“Forgive me for prying, but I perceive that dancing is not your favorite activity,” she said gently when he did not speak.
Mr. Darcy cleared his throat. “You are correct. I find it difficult to converse with people I do not know well. Light topics do not appeal to me.”
“I, too, prefer substance in discourse,” Elizabeth replied. “Tell me, sir, what think you of books?”
He looked surprised but smiled. The action made his eyes twinkle, and she felt a little jolt in her middle.
“I cannot speak of books in a ballroom,” he said, winking. “Your friend, Miss Lucas, told me something of the ruins found nearby. Are there any other prospects you would recommend? I ride out regularly and wish to take in the sights.”
Thoroughly intrigued, Elizabeth told him about her favorite places, ending with Oakham Mount. “I walk there each day the weather permits,” she told him enthusiastically. “I dread the coming winter, for I shall be kept indoors more often than I like. Mama quite despairs of me—I am forever coming in with spoiled petticoats.”
The musicians struck a chord, and Mr. Darcy stood. “I believe this is our set,” he said amiably. “Miss Elizabeth, shall we?”
“With pleasure, sir. There is nothing I enjoy more than dancing.”
“That is hardly singular for someone of your sex,” he replied, his tone still teasing. Mr. Darcy offered his arm, and she took it. It felt solid beneath hers.So, not a soft gentleman,she thought. They took their places, and she regarded him speculatively. His coat was well cut and fitted him perfectly. He wore not a bit of color, save for his cravat pin, which was made of some sort of red stone—a ruby, perhaps, or maybe spinel.
They began to dance. The song was slow, which allowed them to continue their conversation. Mr. Darcy spoke of his favorite pastimes, which included pugilism, fencing, and riding.
“Do you shoot?” Elizabeth asked. “Longbourn has a plethora of birds, though I believe Netherfield’s own population has gone unchecked for many years. My father and the other gentlemen in the area enjoy the sport.”
“’Tis not a favorite activity, but I do enjoy the occasional excursion,” Mr. Darcy replied. “I prefer fishing. It is quiet and allows one to enjoy plenty of introspection.”
“You would be a favorite of my uncle, then,” Elizabeth said. “He lives in town and cannot partake of the activity as often as he likes, however. There is a large pond north of Netherfield Park where you might enjoy some angling.”
The dance steps took her away from him for a time, and she watched carefully as he performed the movements with precision.For a gentleman who does not enjoy dancing, he is very proficient,she mused.
“Sir William has invited the gentlemen to a shooting party next week,” Mr. Darcy said when they reunited.
“He loves company,” Elizabeth replied. “Sir William was knighted some twelve years ago. Formerly, he was a shopkeeper. I believe a very eloquent speech given to our king secured him the honor. If you ask him, he would be pleased to tell you all about it.” She smiled mischievously and winked, causing himto chuckle quietly. The sound washed over her, sending a thrill from head to toe.
“Miss Lucas seems a lovely lady,” he continued. “Are you close friends with her?”
His interest in Charlotte made Elizabeth’s heart simultaneously seize and leap for joy. Charlotte, she knew, wished to engage Mr. Darcy’s affections.But what if I wish the same?she thought.I could never wound Charlotte in such a way!Unsure what to do, Elizabeth determined to see how matters unfolded before giving them further thought.I have only just met the gentleman, after all, and the burden of courtship is not on the lady.
When their dance ended, Elizabeth was disappointed. She thanked Mr. Darcy warmly before he departed then wandered about the room until she came to her mother’s side. Mrs. Bennet was speaking with Mrs. Goulding in a voice that carried farther than Elizabeth liked.
“Who is that strange gentleman who danced with you, Lizzy?” her mother asked. “I do not recall being introduced to him, though he came with the Netherfield Party.”
“His name is Mr. Darcy, Mama,” she replied. “He is, from what I understand, Mr. Bingley’s particular friend and will stay with them for some time.”
“Probably a poor, hangers-on sort,” Mrs. Bennet snorted. “Why, look at him! Charlotte Lucas has a prettier countenance!”
“Mama, that is unkind,” Elizabeth chastised. “You have not even made his acquaintance!”
“Trust you to take a fancy to an unattractive, poor prospect, Miss Lizzy,” Mama tut-tutted. “It will not do at all. No, you must let Charlotte Lucas have him. I heard Lady Lucas mention how perfectly suited the gentleman is for her daughter’s temperament.”
Elizabeth scoffed. “I will not cast aside a new friendship simply because a man’s features are not what you admire.” Her papa had warned her often enough about the dangers of a pretty face.If sense and kindness do not accompany a handsome appearance, then it is worthless,he had told her. Dear Jane had the best of both—angelic beauty and a personality to match. Still, her father’s words resounded in her mind. Mama, she knew, had used her beauty to entice Mr. Bennet into proposing, only for him to discover that she possessed little beauty within. Mrs. Bennet cared more for her reputation and her daughters’ prospects than for charity or character.
Her mother waved a dismissive hand. “You will go your own way as you always do, child,” she said scornfully. “Do as you will.”
Elizabeth left her to seek other company, finding Jane amidst the crowd. Her elder sister was speaking animatedly with Charlotte, her face alight with happiness.
“Mr. Bingley has asked for another set,” she told Elizabeth, her excitement palpable. “Can you believe it?”
“I could believe nothing less, dear sister. He was smitten from the first moment he beheld your angelic face.” Elizabeth grinned and took Jane’s hand. “Take care not to lose your heart before you know him.”
“A lady’s imagination is very rapid, is it not? Here we are, having just met two amiable gentlemen and already planning our weddings,” Charlotte added.
