Page 76 of Sweet on Mr Darcy

Priscilla was delighted, and even Colonel Fitzwilliam was impressed by Mr Bingley’s way with Anne as they watched her enjoy her first public dance. Her dance master was correct. Though she looked only at him, she never missed a step.

For two of the guests, the room might as well have been entirely empty. Upon entering the ball, Elizabeth watched the room with interest as Darcy approached her.

He bowed. “Miss Elizabeth. The first, if you please.”

Elizabeth smiled. “You say that as though I have not already reserved it for you.”

“I would never take such a privilege for granted,” he assured her. “And your supper set?”

“I would be delighted. Then we shall both be assured of superior conversation during the meal.”

“And the last dance, of course.” He looked hopeful.

“Mr Darcy, you are in a monopolising humour, this evening,” she said in delight. “How could I refuse?”

“Yes, I am.” This response was delivered with perfect seriousness. “I must secure my happiness for the evening without delay.”

During the first set, the two of them found themselves perfectly at ease with one another. Gone was the tension of first impressions. Forgotten was the careful civility of recent weeks.

Elizabeth accepted that she liked being with him. Quite specifically. Not merely being admired by him. Not only enjoying his attentions. She was simply pleased by his company and thought of him constantly in his absence.

“It feels strange to have an evening devoted only to dancing and frivolity after the week we have had,” he remarked as the dance brought them together.

“Indeed. Not a single kidnapping tonight,” she agreed.

“No attempted elopements,” he added.

“And no abuse from those we should find trustworthy.” Elizabeth nodded.

“A remarkable improvement.” He smiled as the dance parted them, then brought them back together again. “Do you not agree?”

“I cannot deny that I prefer this arrangement.” Elizabeth sighed in contentment.

“So do I.” The words slipped easily from his lips. “I cannot deny that since coming to Ramsgate, I have come to be more at ease in your company than any other.”

Elizabeth blushed and did not know what to say. Her blush seemed to be enough to light up his entire countenance.

They sat together at supper. Conversation hummed around the table.

And yet their corner of the room felt strangely sheltered from the conversation of the other guests.

Darcy was quieter now and more thoughtful.

“You are looking serious, suddenly, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth noted.

He nodded. “I must leave Ramsgate soon.”

Her smile disappeared as if Sir Rupert had joined them. “For Derbyshire.”

“Yes.” He nodded again. “I must supervise the harvest.”

Obligation; responsibility; Pemberley. The northern realities she had not considered until that moment.

“When must you go?” she asked, her eyes downcast.

“Perhaps a fortnight,” he answered, as if he were describing going to certain death.

Darcy’s voice lowered. “I hope my absence might not entirely erase whatever progress I have lately made in your estimation, Elizabeth.”