Page 50 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

“Thank you.”

I wanted to take her in my arms. I didn't move.

But she stepped closer and placed her fingers on my sleeve.

“You're learning,” she murmured.

“Painfully.”

“The best lessons are rarely pleasant.”

“Is that an invitation to continue my education?”

Her eyes dropped to my mouth.

“Perhaps.”

She withdrew her hand before I could catch it.

I left Longbourn without knowing what she was planning for the assembly.

But for the first time since Hunsford, I understood that Elizabeth was no longer simply waiting for me to prove myself worthy of her choice.

She was beginning to defend it.

Chapter 16

Elizabeth

The Meryton assembly drew almost everyone who had heard the rumor—and half of those who claimed not to believe it.

My mother would have preferred we stay at Longbourn. She worried less about my reputation than about the possibility that Mr. Darcy, exposed to gossip, might abandon his ten thousand a year. My father insisted we attend the ball.

“Rumors feed on closed doors,” he said. “Let us open ours and let them die of indigestion.”

Jane and Mr. Bingley were to appear together for the first time since the announcement of their engagement. Their happiness already drew every eye. Yet when Mr. Darcy entered the room, the murmur that rippled through the assembly had nothing to do with them.

He stood straight, his expression more guarded than ever. Georgiana was on his arm, accompanied by Mrs. Annesley. Bingley followed them.

Darcy’s eyes found me.

I stepped forward before my prudence could stop me.

“Mr. Darcy.”

“Miss Elizabeth.”

He bowed. I extended my hand.

The gesture was unnecessary. A young woman could greet without offering her fingers. He understood. His gaze held mine, then he took my hand with almost solemn delicacy.

Around us, conversations slowed.

“Will you grant me the first dance?” I asked.

Surprise flickered across his face.

“With pleasure.”