Chapter 12 #2
“Ah! My apologies, Miss Elizabeth,” he exclaimed. “These lively country dances require uncommon agility.”
Elizabeth thought privately that accuracy might be of greater assistance. A few couples nearby began casting curious glances in their direction. Elizabeth could not recall ever enduring a more dreadful dance.
Mr. Collins continued with determined enthusiasm, though rarely in the correct direction. Before the dance concluded he had stepped upon her feet several times each misstep renewing the discomfort and nearly upset the rhythm of the entire set.
When at last the first dance ended, Elizabeth said with forced composure, “Mr. Collins, I believe I should be grateful for a glass of lemonade.”
“Certainly, certainly,” he replied eagerly. “I shall return directly.”
***
The moment he departed, Elizabeth limped quietly from the floor and sank into a chair.
Darcy, who had been watching the set from several places down the line, frowned.
Darcy and Mary followed her. “Miss Elizabeth, you are hurt?” Darcy asked, his voice sharp with concern.
She shook her head as she sat down. “I shall be quite well. I only need a few minutes.” She winced as she shifted her foot.
Darcy’s expression hardened. “He has injured you. This is intolerable. That man is a menace and ought not to be allowed upon the dance floor.” He seemed on the verge of saying more but checked himself.
Elizabeth gave a small shrug and attempted a laugh. “It might be worse. He might remain and keep me company.”
Darcy did not smile. “You shall recover, of course,” he said quietly. “Nevertheless, he will not dance with you again.” He turned to Mary. “Miss Mary, would you stay with Miss Elizabeth for a few moments?”
Mary nodded and sat beside her.
Darcy strode away and soon returned with Mr. Bennet. “Miss Mary,” he said quietly, offering his hand, “the set is continuing.” He led her back toward the floor as the dance resumed.
Elizabeth looked up at her father. “What did he say to you?”
Mr. Bennet sat beside her. “Only that you required protection from a clumsy partner. Are you hurt?”
Elizabeth nodded slightly. “He trod on my feet several times, but I do not believe it will prove fatal.”
Mr. Bennet frowned. “Nonetheless, I shall not permit him to attempt it again.”
Mr. Collins approached carefully carrying a glass of lemonade. “Miss Elizabeth, I have brought your…”
Mr. Bennet rose slowly. “Mr. Collins, I believe my daughter will sit out the remainder of this set.”
Mr. Collins looked concerned. “Is she unwell?”
Mr. Bennet replied calmly. “I believe my daughter has had sufficient dancing for the present. At least with partners who approach the exercise like a military campaign.”
Mr. Collins blinked in confusion. “But I had also secured the honour of dancing with Miss Bennet and Miss Mary.”
“Yes,” Mr. Bennet said mildly. “However, after witnessing your exertions on the floor, I think it best if the ladies choose their remaining partners themselves this evening.”
***
Elizabeth sat out the next few dances until the supper set.
Darcy came over and sat beside her. “How are you feeling?”
Elizabeth smiled up at him. “Much better.”
“Are you certain? I do not mind sitting with you if that is your preference.”
“I am quite certain.”
Darcy smiled, stood, and offered his hand. She took it and they walked onto the floor. The musicians began another country dance. Elizabeth stood opposite Darcy, with Jane and Bingley beside them.
Elizabeth was surprised to see her parents a few couples down the line.
Her mother’s smile was wide, and to her astonishment her father appeared to be smiling as well.
The dancers clapped as each couple moved down the line.
Soon it was their turn. Darcy took her hand and they moved smoothly down the set.
Miss Bingley stood at the edge of the room, her expression tight as Mr. Darcy appeared entirely absorbed in Elizabeth.
When the dance ended Mr. Darcy escorted Elizabeth to supper. They found a table and sat with Jane and Mr. Bingley. Mary and one of the Goulding sons soon joined them.
Darcy leaned toward Elizabeth. “May I fix you a plate?”
Her expression softened into a smile. “Yes, thank you.”
Darcy went to the supper table and soon returned with two plates, setting one before her. “I hope this will do.”
She looked over the selections. “Most of these are favourites. I am pleased.”
Darcy smiled. “I am glad to hear it.”
After a moment he asked quietly, “And when does Mr. Collins return to Kent?”
Elizabeth sighed softly. “The day after tomorrow. I suspect he intends to propose tomorrow.”
Darcy frowned. “Will your father insist?”
She shook her head. “No, he will not. We settled that question before my father sent his reply.”
Darcy paused. “I have heard there is an entail. Will that cause difficulty for your family?”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “Not really. It will be unfortunate to lose Longbourn one day, but the Bennets will be secure.”
Darcy nodded slowly. “That is good. I should not wish your future to depend upon Mr. Collins.”
She laughed softly. “I entirely agree.”
When supper was nearly finished, Miss Bingley sat at the pianoforte and performed a complicated piece. When she finished there was polite applause.
Seeing that she had not secured Mr. Darcy’s attention as she had hoped, she stood and turned toward Elizabeth. “Miss Eliza, would you care to play?”
Elizabeth leaned toward Darcy and spoke quietly. He nodded immediately. They rose and walked to the pianoforte. Elizabeth sat down and Darcy took a seat nearby. She turned through the music, selected a piece, and gave him a small nod.
Then she began to play and sing. A hush fell over the room as she performed the popular song Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes.
Darcy watched her with open admiration until she glanced at him, at which point he quickly turned the page.
When she finished, there was a moment of silence before the room filled into warm applause.
Darcy leaned toward her. “You were wonderful.”
Elizabeth blushed. “Thank you.”
Darcy stood and offered his hand. She took it, and he escorted her back to the ballroom.
Miss Bingley watched their progress with a tight expression.
Darcy and Elizabeth danced several more sets with other partners. Elizabeth saw Darcy dancing with Mrs. Hurst for one of the sets.
***
At last, the final dance was announced, and Elizabeth felt a quiet anticipation
Darcy approached Elizabeth. “Are you equal to one more dance?”
A gentle smile lit her face. “I have been looking forward to it.”
As the musicians began, Elizabeth looked surprised. “A waltz?”
Darcy nodded and offered his hand. She placed hers in it as they took their place among the other couples.
“Are you familiar with the dance?” he asked quietly.
“Yes,” she replied. “Though I have only danced it with my sisters.”
Darcy chuckled softly. “And I with my sister.”
He drew her gently into the first turn of the dance. “You need not be concerned,” he said quietly. “I shall not tread upon your feet.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “I am relieved to hear it, sir.”
Soon they were turning gracefully about the room with the other couples. Elizabeth noticed that Jane and Mr. Bingley were among the dancers as well.
Along the wall, Miss Bingley stood watching them, her expression tightening as Darcy appeared wholly engaged with Elizabeth.