Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
Darcy examined his watch. He was ready, even if the rest of the household were not.
The carriage ride to Lambton would be uncomfortable, and he had no wish to be excessively late—there would be enough eyes on his arrival already.
He could not remember the last time he attended a public dance, and already he could hear the whispers regarding his income as he entered the room.
He pulled at his cuffs, shifting about impatiently on his feet.
‘A gentleman’s appearance is everything’.
His father’s advice echoed in his ears as the sensation of the man correcting Darcy’s youthful attempts at tying his own cravat came flooding back to him.
‘Especially when escorting a pretty lady’, his mother had added, before linking her arm into Darcy’s.
He lost himself in the memory of the three of them walking down the path away from Pemberley into the woods beyond.
A soft cough behind him signalled that he was no longer alone.
He turned. Elizabeth. She was dressed in a creamy gown, a string of coral beads around her slender neck.
Her apparel was so simple, but in the flickering shadows, every feminine line of her body was accentuated; it was all Darcy could do not to stare.
No painter would be able to capture her beauty.
Even the candles in the sconces seemed to dim in her presence.
But she is so unaware of it, he marvelled.
That is truly her charm, that she has no notion of her loveliness.
Somehow, he found his voice. “Good evening, Miss Bennet.”
“Good evening.” She took a step closer. “Are we the first to be ready?”
“So it would appear.”
“Do you wish to be left in peace?”
“Not if you were the one to keep me company.” The words sprung from Darcy before he had a chance to reconsider, but he would not be sorry, for it was the truth.
A dimple formed in Elizabeth’s cheek. “That is a very pretty compliment.” She smiled. “However, you may change your mind later, when you begin to dance with me.”
“Do not forget I have been granted that pleasure once before.”
“How could I! You came across me half covered in grass, then I trampled upon your unfortunate feet.”
“Your commitment to the Andalusian Fall was admirable,” he replied, transfixed by how the candlelight danced in those beautiful, fathomless eyes.
Elizabeth laughed, and he felt a ridiculous stab of pride knowing that he had amused her. She tilted her head to one side. “One day, perhaps I shall show you how it is done.”
“And I might roll about in the grass with you?” Darcy meant it as a joke, but too late he realised the double entendre. Face flushed, he caught himself. “That is to say— I mean—”
Her colour high, Elizabeth’s lips twitched. “Now would be a prudent time to change the topic. This is your sister’s first public dance—do you think she will be strong enough?”
Still chastising himself for his lack of refinement, Darcy replied, “I asked her that myself, but she assured me she wants to attend.”
“Did you pose that question during one of your recent chess lessons?”
“I did.”
“Georgiana has told me that these are to be a regular occurrence, and the hour you spend together has become a fixture in your day. She also revealed that you often listen to her play and sing afterwards.”
Darcy replied, “Truthfully, it is a joy to be with her—a privilege that I did not realise I had until an exceptionally perceptive woman once upbraided me for not appreciating it.”
“I did not mean to criticise. I never thought you neglected your sister.”
“But you were correct when you observed that I could do more to engender a deeper bond between us,” he said warmly. “You spoke in Georgiana’s interests.”
Elizabeth took a step closer, her rosebud mouth parted, looking up at Darcy in such a way that made him want to scoop her into his arms. His entire body ached for her. Softly, she murmured, “Truth be told, I was thinking of you as well.”
A noise clattered in the corridor beyond.
It was Fitzwilliam, with his damnable poor timing.
He called to Darcy as he opened the door.
“I suppose you have been ready since noon, with an insufferably smug expression on your face—” His voice faded at the sight of Elizabeth.
“Forgive my interruption. I see Darcy is not the only member of the household that values punctuality.” He bowed formally at Elizabeth. “May I say you look delightful.”
Darcy winced. Why had he not complimented Elizabeth when she first arrived, as his cousin had, instead of discussing invented dance steps and chess games?
He glanced at Elizabeth, who was blushing beautifully at Fitzwilliam’s arrival.
She curtseyed, her head low, glancing at Darcy before expressing a wish to seek out Georgiana, then slipped from the room as quietly as she had entered it.
Feigning nonchalance, Darcy pulled a thread from a button. “Remind me again why we are attending this public assembly when you know I detest these events?”
Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Aside from the great pleasure of annoying you? At the time, it seemed a capital notion, and I am a social creature, in constant need of variety and divertissement. What could be more fun than watching you squirm about uncomfortably? Besides, it is my belief Georgiana could benefit from an evening of dancing. She is living the life of an elderly spinster. Some music and merriment would do her good.”
Darcy frowned. “Her constitution is fragile. She must be allowed to set her own pace.”
Fitzwilliam waved a dismissive hand. “I shall not push her to do anything she does not wish to.”
There was a pause, then Darcy said hesitantly, “While we are alone—what are your intentions regarding Miss Bennet?”
“I was hoping to dance the second set and perhaps claim another.”
“Be serious, for once,” Darcy snapped. “I asked you to consider her feelings, and all you have done is flirt with her since you returned.”
“I have done nothing of the kind! My behaviour towards her has been the same as to any other woman of my acquaintance—charming, attentive, and courteous.”
Darcy snorted. “Your attention to her has been excessive. She does nothing but blush in your presence.”
“You observe Miss Bennet closely, then?”
“If you do not wish to marry her, you should not pay her so much notice,” Darcy said sharply. “Her heart is not to be trifled with.”
Fitzwilliam eyed Darcy with interest. “No indeed. You are correct. My mind is resolved. Miss Bennet is too lovely a creature to be kept waiting.”
“So you have finally made up your mind?” A dull cleaving pain tore through Darcy’s heart at the thought of Elizabeth as his cousin’s wife.
A knowing smile playing upon the colonel’s lips. “I shall speak to her tonight.”