Elizabeth sighed softly. “The day after tomorrow. I suspect he intends to propose tomorrow.”
Darcy frowned. “Will your father insist?”
She shook her head. “No, he will not. We settled that question before my father sent his reply.”
Darcy paused. “I have heard there is an entail. Will that cause difficulty for your family?”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “Not really. It will be unfortunate to lose Longbourn one day, but the Bennets will be secure.”
Darcy nodded slowly. “That is good. I should not wish your future to depend upon Mr. Collins.”
She laughed softly. “I entirely agree.”
When supper was nearly finished, Miss Bingley sat at the pianoforte and performed a complicated piece. When she finished there was polite applause.
Seeing that she had not secured Mr. Darcy’s attention as she had hoped, she stood and turned toward Elizabeth. “Miss Eliza, would you care to play?”
Elizabeth leaned toward Darcy and spoke quietly. He nodded immediately. They rose and walked to the pianoforte. Elizabeth sat down and Darcy took a seat nearby. She turned through the music, selected a piece, and gave him a small nod.
Then she began to play and sing. A hush fell over the room as she performed the popular song Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes. Darcy watched her with open admiration until she glanced at him, at which point he quickly turned the page. When she finished, there was a moment of silence before the room filled into warm applause.
Darcy leaned toward her. “You were wonderful.”
Elizabeth blushed. “Thank you.”
Darcy stood and offered his hand. She took it, and he escorted her back to the ballroom.
Miss Bingley watched their progress with a tight expression.
Darcy and Elizabeth danced several more sets with other partners. Elizabeth saw Darcy dancing with Mrs. Hurst for one of the sets.
***
At last, the final dance was announced, and Elizabeth felt a quiet anticipation
Darcy approached Elizabeth. “Are you equal to one more dance?”
A gentle smile lit her face. “I have been looking forward to it.”
As the musicians began, Elizabeth looked surprised. “A waltz?”
Darcy nodded and offered his hand. She placed hers in it as they took their place among the other couples.
“Are you familiar with the dance?” he asked quietly.
“Yes,” she replied. “Though I have only danced it with my sisters.”
Darcy chuckled softly. “And I with my sister.”
He drew her gently into the first turn of the dance. “You need not be concerned,” he said quietly. “I shall not tread upon your feet.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “I am relieved to hear it, sir.”
Soon they were turning gracefully about the room with the other couples. Elizabeth noticed that Jane and Mr. Bingley were among the dancers as well.
Along the wall, Miss Bingley stood watching them, her expression tightening as Darcy appeared wholly engaged with Elizabeth.
Chapter thirteen
