“Then we have the whole night to talk. First let us take time to be together – without talking.”
“Very well. If you will promise me something.”
“It depends on what you want me to promise.”
“That you will not complain if the food is stone cold.”
She took hold of his cravat and pulled him closer to her.
“Iwillcomplain,” she said, her fingers slipping into the curls at the back of his head. “If you do not make more of an effort to keep me warm.”
Chapter 28
It is a truth universallyacknowledged that mages are always in need of a Ball. Not a fireball, of course, but a Dance. Even the younger apprentices spoke of nothing but the upcoming dance for the next ten days.
Then finally the evening of the Ball arrived. As Elizabeth and Darcy stood in the waiting line to make their entrance, she felt a throb of excitement. It was glorious to see all the mages, young and old, male and female, looking resplendent in dazzling gowns and coats, topped by their scarlet cloaks. It was the closest Elizabeth had ever been to understanding her sister Lydia’s obsession with Royal Mages.
Beside her, Darcy was looking impeccable in his perfectly tailored jacket and the red robe that flowed behind him. Elizabeth could not stop stealing glances at him. He was by far the handsomest of all the gentlemen mages at Netherfield.
As he caught her gaze, he leaned to whisper in her ear. “All the young ladies in the ballroom will be green in envy at my beautiful wife.”
“That is because they are wishing they could be in my place, walking in with you next to me.”
“No. It is because they could never hope to shine as brightly as you do.”
Darcy’s words may have been a slight exaggeration, but Elizabeth knew she looked prettier than she had ever been. She was wearing a primrose satin dress threaded with gold, trimmed with tiny rosebuds. Lady Alice had chosen it, as she had chosen all of Elizabeth’s wardrobe when she had first arrived at Founder’s Hall to be married. One of these days, Elizabeth would have some new clothing made in Town, but for now, she could not possibly cast away fashionable clothing that she had never worn. Besides, much as she disliked her, Elizabeth could not fault the former Council Member’s taste. The colors were flattering, and they also matched with her scarlet cloak, which was fastened around her shoulders with the golden clasp of the Royal Mages.
Beside her, Jane looked more sedate, dressed in a manner more appropriate for a young unmarried lady. She was wearing one of Elizabeth’s white satin dresses with a delicate leaf pattern and a fringed sash. Emily and Jane had both worked on altering the dress, and it showed off her slender figure to perfection.
Then their names were announced, and it was time for Elizabeth and her companions to press forward.
“Are you ready, my love?” Darcy took her hand and tucked it under his arm.
“I am.” She was as excited about the ball as her younger sisters Lydia and Kitty would be. It was absurd, of course, but the Ball was such a welcome diversion she would be a fool not to make the best of it.
Elizabeth surveyed the ballroom as she entered, her hand on Darcy’s arm. The tables and chairs had been removed, and the ballroom was transformed beyond recognition.
