“Pardon me, ladies—Fitz, I have located our party. Shall we?”
“Yes, cousin!” he answered, then gave a polite bow to the ladies.
When they had walked a safe distance away, Fitz sighed. “Thank you!”
Chapter 21
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy had drawn the attention of many in attendance. She supposed they were all curious about her. She was unknown to them, yet such an eligible gentleman as Mr. Darcy had singled her out by dancing not one but two sets with her. Elizabeth had certainly not expected him to show her such attention, and with a good portion of London society watching. Were her sisters and her aunt correct in their suspicions? Did he have a romantic interest in her, or did he just see her as a friend? Mr. Darcy was quite familiar with the conventions and nuances of polite society. He knew very well what his behavior toward her implied—that he was interested, very interested. And he wanted it known. The idea was wonderful and hard to credit all at the same time! However, she would assume nothing before he spoke the words to her.
After they danced the supper set, she enjoyed having his undivided attention for the entire supper hour. Elizabeth and her family were to leave after supper. Considering their plans with the Darcys and Mr. Fitzwilliam for the following afternoon,they wanted to be as well-rested as possible. Even now, it was the wee hours, and they still needed to take their leave and journey back to Gracechurch Street. Earlier that evening, Mr. Darcy had told her that he and his cousin would also leave the ball when she and her family did. So, they all went in search of their hosts to take their leave.
As her aunt and sisters were handed into the carriage, Mr. Darcy addressed Uncle. “If you have no objection, Mr. Gardiner, we will call tomorrow at Gracechurch Street so that we may all travel together."
“That will be fine.”
“How does one o’clock sound?”
“That sounds perfect,” Aunt Madeleine replied.
Mr. Darcy nodded.
“Goodnight” was then echoed all around.
“Goodnight, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Darcy said softly.
She smiled. “Goodnight.”
He then handed her into the carriage.
As her uncle’s carriage pulled away, Aunt Madeleine asked, “How was your evening, girls?”
“It was wonderful, Aunt!” Mary exclaimed. “This was, of course, my first private ball, but I have never had such an enjoyable time. There were so many gentlemen to dance with, and they were all very agreeable.”
“Indeed, Aunt, you and Uncle have outdone yourselves with our very first event,” Elizabeth teased. “Now, nothing else shall compare.”
Uncle Edward chuckled. “We hope that will not be the case.”
“Oh, Aunt Madeleine, Mr. Darcy extended an invitation from his sister to join them for a musicale on Monday evening. Are we free?” Elizabeth asked.
“Oh, yes,” Mary said. “I mentioned to Georgiana that I hoped to attend a musicale during our stay.”
“That was thoughtful of her. We are free on Monday. An evening musicale sounds lovely,” Aunt Madeleine replied.
After removing their outerwear, Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary said goodnight to their aunt and uncle. They went upstairs and entered Jane’s bedchamber, looking at one another with matching expressions of happiness.
“This was the most wonderful night ever!” Mary exclaimed in a hushed tone, smiling from ear to ear. “I was never in want of a partner!”
Elizabeth grinned. “I was amazed at the sheer number of gentlemen present.”
Jane nodded. “Indeed.”
Mary gave her sisters a teasing look. “You both certainly had the attention of the whole room when you were dancing with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Fitzwilliam, especially the supper dance.”
Jane gave a look of discomfiture. “Yes, and it was unnerving to say the least!”
Mary laughed. “I daresay there were many ladies envious of you two having the attention of such handsome, eligible gentlemen.”
Elizabeth and Jane looked at each other with mischievous grins, then turned to Mary.
