by Jann Rowland
“That is easy for you to say, Elizabeth, for you are able to attend tonight, and you came out at the age of fifteen.”
“Which is much too young,” said Elizabeth, “even in a small country society. Trust me, Georgiana—it is better for you that you wait patiently, learn everything you can, and enter society when you are ready.”
“You should listen to Elizabeth,” said Anne, who was seated nearby on Elizabeth’s bed. “A few weeks ago, you were eager to remain away from society forever.”
“And a part of me still is,” said Georgiana. Then she smiled shyly at Elizabeth. “I can wait. And in the end, I care nothing for being sought after, or any such nonsense. I only wish to find someone to love.”
“Then you are already wise beyond your years,” replied Elizabeth.
When their preparations were complete, Elizabeth entered the carriage with the others who were to attend—which included Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was resplendent in his regimentals—and they made the short journey to the site of the ball, a house in the Mayfair district which was a little closer to Hyde Park and on a different street from Mr. Darcy’s house.
“We might simply have walked here!” exclaimed Elizabeth, when the carriage rolled to a stop only moments later.
“Please do not say such a thing in the dance, Miss Elizabeth,” said Lady Catherine. “It is customary to arrive in a carriage. Such comments will only show your country manners and nature.”
“I fully agree with her,” said Anne, shooting her mother a glance. “Perhaps we should walk home after.”
“If you can walk after hours of dancing, I will be happy to escort you,” said Mr. Darcy.
Fitzwilliam chuckled and nodded, noting: “Darcy speaks the truth. Most attendees will end the amusement exhausted. That is one reason why everyone arrives in a carriage.”
“I meant no disrespect toward Miss Elizabeth,” said Lady Catherine. “But society can be harsh, especially to those who make comments which are unexpected or are considered to be lacking in polish.”
“I thank you, Lady Catherine,” said Elizabeth, eager to avoid an argument. “I will attempt to rein in my tongue.”
The line of carriages was not long, and they were soon able to disembark, though Darcy told them with some amusement that it was because they had arrived on time, and that most of the attendees would be fashionably late. Shuddering at the thought of the crush which would ensue, Elizabeth allowed herself to be led into the entrance hall where the family was lined up to greet them.
Lady Harriet Greenwood was a woman of about Lady Susan’s age, but whereas Lady Susan was tall and handsome, Lady Harriet was short and plump, not at all handsome, but with a motherly demeanor, which instantly put others at ease. Her husband—Lord Edgar Greenwood, Earl of Stoneway—was, by contrast, tall and austere, seeming almost as Mr. Darcy had during his time in Hertfordshire the previous autumn. As Darcy’s aunt and uncle were also present, the Bennet sisters and Anne were introduced and welcomed by the other couple, and it was obvious to Elizabeth that the acceptance of the Matlocks smoothed Elizabeth and Jane’s way.
With the greetings and introductions complete, the friends entered the ballroom and obtained some punch from the nearby refreshment tables. The musicians had begun to play, though their early offerings consisted of soft prelude music, interspersed with the sounds of instruments receiving minute tuning adjustments. It was a small stringed orchestra, and though Elizabeth had always thought the musicians which were hired for the assemblies in Meryton were nothing wanting, it was obvious these were a cut above.
Slowly the hall began to fill, and there were many who were known to Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy, and even a few to Lady Catherine as well. Lord and Lady Matlock soon joined them, and even more introductions were given, and Elizabeth was amused to see the looks of interest Anne received, but also the ones she and Jane garnered as well.
“How shall I remember so many names?” asked Anne after they had been introduced to, it seemed, several hundred previously unknown people.
Elizabeth turned to her with amusement. “I do not think it is required to remember them all. In fact, I think they will be quite eager to remind you of their names and situations—especially the young men I saw watching you!”
“I fear Miss Elizabeth is correct,” said a scowling Lady Catherine. “There was far too much interest, and much of it from those you should not even consider.”
