Chapter 10
CHAPTER TEN
April 1810, Kent
T he assembly hall in Westerham was filled with the local gentry and nobility. Elizabeth took a deep breath as she stood between Charlotte and Mr Collins at the room’s periphery, but she found little respite from the thick, stifling air. For what seemed like the tenth time that evening, another attendant bumped into her as they walked by. Gasping, Elizabeth remarked quietly to Charlotte, “What a crush!”
Charlotte nodded in agreement before turning back towards Mr Collins and an older couple, the Spencers, with whom they were engaged in conversation. As they spoke, Mr Spencer turned towards Elizabeth with slow deliberation. His crinkled eyes met hers, and he asked, “Are you enjoying the gathering tonight, Miss Bennet?”
“Indeed, it is delightful. And the music is so lively.”
With some effort, Mrs Spencer straightened from her stooped posture to look up at Elizabeth. “It is. It reminds me of our younger days when we used to attend many assemblies similar to this.”
“I know you would not believe it now, but we used to be quite spry and could dance most of the night away,” Mr Spencer added with a nostalgic smile.
Mrs Spencer chuckled, and Elizabeth smiled at the thought of the elderly couple dancing energetically.
“Well, I hope you will find much enjoyment in our assembly and during your stay in general,” Mr Spencer said before turning back towards Mr Collins and enquiring, “Did you have the opportunity to talk to Mr Matthews tonight?”
“I have not sir, but I thank you extensively for informing me of his attendance. I must go and find him at the first possibility. It is essential that I speak to him, for I believe he has invaluable insight into solving our challenges with the church ceiling.”
As the topic shifted, Elizabeth gazed around the room and her smile began to fade. I hope Charlotte and Mr Collins will introduce me to some younger acquaintances who might want to engage in dancing, else I might not have the pleasure this evening . Due to the dimly lit surroundings, it was difficult to make out from afar all who were in attendance. It mattered very little however, as Elizabeth did not know most of the people there regardless.
As the Spencers and Collinses continued speaking about local matters, Elizabeth stifled a yawn and edged closer to a nearby window, hoping to get a reprieve from the heat generated in the overpopulated room while remaining close enough to engage in the conversation when necessary. She spent her time there alternating between gazing out at the darkening sky and watching the behaviours of the people in the room.
“Cousin Elizabeth,” Mr Collins’s voice boomed, startling her from her reverie. Turning, she was surprised to find a genial middle-aged gentleman now standing with their group and gazing at her intently. Oh lovely, perhaps Mr Collins shall introduce me to someone who might ask me to dance.
“I am pleased to introduce Mr Douglas.”
Elizabeth smiled as the introductions were made, and Mr Douglas wasted no time in asking her to dance. After an enjoyable turn with him, Elizabeth found herself being asked to dance again, this time by Mr Hamilton, a stout young man she had met a few days prior when he called on Mr Collins. After both dances, she was returned by her partner to stand with the Collinses. As she took a few deep breaths to recover from all her physical activity, her thoughts began to wander. I have danced with two capable and agreeable gentlemen. Usually I would deem this an enjoyable evening. Nevertheless, I find myself feeling melancholy. She gazed round the room at all the people she did not know. Perhaps it is more of who is not in attendance. I must admit, I was truly looking forward to Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam being here. But alas, it does not appear that they will be coming after all.
Just as Elizabeth had given up hope on their attendance, she saw the two men enter the hall. As word spread of their arrival, she observed several older ladies look in their direction and, undoubtedly eager to initiate some matchmaking, begin whispering to presumably single young women.
The gentlemen stood quietly at the door as most of the room took in the sight of them. Colonel Fitzwilliam looked at ease, but Mr Darcy shifted uncomfortably. I see now how very awkward it is being the centre of attention, especially for someone of his disposition.
Elizabeth continued watching as the gentlemen fully entered the room and engaged in conversation with some men. After a few minutes, Colonel Fitzwilliam caught Elizabeth’s eye across the room. He nudged Mr Darcy and the pair made their way towards her and the Collinses.
Upon reaching them, the group exchanged greetings. While Mr Darcy maintained his usual reserve, Colonel Fitzwilliam wore a big smile.
“Miss Bennet, are you enjoying the assembly as much as you anticipated?” he enquired.
“I am, sir. The music is splendid, and the decorations are lovely.”
“Indeed! Are you as well, Mr and Mrs Collins?”
“Yes, very much so,” answered Charlotte.
