Mr. Darcy sat between his sister and Elizabeth, and as the meal progressed, he moved nearer and nearer to Elizabeth until at lasthis shoulder and leg were in contact with hers upon the small bench they occupied.
She had not marked their nearness until he turned to serve her more champagne, and his shoulder pressed more closely. She lifted her eyes to his face and saw that he showed no awareness of the familiarity. She dismissed it at once as unintended and of no consequence. Though he stood far above her in station, he was a practical man, agreeable in manner though reserved in company. His humor possessed a dry turn that might escape a casual observer. She perceived it most often in his exchanges with his sister, whom he kept entertained with quiet remarks.
When the meal concluded, Mr. Darcy drew out his pocket watch.
“The balloon ascent will take place in half an hour. We have sufficient time to present our tickets and take our places if we depart now. We shall be able to see much of central London and the Thames as it winds through the city.”
The party proceeded toward the central lawn, which Elizabeth observed had been roped off. Crowds had already gathered along the surrounding walks in expectation of the ascent.
“Miss Bennet, have you altered your intention? Will you join the ascent?”
“No, sir. I prefer to remain here and watch while Lizzy and the Darcys go up.”
He drew her nearer to his side. “Then we shall find a seat and observe in comfort. I see a bench near the edge of the lawn.”
Elizabeth kissed Jane’s cheek. “Do not be uneasy, sister. Should I perish, it will be in the midst of a grand adventure.”
This made Jane chuckle, and Elizabeth was pleased. She then accepted Mr. Darcy’s offered arm, and he conducted the ladies toward the line, where several guests already waited to mount the platform and enter the basket. He produced the tickets and the receipt for thick cloaks.
He handed one to Elizabeth and another to Georgiana, then settled the thick wrap about his sister’s shoulders and tied the ribbons that held it secure. Afterward, he turned to Elizabeth, who struggled to bring one side into place. He took the edge, drew it up over her shoulder, and fastened the ribbons.
“Do you require assistance with yours, sir?” she inquired.
“I do not. I wear a heavy jacket and expect little discomfort from the cold. I secured the cloaks in case the air proves colder than anticipated. Even a slight breeze at that height brings a chill, and the evening damp will increase it.”
The aeronaut soon conducted each passenger into the basket and secured the doorway. Mr. Darcy placed himself with the two ladies along one side of the basket; then they stood together and waited.
At length, the aeronaut addressed them.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to undertake a most uncommon voyage. All stands ready. The balloon is sound, and the wind is favorable. If any passenger has changed their mind, you must speak at once; you may still disembark.”
He paused and looked from one face to another. No one asked to leave.
“Please keep your hands within the rail and do not lean outward once we rise. Secure all loose articles. Hats are inclined to escape.”
Mr. Darcy removed his beaver hat and held it in his hand on his sister’s side.
The aeronaut turned to his ground crew and began to issue his commands.
“Steady there. Hold fast the forward line. Release the side tethers on my word. Stand clear below. We are near ready.”
With a grin toward the passengers, he faced the crew again. “Now, gentlemen, all together, let her go.”
As the ropes were loosed, the balloon lurched up suddenly, then rose with a smooth and even motion.
“And away we go.”
Elizabeth heard the cheers and applause from below. She searched the crowd and found Jane seated beside Mr. Bingley upon a bench. She waved to them and received their answering gesture, then her attention yielded to the prospect beneath her. Much of London lay spread below, and the Thames curled through the city like a band of silver.
Mr. Darcy placed an arm about her shoulders and another about Georgiana’s and drew them close. All three stood absorbed in the scene. The noise of the crowd diminished into a distant murmur. Separate voices could no longer be distinguished. The music from the orchestra faded and disappeared. The sounds of wheels and streets blended into a low hush. Only the ropes and rigging gave an occasional creak, and the fabric overhead stirred when the breeze struck it.
Elizabeth rose on her toes and spoke into Mr. Darcy’s ear. “It is silent beyond anything I could have imagined.”
For the next hour, they remained aloft, suspended above the city. Elizabeth stood warm within her blanket and within Mr. Darcy’s protective arm. She felt contented and wished with all her being that the interval might last forever. Neither her mother’s sharp voice and disparaging looks nor her father’s neglect intruded. There existed only the quiet height, the wide prospect below, and the security of Mr. Darcy’s embrace.
At last, the aeronaut gave notice that they would descend, and she felt a keen disappointment. The moment had reached its close. When the basket touched the ground, Mr. Darcy’s arm dropped to her waist and held her fast until they were secure upon the platform. He then released her.
“Miss Bennet, how do you find yourself? Are you light-headed or unsteady?”