“Have no fear, Mother,” said Anne. “I do not consider any of them at present. I am just newly into society—I have no intention of surrendering my independence so quickly.”
Lady Catherine glanced at her daughter, but she did not respond. Anne had already turned her attention back to Elizabeth.
“And what of the young men I saw watching you with interest?”
“They were mostly watching Jane,” replied Elizabeth. “Unfortunately, they are destined to be disappointed.”
Her eyes found Jane, who stood with Mr. Bingley—he having arrived some moments before—and her attention was fixed on him to the exclusion of all others. Beyond them stood Mr. Hurst, Mrs. Hurst, and Miss Bingley, and though the former two looked about with some astonishment, the latter was watching Mr. Darcy as if he was a heavily laden banquet table and she, a famished woman.
“You may deny it,” said Anne, “but a fair few of them watched you with interest.”
“Then they will be disappointed when they learn of my situation,” replied Elizabeth with little interest. “I am not concerned about their attention.”
“Especially not when you are receiving the attentions of my cousin,” said Anne with a sly look at Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth decided it would be prudent to ignore her. They stood there for some time speaking amongst themselves, but before long, the music began for the opening dance, and Elizabeth noted the couples assembling on the dance floor. She also noticed the approach of Mr. Darcy and his cousin, who gallantly bowed before them and entreated them to dance.
Feeling unaccountably shy—she had wondered why Mr. Darcy, if his interest was as profound as he averred, had not previously secured her first sets—Elizabeth accepted his hand while Anne accepted Colonel Fitzwilliam’s, and they made their way to where the other couples were gathering. Within moments the set started, and they began to move in the complex steps with which Elizabeth was so familiar.
“You once told me you talk as a rule when you are dancing,” said Mr. Darcy, wasting no time in opening his mouth. “Can I expect the same behavior now that we are in a ballroom in London?”
Though distracted momentarily by the sight of Jane dancing with Mr. Bingley for the first time since November, Elizabeth answered: “I am at your disposal, Mr. Darcy. Anything you wish to speak of, I am more than happy to answer.”
“Even books? Or does your stricture against them still stand?”
Elizabeth laughed. “I suppose I could relax it, if you wish. But I shall warn you, Mr. Darcy, that you should not expect any insightful comments or opinions should you insist. There is too much else occurring to do the subject any justice.”
“Then I shall leave the topic to you, Miss Elizabeth,” replied Mr. Darcy. The intensity in his gaze quite took her breath away. “Or perhaps we should simply stare at each other like besotted fools. It would give society much of which to speak, do you not think?”
Feeling her cheeks heating, Elizabeth nonetheless managed to respond. “I doubt they would take much notice of my behavior, Mr. Darcy.”
“On the contrary, Miss Bennet, I believe you and your sister are quite the curiosity. You are known, for example, to have arrived in my company and that of Lady Catherine and the earl’s second son, and you were welcomed with open arms by no less than two earls and their wives, one of whom is Lady Catherine’s brother. I am afraid the days of your relative obscurity are at an end.”
A single glance about the room informed Elizabeth that it was nothing less than the truth. A few in attendance
were looking at Jane and Mr. Bingley—though she noticed that most of these were young men—many more were watching herself and Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth thought their gazes suggested curiosity, some were mixed with anger, while others held disdain. It appeared like everything she had been told about what to expect was true, and she wondered if she would escape unscathed.
“There is no need to worry, Miss Elizabeth.” The sound of Mr. Darcy’s voice, so gentle and affectionate that it felt like a caress, drew her eyes back to him, and they were immediately caught in the trap of his gaze. She thought she might have been caught there an eternity, had he not spoken again soon after, breaking the spell. “You need not concern yourself for their opinion, and there are only a few who will dare to speak their feelings aloud. The recommendation of both the Earls of Matlock and Stoneway are not inconsequential, and the Darcy name is not without weight.”
