“Very well; I shall dance with her.”
“And then I ask that you seek out the less-than-beautiful young ladies who sit out most of the dances.” She thought of Charlotte Collins neé Lucas as she spoke. “They are likely to be the best conversationalists, and nary a one of them will dare to flutter any lashes.”
“I will obey your commands, Elizabeth.”
“Ah, spoken like the best of husbands!”
The two laughed together softly, causing Daisy to smile to herself. What a pleasure it was to work in such a loving environment!
***
The Darcy carriage stopped in front of Bingley House; Mr. Bingley escorted his sister out to the carriage and helped her in. Mr. Darcy then instructed the driver to take them to King Street.
“Almack’s!” Caroline whispered. “I never imagined that I would be allowed to attend! I do not doubt that you were surprised to learn that I had a voucher!”
Elizabeth answered kindly, “Surprised, certainly, but happy to have you join our little party. This is our first time attending as well, as we have been quite busy at Darcy House.”
“Being presented, playing for Her Majesty, all the calls and rides and balls and dinners, and now Almack’s. It is quite exhausting,” Georgiana sighed. “I shall be glad when the Season is over.”
“Oh, heavens, I dread the end,” Caroline confided, shaking her head. “To return to Netherfield, where nothing ever happens, except…” And here she trailed off.
Elizabeth laughed. “Except for visits from my mother and dreary country assemblies?”
Caroline looked down. “I am sorry, Elizabeth; I did not intend to be rude.”
Had Caroline just apologised? Elizabeth blinked her eyes in surprise. “No apology necessary, Caroline; I know Meryton well. But perhaps now you can understand why everyone was so thrilled when the military came to town.”
“Yes, what a welcome distraction that must have been,” Caroline said. She opened her mouth and then managed to close it before adding that this did not excuse the youngest Miss Bennet eloping with an officer.
“We are here,” Mr. Darcy said, as the carriage came to a stop.
Stepping inside Almack’s, Mr. Darcy actually had to stop for a moment. So much noise, so many people! His lovely and understanding wife took his hand and whispered, “We can stay on the far side, away from the orchestra. It will be a bit quieter there.”
She took his arm, and together they led their small party off to the side.
“Is this better?” she asked him, gently.
“A bit,” he allowed. “I shall adjust, Elizabeth, as I always do.”
“I know you will, and just remember we will be back at Pemberley in just a few months.”
“It seems a lifetime away.”
“It does, yes.”
Just then, Colonel Fitzwilliam materialised before them. “Richard! I had no idea that you attended the Marriage Mart!” Mr. Darcy exclaimed.
“I rarely do, but I have promised a certain young lady that I would attend. Miss Bingley, may I have the honour of the next dance?”
Caroline, who remembered very well that they had agreed never to dance again, reddened and nodded her acceptance.
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged astonished glances. Richard and Caroline?
Seeing their silent exchange, Caroline quickly said, “The Colonel is atoning for his past poor behaviour by dancing with me! Just one dance, of course.” Her gaze dropped to the Colonel’s knee breeches. It was impossible that this could be padding; he was extraordinarily well-muscled. Her face became even more flushed.
“Of course,” the Colonel agreed, not noticing Caroline’s preoccupation. “At Almack’s, two dances would be tantamount to the announcement of an engagement.”
The music began again, and Caroline was swept away on the Colonel’s arm.
