Page 25 of Idle Gossip

Why, then, was she so miserable?

The ball was to be on the twenty-sixth. She had been looking forward to dancing with him, to speaking with him at supper, and to enjoying his company.

Elizabeth considered all that had happened since the rumors reached Longbourn. She had discovered the faults in her judgment and learned that there was more to Mr. Darcy than met the eye.

His smile, his humor, their walks and conversations…he listened to her, sought her opinion, and encouraged her to debate him. And she discovered she liked the way he watched her. It was more than that. She wished for his attention.

I want him, she realized. She wanted his company, his smiles, and everything else.

I cannot call it love. Not yet. But her heart was most assuredly engaged.

Chapter Ten

Jane and Elizabeth looked resplendent in their new gowns. All of the Bennet ladies were well-dressed, of course, but the two eldest were sure to draw the attention of all Mr. Bingley’s guests.

Elizabeth had spent the rest of the days leading up to the ball in deep contemplation. Mr. Darcy had essentially informed her he would respect her wishes; whatever she desired, be it continuing the courtship to its natural conclusion or severing ties, he would accept.

The concession must have pained him. To have what one wished only to have it snatched from one’s grasp was devastating, indeed.

But what did Elizabeth want? Days of reflection brought her to one conclusion. She wanted Darcy. And she wanted him not because it was the solution to her family’s woes or because society’s tittle-tattle had placed them in an untenable situation. No, she desired him because her feelings, which a short time ago had been so different, were materially altered.

One word on the subject will silence him forever. Yes, Darcy was an honorable man, and he would honor whatever she chose.

Netherfield’s ballroom was brightly lit. There were candles everywhere, and mirrors on the wall reflected the light. Chalk designs decorated the floors, and there were hothouse flowers everywhere.

It did not take long for Elizabeth to find Darcy. He stood with Sir William Lucas. The latter appeared to be regaling her suitor with some tale or another. Sir William’s favorite topic was his presentation at St. James’s.

She started towards him but paused as she realized Charlotte stood nearby. Still unsure if she had forgiven her friend, or even if she wished to speak with her, Elizabeth moved in the opposite direction before Charlotte saw her. Darcy would come in search of her—she need not approach him first.

It was a strange turn of fate. At one time, she had sworn she would never stand up with Mr. Darcy. Now, as the ballroom slowly filled, she realized she would very much like to dance with him.

Could she give him three sets, though? She did not know. Elizabeth would not agree to end their courtship, however. There was much still to learn about him.

He came to her before the first set formed. “Miss Elizabeth,” he said formally. His solemn expression was firmly in place.

“That will not do at all, Mr. Darcy,” she cajoled. “I thought your mask of disdain had been banished.”

“Do I appear disdainful?” His lips twitched. “I had thought my expression was dignified and regal.”

“Regal? Do you have royal relations of which to boast?”

“One might appear regal without having a claim to it.”

She laughed aloud. “Very good, sir, you have bested me. Then I shall only say that your expression seemed more serious than ought to exist in a ballroom.”

“And how should I style my features at such an august event?”

Elizabeth contemplated her reply. “You must be amiable, to be sure. A happy countenance is required. But I must insist you save your smiles for me.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you will have every lady in Hertfordshire believing you favor her.”

Darcy’s mouth turned up into a small smile. “Would that be so dreadful? Does not every gentleman think all ladies desire his favor?”

“That is an arrogant assumption, sir.” She swatted him playfully.

“Then may I assume one special lady desires my favor?” His tone was husky; his voice low and deep.