Chapter 1.26 #3
“Of course, sir, it would be my pleasure,” answered Elizabeth, barely suppressing her laughter as Mr Darcy sulked.
“I was not teasing, Robert, but neither of you seem to take my opinions seriously; I am truly displeased. You must have considered, Elizabeth, that I shall be forced to invite other ladies to dance while you enjoy the pleasure of dancing with the colonel.”
She was holding his arm tightly, and his free hand covered hers, squeezing it furtively from time to time.
Her face was lifted to his, their gazes locked during their humorous exchange.
His declared jealousy and disinclination to allow other men to approach her, though in jest, warmed her with pleasure, and her eyes clearly communicated this.
Her cheeks were crimson as were her lips, and he had to fight an impulse simply to pull her into his arms and claim those lips, whose softness and sweetness he knew so well.
As if understanding his inner struggle and desire, her lips instantly became dry as a wave of crimson spread over her neck and bare shoulders. He could feel the thrill shiver through her arm and could not restrain from slightly tightening the squeeze of her hand.
Lady Matlock’s voice broke the spell, but her words only increased Elizabeth’s surprise.
“Elizabeth, let me introduce you to Lord and Lady Hothfield. This is my future niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Miss Elizabeth, we are delighted to meet you at last.” The earl bowed to her while his wife smiled politely.
It took Elizabeth a few moments of staring at the couple in front of her before she regained her composure and curtseyed with proper elegance to them both.
Though she had no remaining doubts about Mr Darcy and the former Miss Alton, facing her so suddenly was not as easy as she had hoped.
She felt Mr Darcy’s eyes on her, and her cheeks coloured even more.
She needed all her strength to return their polite greeting.
“Lady Hothfield, Lord Hothfield…it is an honour to meet you.”
“Elizabeth, you are indeed right,” said Lady Matlock. “It is truly an honour and the most pleasant surprise to have them with us tonight. Lady Hothfield, I do not recall seeing you in town during the little Season; am I mistaken?”
“You are not mistaken, Lady Matlock. We have not left our home since last spring.”
Neither Lady Hothfield’s tone of voice or appearance was as Elizabeth had expected.
Though she was still remarkably beautiful and of perfect elegance, Lady Hothfield was less spectacular and less glamorous than even Lady Matlock.
Elizabeth was certain she would not have recognised the former famous actress had she come upon her alone.
The lady seemed simply content to be on her husband’s arm and to carry on a neutral conversation discreetly without drawing anyone’s attention to herself as had usually happened in the past.
“The honour is ours, I am sure, Lady Matlock. As you know, any invitation from you is a true delight for me and for my wife.” Then, turning to Elizabeth, the earl continued, “Miss Elizabeth, allow me to congratulate you on your engagement and to compliment you on your beauty. We were truly impressed the first moment we saw you. Mr Darcy is a very fortunate man.”
Elizabeth blushed and thanked him with a tentative smile. She felt Mr Darcy slowly taking her hand and placing it back on his arm, then covering it with his own hand, and she felt grateful for that small but thoughtful gesture.
Colonel Fitzwilliam approached them with the Gardiners, Miss Bennet, and Mr Bingley, and introductions were made, followed by a brief and pleasant conversation.
Though trying hard to contribute to the topic of conversation and to pay polite attention to everyone around her, Elizabeth could not help casting repeated glances at Lord Hothfield and his wife.
She could also feel that lady’s eyes falling upon her more than once.
Their eyes met and held for a few moments.
Elizabeth blushed as if caught doing something wrong, but Lady Hothfield smiled at her: an open, warm smile.
Then to Elizabeth’s surprise, she moved closer, the smile never leaving her face.
“Miss Elizabeth, I just wanted to add my praise to my husband’s words. You look very beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you, Lady Hothfield.” Mostly to hide her persistent nervousness, she added, “But I do not deserve such praise. It is this wonderful gown and the exquisite jewels that look beautiful. My only merit is in wearing them.”
Obviously surprised by her humility, Lady Hothfield was silent for a moment, and then her smile grew wider. “Your modesty only increases your charm, Miss Elizabeth. I insist in saying you look beautiful and very happy tonight.”
