Page 79 of The Lost Prophecy

“Mr Darcy.” Her eyes moved over his formal coat, his rigid posture, and the hands he had deliberately removed from reach. She lowered her voice. “You appear displeased to see your bait.”

“I am displeased that bait was required.”

“Nothing has changed,” she murmured. “I have not withdrawn my agreement.”

“You may do so at any time.”

“I know.”

Darcy inclined his head, accepting the answer without accepting the risk, and allowed her to pass into the ballroom with Miss Lucas.

Bingley had reached Miss Bennet and forgotten that he was responsible for receiving half the county. Miss Bingley reclaimed him by catching his sleeve before he could follow Miss Bennet beyond the entrance.

“You must stand here until the principal guests have arrived.”

“I have already greeted Miss Bennet.”

“The remainder of Hertfordshire also expects recognition, Charles.”

Bingley turned to Miss Bennet, who had stopped, watching the exchange with amusement. “May I claim the first dance after I am released from my duties?”

She lowered her eyes, though pleasure warmed her face. “If your duties release you.”

“And a later dance,” Bingley continued. “Perhaps the fourth, unless Caroline arranges another receiving line.”

Mrs Bennet clasped her hands in delight next to Mr Bennet, who was watching the negotiation.

“Two dances in one evening, Mr Bingley?” He removed his spectacles and polished them with his handkerchief. “Your arithmetic continues to outrun your caution.”

Bingley’s colour rose. “I shall attempt greater caution.”

“Not on Jane’s account, I hope,” Mrs Bennet interrupted. “There is no reason for caution among friends.”

“Then I shall attempt it only when counting visits.”

Mr Bennet restored his spectacles. “The distinction may preserve us from requiring Mr Collins before supper.”

Collins heard his name and approached, carrying the walking stick upright. “If any pastoral service is required, I remain at the family’s disposal.”

“Your smallest toe has already given enough,” Mr Bennet said drily.

Bingley was rescued by the arrival of Colonel Forster’s wife. He returned to Miss Bingley’s side, while Miss Bennet joined Miss Elizabeth, Miss Lucas, and Mrs Hurst. Darcy moved to the edge of the ballroom, where he could see the entrance, the dancers’ floor, and the card-room doors without appearing to guard any of them.

The room filled rapidly. Mrs Bennet established herself beside Lady Lucas and began counting officers before the regiment arrived. Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty moved closer to the entrance each time a red coat appeared in the hall, regardless of whether the coat belonged to a soldier or an elderly gentleman’s footman. Miss Mary examined the musicians, offered a suggestion concerning tempo which they accepted without intention of following, and chose a chair by the gallery. Mr Bennet entered the card room with Mr Philips and two neighbours, settling where he was visible through the open doors.

Miss Lucas had found a vantage from which she could observe Miss Elizabeth, the terrace doors, and Collins without turning her head more than society permitted.

Colonel Forster entered shortly after the musicians finished tuning. Denny and Carter followed with several officers, their uniforms introducing enough scarlet into the room to satisfy Miss Lydia before she noticed Wickham between them.

He wore charm as easily as the regiment’s coat. Candlelight warmed his complexion, his smile reached everyone likely to repeat it favourably, and there was no trace of the fear Darcy had seen under the milliner’s awning. Night had released him from the calculation of shadows, and he moved with confidence, protected by invitation, witnesses and civilised restraint.

Darcy met him before he reached the ballroom.

“Wickham.”

“Darcy.” Wickham bowed, allowing the gesture to suggest old friendship to Colonel Forster. “You keep a magnificent house.”

“Bingley keeps it. The prohibition I laid at Pemberley is lifted for this night alone. You will remain within the rooms opened for the ball. No other part of Netherfield is available to you.”