‘You are much too kind, Lady Sefton,’ demurred Jane.
Elizabeth fought hard to maintain a pleasant smile instead of grinning at Jane’s civility. While it was a feather in their cap to be admitted to that exclusive institution, they had heard about the insipid company, as well as the bland tea and the brown bread and butter which were served at their balls. Neither Elizabeth nor her sisters had any inclination to attend.
‘Nonsense, you shall be the brightest spark at our next ball,’ Lady Sefton insisted before moving on to speak to another friend.
Even though Jane and her sisters were not particularly interested in the festivities at Almack’s, the attention paid to them by Lady Sefton had not gone unnoticed. By the time the first set started, most of their dances were spoken for.
Deveril claimed one set with each of the other sisters; the supper set with Elizabeth and the last set with Mary.
Jane caused quite a stir when the dancing started. There were whispers of, ‘Deveril never dances the first set,’ amongst many of the onlookers. The gentleman so discussed ignored the whispers and the looks, instead he focused his most charming smile on his dance partner.
Jane did notice the attention they received and when the opportunity presented itself, she asked, ‘Why is everyone watching us?’
Deveril’s smile deepened and took on a slightly mischievous cast. ‘Because I never dance the first set. And to save you asking… it is because I have no wish to raise expectations.’
‘Are you not concerned that this departure from your usual habits will raise expectations?’
‘I certainly hope so.’
’You…’ gasped Jane before she regained her countenance. ‘But we have only just met.’
‘And I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation we shared. But now is perhaps not the best time to discuss this topic. Would you be agreeable to my calling on you tomorrow? Now that I know where to find you…’
Jane tilted her head as she considered the request and the requester. Despite his light tone and bland smile, there was a look in his eyes which was… pleading? Whatever it was, Jane could not resist. She wanted the opportunity to become better acquainted with this interesting and handsome man. ‘I would be pleased to have you call on me.’
~T~
By the time Elizabeth danced the supper set with Deveril, all the sisters had full dance cards.
‘This ball is very different from the assemblies at Meryton,’ she commented to her dance partner.
‘How so? In my experience balls are much the same wherever they occur.’
‘The difference is that there is a lack of gentlemen in our neighbourhood. As a consequence, unlike tonight when there appear to be more gentlemen than ladies, we ladies are forced to sit out a set or two at each function to give everyone a chance to dance.’
‘It is very gracious of you and your sisters to relinquish those dances to other ladies.’
‘You do not think that we are being slighted by men?’
‘Indeed not. I cannot imagine any man preferring to dance with other ladies when you are present.’
‘I thank you, sir, for this flattery, although I think you were speaking about my sister.’
‘I will admit to a certain partiality but that does not detract that you and Miss Mary are equally as beautiful. But more important in my opinion are your characters.’
‘In that case you are a most unusual gentleman.’ Elizabeth gave him her most impertinent smile. She was exceedingly pleased that Mr Deveril appeared more interested in Jane’s kindness and character than her outward beauty.
Her estimate was confirmed when he said, ‘I believe that outward beauty fades whereas inner beauty not only remains but grows with the years. While I think that Miss Bennet is one of the most exquisitely beautiful ladies I have ever met, I find her conversation to be even more attractive.’
’If you find her conversation stimulating, I am surprised that you did not request her supper set.’
‘I did not wish to make her uncomfortable by requesting two sets, but I did wish to dance the first with her.’ He gave her a mischievous smile. ‘I also thought that there was a good chance that you would wish to sit near your sister during supper…’
‘So, asking me for the supper set was simply a means to an end,’ huffed Elizabeth in mock indignation, while inwardly cheering for her sister that this interesting man was showing a marked preference for her, yet also considered Jane’s comfort. ‘I should punish you for using me so poorly and sit as far away from Jane as possible.’
‘Would you truly be so cruel? I had thought you to be all kindness and compassion,’ Deveril said mournfully even though a smile tugged at his lips.
‘Oh, well. Since you appeal to my better nature…’
