Mr Bingley’s attention was fixed wholly on Jane as they passed through the line into the ballroom. He bent close, murmuring something that brought a bloom to her sister’s cheeks and a delighted nod in reply. Suzanne, ever quick to notice, enquired at once as they approached the double doors.
“He asked for the supper set…and the last set,” Jane confessed, colouring deeper, her eyes bright with pleasure. “And he already secured the first when he delivered the invitation.”
Elizabeth regarded her sister in amused disbelief. “That is three sets! If you do not return home engaged, I shall be forced to call the man out!”
Suzanne’s tinkling laughter rang like silver, spurring the others to join her. “Really, Lizzy, a duel? I can picture it now! He will certainly choose pistols—I heard Sir William praise Mr Bingley’s aim only the other evening. How will you defend yourself? Do you even know how to fire such a weapon?”
“I cannot shoot,” Elizabeth returned with mock solemnity, “but perhaps I shall not need to. I am certain Mr Bingley will propose before the night is over. What say you, Lady Westland? Shall we make a wager?”
Suzanne’s face dimpled in amusement. “I would lose that bet, and gladly. If Mr Bingley has not offered for Jane by the end of the evening, I shall be very much surprised. Three sets! That is as good as a declaration, even in the country.”
The ladies entered the ballroom, moving easily through the throng. Mary and Mr Collins soon drifted away, drawn to Longbourn’s parson, a cheerful man named Mr Jefferson. Elizabeth suspected sparks between her cousin and Mary and smiled to see it.
The others strolled more leisurely about the well-lit room. It was neither too crowded nor too thinly attended. Scarlet coats brightened the assembly, and the hum of voices and music filled the air. Elizabeth glimpsed Charlotte and Wilkens amongst the company and was pleased they had received an invitation. Sir William and Lady Lucas stood with them, both in excellent humour.
Wilkens bowed as Elizabeth approached, his smile warm and unforced. He was more than a faithful steward; as the husband of one of her dearest friends, she felt a particular regard for him. He alone, amongst all who had known her before, no longer awakened discomfort.Proof, perhaps, that I can surmount any trial borne of that disastrous first marriage.
“Charlotte—Wilkens! ’Tis a pleasure to see you.” Suzanne joined her, extending her hand with her usual grace. She had met Mrs Wilkens at another evening party, and the ladies had soon grown friendly. “And Sir William, Lady Lucas—how do you do this evening?”
“Capital, Lady Westland, capital,” Sir William replied jovially. “How do you do? And how fares the young earl?”
A few pleasant civilities followed, yet Elizabeth’s attention soon strayed. As her gaze wandered the crowded room, she knew not what—or whom—she sought, until she saw him. Mr Darcy stood at the door, with Miss Bingley on his arm, looking fairly constrained by her attentions. Or perhaps she imagined it. The moment his eyes met hers, his whole manner brightened, and he guided Miss Bingley towards their party.
The arrival of the Bingleys in the ballroom signalled that all the guests were present and the dancing would soon begin. Mr Darcy had already secured Elizabeth for the first set, and a tremor of anticipation stirred within her at the thought. Miss Bingley’s hauteur eased the instant she caught sight of Suzanne.
“Lady Westland! How very glad I am that you returned for our little gathering,” she exclaimed, every syllable oozing civility.
“Naturally, I am pleased to be back at Longbourn,” Suzanne’s tone remained even, her smile touched with polite reserve. “Elizabeth is my dearest friend. An evening in her company is always a pleasure.”
Mr Darcy turned to Suzanne and requested the second set. Miss Bingley’s colour rose as he next addressed Mrs Wilkens, and only then solicited her for the fourth. She could not conceal her vexation, and her discontent deepened as the orchestra struck up and the dancers assembled. Releasing her arm, he offered his hand to Elizabeth.
“Mrs Fiennes, I believe this is our set.” His smile warmed her heart and sent a quickening through her pulse. She returned it with quiet pleasure, placing her hand in his as he led her to the floor.
“You seemed eager to be rid of our hostess,” she observed as they took their positions. Jane and Mr Bingley led the set; beside them stood the Hursts, whilst Miss Bingley, at length, partnered with Arnold Goulding.
“She fastened herself to my arm as I passed,” Mr Darcy replied in low amusement. “My first sets were already engaged—a circumstance she did not know. I suspect she meant to claim them.” His suspicion was swiftly confirmed, for Miss Bingley’s eyes cast another resentful look in their direction.
“Poor dear.” She clicked her tongue softly.
“Her hopes are destined to be dashed.”
The dance began, and Elizabeth only nodded.
“Will you not ask why?” he enquired when she remained silent.
“I have no need. I heard you tell Mr Bingley as much at the Meryton Assembly.”
They parted in the figures of the dance, then rejoined.
“That was then. Now, I have quite another reason for my statement. Are you not curious?” His look, alive with ardent admiration, awakened a feeling wholly new to her, unsettling in its sweetness. “I could not settle for anything less than love,” he murmured.
They parted in the steps of the dance, and Elizabeth pondered his words until they met in turn. “Love is an admirable sentiment,” she said when their hands met. “’Tis the only reason one ought to marry.” The firmness of her tone surprised even herself; his expression showed he had noticed. She managed a weak smile, hoping to assuage the awkward pause.
“I have been told all my life I ought to marry within the first circles—‘a lady of impeccable connexions and a handsome dowry,’ as my father always said. He married the daughter of an earl and expected me to do the same. Yet I disagree with such notions. Why should one marry only for fortune and connexion? Wealth and rank offer little comfort where affection is wanting.”
“My parents have demonstrated both sides of that coin,” Elizabeth confided. “My father chose my mother for her beauty alone. Their marriage was unhappy for many years.”
Mr Darcy’s gaze drifted over her shoulder to where her parents likely stood. “They appear very happy now.”
