She noticed Mr. Fitzwilliam draw Mr. Darcy’s attention to another part of the room. Mr. Darcy then looked around before bringing his eyes back to hers.
“I believe the dancing will begin soon. May I escort you to your party?” he asked.
“Yes, thank you. I just need a moment to hand my glass to a servant.”
From the moment Darcy entered the ballroom, he had been stopped by one person or another. The situation proved even more difficult for his cousin. Clearly, the word was out that he was now a wealthy man. Attention was lavished upon Fitz just as he knew it would be. After helping Fitz escape a gaggle of women, Darcy scanned the room until his eyes fell on Miss Elizabeth standing with her aunt and sisters. They had been speaking with some gentlemen. Darcy had no doubt the gentlemen had solicited dances for themselves. Thanks to Fitz inquiring about the ladies’ plans for this evening, Darcy was able to have his pick of Miss Elizabeth’s dances. He wanted to make a statement tonight by dancing the first and supper sets with her.
Next, Darcy saw Mr. Hadley approach them. He and Fitz were just about to walk over to greet them all when they saw Bingley approach with his sisters. Wishing to avoid Miss Bingley, Darcy and Fitz held back. That led to Darcy following Miss Elizabeth and greeting her at the refreshment table. However, he and Fitz needed to greet her family as well. Miss Bingley was still there,but there was nothing for it. They would simply have to deal with her.
The next moment, Fitz nudged Darcy’s arm and directed his attention to Miss Elizabeth’s party. Bingley’s sisters and Hurst were walking away. Darcy grinned at his cousin and then offered to escort Miss Elizabeth to her family.
After she gave her glass to a passing servant, she took his arm, and he led her away.
As they approached her family, Elizabeth was happy to see the hateful sisters had gone and taken the drunk with them.
They all exchanged greetings, then Uncle Edward and Mr. Bingley fell into conversation with a mutual acquaintance. Elizabeth, Jane, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Fitzwilliam moved a few feet away from the group.
“Well, ladies, I suppose your dance cards are full already,” Mr. Fitzwilliam teased. “Darcy, it is a good thing we secured those sets in advance, is it not?”
“I should say so, cousin.”
“Indeed, from the time of our arrival, we have been unable to greet your party due to the line of gentlemen queueing up to request dances!” Mr. Fitzwilliam said.
Jane and Elizabeth laughed.
“No, indeed, Colonel! Oh, forgive me!” Jane said, smiling and blushing. “I mean, no indeed, Mr. Fitzwilliam.”
He chuckled. “There is nothing to forgive, I assure you. I am not yet accustomed to the change myself.”
Elizabeth noticed Mr. Fitzwilliam’s smile fade abruptly. He looked over his shoulder, then moved to close the gap between himself and Mr. Darcy. Suddenly, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst appeared.
“Good evening, gentlemen! How lovely to see you!” Miss Bingley declared.
Mr. Bingley’s sisters were extremely welcoming to Mr. Darcy and Mr. Fitzwilliam, a marked difference from the cold way they had greeted Elizabeth’s family earlier.
“Mr. Darcy, how is your dear sister?” Miss Bingley asked. “Louisa and I were just remarking on how we have not seen her for an age!”
“She is doing quite well, thank you,” Mr. Darcy replied cooly.
“I am so glad to hear it. Is she in town?” Miss Bingley asked as she attempted to move closer to Mr. Darcy.
“Yes, she is,” Mr. Darcy said.
Elizabeth was standing next to Mr. Darcy on one side. She watched as Miss Bingley tried to reach Mr. Darcy’s other side, but his cousin was there and refused to give an inch. Still, she persisted in her efforts to get around Mr. Fitzwilliam and instead lost her balance! She flailed about, but Mr. Fitzwilliam quickly steadied her before gravity took over.
“Careful, Miss Bingley! I would hate for you to take a fall when the ball has barely begun,” Mr. Fitzwilliam said solicitously.
Elizabeth had to turn and feign an interest in something behind her so that she could hide the bubble of laughter that threatened to spill forth.Did that just happen?!She met Jane’s eyes and caught the smirk her sister was trying to hide as well.
Miss Bingley was clearly embarrassed, but she was also seriously displeased at having been thwarted. Her aggravation must have warred with the need to repair her appearance. In the end, vanity won out, so she and her sister left to find the ladies' retiring room.
The theatrics now over, conversation resumed between the four of them. Elizabeth turned to the dais at the sound of the musicians tuning their instruments. She was looking forward to dancing with Mr. Darcy and having him as her suppercompanion. Elizabeth could not believe he was singling her out in this way, but she planned to enjoy her time with him. He looked extremely handsome tonight in his dark tailcoat, cream-colored breeches, and crisp white cravat and waistcoat. They were clearly made for him they fit him so well. Elizabeth would definitely be one of the oglers tonight!
Sir Anthony stood on the dais and welcomed his guests to the ball. He wished everyone a pleasant evening, then signaled for the musicians to begin the first set.
Darcy turned to Miss Elizabeth with a smile and offered his hand. “Shall we?”
She nodded and put her hand in his. As they walked towards the other couples, Darcy noticed his cousin leading her sister to the dance floor as well.
