“I will not,” he said with certainty.
She smiled—a real smile, the first he had seen from her all evening—and slipped out the door.
Darcy turned to note Miss Mary giving him her full attention. “You care for her,” she said.
“I do.”
“Then I will trust you to keep her safe.” Miss Mary moved toward the door. “Mr. Darcy? Thank you. For appreciating her value.”
“And yours.” He bowed.
She left before he could respond, and Darcy was alone in the library.
He moved to the window. The gardens were lit by the full moon. In a few hours, his life would change irrevocably. He would be fleeing with a woman society would see as beneath him, defying her father’s wishes, and potentially creating a scandal that could affect not only himself but his sister as well. And yet he felt no hesitation. No regret.
Elizabeth was worth any scandal, any consequence. She was worth everything.
Darcy remained by the window momentarily, then straightened his coat and returned to his bedchamber.
Once he had arranged what must be done before dawn, he entered the ballroom. The dancing continued, the guests laughed, drank, and gossiped, and no one seemed to notice that anything had changed.
But everything had changed.
Darcy found his position along the wall and accepted a fresh glass of wine from a passing servant. Across the room, Elizabeth smiled and conversed as though her world had not just been upended. Only someone watching very closely—as Darcy was—might notice the slight tremor in her hands, the too-bright glitter in her eyes.
Mr. Collins approached her again, and Darcy had to forcibly restrain himself from crossing the room and removing the man bodily. Instead, he remained where he stood as Elizabeth tolerated the parson’s attention with a grace that was nothing short of heroic.
Not for much longer, Darcy thought.In a few hours, she will be free.
The ball wore on interminably. Miss Bingley’s false smiles and pointed comments grated on Darcy’s nervesmore than usual. Bingley danced with Miss Bennet, then with each of her younger sisters in turn. Mrs. Bennet’s voice carried across the room, proclaiming her satisfaction in the evening’s festivities to anyone who would listen. Mr. Bennet remained sequestered in the card room, avoiding his wife and daughters with the dedication of long practice.
At supper, Darcy forced himself to eat, to make conversation, to behave as though this were any other ball. But his attention returned to Elizabeth, tracking her movements, ensuring she was well.
Finally,finally,the musicians played their last set. Guests collected their wraps and called for their carriages. But the Bennets, as was apparently their custom, showed no signs of leaving. Mrs. Bennet continued to hold court, regaling anyone within with commentary on the evening’s successes. The younger Bennet girls giggled and whispered. Miss Mary appeared to be asleep where she sat. Miss Bennet and Elizabeth stood together, speaking quietly.
A full moon hung low on the horizon, casting the frost-touched grounds in pale silver light. One by one, the other guests departed. The Lucases. The Gouldings. The Longs. Until only the Bennets remained.
Her eldest persuaded her mother to make her way to their carriage. Through the window, Darcy saw Elizabeth climb inside, her face pale in the lantern’s light, but her bearing straight and proud.
Be strong, he willed her silently.Just a few more hours.
When the Bennet carriage had disappeared down the drive, Darcy sought out Bingley, who stood with his sister. “Enjoy the commendation from your neighbors over the next several days, my friend. You earned it.”
Bingley blushed modestly. Beside him, Miss Bingley’s smile sharpened, her shoulders drawing back as though Darcy’s praise of her brother reflected solely upon her own superior taste and management.
“I thank you, Darcy.”
“Bingley, might I have a word?”
“Of course. What is it?” Bingley’s face was flushed with the success of the evening, his smile broad.
Miss Bingley stifled a yawn. “Mr. Darcy, Brother, I will bid you good night. Or rather, good morning.”
Once she departed, Darcy said, “I am afraid I must depart for London as soon as may be. Urgent business has arisen that requires my attention.”
“This morning?” Bingley’s face fell. “I suppose business must be attended to. I shall be following you to Town myself on the morrow. Perhaps we might meet at the club?”
“Send a note around once you arrive.” Darcy bowed. “I apologize for the abruptness of my departure.”