“I am not concerned, Mr. Darcy,” replied Elizabeth, holding her head high. “My courage is no brittle thing, I assure you.”
“I would not have thought it was. But anyone can be disconcerted by such attention if they are not accustomed to it. I believe if Georgiana was here to witness the interest in you, she would wish she was back at home safe in bed.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I have no doubt you are correct, sir.”
They continued through the sets and when they were completed, they changed partners, Elizabeth dancing with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy, with Anne. But though Elizabeth soon was engaged by a dizzying succession of young men eager to partner a young lady unknown to them, she found her eyes darting back to find Mr. Darcy time and time again throughout the evening. And her inability to keep her eyes from him for long told her much that was hidden before. Somehow, her heart had softened toward him and made him agreeable in her eyes. Her ultimate acceptance of his offer, should he make one, was all but assured. There could never be more love in her heart than what she now felt for Mr. Darcy.
For Darcy, the evening was more tolerable than similar evenings in the past—or at least it was in some ways. The cream of society was there that evening—though there were some Lady Harriet would not invite—and Darcy found himself enjoying it more, and it was mostly due to Miss Elizabeth’s presence. On the other hand, however, it was difficult watching as Miss Elizabeth was escorted to the dance floor by what seemed like every man in attendance.
But it also informed Darcy of her ability to be at ease in any situation, for she was happy and friendly with all, no matter what strata of society they inhabited or their behavior toward her. Darcy could almost imagine the day when she would be mistress of his home, making their guests welcome in the same manner in which she moved in society that evening.
There was one, he noted, who was not enjoying the evening nearly so much, and though Darcy did not like the woman, he was able to feel a little sympathy for her. The Bingleys had rarely attended a function of this nature before—those events to which they had been previously invited had tended to inhabit a tier lower than a ball given at an earl’s residence. And on those occasions, Miss Bingley had used her brother’s connection with Darcy to secure dance partners, helped in no small measure by the obligation Darcy had always felt to dance with his sister’s friend.
But as he had not danced with her this evening, she stood most of the evening by the side of the dance floor, watching the dancers, and alternately casting some desperate glances in his direction. Her only partners thus far had been Bingley, Hurst, and one other young man with whom Darcy was not at all acquainted. Darcy did not wish to give the woman false hope, and moreover, he did not like the way she treated Miss Elizabeth, so he had come with the express purpose of refusing to dance with her.
As the evening wore on, however, his heart was softened a little toward her. She was not a malicious woman, he decided—or perhaps she was at times. But she was more single-minded, haughty, and determined to have him for a husband, than hateful. She had gone too far in her attempts to discredit Miss Elizabeth and reach for that which she would never obtain, it was true, and Darcy was angered because of it. But that did not change the fact that she did have much to offer to the right man; that man, however, was not he, and he would not have her misunderstand his feelings.
Pity for the woman’s plight finally won Darcy over, and he approached the sisters, asking them in turn if they would favor him with a dance. The relief in Miss Bingley’s eyes was quite beyond anything Darcy had ever witnessed in her. Their dances at previous events had been characterized by her desire to keep his attention by constant commentary, but on this evening, she was all but silent, regarding him with more than a hint of speculation. Darcy could not state the content of her thoughts with any accuracy, and he decided that he truly had no desire to know. If she was content to be silent, then he had no reason to complain.
Thus, it was a surprise when, after they had started dancing the second of the set, she spoke up, saying: “There was never a chance of eliciting a proposal from you, was there?”
“I am afraid not,” said Darcy, not wishing to crush the woman’s spirit, but unwilling to lie to her. “There was never any attraction between us, and I cannot propose to a woman without already possessing an affection for her.”
Miss Bingley tilted her head to the side, regarding him as if she did not know him. “I would not have imagined it, Mr. Darcy. I have been taught that marriages are undertaken for financial gain and connections.”
“Can you honestly state you would have brought me the required connections?”
