Darcy turned to Charlotte. “May I have one of your sets?”
Charlotte smiled. “Of course. My second set is open.”
“Thank you.” Darcy looked again to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, might we find some of your sisters? I should like to ask them as well.”
“Yes, of course.”
They walked around the edge of the room and soon found Mary with Jane and Mr. Bingley. Darcy secured sets with both of them.
Elizabeth looked at him with amusement. “I must confess I am very surprised, sir. You had given me the impression that you did not care to dance at balls.”
Darcy took her hand gently. “I have decided that under certain circumstances it may be very agreeable.”
“I am glad to hear it, sir.”
Darcy smiled. “I have also formed a new plan. Instead of walking about the room in hopes of avoiding certain partners, I intend to fill my dance card with more desirable ones.”
Elizabeth nodded. “A very strategic plan indeed. If only I had thought to fill mine before Mr. Collins requested his set. I see he is making his way toward me now.”
Darcy squeezed her hand lightly before releasing it.
Mr. Collins approached, already slightly out of breath. “Ah, Miss Elizabeth, I believe the dance is about to begin.” He reached for her hand.
Elizabeth glanced once at Darcy before placing her hand in Mr. Collins’s. As he led her toward the floor she looked back over her shoulder at Darcy for a moment before turning forward again.
Darcy walked over to Mary. “The set is forming,” he said with a smile.
They joined the line of couples a few places down from Elizabeth and Mr. Collins, with Bingley and Jane beside them. The musicians began the first country dance, the fiddles lively and bright.
At the opening figure the gentlemen stepped forward together, with the exception of Mr. Collins, who hesitated in visible uncertainty before stepping forward a moment too late. Elizabeth suspected at once that the evening would prove difficult.
As the dance progressed, her fears were fully confirmed. Mr. Collins appeared unfamiliar with nearly every step. He advanced when he ought to retire, turned when he ought to bow, and once very nearly collided with a neighbouring couple.
“Pray forgive me,” he said with great earnestness after one such misstep. “I find the variations of these dances remarkably intricate.”
Elizabeth murmured something polite while attempting to guide him discreetly into the proper place. Her efforts proved only partially successful. Within moments he trod heavily upon her foot. Elizabeth started despite herself, the pain sharp but quickly contained.
“Ah! My apologies, Miss Elizabeth,” he exclaimed. “These lively country dances require uncommon agility.”
Elizabeth thought privately that accuracy might be of greater assistance. A few couples nearby began casting curious glances in their direction. Elizabeth could not recall ever enduring a more dreadful dance.
Mr. Collins continued with determined enthusiasm, though rarely in the correct direction. Before the dance concluded he had stepped upon her feet several times each misstep renewing the discomfort and nearly upset the rhythm of the entire set.
When at last the first dance ended, Elizabeth said with forced composure, “Mr. Collins, I believe I should be grateful for a glass of lemonade.”
“Certainly, certainly,” he replied eagerly. “I shall return directly.”
***
The moment he departed, Elizabeth limped quietly from the floor and sank into a chair.
Darcy, who had been watching the set from several places down the line, frowned.
Darcy and Mary followed her. “Miss Elizabeth, you are hurt?” Darcy asked, his voice sharp with concern.
She shook her head as she sat down. “I shall be quite well. I only need a few minutes.” She winced as she shifted her foot.
Darcy’s expression hardened. “He has injured you. This is intolerable. That man is a menace and ought not to be allowed upon the dance floor.” He seemed on the verge of saying more but checked himself.
