Chapter 4 #4
“It is your turn to say something now, Miss Bennet—I talked about the dance, and you ought to make some kind of remark on the size of the room or the number of couples,” he continued levelly. A peal of laughter escaped her lips; he smiled, looking very pleased at her reaction.
“This is the moment when I should apologise for my outrageous behaviour on that night, Mr Darcy,” she said, holding his gaze.
“No indeed, Miss Bennet. This, I believe, is the moment when you should say something that will amaze the whole room.”
She laughed again at his unexpected teasing.
“Very well, sir. There is no need to say more. I admit I merit your subtle censure and I insist on apologizing. My manners and my entire attitude during our dance at the Netherfield ball were unforgivable. Actually, I am amazed you would ask me to dance with you ever again.”
“Miss Bennet, let us not discuss our behaviour on that night. I confess that dancing with you was quite enjoyable, despite our disagreement. The rest of the evening I recall with little pleasure. Please forgive me for referring to it.”
He sounded serious, and his expression was remorseful. Without considering her gesture, her fingers squeezed his when their hands met again and remained entwined until the dance forced them to part.
“Your attempt to mock me was very good indeed, sir, as was your teasing. You have improved considerably in this aspect; it is obvious you have given yourself the trouble of practicing more.” Her cheeks were burning in self-mortification as she heard herself flirting with him, yet the expression of delight on his face was reward enough for her archness.
Darcy felt a wild urge to kiss her right there—to silence those teasing lips with a mouth that burned with desire for her.
He longed to make her sparkling eyes hide behind her lashes as his passion overwhelmed her.
His gaze remained fixed on her face while his steps moved him closer to her and around her, his arm brushing hers.
He noticed her blushing under his stare, a wave of redness covering not only her cheeks but also her neck and delicious ear lobes, yet she daringly kept her eyes on his.
Her smile now belonged only to him, and he hoped this time he was not misjudging her regard for him.
From the time he entered the room, he had barely done anything but watch her.
He knew he was acting ridiculously; anyone with a modicum of perception could easily guess the nature of his interest in her.
He even knew his behaviour could place her in an embarrassing situation, but he was no longer capable of controlling himself, especially as he knew this was the last time he would see her for a while.
In the past fortnight, her presence had become such a constant in his life that the mere thought of her disappearing again was unbearably painful.
“I think we really must have some conversation, sir. We have been silent for too long.”
He startled and forced his eyes to be drawn away from her lips as he answered. “You are perfectly right, Miss Bennet. Since books are not your favourite subject to discuss while you are dancing, let us talk…ah…about travelling, for instance.”
“A wonderful topic indeed sir,” she agreed. “I am certain you have much more to say than I do, and I would be delighted to hear your thoughts on the subject.”
The topic seemed to inspire great interest in both of them, for they did not cease their conversation, not even when the music stopped. Elizabeth felt her cheeks burning with pleasure as his entire discourse seemed to have one goal: to calculate the day she would arrive in Derbyshire.
Darcy held her hand while escorting her to the Gardiners, and again, he remained with them. Elizabeth was slowly recovering her emotions after their dance; she was unsure whether she was content to have him remain with her or would rather he leave her while she restored herself fully.
Colonel Fitzwilliam joined them and delighted them with his general good humour, declaring he was starved. A moment later, Lady Cassandra approached their group wearing an expression of utter delight upon her face.
“Lady Cassandra, am I wrong if I presume you are not inviting us to supper? Your expression is a bit frightening,” declared Darcy, and her ladyship arched her brow at him.
“Darcy, how can you say I am frightening? Do I look frightening, Mr Gardiner?”
“No indeed, Lady Cassandra; you look beautiful and charming,” he declared. She responded by casting a satisfied glance at Darcy, who in turn rolled his eyes.
“However, Darcy, you are right in one respect: I do have a surprise for you all before supper! In fact I am curious as to whether my guests will appreciate my surprise,” she said, smiling mischievously while Darcy cast an intriguing glance at both Elizabeth and her relatives that said: You see that I was right about being frightened!
