Chapter 41
His carriage stopped in front of a somewhat desirable address on Grosvenor Square. The front door, recently painted, was pristine black. The architectural facade matched that of its neighbours to the right and left save the approach’s decor—the door knocker and the plinths on each side of the walk were a poor attempt to intimidate visitors with dragons.
He watched as Bill walked up the front steps and pounded the knocker; its ‘boom, boom, boom’ carried down the lane. A few dogs barked their distaste through open windows at the noise that had invaded their territory. The door opened and a formally clad servant accepted his card. As the door began to close, Bill pushed back against it. A shout of pain followed.
John exited his carriage, walked up the steps, and into the house. Bill was assisting the servant to a chair.
“Where is your master?” asked John.
“The study, my lord,” he replied. “Second door to the left.”
John removed his gloves and walked down the corridor. He opened the door, stepped through, and closed it. A blond-haired, blue-eyed man of his age stood. “How may I assist you?”
“You are Mr Charles Bingley?”
“I am.”
John stepped up to him and slapped him across the face with his gloves.
Bingley fell back into his chair. “What the deuce?”
“You have chosen the wrong woman to pursue and pester.”
“What?” replied Bingley, his hand to his cheek.
“I give you three days to appear at Hampstead Heath with your second.”
“My second?” Bingley gaped at him.
“Yes. I demand satisfaction. My future wife will not be bothered by one such as you again.”
Bingley’s face drained of colour. “Your—? Wait a moment. A minute. Uuuuugh.” He put a fist to his mouth and turned away. John glanced back towards the door, unsurprised to see Bill enter. He turned back to Bingley.
“My second is Mr Edward Gardiner. You are familiar with his home. I suggest you put your affairs in order.” He stepped past Bill, but upon reaching the door, he turned round. “If I do not kill you, Bingley, this man most certainly will.”
Once outside the house, he took in a deep breath. He felt invigorated. He regained his seat in the carriage, but saw that Bill remained standing on the pavement, unmoving, staring at him.
“Bill?”
When the man did not respond, John recalled Jane telling him that when Bill wanted something, he would wait to be asked. He exited the carriage and stepped up to the giant. “You were splendid today. I appreciate your presence here beside me. How may I be of service to you?”
Bill’s blank expression shifted to confusion. “You will marry the duchess?”
John was puzzled for a moment. Then he allowed himself an indulgent smile. “If she will have me.”
Bill swallowed before giving him a quick nod. “I want something.”
“Yes?”
Bill leant down and whispered. John tilted his head to the side and looked up.
“That is your request?”
“It is,” Bill said solemnly.
John smiled. “Should the duchess bestow me her hand, I shall grant you your desire.”
The dinner at the de Bourgh townhouse was an intimate affair. Lady Catherine had invited her family, as well as the two Bennet sisters. The women outnumbered the men.
“We shall have dancing later. I have tired of breaking out card tables to entertain. A ball, rather than conversation and games play, is the order of the day,” Lady Catherine announced as she led the ladies out of the dining room.
“Georgiana, will you favour us with your talents?” A moment later, the withdrawing parlour filled with the soothing sounds of Haydn. Footmen worked quickly; the floor was cleared as all sittings were placed against the walls.
Mrs Gardiner sat with Lady Matlock; Elizabeth sat with Jane. It was a joy to spend time with her elder sister. Elizabeth had closely observed her in their visits. Jane appeared fatigued by the many social events on her calendar, and since her presentation at Court, her enthusiasm for such activities had seemingly lessened. She was eager to speak to her in private and ask her whether she wished to continue in town. After all, John and his hopes awaited Jane in Meryton, and Elizabeth had seen no sign that either’s affections had waned. But she did not wish to leave town, nor Darcy House. For the first time in her life, she had met a gentleman whose conversations and interests truly intrigued her. Whether Mr Darcy felt the same of her was a question, and she was curious to seek the answer.
Elizabeth noticed Lady Catherine walk over and sit next to Georgiana. She turned a page for her niece and then spoke quietly, albeit not quietly enough that Elizabeth could not hear her words: “If Darcy pairs with Elizabeth, I urge you to extend the set. Play a waltz.”
Elizabeth blushed. Oh my. Clearly Jane heard as well, for she gripped Elizabeth’s hand and laughing quietly, whispered, “Matchmaker.”
Georgiana bit her lip and nodded. She continued to play. Thirty minutes later, the four gentlemen joined the ladies, where Darcy solicited Jane’s hand and Elizabeth’s was claimed by his father. The Gardiners stood up together, as did Lord and Lady Matlock.
The music began and the couples elegantly performed. The ladies circled under the men’s arms, and likewise, the men hardly bowed their heads to do the same. The music ended and the room filled with applause, none more robust than that of the earl and countess.
“Allow me to say that your fair partner does not disgrace you, Darcy,” said Lord Matlock.
Elizabeth clamped her lips to keep from laughing aloud. The earl was uproariously funny. Lady Matlock slapped his arm.
“A change of partners,” called out Lady Catherine. She seems quite pleased with herself. She immediately lost her line of thought when Mr Darcy took her hand and led her to the line. Mrs Gardiner paired with Mr George Darcy.
Lady Catherine nodded to Georgiana, who played the opening chords to a waltz. Elizabeth swallowed; she stood opposite Mr Darcy and knew not how to proceed.
“We are a family party. There is no impropriety,” claimed Lady Catherine. “As you know, I am excessively attentive to all these things.”
The tension crumbled as the group laughed at Lady Catherine’s jest. Georgiana began playing softly. The notes filled the air, enveloping Elizabeth in an additional embrace. Mr Darcy’s hand was warm and strong on her own. He gently tugged her towards him; she allowed the movement, her head still bowed. Mr Darcy turned her to her right; she instinctively moved her left foot forward. She followed him into another partial turn, her right foot sliding back. Her feet seemed to move of their own volition. She stiffened against his next step, but he firmly guided her through another turn. His hand flexed upon her back. It was warm. Very warm.
Mr Darcy’s hand was twined with her own. Her confidence rose. She closed her eyes and allowed the melody to infuse her. The music began to crescendo; she freed herself from her last inhibition.
“Wonderful,” he whispered.
Elizabeth lost herself in the music, the movement, and the man. Mr Darcy guided her around the floor with a gentle firmness. I could, and would, do this for an eternity. They had yet to speak, but should the dance remain wordless, she cared not a jot.
The music’s tempo increased. Mr Darcy spun her around and around. The melody filled the hall; they floated across the floor. The music rose to a crescendo with the final twelve chords; Georgiana played the last four in a happy fury.
Mr Darcy and Elizabeth stopped twirling, yet their arms remained in place. Her chest rapidly rose and fell from her fevered breathing. He is breathless as well. Elizabeth saw only Mr Darcy.
His gaze moved from her eyes to her mouth. She moistened her top lip with her bottom; his eyes widened. The distance between their noses grew smaller as he leant towards her. She gripped his arms tighter; she rose on her toes. Elizabeth tilted her chin up. Mr Darcy shook his head. She dropped her heels. Vowing to herself not to tear up, she smiled, stepped back, and curtseyed.
“Thank you for the lovely dance,” she whispered.
He bowed and cleared his throat. Differing emotions passed across his face.
He held out his hand, and she placed hers into his without hesitation. She hoped the dance had affected him as deeply as she had been but his silent manner provided no clue.
“Lizzy, you were amazing!” gushed Georgiana. She clapped giddily. Elizabeth reached for her hand.
“Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth. I shall cede you to my sister.” Mr Darcy bowed and exited.