Mr. Darcy nodded, then offered his arm to escort her to her family. Elizabeth was not sure what had just occurred, but whatever it was caused a distinct change in his mood.
When they reached her family, he bowed to her. “Miss Elizabeth.” Then he walked away.
Elizabeth did not know quite how to take that. She did not have time to think on it, however, because Mr. Bingley came to collect her for their set.
When it was time for the supper set Elizabeth saw her sister Mary dancing again with Mr. Whitney Hadley. That was significant! Not only was he partnering Mary for the second time this evening, but he had singled her out for the supper set. Elizabeth was ecstatic for her sister. Mary deserved to receive some special attention from a gentleman.
Elizabeth herself was not dancing the supper set, and she noticed Charlotte was not either, so she made her way over to her friend. Charlotte was watching the couples on the dance floor when Elizabeth walked up beside her.
“So, Charlotte, what do you think of the assembly?” Elizabeth asked.
Charlotte turned to Elizabeth with a relaxed smile on her face. “I think it turned out very well. We are fortunate to have four gentlemen visiting the neighborhood and willing to partner so many ladies.”
“Yes, indeed.”
“To that point, I suppose not only has Mr. Bingley ended up earning points in your book for gallantry tonight, but the other gentlemen have as well. They certainly have each danced several sets.”
“You are right, Charlotte,” Elizabeth said, pretending a serious mien, “I must take out my pen and bestow high marks on all of them, for many a young lady has twirled about the dance floor tonight. No doubt, many more will do so thanks to these good gentlemen.”
Elizabeth and Charlotte both laughed at their silliness.
“Do you know much about the Mr. Hadleys?” Elizabeth asked her.
“I do not. They seem very agreeable,” Charlotte said.
“Yes, they do.”
At that moment, two matrons walked in their direction, speaking rather loudly.
“Mr. Bingley’s 5,000 a year is nothing to Mr. Darcy. He has 10,000 a year at least! Would that my Abigail could catch his eye!”
“Oh yes, indeed, that would be wonderful!”
The women walked away, fanning themselves rapidly.
Elizabeth and Charlotte stood there in shock, then turned to each other.
“Oh my,” Charlotte said, eyes wide.
“This must be what Mr. Darcy overheard after we danced our set, or something similar, perhaps,” Elizabeth said, looking towhere the matrons were now standing on the other side of the room.
“He overheard them?” Charlotte asked.
“He overheardsomeone.I am not sure who. I am also not sure what he heard, but his demeanor changed instantly. He was clearly offended by something,” Elizabeth explained.
“Yes, and now we see his and Mr. Bingley’s incomes are likely being bandied about the room.” Charlotte looked around with an expression of irritation.
“Where is Mr. Darcy?” asked Elizabeth, also looking around the room.
“There he is. He is standing in the corner.”
“I feel compelled to apologize to him on behalf of everyone here who is being so offensive,” Elizabeth said.
“I see nothing wrong with doing so. It is the polite thing to do in any case.”
“Very well, I will do it, but I want you to come rescue me if you see my fingers snap,” Elizabeth said, looking pointedly at Charlotte. “That is your signal to come to my aid and remind me we are to go visit with . . . Mrs. Whomever."
Charlotte grinned. “Understood.”
