Elizabeth gave a soft laugh. “That will invite a great deal of notice. Are you certain?”
“I am entirely certain.”
She inclined her head. “Then it is yours.”
Darcy took her hand, his tone quieter. “And the last set?”
Elizabeth looked at him in surprise. “Three dances, Mr. Darcy?”
“Yes.”
She held his gaze for a moment, her smile deepening. “Then I shall look forward to them all.”
***
A light knock sounded at the door.
Elizabeth opened it and stepped back. “Anne, come in.”
Georgiana and all the Bennet sisters were within, in various stages of preparation.
Anne paused just inside, her gaze moving about the room.
“You are all dressing together here?”
Georgiana smiled. “Apparently this is what sisters do. I find I have been missing a great deal.”
Anne nodded thoughtfully. “It seems I have as well.”
Elizabeth looked at her with approval. “I see you are wearing one of your new gowns from Madame Beaumont. You look exceedingly well.”
Lydia came forward at once. “Oh, Anne, that color is perfectly beautiful on you, and your hair as well! I cannot wait until I may attend balls and dance with all the most handsome gentlemen.”
She spun about the room with an imaginary partner, laughing.
Jane sat at Elizabeth’s dressing table as her maid placed the final pearl-tipped pins in her hair. The maid stepped back with satisfaction.
“There, Miss Bennet. You look very well indeed, miss.”
Jane smiled warmly. “You have done beautifully. Thank you.”
Mary turned toward Anne and Georgiana. “After the ball, we generally gather again here and relate everything of consequence.”
Georgiana brightened. “Truly? May I join you?”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “Of course. Anne, you must come as well.”
Another knock sounded. Elizabeth opened the door to admit Mrs. Bennet.
Mrs. Bennet looked from one to another, her expression full of delight. “Oh my, how very lovely you all are.”
Elizabeth glanced at her more closely. “You are not coming with us?”
Mrs. Bennet shook her head quickly. “Oh no, my dear. I should be so anxious I would scarcely know what I was about. I am much happier to remain here and hear all about it tomorrow.” Then, with a small smile, she added, “But you must come down if you are ready. Poor Mr. Darcy has been pacing below. You must not keep him waiting.”
Elizabeth’s smile deepened. “Then we must not delay. Ladies, it appears it is time.”
When Elizabeth descended, she found Mr. Darcy indeed waiting below. To her surprise, her father stood nearby as well.
