“Forgive me,” Darcy said.
“No, I mean, pray, continue.”
Darcy searched her face for a moment, then spoke. “Before I continue, I must tell you how radiant you look.” He looked down at Elizabeth, never breaking eye contact until she blushed and looked away. He cleared his throat, “I heard back from my under-steward. He is excited about the project and is willing to begin immediately.”
“Wonderful.” Excitement lit up Elizabeth’s face. She continued speaking, expressing her right to pay the man’s wages and the travel costs.
This woman, indeed, was not made for melancholy.One can perceive her soul when she shines in this way. Darcy wanted to be the man who caused her to shine with joy every day of her life. He swallowed hard.Focus. Now is not the time.With his habitualcontrol, Darcy set his face to hide his inner turmoil, and in preparation of meeting theTonthat evening.
Elizabeth watched his transformation, confused at his response to her request. “Mr Darcy?”
“I beg your pardon, I was not attending.”
She repeated her request to cover the under-steward’s salary, which made him stiffen. “I assure you, Mrs Carrington, that will not be necessary.”
Elizabeth came to a halt. “Sir, this is being done at my request and for my needs. I assure you it is very necessary.” Her chin was high and her shoulders back. It was clear she was going to be stubborn about it and the ball was not the place to discuss it.
“Making friends wherever you go, Darcy? Did no one teach you, you are meant to woo the women, not combat them.” Lord Telford’s insouciant voice hovered over their small group as they all turned to face the newcomer.
“Telford.” Darcy’s response was frigid in comparison.
Lord Telford ignored him, his eyes raking over the women. “I must be introduced to these divine creatures.”
Darcy made the introductions, but Elizabeth felt Jane stiffen and offered her brightest smile, “It is lovely meeting you, your Lordship, but I am sure you will excuse us. We were headed for refreshments.” She looped her arm through Jane’s and Georgiana’s, offering graceful curtseys before continuing on their path towards the libations table.
The gentlemen caught them up after a few paces. Darcy’s face was once again a blank mask, but Richard was grinning ear to ear. “Never thought I’d see the day Lord Telford was lost for words. The ladies tend to fawn over him. Or rather, his position and wealth.”
“Those ladies must not desire very much from life then, Colonel Fitzwilliam. The ladies we know only require a good and considerate man, with no thought for his position in Society.” Elizabeth’s smile was disarming, and she asked him about his service.
By the time the first sets were called, Elizabeth and Jane had been introduced to more guests. Fortunately, most were cordial ifcold, and a few of the gentlemen requested dances from Jane and Georgiana during the evening.
Darcy had not relaxed. His face now held a cold expression of hauteur. When the instruments began an intro for the dancing to begin, he wordlessly held out his hand for her to take. They joined behind Lord and Lady Matlock at the top of the line for the minuet.
They danced several steps with no conversation. “Mr Darcy, I daresay you warned me of your dyspepsia, but I had no idea it would fell you this early in the evening.”
His eyes shot to hers from their former position looking over the heads of all the attendees. “Forgive me, madam. I dislike attracting so much attention.”
Using the movement of the dance, Elizabeth allowed her eye to wander. Other guests stood around staring or whispering behind fans. “I see what you mean. Is it always thus?”
She watched him as his gaze darted around. “Tonight, they seem particularly attentive.”
She raised her brows at Darcy inquiring, “I wonder why? It cannot all be for dancing with an unknown widow.” He drew her absolute attention when his ears pinked and then reddened. “Mr Darcy?”
He remained silent until a turn in the dance brought him closer to her. “I rarely dance the first.”
A tremor of emotion vibrated through her. “Rarely?”
He finally looked her full in the face. The breadth of his shoulders were still taut with tension, but his eyes were soft on hers. “Never with one who is not family.”
She might have remained silent in shocked reaction, but that was not her way. “Well, Mr Darcy, they shall simply have to get used to seeing you dance with ladies who are not family.” The look he bestowed on her was heated. She waited until the dance brought them together again. “You will after all be dancing with my sister tonight, as well. Will you not?”
His mouth lifted on one side in a semblance of his smile. He loved the twinkle in her eye when she particularly teased and was entertained by her own humour.
They finished the set speaking of inconsequential things, both aware of the avid attention they were garnering.
When Richard stepped forward for the second set, Lady Matlock brushed him off. “You may dance the supper set with her, Richard. Now I need to introduce Mrs Carrington to my guests.”
He bowed, “As my Lady Mother commands.” When he turned to walk away, Elizabeth urged quietly, “Please keep an eye on Jane.” He nodded his assent.
