The teasing woman appeared to have some inkling of his meaning, the grin she sported displaying her amusement. “Of course, Mr. Darcy,” said she when she drew close. “How may I assist?”
“If you would be so kind as to recommend some partners for the coming dances, I should be obliged.”
Lips curved in a wide grin, the corners of her eyes crinkled, Miss Elizabeth could not resist goading him. “That is curious, Mr. Darcy, for I recall you declaring that you do not enjoy dancing unless you are intimately acquainted with your partner.Now you propose to dance with ladies at a small country assembly?”
Darcy could not help the grin that formed on his face. “Ididsay that, Miss Elizabeth. However, even dancing with ladies I do not know well is preferable to dodging Miss Bingley’s attempts to corner me all evening.”
Miss Elizabeth’s light laugh raised Darcy’s spirits. “Then I shall help you, sir. You are acquainted with Charlotte, of course, who is a most sensible companion for a set, and Penelope Long is an excellent lady. My sisters would oblige you, and all are excellent dancers, though the conversation you exchange with my younger sisters may not be stimulating. Mary King is present, and the Harrington sisters are here, and even Maria Lucas would not shame you if you stood up with her.”
“Then, when the set concludes, I shall convey you to Miss Lucas’s side, and I shall request her next set.”
Her grin did not diminish a jot. “Charlotte is engaged to Mr. Collins, you know.”
“Yes, I recall our conversation. Will that prevent her from accepting my hand for a set? Mr. Collins is not here, yet Miss Lucas is dancing.”
“Not at all,” replied she. “Mr. Collins will return for his wedding soon, and he will be most pleased to see you.”
Darcy grimaced, recallingwhothe man’s patroness was and the reverence in which he held her. Miss Elizabeth, Darcy noted, watched him with interest, though she was not aware of the worst of it. As there were a few moments left before the set was to end, Darcy thought to give her a brief warning.
“When is the wedding, Miss Elizabeth?”
The woman cocked her head to the side, sensing something more than interest in his tone. “Thursday, Mr. Darcy. We expect Mr. Collins to return to Longbourn two days before.”
“Then there is something you should know. Mr. Collins’s patroness is my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
“Trust me, Mr. Darcy, we are well aware of the connection.”
“What you do not know is that Lady Catherine has long desired a union between Pemberley and Rosings Park.”
Never let it be said Miss Elizabeth was slow of understanding, for she grasped the significance at once. “The way Mr. Collins speaks of her, she sounds like a forthright, determined sort of lady.”
Darcy chuckled. “You have no idea, Miss Elizabeth. Lady Catherine dictates; she does not suggest, advise, or persuade.”
“Then should Mr. Collins detect any interest in me . . .”
“He will tell her at once. Lady Catherine will be most displeased.”
“Displeased enough to journey to Hertfordshire to voice her disapproval?”
“That is well within her capabilities.”
The way Miss Elizabeth watched him, Darcy was certain she was attempting to measure the threat the lady presented. A moment later, she seemed to have her answer, her response was a shrug.
“I suppose it is fortunate that I do not allow others to intimidate me.”
“Nor did I suppose you would,” replied Darcy. “I only wished to ensure you were forewarned.”
“This is all curious, Mr. Darcy. You have made no overt promises to me yet; our connection is yet in its infancy.”
“Lady Catherine has wanted the match for so long;anyaccount of me paying attention to another woman must be anathema.”
Miss Elizabeth nodded. “Very well. Should she come, I shall brave all her displeasure.”
The dance ended, and Darcy offered his arm to Miss Elizabeth, which she accepted at once. Miss Lucas’s partner had escorted her to the opposite side of the dance floor from Miss Elizabeth, so Darcy guided her there, ignoring Miss Bingley’s squawk of displeasure. When they reached Miss Lucas’s side, Miss Elizabeth stepped forward and offered an affectionate greeting. Then she turned a raised eyebrow to Darcy—he was not slow to act.
“Miss Lucas, I am pleased to see you here tonight. Will you do me the honor of dancing the next with me?”
Though she appeared curious, Miss Lucas did not hesitate. “Of course, Mr. Darcy. I should be honored. You appear eager to enjoy the evening.”
