Darcy smiled. “All the obstacles were cleared away for me when your mother and father admitted an acquaintance with the Gardiners and had nothing negative to say about them.”
Fitz chuckled. “You said you were going to take more time to be sure about Miss Elizabeth, but it seems to me that you have had your mind made up since the day we left Hertfordshire. I donot believe it would have mattered if there were some concern about her relations.”
“No, it would not have mattered,” Darcy said, grinning to himself.
“It is fortuitous that we shall be attending the same ball.”
“Yes, it is!” Darcy said. “Good thing you thought to ask, Fitz!”
“Good thing indeed! I noticed you wasted no time in setting yourself up quite nicely for tomorrow evening.” He inclined his head. “Well done.”
Darcy wore a self-satisfied expression on his face. “And you as well. I owe you, cousin.”
“Yes, you do.”
“You know we shall draw quite a bit of attention by dancing the first and supper sets with the Bennet ladies,” Darcy said. “I hope they will not be too discomfited by it.”
Fitz sighed. “I shall also draw attention due to my newfound wealth.”
“Ah yes! That, too. This ball promises to be quite interesting, does it not?”
Chapter 20
Elizabeth entered the stately townhouse with her family. She had visited here several times in the past, as her uncle and Sir Anthony were old friends. As Sir Anthony was a bachelor, his mother was acting as his hostess.
“Oh, Madeleine! The girls are lovely!” Lady Stanholdt declared.
“It is so good to see you, my lady,” Jane said with a smile.
Elizabeth and her sisters each kissed Lady Stanholdt’s cheek in greeting.
“It is good to see you girls as well! I am so happy you could come.” She then whispered conspiratorially, “There will be a good number of eligible gentlemen here this evening, so make sure to enjoy yourselves!”
They grinned at her and nodded.
“You girls let me know if you need anything at all,” Sir Anthony insisted.
“We will, Sir Anthony,” Jane replied. “Thank you.”
Elizabeth stepped around her uncle, craning her neck to see inside the ballroom.
“Will the boys be here this evening?” Uncle Edward asked Sir Anthony.
Elizabeth was unable to hear Sir Anthony’s reply because her sisters spoke to her at that exact moment. Uncle Edward nodded to his friend in response, then moved to lead their party away from the receiving line. Elizabeth briefly wondered who they were speaking of, but let it slip from her mind as she and her family entered the ballroom.
Chandeliers glittered overhead with crystal and candlelight, while candelabras placed throughout the room cast a glow and added to the ambiance. Vases of fresh-cut flowers perfumed the space. Sprays of fragrant blooms and greenery were suspended from candlelit wall sconces that twinkled along the perimeter of the room. The floral scent in the air reminded Elizabeth of being in the countryside on a summer’s day. While the musicians were seeing to their instruments and sheet music, ladies and gentlemen were milling about dressed in all their finery. All around her was the murmur of voices and laughter. The beauty and atmosphere of the ball filled Elizabeth with anticipation for the evening.
She looked down at her own gown. Her aunt had been correct. The beautiful gown did give her more confidence. She had chosen a seafoam-green silk. It had short, fluffy layers of white organza along a lower neckline that continued up along the thin straps at her shoulders. Her aunt’s maid had pinned pearls in her hair. She also wore her pearl drop earrings and her necklace with the pearl pendant.
As they followed their aunt and uncle, Elizabeth and her sisters noticed quite a few gentlemen and were noticed in return. They spoke with one another about interesting people theyobserved and shared opinions on the gowns some of the ladies wore.
Sir Anthony and three gentlemen joined them. He made the introductions, and a very pleasant conversation ensued. Eventually, the gentlemen secured dances with them, then took their leave. Elizabeth and her sisters discussed their impressions of the gentlemen while their aunt and uncle stepped away to greet an acquaintance.
Elizabeth and Jane noticed Mary had suddenly become quiet. Seeing that something had caught their sister’s eye, they followed the direction of her gaze to a group of people. After a moment of observation, they realized what had caught Mary’s attention, or rather who. There, standing among the group, was Mr. Whitney Hadley.
Mary turned to them and whispered urgently “He is here!”
“I see him,” Elizabeth said, keeping her voice low. “But he has not seen us yet, which gives you a few moments to collect yourself. Deep breaths, Mary!”
