Mrs. Bennet looked at Elizabeth. “Both carriages?”
Elizabeth nodded. “I thought it would be more comfortable. Jane, Mary, will you ride with me?”
They readily agreed and followed her. Harris had already lowered the step and assisted them into the carriage.
Mr. Collins began toward Elizabeth’s carriage, and Elizabeth felt a flicker of dread.
“We shall ride in the other,” her father said calmly.
Mr. Collins hesitated. “I believe I ought to accompany Miss Elizabeth.”
Mr. Bennet calmly indicated the second carriage. “I am quite certain the ladies would prefer not to have their gowns unnecessarily crushed.”
Elizabeth did not wait to hear more but stepped into the carriage at once.
***
Miss Bingley noticed the Bennets coming through the receiving line. They were warmly greeted by Mr. Bingley, while Mrs. Hurst was polite and very complimentary of the ladies’ gowns.
Miss Bingley gave them a frosty smile and was about to speak when she truly noticed their dresses. For a moment, she was unaccountably annoyed to find herself wondering who had made them and was obliged to check the question before it betrayed an interest, she had no wish to display.
Mr. Collins followed behind the Bennets, and, upon being introduced, immediately began a lengthy account of his patroness, to which no one appeared to listen.
***
Elizabeth quickly slipped into the ballroom.
Elizabeth paused, taking in the elegance of the room. Elaborate chalk designs decorated the floor. Silver fabric had been draped along the walls, catching the candlelight and giving the room a shimmering effect. Large vases of flowers stood upon pedestals before each silver panel. The effect was striking.
As she admired the scene, she noticed Charlotte and began walking toward her. “Good evening, Charlotte, Colonel Foster. I hope you are both well.”
Charlotte stepped forward and embraced Elizabeth carefully so as not to wrinkle her gown. “We are very well, thank you. Elizabeth, you look absolutely stunning. I love your dress.”
“Thank you. I must admit I am very fond of it. I almost feel as though I have stepped into a fairy tale.”
A deep masculine voice behind her said, “I agree. You look very beautiful.”
Elizabeth turned, blushing as she looked up at Mr. Darcy. “Good evening, sir.”
Mr. Darcy smiled. “Good evening, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Lucas, Colonel Foster.”
He turned to Colonel Foster. “Will Lieutenant Wickham be attending?”
Colonel Foster shook his head. “No, you may be easy. He is on duty with the regiment this evening.”
Mr. Darcy offered his hand. “I appreciate that very much, sir.”
Colonel Foster shook it. “My pleasure to assist, especially after what he did to you, Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
The musicians began tuning their instruments. Darcy looked toward Elizabeth. “I ought to have asked you for the first set as well. Am I too late?”
Elizabeth’s face fell slightly. “Mr. Collins has already asked me for the first set. I could not refuse him, or I should have had to sit out the remainder of the evening.”
Darcy nodded. “Then I wonder if I might have the last set.”
Elizabeth smiled. “It is yours, sir.”
