding and then to the opposite side of the room at her youngest sister.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he said, breaking into her thoughts, “I hope you are not overly troubled by your sister’s behavior. Remember, those of us from Hertfordshire have grown immune to her lively manners, and although some might see a lack of decorum, both Miss Bennet’s and your character would never come into question.”
“How very gallant of you, James Hamilton.” She smiled at her childhood friend and wondered at how those same sentiments spoken twice to her in the same evening did little to suppress her shame. Lizzy shuddered as another squeal came from her sister. Turning toward the door, she witnessed Mrs. Hurst looking on with repugnance.
Oh, Lydia. I hope your behavior does not ruin the newly budding hopes of your eldest sister.Lizzy glanced over at Jane and Mr. Bingley. They were once again lost in conversation.
Mr. Hamilton excused himself to refresh his drink and procure refreshment for her.He is charming. Charming and pleasing to look at.Lizzy was studying his imposing height and musing how his straw colored-hair only added to his fine person as he was approached by Sir William Lucas from across the room. His easy smile and good-natured laugh at the elder man did him credit. He looked up and caught her gaze, and he grinned in a most becoming way.
She felt herself blush, embarrassed to have been caught staring at a man twice in the same evening.There are many women of my acquaintance who would be overjoyed with the attention which Mr. Hamilton has shown me. I do enjoy his company but…
Lizzy liked James Hamilton; she always had. However, with the possession of his aunt’s estate, and his unspoken pursuit of her as the possible mistress of Ashby Park, she had realized immediately she did not love him.As a friend, yes, but not in a deeper sense of the word.She had grown up in a house minus love and respect, and she had vowed her world would not be like that of her parents.But, I care for him, and a deeper affection could grow…
“Miss Elizabeth? Are you parched?”
Lizzy looked up at the outstretched arm of Mr. Hamilton. “Pray, excuse me. My mind was wandering at the delights of the evening.” After a sip of punch, she asked, “And how did you find London, sir? Was your business completed to your liking?”
“Not completed but satisfied with the progress. But, I need not worry you with business dealings or the world of figures. Tonight, your lovely mind should be engaged with the dances, beautiful gowns, and lively conversation. Indeed, might I have the next dance?” His blue eyes sparkled at her as a pleasant smile spread across his lips.
“I would be delighted. However, I suppose you know me well enough by now, Mr. Hamilton, to realize that gowns and balls only serve to enhance the purpose of entertainment,” she said impertinently. “It’s the follies and vices of others that bring me much diversion.”