Worried about Elizabeth’s comfort and still holding her hand on his arm, Mr Darcy could not find a proper moment to intercede in their conversation. He was searching his intended’s countenance, ready to support her if needed.
“In this I cannot contradict you, Lady Hothfield. I am indeed very happy.”
“I am glad to hear that. I hope there is nothing that might shadow your happiness or the pleasure of enjoying this ball.”
Neither Elizabeth nor Mr Darcy failed to understand the hidden implication of that apparently neutral comment.
Clearly, Lady Hothfield had noticed Elizabeth’s discomfort and insistent stare, and she could easily suspect the reason for it.
Miss Elizabeth was not oblivious to Mr Darcy’s past acquaintance with her.
The former Miss Alton paled for a moment, not daring to presume how much the younger lady really knew and what her opinion might be.
Yet, any fear or distress found a well-deserved relief a moment later, as Elizabeth decidedly put an end to any misunderstanding.
“No, indeed, Lady Hothfield, there is nothing to shadow my present felicity. I am grateful for your concern but there is no reason for it. I truly hope your ladyship will enjoy this evening as well.”
“Thank you, I am sure I shall.” Lady Hothfield intended to return to her husband when Elizabeth’s low voice, almost a whisper covered by the others’ conversation, stopped her.
“Lady Hothfield, may I dare to be so bold as to tell you how much I admired your performance a few years ago?” She was surprised but evidently not displeased.
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. You are very kind.”
Lord Hothfield joined them, moving very close to his wife and taking hold of her hand. “Are you feeling well?”
“Yes, very well, thank you. I have been having a pleasant conversation with Miss Elizabeth.”
“I am glad to hear it; unfortunately, I must bring it to an end as there are a few acquaintances we have neglected for too long. Though they are not nearly as delightful as your present company, we must fulfil our duty to them too. Miss Elizabeth, Mr Darcy, I hope we shall have the opportunity to speak to you again tonight.”
They curtseyed and departed, arm in arm, as the earl lowered his head to whisper something into his wife’s ear. Elizabeth followed them with her eyes and then turned to Mr Darcy. “She is beautiful.”
“Yes, she is. Marriage seems to suit her very well.” He pressed her hand against his lips, whispering, “Thank you. You are wonderful.”
“No, I am not. But please, sir, feel free to praise my qualities as much as you want. I am delighted to hear you.” Her voice was as low as his, as they were surrounded by their families, and everyone’s attention was on them.
“My only desire is to delight you, Miss Elizabeth.”
She blushed and could barely hold his intense gaze, trying to devise a teasing response. However, she had not the time for pertness as the music for the first set started and they directed their steps to the dance floor.
Standing face-to-face with Darcy and allowing herself to be surrounded by the music and the exquisite pleasure of all those little touches and caresses a dance allowed, Elizabeth suddenly became aware of nothing except her happiness, a blissful happiness that she had every reason to believe would only grow with each passing day.
Having his love, she wanted and cared for nothing more. She needed nothing more.
The evening progressed admirably, and Elizabeth grew more comfortable as time passed until she completely regained her spirit and wit.
She had felt contented and relieved when she heard her aunt and uncle expressing their delight with the ball more than once.
As for Jane—her pleasure and happiness were obvious.
She heartily enjoyed the two sets she danced with Mr Bingley, and she had her card full for every dance—a fact that made Mr Bingley less pleased and consequently more jealous, his musings and repeated glances in Jane’s direction diverting Elizabeth exceedingly.
She would wager that Mr Bingley was thinking of efficient ways to secure Jane for himself as soon as possible.
Her amusement grew during the next dances as she stood up with the colonel and then other gentlemen whose names she barely remembered, her eyes constantly drawn towards Mr Darcy.
Joining Mr Bingley, he was sharing opinions with his old friend, and Elizabeth could barely contain her laughter at their concerned and displeased faces.
Neither seemed pleased with the admiration received by his betrothed, and neither seemed inclined to dance.
In the end, they were forced to do so, as Lady Matlock approached them and exchanged a few words.
Consequently, the next set saw both of them on the dance floor.
Mr Darcy danced with Miss Bingley while his friend stood up with a young lady who had been introduced to him and whose name sounded quite strange, so he was forced not to use it the entire half an hour.