“Yes, sir, it is.”
“May I secure them both, please?”
Jane chuckled softly. “They are yours.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Fitzwilliam then turned to Mary and secured her third set.
Later, after seeing their guests out, Uncle Edward returned to the drawing room.
“They seemed very amiable,” he said.
“Indeed,” Aunt Madeleine agreed. “I am glad the gentlemen will be in attendance tomorrow evening. As you said, Mary, it will be nice for you girls to have acquaintances present at the ball.”
“No doubt it will,” Uncle Edward said. “Well, if you need me, I shall be in my study.”
“Thank you, darling,” Aunt Madeleine said, smiling.
He winked at her and closed the door behind him.
Elizabeth giggled silently at her aunt and uncle.
“Well! I believe you girls have set some kind of record. You each already have two sets claimed for a ball that does not even begin until tomorrow evening!” Aunt Madeleine said.
“It was kind of them to ask us,” Jane said.
“Mm-hmm,” Aunt Madeleine replied in a tone that suggested there was more going on here than what she was being told. “It was kind. Perhaps it was also something else?”
“What do you mean, Aunt?” Jane asked.
“Oh, I thought you might tell me,” she said with raised brows.
They looked at their aunt with innocent expressions on their faces.
“Aunt, you know that if one of us had an understanding with either of the gentlemen, we would tell you,” Elizabeth said.
“Yes, I know you would. I do not mean to embarrass you, but it is a significant thing when a gentleman such as Mr. Darcy or Mr. Fitzwilliam requests a young lady’s first set or her supper set. It is even more so when said gentleman requests both! I think you realize this. No, it is not a declaration, but it is clear there is some interest. Lizzy, would you be opposed to Mr. Darcy taking a romantic interest in you? I was under the impression that you thought well of him.”
“No—I mean—yes! I do think well of him, and I would not be opposed to his taking a romantic interest in me.”
Elizabeth could not believe they were having this conversation. First Jane, now Aunt Madeleine! Both of them had suspicions that Mr. Darcy had designs on her!
“Jane, I shall ask you the same question,” Aunt Madeleine said. “Are you opposed to Mr. Fitzwilliam taking a romantic interest in you?”
“No, Aunt, I am not.”
“Very well then,” she said, looking from Jane to Elizabeth, “I suppose we shall see what comes of it.”
After arriving back at Darcy House, Georgiana declared her intention of practicing at the pianoforte. Darcy and Fitz headed to the study.
“So, cousin,” Fitz said as he accepted a drink from Darcy, “what did you think of the Gardiners?”
“I liked them,” Darcy said, taking the seat across from Fitz. “They were friendly, well-informed. What was your impression of them?”
“I liked them as well. They have a lovely home. Mr. Gardiner clearly does well for himself.”
“Yes, it appears that he does,” Darcy said.
“Then, have all the obstacles been cleared away for you?”
