Chapter 1.8 #4
As soon as he entered the house, Darcy realised he had been absent for almost an hour, and Elizabeth’s lovely presence was exactly what he needed to calm himself.
However, she seemed quite dispirited at the moment and, after he resumed his place by her, continued to eat the last course in silence.
She was not desirous to speak with or even look at him.
After supper, Elizabeth retreated to a corner, still grieved, mortified with shame, and anticipating nothing more for herself.
She knew that, had Mr Darcy any serious intentions towards her earlier, all hope must surely be lost after the last horrible hour.
Jane drew near, attempting with little success to comfort her.
A few moments later, to Elizabeth’s utter surprise, she saw both Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy moving in their direction, smiling politely.
A pleasant conversation arose about the dinner, both Jane and Mr Darcy congratulating Mr Bingley on the evening’s arrangements.
Gaining her courage, Jane asked Mr Bingley about his imminent departure for London. Elizabeth took the opportunity of relative privacy and turned to Mr Darcy, barely daring to lift her eyes to him.
“Mr Darcy, I am so sorry for what my mother said! I can only imagine how offended you must have felt. Please allow me to apologise on her behalf as I am sure she meant no harm.”
He looked at her intently until, finally meeting her eyes, he answered her cogently with no attempt to conceal his opinion.
“I shall not deny that Mrs Bennet’s remarks were offensive to me although it is not the first time I have heard something of the kind. I am somewhat accustomed to being talked of in that manner.”
Elizabeth’s embarrassment was beyond anything she remembered having experienced in her life, and she could only guess what he might think about her and her mother.
She tried to be brave and hold his gaze, but her cheeks burned red.
When she thought that nothing could be said to make her more self-conscious, she heard him lower his already deep voice.
“However, I must confess it was comforting to know I was preferred to Mr Collins after you told me only two days ago that there were few people whose presence you would not prefer to mine.”
She gaped at him open-mouthed, too shocked to speak. He is teasing me! And more, he is flirting with me again when I thought he would be upset and never speak to me again.
As if entirely to confirm her thoughts, he added, “But I do have a question, Miss Elizabeth. While you obviously favour me for my ten thousand a year, could the fact that I am tall and handsome—as Mrs Bennet kindly pointed out—have influenced you in any way?” He arched his brow, and Elizabeth quickly covered her mouth to prevent a peal of laughter from escaping.
A small grin was hidden at the corner of his mouth, his eyes betraying his merry disposition as he awaited her answer. She coloured further but decided to accept his challenge and gave a small, shy smile. Biting her lower lip, her eyes sparkled with mirth.
“Indeed it has, sir, together with the fact that you are such a skilful dancer and a man without fault.”
“I am pleased to hear that, Miss Elizabeth. And dare I hope for the favour of a second dance? The last set, perhaps?”
“It would be a pleasure, Mr Darcy. Thank you.”
Elizabeth knew that his manner of speaking to her was not an impertinent display but an effort to overlook the appalling moment created by her mother, and she was deeply grateful to him.
They stared at each other, their eyes speaking of the mutual support and help they had shared that eventful night.
No words were needed; their silent understanding was complete.
Elizabeth and Mr Darcy spent the remainder of the night in close company whenever they had the opportunity, mostly with Jane and Mr Bingley, and occasionally with Mr Bennet.
She danced another two sets, one with Mr Bingley and the other with Charlotte’s brother, while Mr Darcy asked Jane and Mrs Hurst to stand up with him.
When it was time for the last set, Darcy was anxious to enjoy the pleasure of her exclusive company once more.
He could talk to her, touch her slightly and hold her hands a moment longer than he should.
To his delightful surprise, Darcy began to understand what it meant to feel alone with a woman in a room full of people.
He saw her blushing under his gaze and knew she shared the same feeling.
They were solitary figures in the midst of the crowd.
No one and nothing else mattered at that moment—only the music, which enveloped them and wrapped their senses in its spell.
When the ball ended, the Bennets were the last guests to leave, and Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy helped the ladies into their carriage as raindrops once more began to fall.
Mrs Bennet expressed their hope that Mr Bingley would have a safe journey, and Mr Bennet renewed an invitation to Mr Darcy for dinner.
As soon as the guests departed, both gentlemen excused themselves and retired directly to their rooms, avoiding Miss Bingley’s constant tirade about the Bennets and how tiresome the ball had been.
From their windows, Bingley and Darcy each tried to catch a final glimpse of the carriage departing through the rain for Longbourn.