Elizabeth’s expression softened instantly into a smile, as though Lady Helen had uttered something exceedingly witty.
Mr. Darcy drew near then and asked in a lowered voice, “Did he make an indecent proposal, Elizabeth?”
She lifted her eyes to meet his. “No, sir.”
“Why then did you appear so distressed? What did he say to you?”
“He spoke of marriage, sir, and threatened to call upon me tomorrow as my most ardent cicisbeo.”
There was no opportunity for further explanation, for Lady Helen was immediately approached by three wholesome-looking young gentlemen who eagerly requested introductions to her young companion.
With each introduction, Lady Helen carefully announced Elizabeth’s engagement to Mr. Darcy, upon which the gentlemen offered both congratulations and regret that Darcy had secured her affections first.
Elizabeth’s dance card was filled before the next set even commenced.
She danced the evening away and found herself well pleased with all her partners. They proved genial, respectable young men whose manners put her entirely at ease.
She sat out the supper dance with her own party, and afterward they all proceeded in together to supper.
Beaumont laughed and nudged Darcy lightly.
“It is fortunate you shackled yourself while still in Kent, Darcy, or you might well have lost your chance.”
Because Darcy had been thinking much the same thing himself, he did not receive the jest kindly and merely glowered at his future brother.
Lady Helen patted Elizabeth’s hand.
“You possess very pretty social graces, my girl. I have nothing for which to blush, and had you not suffered the misfortune of…” She paused and glanced meaningfully about her. “But we shall speak of that later. For now, we shall sit while Fitzwilliam fetches our supper.”
Chapter 40: Lady Isabella
The three ladies seated themselves while the two gentlemen went to procure their plates.
Jane, who had likewise danced every set, rolled her ankles gently beneath the table.
“Either these slippers are too tight, or I have danced excessively. My feet pain me dreadfully.”
“So do mine,” Elizabeth admitted. “Meryton assemblies suffer from a dearth of gentlemen and end by eleven. There is truly no comparison.”
A raven-haired beauty approached Elizabeth and fixed her with a cold stare.
Elizabeth rose at once when she saw Lady Helen stand.
“Lady Isabella, allow me to introduce my nephew’s betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Elizabeth, this is Lady Isabella, daughter of the Duke of Eldon.”
Elizabeth offered a graceful curtsy to the visibly angry young woman before her.
“And who precisely is Miss Bennet? Why should a Miss Bennet concern me?” Lady Isabella demanded. “What I should like to know, Lady Helen, is why this woman has spent the entire evening hanging upon the arm of my intended.”
Darcy drew near, carrying a plate of food in each hand. At Lady Isabella’s words, his complexion darkened.
Beaumont, who followed behind with plates for him and Jane, remarked, “Ah, a scene. Can it not be avoided?”
Darcy moved to the table at Elizabeth’s side and set down both plates. He opened his mouth to respond, but Lady Helen placed a restraining hand upon his arm and stilled him.
Elizabeth replied, “My lady, Mr. Darcy has been betrothed to me these many months. He is too honorable a man to offer his hand to two women at once. My intended has secured a marriage license, and the marriage settlements have already been signed.”