Though she colored, Miss Bingley did not look away. “I have always understood my background would be a hindrance. I thought your friendship with Charles and my dowry would be enough to overcome it.”
“Then I am afraid you did not understand me,” replied Darcy. “Such considerations must be pondered, but they are not of utmost importance to me.”
Miss Bingley nodded, and they were separated by the dance. When they came together again, she appeared introspective again. “That explains why Miss Elizabeth was able to gain your attention. I never would have thought that acting in a contrary fashion, arguing with and teasing a man would be a successful method with which to capture a husband. And that says nothing about her own lack of connections or a suitable dowry.”
“It is when a man is subjected to nothing more than sycophancy and deference,” replied Darcy. It was clear Miss Bingley understood his reference quite well, for she blushed and her gaze found the floor. “I wish for a partner, Miss Bingley—not a subject.”
The woman nodded, and when she raised her head to look at him again, he could tell she was trying to put a brave face on her disappointment. “Then I hope you will be happy, sir.”
Darcy accepted her words for the peace offering they were, and they fell silent. When the sets were finished, Darcy escorted her back to the side of the room and claimed her sister’s hand, leading her to the dance floor. He was pleased to note that Miss Bingley was quickly claimed by another gentleman and was situated a few couples to his left. Perhaps she would find enjoyment this evening after all.
After supper—Darcy again partnered Miss Elizabeth for the preceding set, causing more whispers to soar through the ballroom—Darcy found himself standing close to Anne and Lady Catherine, who were seated, watching the dancers. As with the previous ball they had attended, Anne had become fatigued toward the end of the evening and was now sitting out, intent upon not overtaxing her strength. Lady Susan was also nearby, and the three ladies were speaking in low tones. When Lady Susan beckoned Darcy over to them, it was with a clearly observed sense of amusement, and he fully expected to be teased by his female relations.
“I am feeling rather gratified at the Miss Bennets’ success tonight,” said Lady Susan when he had joined them. “I had thought they would garner some interest, but I dare say neither has sat out the entire evening.
“It is obvious that Mr. Bingley has not missed that fact either,” said Anne.
Darcy
followed her gaze, and he noted where Bingley stood by the dance floor, his eyes affixed upon Jane Bennet, who was dancing with one of Darcy’s school friends. Bingley was also acquainted with the man in a passing fashion and should have known that Miss Bennet was in no danger, but he had been thus the entire night, only dancing a few times, watching Miss Bennet carefully when she was escorted by some other man. It was vastly different from Bingley’s normally amiable behavior.
“I do not think Darcy has missed it either,” continued Anne, darting a mischievous glance his way.
“I have not. But I have seen Miss Elizabeth in other venues, and I am aware of her character. She is enjoying herself. But she has not been affected by any of them.”
“That is my opinion too,” replied Lady Susan. “At first, I wondered, but it is clear she is only speaking of superficial topics.”
“The girl is far too open,” groused Lady Catherine. “She bares herself to ridicule by being so unguarded.”
“She is fine, Catherine,” replied Lady Susan. “She is still perhaps a little unpolished, but I have no doubt she will make a splash in society. I, for one, cannot wait. Look at all the young ladies who are watching her with envy! I have never been so diverted at the sight of so many disappointed, haughty young women!”
“That is what worries me,” said Anne, glancing over to where her aunt had pointed.
It was true that there did appear to be many disappointed young ladies, and Darcy had had his share of fluttering eyelashes, simpering laughs, and coquettish glances throughout the evening, but in truth, as his attentions had been fixed on Miss Elizabeth, he had not given them much notice. It was a refreshing change, indeed.
“They will hold their tongues,” replied Lady Susan, her sniff of derision informing them of her opinion of their displeasure. “Our greeting of the Bennet sisters was calculated to encourage decorum. Few will wish to anger the houses of Matlock and Stoneway over a woman they will fool themselves into believing is not a threat to their ambitions.”