Chapter Three #3
Darcy’s head snapped up. “Nothing of significance, Miss Bingley.” He returned to the second course before he added impulsively, “Do you not wish Bingley to take his place as the leader in local Society?”
“Such is apparent, Mr. Darcy,” she declared in importance.
Darcy smiled deviously. “Then how is my providing attention to one of Bingley’s nearest neighbors a detriment?
A benevolent act builds goodwill, whether it is tending to Miss Jane Bennet’s illness or providing her younger sister an opportunity to learn to ride properly.
The skill will only assist Miss Elizabeth to find a proper husband when she must marry.
A landed gentleman would expect as much. ”
“But I do not ride, Mr. Darcy. Are you implying an accomplished woman should take to horse?” Her voice held disbelief and a bit of suspicion.
“Couples often ride together in Hyde Park during the Season. Such is why I taught Georgiana.” His level gaze dared Miss Bingley to deny what he said.
“If you wish to learn, Caroline, I will arrange for a riding master,” Bingley offered.
Caroline puffed up in denial. “I will consider it, Charles.” She returned to her meal, slicing away at her full plate of meat. “If I choose to ride, I will ask Mr. Darcy to teach me, as he does Miss Elizabeth.”
“That cannot be, Miss Bingley. In our social circle, it is not done unless the lady and the gentleman are engaged, and we are not so attached. Country society permits more latitude. No one locally would reproach Miss Elizabeth, but the ton is not so kind to those of your family’s standing.”
“Darcy is correct,” Hurst added. “An unmarried woman in London must maintain certain standards.”
Mrs. Hurst confirmed what her husband said. “Mayhap you should permit Charles to employ a suitable riding master.”
“As I said, I will consider it!” Miss Bingley flushed with irritation. The conversation was closed.
At midnight, the ballroom door opened, and Elizabeth slipped into the room.
Mr. Darcy was dressed much as he was the previous evening, except he kept his loose-fitting shirt tucked into his breeches.
He wore neither a waistcoat, nor jacket, nor cravat.
The room was a bit chilly, although fires burned at both ends.
She smiled when she saw him waiting for her.
Hearing the click of the door, he turned in anticipation. An answering smile welcomed her.
“At last, you are here.” Although he spoke softly, his voice carried in the empty room.
“You missed me?” she asked lightly.
“You know bloody well I did, Vixen.” He strode to her and scooped her into his arms and twirled her around as she giggled. “Are you prepared to dance with me?”
Elizabeth entwined her arms about his neck. “Why I must learn to waltz is beyond me. It is not as if I will ever dance it again after tonight.”
“Who knows? Someday you may travel abroad.You would be the belle of the ball—an Englishwoman who knows the waltz.” He placed their hands into position. “We are to keep at least three inches between us,” he whispered as he placed one hand on her lower back.
“I will attempt decorum.” She went on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
“Ah, Minx, you would drive a sane man crazy with your flirtations.” He brushed her lips with his.
“Permit us to dance.” He positioned her and slowly began the steps, demonstrating each movement.
Then he increased the pace. She bit her lower lip as she concentrated on repeating the steps.
“Elizabeth, look at me,” he coaxed. “Relax into my hands. Feel the pressure; as subtle as it is, you will know my lead.”
She raised her eyes to his and expelled a deep sigh of resignation. She straightened her shoulders. Then she became his. They were one being, moving rhythmically about the floor, twirling around the corners.
“I feel as if I am flying.” Her voice held pure exhilaration.
“Purely scandalous.” He actually laughed aloud.
“Positively disreputable!” she exclaimed.
After a quarter hour, he brought them to a standstill. “It grows late. But will you sit with me before returning to your quarters?”
“Naturally,” she said, still swaying in place from the music in her head. “Oh, I do hope England will accept such a dance soon. It was glorious!” She remained a bit breathless. She would be “glorious” in the throes of passion.
“I never danced it with such an enthusiastic partner.” He traced the line of her jaw with his fingers.
“Do not provoke me, Mr. Darcy,” she warned. “My day has been one beyond belief: riding, waltzing, being with you, kissing under a copse of trees. I am storing a lifetime into a few short hours. What woman would not succumb to the joy of it all?”
He took her face in both his hands. “You make me feel alive as no woman has ever done.”
When she flinched with his words, Darcy wondered if he had said too much. Nevertheless, he meant to steal a few more memories. He led her to some chairs along the wall, but instead of seating her in her own chair, Darcy pulled Elizabeth onto his lap. “You enjoyed your day?”
“Did I not just say so?” She kissed his face, placing small pecks on his forehead, cheeks, and chin.
“You did, but I wish to claim pride in your exclamations.” He kissed her deeply before withdrawing. “What scandalous events may I next add to your repertoire?”
Without hesitation, she declared boldly, “Teach me to use a sword.”
Darcy chuckled easily. “Your father should have had a son!”
“So will you teach me the basics?” She peppered kisses across his cheek.
For a fleeting moment, Darcy imagined slicing away the strings that tied up the bodice of her dress and then the strings of her stays with a flick of his sword.
“I will arrange it.” His voice betrayed his need for her.
“It must be out in the open. We cannot meet here at night. It would be too noisy.”
“There is an empty manor house in need of repairs on the other side of the estate. We could ride over, use the manor for a fencing lesson, and ride back. We could meet even after I leave Netherfield.” Elizabeth snuggled into his chest.
Desire burned through him, but Darcy kept his tone undisturbed. “So you do not want this to end?” He kissed the top of her head, and then released the ribbon restraining her auburn curls. He ran his fingers down the length of her tresses.