The intense look Darcy was giving her made Elizabeth blush, but it also caused what seemed to be a tingle all over her body. She raised her chin slightly in defiance and said, ‘I know the steps,’ as she took his hand.
Darcy’s dimples appeared as he slowly pulled her into an embrace. No, not an embrace… the proper dance position, although neither of them would have argued with the first description.
During the whole dance they were so focused on each other that neither of them noticed that the other two Bennet sisters were equally as oblivious to their surroundings as they waltzed with their respective partners.
~T~
The rest of the ball was only memorable for being pleasant for all the guests.
As Elizabeth danced the final set with an exceedingly pleasant gentleman who danced well, she was a little envious of Jane who was allowed a third dance with her beloved.
That little stab of jealousy made her wonder if perhaps just maybe she could possibly have developed feelings for the gentleman from Derbyshire.
~T~
29Explanation
Bingley was having a quiet breakfast after a mostly sleepless night. The revelations of the previous evening had been quite shocking, and he wondered how he could have been so blind.
He had left the ball in a daze. He was vaguely aware that Caroline was complaining, but he had not listened to a word she said. Eventually she must have given up as he had wandered into Hurst’s study and helped himself to the decanter of brandy, which he had half emptied while sitting by the fire.
For a while he wondered if Deveril had ensnared Jane because of his title, but then he remembered Darcy saying she considered himself immature. Well, Deveril was six or seven years his senior, so he must be more mature.
But Jane had not met the man till she came to London after Bingley had spent a month or so getting to know her… courting her even… in an unofficial sort of way.
She was always so beautiful, kind, and gentle. Bingley had been so proud every time he danced with her or walked with her on his arm. Miss Bennet had made him feel so very special the way she smiled at him and introduced him to all her friends. He had thought her the kindest lady possible, the way she praised all her friends telling him of the ladies’ accomplishments.
In retrospect, perhaps she had truly been trying to move his attention from her to one of the other ladies. But what did he do wrong that she was not interested in him in the first place?
Those thoughts were still running through his head when he was having breakfast and reading the morning paper.
He almost skipped the society pages but checked them, nonetheless. As expected, he found the article regarding the presentation of the Bennet sisters to Her Majesty.
Almost immediately below that article was an announcement which tore at his heart.
The Duchess of Barrington is pleased to announce the engagement of her son, Lord James Deveril to Miss Jane Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.
It was short but to the point. But now he wanted to find out why.
~T~
Darcy was expecting Bingley as he had realised that his friend did not know where the Misses Bennet were staying. The article about the presentation had mentioned Audley Street, but not given further details.
After greeting Bingley, Darcy advised, ‘I suggest we have a cup of coffee first since it is a little early to call on the ladies.’
Once they had both been served, Bingley asked, ‘You seemed to know something of Miss Bennet’s feelings. Can you tell me more?’
‘While the lady mentioned she was not interested in you, she did not go into any details. After all, she is a lady, and those things are private.’
‘You know, I could not help but wonder if Deveril’s title had something to do with her decision.’
Darcy chuckled as he said, ‘Nothing could be further from the truth. I was present when she discovered Deveril’s position, and she was shocked. They were already courting at the time and for a while I wondered whether she was going to call it off.’
‘I wish she had.’
‘Deveril worked hard to change her mind and he had one big advantage… she already liked and respected him. I suspect that was largely because he likes and respects her.’
‘Respects her…’ murmured Bingley. ‘I wonder…’
