As much as he did not want to, Bingley related what all three men had said about an alliance with Caroline, and he told her it had been many times that Darcy and Fitzwilliam hadsaid the same thing. He also told his sister in pointed terms that de Bourgh had no interest in her whatsoever.
Miss Bingley was reeling. Why did none of them want her? She was a handsome woman, fashionable, educated at the best seminary, and owner of a dowry in the amount of twenty thousand pounds. Surely, she was the ideal woman for one, any, of the men. As she sat there in shock, she searched her memories for any encouragement she had received from Mr Darcy over the years. She could not find one instance. In fact, if she were honest, there had only been discouragement.
As far as Bingley was concerned, this was the calm before the storm. Surely, Caroline would explode with a tantrum for the ages at any second.
“I need to return to London,” Miss Bingley stated.
“My lessons have not begun; I must remain here,” Bingley replied. “The whole point is for me to learn.”
Mrs Hurst looked at her husband, who nodded. “Harold and I will escort Caroline to London. I will be available to act as her chaperone if our sister wants to go into society.”
It was decided; the Hursts and Miss Bingley would depart early on the morrow.
Chapter 29
Seeing that the assembly had not begun until Messrs Bennet and Collins had been taken away, and the floor cleaned where the latter had not been able to control his bladder, the first set was only called around a quarter after eight.
Elizabeth had agreed to dance the first set with Mr Darcy after the unpleasantness had been settled. Hence, the tall, very handsome man from Derbyshire came to claim her hand for what turned out to be the first set of the night. As she stood opposite Mr Darcy waiting for the dance to begin, Elizabeth could not but smile. As she looked up and down the line she saw Jane standing opposite Lord Hilldale, Elli was standing up with Mr Fitzwilliam, and Charlotte, dear, sweet Charlotte was opposite Mr de Bourgh. It was no surprise that Mary and Roger were lined up across from one another, and a little further down Lola was standing up with Johnny Lucas.
Since their arrival with the footmen, including the two gentle giants, there had been no mistaking the attraction between the members of the two couples about to dance with one another.
Jane had only met Lord Hilldale earlier that very day, so other than the fact he was dancing the first with her, there was nothing to speculate on yet. As she looked at the Adonis watching her intently, Elizabeth felt a shiver travel the length of her spine. Like Jane and the Viscount, they had only met today, so there was no telling if they would ever become more than common and indifferent acquaintances.
The first bars of the music sounded, and the dancebegan. Elizabeth knew it was time to concentrate on the steps and not on the various couples she saw dancing.
Lord and Lady Matlock were seated with Henry Bennet, Felicity Taylor, and Fanny Bennet.
Except for Henry, the rest were watching the various couples dancing. Felicity was filling her brother in on what he was unable to see. The descriptions of Lizzy’s reactions to William Darcy amused Henry.
“I have never seen either Andrew or William dance the first with a lady who was not a relation before,” Lady Matlock remarked to Fanny and Felicity.
“They must be far more relaxed at a country ball rather than an event with all of the eyes of theTonon them,” Felicity opined. “Is it not true that those two boys were hunted like prize stags by marriage-minded mothers and daughters in London? I believe I heard one of them say something to that effect this afternoon.”
“You have the right of it, Mrs Taylor,” Lady Matlock agreed. “It is one of the reasons none of the boys enjoy society in Town. It is good that Albert de Bourgh’s eye seems to have fallen on Miss Lucas. My friends tell me that the huntresses are sharpening their talons now that he is the master of Rosings Park and de Bourgh House.”
“Mr de Bourgh could not have found a better lady, that is, if he and Charlotte made a match of it,” Fanny stated. “Jane and Lizzy have only just met Lord Hilldale and Mr Darcy, so at this point, only He knows what will be there, if anything.”
“And your eldest granddaughter, Mrs Taylor, she and Richard seem to rub well together. I always knew Richard would need to find a lady who could match his desire for excitement,” Lady Matlock noted.
“First of all, with my daughter-in-law, Debby, close by, please call me Felicity.” She inclined her head to her son and his wife who were speaking to the Phillipses and Lucas parents. “When you use ‘Mrs Taylor’, the chances are two of us will respond to you. As to your observation about Elli, you are correct. She has an adventurous spirit and will never allow herself to be made subservient to anyone, man or woman.”
“On that subject, Lady Matlock, please call me Fanny,” she allowed.
“I will do so as long as you two call me Elaine. When we are in public, and you are not comfortable addressing me informally, then please use Lady Elaine,” Lady Matlock responded. The two ladies agreed.
Felicity thanked the Countess for the privilege, and leaned towards her younger brother. “Fanny and her daughters will be much better off without Thomas in their lives any longer.”
“A truer word you have never spoken, Fee,” Henry agreed.
“Henry, our Lizzy looks to be enjoying herself,” Felicity told her brother in her capacity as his eyes.
One thing Elizabeth was sure of was that Mr Darcy was the best dancer with whom she had ever had the pleasure to stand up. His form was perfect, and for a tall man, she was sure he was over six feet tall—her head barely reached his shoulder—he moved remarkably gracefully. For the first ten minutes, they danced in silence. That was until she decided she had had enough quietude.
“Our assembly rooms are pleasant,” Elizabeth remarked, but her partner just gave an enigmatic smile, one without a dimple. “It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Darcy. I talked about the hall, and you ought to make some sort of remark on the dance or the number of couples.”
“I am your servant, Madam, I will say whatever you desire me to say,” Darcy gave a half bow without missing a step.
“Very well. That reply will do for the present. Perhaps by and by, I may observe that I enjoy both private and public balls.However, for now if your preference is not speaking, we may be quiet.”
