Mrs. Hurst gave a small shrug. “That is not unusual at a ball.”
Elizabeth observed Lady Catherine approach Miss Bingley with a gentleman. After a brief exchange, the gentleman escorted Miss Bingley to the dance floor. Lady Catherine watched with a satisfied expression.
After several more dances, the evening drew toward its close.
For the final set, Darcy found Elizabeth and led her to the floor. The music began, a waltz.
Elizabeth smiled. “Did you know it would be a waltz?”
Darcy returned her smile. “I may have suggested it to Lady Harcourt.”
They moved together with easy grace.
Leaning slightly closer, Darcy said quietly, “I know the hour will be late, but would you consider riding in Hyde Park tomorrow morning?”
Elizabeth met his gaze, her expression warm. “I should like that very much.”
When the dance concluded, they rejoined the rest of their party. Though all were tired, their spirits remained high.
Anne confessed, with some animation, that Mr. Philip Denham had requested permission to call upon her the following day.
Miss Bingley, observing their departure, frowned as they made their way toward the carriage.
Later, the ladies gathered in Elizabeth’s room, talking long into the night, though little was resolved beyond shared laughter and fatigue.
Chapter thirty
Despite the late hour of the previous evening, Darcy was awake with the sun.
He felt at once elated and uneasy.
Rather than summon his valet, he dressed quickly himself and went down to the breakfast room.
It was empty. Only coffee, tea, and a few scones had been set out; the full breakfast would not be laid for some time yet. He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat, taking up yesterday’s newspaper.
After ten minutes, he realized he could not recall a single word of what he had read.
He set it aside.
Elizabeth entered just then, smiling, dressed in her red riding habit and wearing the small black hat he had come to admire.
Darcy rose immediately. “Are you hungry? There is tea, and some scones.”
She shook her head lightly. “I am not.”
He nodded. “Shall we go?”
Her smile deepened. “Yes, I should like that very much.”
He offered her his hand rather than his arm. She accepted it without hesitation, and together they made their way to the stables.
Atlas and Bramble stood already saddled. Bramble nudged Elizabeth as she approached, and she laughed softly, producing a carrot. “I did not forget you.”
She stroked his nose before Darcy assisted her into the saddle. He mounted soon after, and they set out toward Hyde Park. The sun had only just risen, casting a soft, rosy light across the quiet streets.
Few were abroad at so early an hour, and the stillness seemed to belong entirely to them.
Once within the park, they urged their horses into a gentle canter, riding side by side.
