“It is.”
“I shall claim it, if I may?”
“Yes, of course, thank you,” Mary said with a smile.
Mr. Hadley and his mother excused themselves just as Mr. Bingley approached them. Two women and a gentleman accompanied him.
“This is a delightful surprise!” Mr. Bingley said, smiling.
“Good evening, Mr. Bingley,” Jane said. “Aunt, Uncle, this is Mr. Charles Bingley. Mr. Bingley, please meet Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner.
“I am very pleased to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.”
“A pleasure, Mr. Bingley,” Uncle Edward replied.
“Please allow me to introduce my sisters and brother-in-law. This is Mr. Bertram Hurst, my elder sister Mrs. Louisa Hurst, and my younger sister Miss Caroline Bingley. Hurst, Louisa, Caroline, please meet Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner of London and their nieces—Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, and Miss Mary of Longbourn in Hertfordshire.”
“We are pleased to make your acquaintance,” Aunt Madeleine said.
Several seconds passed before Mrs. Hurst forced a very brief and insincere smile to her face and reluctantly replied, “Likewise.”
His younger sister looked at each of them with thinly veiled contempt. Mr. Hurst, who was already in his cups, made no attempt at civility either. All the while, Mr. Bingley was his usual amiable self. After several minutes of this, Elizabeth had had enough.
“Please excuse me,” she said and turned to leave.
“Ah, Miss Elizabeth?” Mr. Bingley called. “I was just about to request dances with you ladies. May I secure a set with you?” he asked.
“Of course. Is there a particular set you would like?”
“Is your second set available?”
She smiled at him. “Yes, it is yours.”
Elizabeth then walked in the direction of the refreshment table, hoping Mr. Bingley’s hateful sisters would be gone when she returned. Elizabeth poured herself some punch, then walked over to the side of the room to drink it and observe the guests. She also kept an eye on Mr. Bingley’s party so she would see when they took their leave.
A few short weeks ago, Elizabeth had been excited at the prospect of meeting new people and perhaps making the acquaintance of some gentlemen. Tonight, she had already been introduced to several people, including a few gentlemen. Yet, Elizabeth could not seem to manage any excitement over it. Her mind was completely preoccupied with thoughts of someone else. She took another sip of her punch, then looked toward the dais. The musicians were taking their seats. It would not be long now before the dancing would begin.Where is Mr. Darcy?
“Good evening, Miss Elizabeth.”
She inhaled sharply. Elizabeth would know that warm, deep voice anywhere. She turned to see the object of her thoughts smiling at her, and she smiled back at him.
“Good evening, Mr. Darcy.”
His eyes never leaving hers, he took her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed it.
“May I say how very beautiful you look tonight?”
Elizabeth felt such tingles and warmth in her cheeks. This compliment of her looks was very different from the one he gave her at the assembly in Meryton. Extremely flattered by his words and actions, she flushed with pleasure.
“Thank you,” she said, unable to tear her eyes away from his.
Another voice intruded on the moment, “Indeed, you look lovely—”
Elizabeth startled.
“Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Fitzwilliam said. “I did not mean to startle you.”
Smiling self-consciously, she said, “Thank you for the compliment.”