However, nothing prepared them for what came next. The music started again, and it took only a few moments for everyone in the room to recognise the notes of the infamous waltz!
Rumours and agitation spread throughout the room, and Lady Cassandra threw them a satisfied look, perfectly matched with the expression of delight in her eyes. “So Darcy, Colonel, which of you will help me to execute my surprise? I know both of you are proficient at this dance.”
“Lady Cassandra, as you know, I am not proficient at all. Of course, if you insist, I will dance with you, but I am not fond of surprises of this sort that will only provoke more gossip.”
“Oh come now, Darcy,” said the colonel. “You are much too serious and preoccupied with society’s opinion. Let us enjoy the delight of the waltz, Lady Cassandra.”
Elizabeth’s eyes followed them, mesmerised by the spell of their harmonious moves and the enchanting music. So absorbed was she in her admiration that it took her some moments to notice the Gardiners had joined Lady Cassandra and the colonel on the dance floor.
“Mr and Mrs Gardiner are quite proficient, too,” whispered Darcy, and she only nodded.
She had heard of the waltz previously, but she had never seen anyone dance it.
The proximity of the couples, the intimacy the music inspired, and the romantic manner in which each couple entwined their hands all led Elizabeth to delight in the experience of simply watching the dance unfold.
Slowly, other couples courageously joined the two couples in the dancing area, and while not as skilled as the first dancers, more and more couples followed their example.
Elizabeth watched the dancing in awe. Unconsciously she whispered, “Beautiful,” almost oblivious to the presence of Darcy until he lowered his head to speak to her.
“Yes, it does look beautiful indeed, though perhaps not quite proper.”
She startled and blushed, not daring to meet his eyes.
“I am sorry. I must look silly, lost in my reverie, but this is the first time I have actually seen this dance, and I am afraid it has an enchanting effect on me.” She tried to sound light and amused to hide her embarrassment, but any attempt failed a moment later when he spoke again.
“Miss Bennet, would you be tempted to…I mean would you like to try to dance? I did learn the steps some time ago, and I would be delighted to show them to you.”
She stood speechless, looking at him as though he spoke another language.
“Are you inviting me to waltz, sir?” You just refused Lady Cassandra!
was the thought that raced through her head.
The mere idea of his embracing her, her hand clasped in his was enough to send her mind reeling.
If she agreed, she feared she would not be able to breathe, let alone follow what appeared to be the complex set of steps required of the dance.
“Yes…that is if you are tempted to. Many find the dance offensive and never would consider trying it.” He appeared to be deeply embarrassed, but there was something else in his expression that she could not comprehend.
However, she thought, he could not possibly be more embarrassed than I am. I am so tempted to accept, even if by doing so I shall make a fool of myself. After all, he knows I do not know how to dance the waltz, but still he insisted. What would happen if I agreed?”
“Sir, I cannot accept, and you surely must not insist. It would be the most embarrassing moment for both of us. We just danced together a few minutes ago, so let us—
“You are perfectly right, Miss Bennet. Please forgive me.” Darcy was deeply mortified.
Immediately after inviting her to join in the waltz, he knew he was making a mistake but he could not fight his desire to hold her in his arms. Once again, he had selfishly considered only his desires and had shown no respect for hers.
Surely, she would not welcome becoming a spectacle before a room full of strangers. The very idea now seemed ridiculous!
What was he to do? He had gained a moment of privacy with her and managed to ruin it. Should he depart and leave her alone to enjoy the view before making a complete fool of himself?
“Mr Darcy, are you well, sir?”
“Yes, perfectly well, Miss Bennet.”
“I was telling you, sir, that we just danced, and I dare say we made a reasonably good impression. So, as much as I would be tempted to accept your offer, I would suggest we not jeopardise your reputation with my clumsiness. Lady Cassandra would never forgive me for ruining her waltz.”
Her tentative smile showed that she was not completely at ease, and she was obviously trying to lighten the tension he had created, but her eyes were laughing at him.
“A very wise decision, Miss Bennet,” he agreed, regaining his spirit.
They spent the next few minutes silently admiring the dancers; when the music stopped, he offered his arm and accompanied her to the dining room.