“I am certain there are few assemblies that could rival its energy and pleasantness,” responded Mr Collins.
The conversation paused briefly. Just as Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed about to continue, Mr Darcy looked at Elizabeth, and somewhat abruptly asked, “Miss Bennet, would you do me the honour of the next dance?”
Surprised by his request, her heart skipped a beat. Smiling at him, she said, “I should be happy to.”
As he guided her to the dance floor, a subtle excitement sailed through her, amplified by their close proximity. Towering over her, he exuded a striking, inescapable magnetism. Her stomach fluttered when she hooked her arm into his, and her anticipation grew as she thought of the impending intimate conversation that they would be allowed in their dance. She craved to understand him, delve into his opinions, and discover what made him tick .
At first, they did not talk but Elizabeth could not let it stand. Teasingly, she said, “Mr Darcy, it is a curious thing to ask a lady to dance and then not speak to her at all.”
Happily, he did not appear to take offence. “I shall admit that engaging in inconsequential conversations is not my strength. I believe that you, on the other hand, would find pleasure in any topic.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, you seem to enjoy any conversation in which you participate with great energy and intelligence.”
She laughed merrily at his idea of her. “I see you understand me well, sir. Remarkable given the brief time of our acquaintance! Alas, I cannot pay you the same compliment. I do not feel I know much about you at all.”
“I believe you know the usual things of me.”
“But nothing of your character.”
Their conversation was becoming increasingly intimate; if it troubled him, he gave no sign of it. “What can you guess?”
She thought for a moment, not wishing to say anything that would be impolitic. She sensed that beneath his solemn exterior was a man of deep and strong feeling and wondered whether his aloofness was designed to mask that. She did not, however, imagine she could say so.
He was silent but locked eyes with her, and her breath caught briefly when she observed it. “I believe, sir, that you likely have a slyer sense of humour than is immediately apparent.”
“And what makes you think so?”
“I have seen the way you smirk at some of your aunt’s…observations.”
He chuckled. “Ah yes, you have discovered me.”
The dance parted them for a brief period, and when they rejoined, she continued, “I also see you are a man who takes his duties seriously. Maybe too seriously, at times?”
He tilted his head. “You do not feel your responsibilities towards family and society are of the utmost importance?”
“Yes, I surely do. But I am determined that I shall not permit it to decide my course in life.”
He drew back a little, clearly surprised. “Truly?”
She nodded firmly. “A family and a society can only suffer if its members are miserable and bitter because they are not allowed to act on their genuine desires.”
“So, do you propose making every decision with only your own happiness in mind?”
“Of course not, that would be a selfish existence. There are always other considerations, such as matters of faith, that prevent us from fulfilling every desire. But I do believe one should not make life-altering decisions based only on what would make others happy.”
“Though not as exciting, I think sometimes meeting one’s duties can lead to happiness. Happiness has the ability to develop over time with consistency and pride in a job well done.”
“I am not sure I am convinced,” she said with an arch smile. “And that is why you will see me end up an old maid.”
“I do not take your meaning.”
“I cannot marry any man based on the hope that love will blossom eventually merely because I have been obligated to him long enough. I believe a genuine attachment must first exist.”
He appeared thoughtful a moment and only said, “I see.”
The dance parted them again and when he returned, Mr Darcy offered, “Would it surprise you to hear that I agree with you?” He quickly added, “Concerning the marriage part at least.”
“It would surprise me, indeed.”
“Only recently can I say my opinions on the matter have changed. But I now firmly believe that to marry without affection would be a curse indeed. When it is possible, it should be avoided.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Are you a romantic, Mr Darcy? I daresay you are full of surprises.”
He only chuckled, “And you are full of strong opinions, Miss Bennet.”
She bit her lip to hide a smile.
They drew in close to each other as the movements of the dance required. They were paused in their movements face to face, and he looked at her earnestly. “It is one of the things I admire most about you.”
As she felt a hot blush creep up her chest and neck, she could not deny how much she was enjoying their time together in relative solitude.
They finished their dance and at the end, he led her off the floor. As they walked, he leant towards her and asked, “May I get you some refreshments?”
Her heart fluttered, and she energetically nodded her head as she replied, “That would be lovely.”
She felt a smile grow on her face as he left her and made his way towards the refreshments. As she watched him walk away, she could not help but wonder: Was it possible that Mr Darcy felt some attachment to her, as she had begun to feel for him?