“Good evening, Miss Elizabeth.” Mr Wickham stepped out from the shadows, instantly trebling her indignation. “You look exceedingly well this evening. Would you do me the honour of the next dance?”
She gave him the most perfunctory of curtsies and looked past him, searching for her partner. “I am already engaged for this one, sir,” she replied, grateful it was true.
“Another then? I have not had the pleasure of your company since you returned from Kent.”
His arrogant, presumptuous smirk only made Elizabeth more determined not to talk to him. She pursed her lips and held her tongue.
“You look as though you did not enjoy your stay there,” he said, quite mistaking the reason for her displeasure.
“On the contrary, I found myself in excellent company in Kent. By comparison, this evening’s society feels distinctly wanting.”
He pulled a face that he presumably thought was charming. “Ah, but you have not yet danced with me. Pray, allow me to change your mind with the set after this one.”
“I cannot oblige you there either, sir, for I have promised that one to Mr Bingley.”
“I shall begin to think you do not wish to dance with me,” he said, laughing in such a way as bespoke his complete assurance to the contrary. “Perhaps you fear my company would also prove wanting compared to your new friends in Kent?”
“No indeed,” she replied with a full smile. “I could never think any less of you.”
It was a moment before he recovered his smile. “I am relieved to hear it. Evidently, somebody has impressed you on your travels, though. I confess I am intrigued.”
Elizabeth, at last, espied her dance partner coming towards herthrough the crowds. With her escape guaranteed, she had no qualms in satisfying Mr Wickham’s curiosity. “There is no intrigue, sir. I believe you are acquainted with every person I saw there. Mr and Mrs Collins, of course. Maria Lucas and her father, Sir William. Lady Catherine and her daughter”—she transferred her smile over Mr Wickham’s shoulder to her approaching partner—“Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy. Good evening, Mr Greyson.”
“Miss Elizabeth!” Mr Greyson replied. “Pray, forgive my tardiness. Sir William delayed me. Shall we?”
“With pleasure,” she said, accepting his arm and walking away as Mr Wickham finally found his voice and spluttered, “Who…what…Darcy!”
“Sister, will you look at Lizzy,” said Mrs Philips. “Does she not dance beautifully?”
“Well, you know, she always has!” replied Mrs Bennet. “And do they not make a fine pair?”
“Indeed, they do—but did you know Mr Greyson was returned? I heard nothing of it before this evening.”
“Not a whisper! He was gone so long I began to think he would never come back, but see how he looks at Lizzy still, as though he never went away! There is no doubt he is here for her. Iknewsome good must come of her refusing Mr Collins.”
“As did I, Sister, as did I! But pray, is Jane not pleased Mr Bingley is come back?”
“What is your meaning? Of course she is pleased.”
“Well, she might like to show it. I have not seen her say two words to him all evening.”
“Nonsense! She simply does not rattle on like her sisters—and with her countenance, neither does she need to! Oh, look at Kitty dancing with Captain Denny.”
“Now therewouldbe a happy match,” Mrs Philips agreed, “if only Colonel Forster were not taking his regiment away to Brighton next month.”
It soon became clear this was news to Mrs Bennet, for the remainder of the set was passed listening to her violent lamentations over the militia’s imminent removal from Meryton.
After two hours of watching and waiting, Wickham finally espied an opportunity. Seeing Elizabeth Bennet stood unattended in a dingy corner of the ballroom, he strode directly to reach her before anybody else did. She knew something. He had no idea what, but her sly remarks earlier in the evening had convinced him it was something to do with Darcy, and nothing to do with that man ever boded well.
“Miss Elizabeth!” If not that he was already on his guard, he might have missed the flare of vexation upon her countenance. “You are much in demand this evening, but I have you to myself at last.”
“So you do.”
“You have danced very prettily tonight. I hope you have found all your partners agreeable.”
“Very much so.”
“You seemed anxious earlier that Meryton’s society could not please you.”
