Chapter XII #3
“We shall be a merry party together,” said Miss Bingley.
“Davidson has also invited me to that ball,” said Harrington, his manner amused, even a little knowing. “I hope, Miss Bingley, that you will add one to that party, for I shall also attend.”
Miss Bingley’s smile appeared a little sickly, but she did not demur.
The rest of their visit, Darcy spoke with Miss Elizabeth, and though Miss Bingley maneuvered her brother next to Miss Bennet, their conversation was brief, an exchange of only a few words, until the Bingley siblings went away.
Miss Bingley’s exasperation when Darcy and Harrington did not depart early was obvious, but each understood the other, making no move to depart until the Bingleys had risen.
“I shall ask you to reserve a set for me at the ball, Miss Elizabeth,” said Darcy, bowing over her hand.
Miss Elizabeth met his gaze without hesitation. “Perhaps we shall acquit ourselves better than the last time we stood up together.”
“Depend on it,” said Darcy.
When Darcy reached the bottom of the stairs, he looked back up and saw Miss Elizabeth in the window, watching him go.
Something swelled in his heart, the understanding that he had touched some small part of hers.
That did not guarantee her acceptance when he asked for her hand, but Darcy could not read it as anything but an excellent sign.
On the evening in question, Jane and Elizabeth entered their uncle’s carriage for the ball, their aunt and uncle insisting that Mr. Gardiner’s driver would take them.
“It is no trouble, my dears,” said Uncle Gardiner. “When you return, I hope you will have much to tell us, for I suspect the evening will be notable.”
Elizabeth regarded her uncle with interest. “Do you mean anything in particular?”
“Not at all, Lizzy,” replied Mr. Gardiner. “This business with Mr. Bingley cannot go on much longer, can it? Perhaps tonight will be the resolution.”
When the carriage stopped before the house, Jane had a word with the driver about what time they expected to leave, then they entered.
Mr. and Mrs. Davidson were on hand to greet their guests, and though the sisters were not well acquainted with them, the introduction had happened only a week or two after their arrival in London.
The couple welcomed them with a few kind words, then the sisters made their way inside.
The house was not large like Mr. Darcy’s, but it was a handsome structure, and the ballroom was decked with flower arrangements, candles that would not drip on the guests, and a beautiful chalk design on the floor they had commissioned someone to create.
As they had arrived early, only a few guests had arrived, but none of their acquaintances.
Thus, they stood together for a few moments, waiting for their friends to appear.
“What do you think of Uncle’s comment?” asked Elizabeth.
Jane regarded her with no little amusement. “Do you suppose it will prove prophetic?”
“Perhaps it will,” said Elizabeth. “If matters become clear tonight, I doubt either of us will protest.”
“Yes, I must agree,” replied Jane. “It is not for me, but for Mr. Bingley. Not knowing his mind cannot be a comfortable thing.”
Before Elizabeth could make a response, an acquaintance entered the room.
It was Miss Clara Whitcombe. Jane caught sight of her a moment after Elizabeth, at the exact moment when the other woman noticed their presence.
With a smile, she made her way to the Bennet sisters, displaying unguarded warmth.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth,” said she in greeting. “How do you do?”
“We are very well, Miss Whitcombe,” said Jane. “Are you acquainted with the Davidsons?”
“I am,” replied she. “Mr. Davidson’s father was a business associate of my father.”
A premonition filled Elizabeth’s breast. Perhaps Mr. Gardiner’s comment had meant something after all.
Had Mr. Gardiner known that Miss Whitcombe was to attend?
Elizabeth thought not, but since he was acquainted with Mr. Whitcombe, it was also possible that he had known Mr. Davidson’s father and expected Miss Whitcombe to attend.
Elizabeth shook her head and focused on the woman before them, though she made a mental note to ask her uncle about it the next morning. For a time, they stood in pleasant conversation, the kind that passes between those who are only a little acquainted.
The first of their friends to arrive was Mr. Darcy.
The gentleman made his way to greet them, and at his sign, Jane introduced him to Miss Whitcombe’s acquaintance.
Mr. Darcy understood at once—he gave no hint of his feelings to Miss Whitcombe, but his expression when he regarded Elizabeth was no less than speculative.
Then when Miss Bingley entered with her brother, and her sister and husband in tow, Elizabeth caught her expression at once. Miss Bingley had not expected to see Miss Whitcombe, and whatever she had planned tonight, it presented a threat to her designs.
And suddenly Elizabeth understood—the evening was about to become far more interesting than she had expected.