“I must apologize for taking so long to reach you this evening. Fitz and I were delayed by multiple acquaintances from our first entering the ballroom. When we managed to get free of them, you and your aunt and sisters were visiting with various ladies and gentlemen. We did not wish to intrude. However, a few lingered in your company until the very end, so I suppose we should not have waited.”
Miss Elizabeth smiled, then looked up at him. “Thank you for being so considerate of my feelings. I do understand, and all is well. Truly.”
She had promised him the first set. He should have greeted her as soon as possible to assure her that he was indeed present at the ball and looking forward to dancing with her. Darcy was relieved she was not offended. He gave her a nod, then took his place opposite her.
His eyes never left her as he waited for the dance to begin. They drank her in and traveled over the gown she wore. It was lovely, and she was lovely in it. Darcy was glad she had fitting gowns for London society. He had heard Aunt Sophia say more than once to Georgiana that a beautiful gown was armor for a young lady. Of course, he thought Miss Elizabeth looked perfect in whatever she wore. Still, it relieved him that she would not give the appearance of being easy prey for vicious and petty women eager to sink their claws into her.
When the music began, he took her hand, and they moved through the steps.
“Have you been enjoying yourself this evening?” he asked.
Her surprise was evident, but the reason for it was not.
“Miss Elizabeth?”
“I apologize. You just . . . surprised me with your attempt at conversation. The last time we danced together, you said not a word. I thought you preferred it that way.”
He sighed. “It is I who should apologize. Besides being cautious, I am not very adept at conversing with people I do not know well. I am sure you thought me quite rude.”
“I did, but I was happy to be proven wrong . . . eventually,” she said with a teasing grin.
Darcy grinned as well.
She continued. “In answer to your question, yes, I am enjoying myself this evening. I hope you are as well.”
“I certainly am—thanks to the privilege of dancing with you.”
She blushed prettily at his words, and Darcy grinned again. He enjoyed being the cause of her blushes. He also enjoyed being able to hold her hand, gaze into those fine eyes, and be near her each time the dance brought them together.
When they finished the set, Darcy led her over to her family.
“I enjoyed our dance, Miss Elizabeth.” They shared a smile, then Darcy said, “I almost forgot, my sister wished me to invite you to a musicale that will take place on Monday evening.”
“That sounds lovely,” she said excitedly. “I know Mary was hoping to attend at least one during our stay.”
“I believe Georgiana said as much. She wanted to invite you all herself, but since she will not see you until tomorrow afternoon, she did not want to risk you making other plans by then.”
“Oh, of course! I believe that evening is free, but I will speak with my aunt to be sure.”
Darcy gave her a smile, then excused himself. He stepped over to Miss Mary and issued Georgiana’s invitation to the musicale. She was very excited at the prospect of going, and Darcy smiled at her enthusiasm. He confirmed she was ready for their set and led her to the dance floor. As they danced, they discussed music and their favorite composers. Darcy spoke about what she could expect at the evening musicale, and she again became excited, making him chuckle. When their set was over, Darcy thanked her and returned Miss Mary to her family.
He headed to the refreshment table, then spent some time alone drinking punch and watching the crowd. He noticed Fitz walking in his direction, so he waited for him. Darcy looked away for a moment. When he looked back, he saw his cousin had been waylaid. Darcy shook his head. The group of ladies surrounding his cousin was made up of matchmaking mamas and debutantes. He knew their tactics well. Fortunately for Darcy, they had pulled back in their intensity toward him a few years ago. Fitz, however, was fresh meat. There would be dogged attempts made to catch his eye. After several minutes, Darcy moved towards Fitz in order to free him from his latest group of admirers.
“How lovely it is to see you, Colonel! Oh! Are you still a colonel?” Lady Chesney asked.
“No, my lady,” Fitz replied.
“It is Mr. Fitzwilliam now?” Lady Daphne asked, smiling as she curled her hand around his arm.
Fitz gave her a charming smile. “That is correct.”
Miss Simmons cornered him on his other side.
“What a surprise to find you here this evening,” she said, fluttering her lashes at him. “It is a wonderful evening for dancing and enjoying society, is it not?”
“Indeed, we are delighted to have you with us, Mr. Fitzwilliam,” Mrs. Simmons added. “I do hope we shall see you more often now that you shall have fewer demands on your time.”
Darcy felt the situation had gone on long enough.
