“I would like that too. And I suspect so would he,” she joked, still in his arms, her face lifted to his. “And I will write to Georgiana today. But…”
“Yes, my love?”
“Could we announce our engagement after the ball? It is too much upheaval in such a short time. Except for Papa, I will only tell Jane. I wish to enjoy our understanding in peace and quiet.”
“I could not agree more. And Elizabeth?”
“Yes?”
“Would you do me the honour of dancing the first set with me at the ball? And the second? And the third?”
She laughed tearfully. “Surely you are joking.”
“Not at all. I must compensate for the assembly.”
“If so, you must dance with other ladies too, Mr. Darcy. It is only fair.”
“Very well. But may I have at least the first and the supper set from you?” he asked, lowering his head towards her again.
“You may have whatever you wish from me,” she whispered, only a moment before she was silenced by another passionate kiss.
***
Netherfield was lit by many torches, the stone building shining in the night. It was cold and a crisp breeze brought with it the smell of winter.
Elizabeth stepped down from the carriage, followed by her family. Immediately, Mr. Bingley hurried to them and his haste made Jane’s cheeks colour. But Bingley’s smile was this time not directed at the lady of his admiration but at Elizabeth, expressing his silent congratulations. And then he moved to Jane, offering her his arm.
From the main entrance, Darcy watched the Bennet family arriving. His heart was pounding and a hole was in his stomach as he admired Elizabeth’s beauty, only slightly enhanced by several small white flowers decorating her hair. She wore noother jewels but a necklace with a gold and garnet cross, the only spot of colour in her creamy appearance.
He fought the temptation of running to her, struggling to remain calm and keep the appearance of composure. Eventually, as they walked up the steps, he greeted them politely. The lady curtseyed elegantly, but he saw nothing else except the sparkle in Elizabeth’s eyes that quickly locked with his.
“Mr. Darcy, I am very happy to see you,” Mr. Bennet said with a joy rarely seen at other balls.
“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Bennet,” Darcy said, and Mr. Bennet did not doubt his words.
Inside the ballroom, Bingley’s sisters greeted them with insincere politeness, claiming Jane’s company and engaging her in conversation.
Mrs. Bennet joined her friends, Mr. Bennet chose a chair as far from the musicians as possible, Lydia and Kitty hurried to speak to some officers, and Mary sat close to the pianoforte, hoping for an occasion to perform later.
Mr. Wickham was not among officers, to the disappointment of many of the ladies, but to the satisfaction of others. Elizabeth knew that Darcy had confronted him and that her father had spoken to Mary King’s uncle—who had already had some suspicions regarding Wickham’s interest. The next day, Mr. Wickham was gone from the regiment and Colonel Forster had not offered many details.
Elizabeth stood alone for a few moments. She saw Darcy staring at her from across the ballroom and she smiled at him with her eyes and with her heart. He took a few steps towards her, but then Charlotte approached her too and Darcy stopped.
He had already secured his sets, so she knew she would soon stand up with him for the opening of the ball. And then again during the supper set. While talking to Charlotte, she barely heard anything, feeling Darcy’s stare on her and sensing hiseyes caressing her. The ballroom was very warm, but Elizabeth shivered.
The music began and the pairs stepped onto the dance floor. Mr. Collins came to claim Charlotte’s hand and then an instant later, Mr. Darcy bowed his head slightly to Elizabeth. He stretched out his hand and she placed hers in his palm, shivering again.
As they walked together, hand in hand, he said, “I cannot remember when I last danced the first set at a ball. Probably during one of my first balls, before I realised I did not enjoy it.”
“Surely you are joking, sir!”
“Not at all.”
“So you were serious when you declared you hated balls,” she teased him.
His face became solemn, then, just before they took their places behind Bingley and Jane, he said, “I am always serious when I declare either my love or my hate, Miss Bennet. Do not doubt that.”
Then the music began and they were both captured in the moves of the dance and they spoke little during the entire set. No words were needed when their hands were often entwined, their eyes were locked, and their smiles shared the thrill of anticipation for their future happiness that filled their hearts and minds.
