As he sat atop Zeus, Darcy watched as a determined Miss Elizabeth walked over Longbourn’s fields towards the hill they called Oakham Mount. His heart told him to ride to her, tell her all, apologise to her, but his head overruled it.
There was no doubt he loved her, but what was love in an unequal match? Somehow, over the years, Darcy forgot exactly what his father had told him to seek and only remembered his last instruction, without analysing what it could have meant other than what he assumed it did.
By the time Elizabeth returned from her extra-long ramble, there was little time for Mr. Collins to bother her, as it was time to make ready for the ball. Elizabeth was to wear a hunter green silk gown Aunt Maddie and Uncle Edward had gifted her. Her mother wanted to give it to Lydia, but as her youngest was much taller and of a larger girth than Elizabeth, to Fanny’s chagrin, that did not happen.
During her walk she had resolved to talk to Jane after the ball. It would benefit no one if she confronted her sister before the dance. She hated that she now saw what she previously refused to see. Elizabeth still had one blind spot?Mr. Darcy.
For once Mrs. Bennet would not allow her husband to remain at home, so when it was time to depart, as indignant as he felt at having to ride on the box, Mr. Collins had no choice but to join his cousin Bennet there as the interior of the carriage was full of gowned ladies.
Netherfield Park was glowing when they arrived, a multitude of torches lining the drive. As Mrs. Bennet planned, the Bennets were one of the first at the estate.
Mr. Collins was pleased he would finally be able to meet Mr. Darcy and report back to his patroness, as she had requested. It had been one of his frustrations that there had been no opportunity before this night, but he intended to take full advantage of the proximity to the great man. He would introduce himself as soon as he had the opportunity.
Darcy stood in his chamber, partially hidden by the drapes. He saw her handed out of the carriage by a ridiculous looking man, the same one he had seen with the Bennet sisters the day he saw the libertine Wickham in Meryton.
He jumped back as Miss Elizabeth looked up. He could swear she saw him. Then the Bennet’s party was out of sight as they entered the manor house.
Chapter 10
Elizabeth knew she should be thinking of the ball, and dancing with the wronged and handsome Mr. Wickham, but she could not exorcise her epiphany about Jane from her mind.
Elizabeth watched Jane keenly when they arrived at Netherfield Park. There it was. Jane had a look on her countenance that was hard and unforgiving. As quickly as it had appeared, her sister’s serene mask fell back in place. If Elizabeth had not been watching closely, she would have missed it, as it seemed she had for many years.
She needed to speak to the most sensible person she knew. Elizabeth would request of Charlotte Lucas to help her make sure she was not imagining something that was not there. She did not want to confront Jane unless she was certain.
Charlotte would always tell her the truth, not just what she wanted to hear. First, she had to make it through the receiving line without revealing how troubled she was. Elizabeth watched as Jane plastered a smile on her face. In the past she would have thought it to be a serene smile, but now her eyes had been opened, Elizabeth could see clearly how false the smile was.
When it was her turn to greet their hosts, Mr. Bingley was his usual affable self to her and Mrs. Hurst was friendlier than Elizabeth had ever seen her. She did not repine the absence of Miss Bingley in the receiving line. The supercilious woman lost that privilege when her brother removed her as his hostess. Elizabeth did notice that, rather than light up as he used to when he saw Jane, Mr. Bingley greeted her no more warmly than anyone else, and in fact with some coldness.
Miss Bingley stood near the stairs so Mr. Darcy would see her when he made his way down to the ball. She was certain when he saw her magnificent ensemble, he would engage her for at least the first and supper sets.
She was in one of her signature burnt orange gowns with turban and feathers dyed to match. She was sure the colour was the height of fashion; even her above-the-elbow gloves were the same colour.
Darcy detected Miss Bingley’s overpowering scent before he spied the orange monstrosity at the base of the stairs. He had no doubt she was waiting to pounce as soon as she saw him. At the last second, he moved to the opposite side of the stairs from where Miss Bingley was standing, then walked at speed toward the ballroom before she had the chance to grab for his arm.
In the past, Darcy would not have displayed his disdain for the woman so openly; however, as she chose to ignore his subtle hints and the direct conversation he and Bingley had with her, he knew he would have to be overt.
Much to her relief, Elizabeth located Charlotte. Before she could ask her if they could talk, she saw her friend indicate with her eyes that someone was approaching from behind. Elizabeth turned and there stood none other than Mr. Darcy.
“Good evening, Miss Lucas, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said as he bowed to each lady in turn. The ladies curtsied in return.
“Mr. Darcy,” Charlotte spoke for them both.
“Miss Elizabeth, may I solicit the opening set from you?” Darcy asked.
At first Elizabeth stood and stared at the man as if he had sprouted a second head. Charlotte’s elbow to her side broke the trance she had been in. “My first set belongs to another,” Elizabeth managed.
“Is your second set available?” Darcy enquired.
“It is, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth heard herself say.
“In that case, may I have the pleasure of your company for that set?” Darcy requested.
As much as she wanted to refuse, Elizabeth would rather endure the hateful man’s company for half an hour than sit out the rest of the night. “It is yours,” Elizabeth replied without grace. Darcy bowed and was soon out of sight.
“That was surprising,” Charlotte remarked.
“What does Mr. Darcy mean asking me to dance? Hateful man! He knew I could not refuse,” Elizabeth stated angrily.
