“A fool indeed,” Miss Elizabeth replied thoughtfully as she curtsied.
Darcy bowed. “That was delightful, Miss Elizabeth,” he said gravely. “I look forward to the next.”
There had been a time, not so long ago, when Elizabeth would have denied even the possibility of this evening. She had never truly danced at a ball, not with an eligible partner, and now she was not only dancing with Mr. Darcy but promised to him.
Her love for Harry had been beautiful but fragile, like a field of wildflowers after a soft spring rain. The love she was experiencing for Mr. Darcy was heady, potent, even a little frightening. It was a raging wind, the lightning of a storm—the thunder, too. It was the sun and the rainbow and the fertile fields that followed. And whilst she expected that their love would not always feel so passionately overwhelming as it did at present, she believed it would grow deeper and stronger with time.
This was what it was to give her heart away. Dancing with Mr. Darcy was an extension of the happiness she felt inside.
Not that she did not enjoy dancing with other partners as well. She had not missed a single set.
Mr. Darcy had danced more than his wont as well, having found Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst eager to take on the task. Having danced or secured sets with Mr. Bingley’s sisters, Charlotte and Maria Lucas, Jane and Mary, she rather thought he would be happy to flee to the card room before the night was out.
“Not at all,” he demurred when she said as much at supper. “Foryoushall be in the ballroom.”
She blushed just a little at such an avowal from him and was about to respond when Miss Bingley made her way over and placed a hand lightly upon Mr. Darcy’s arm.
“I hope you find everything to your satisfaction, Mr. Darcy,” she said politely, ignoring Elizabeth entirely.
“It has been a wonderful evening, Miss Bingley,” he said solemnly. “I was just saying to Miss Elizabeth that I am enjoying myself immensely.”
He was speaking to Miss Bingley, but his eyes did not leave Elizabeth’s. Their hostess made a few more remarks that required Mr. Darcy to compliment her efforts. He did eventually gratify her with a bit of praise for the ball itself, but never did his words flatter her personally.
“Well, then,” Miss Bingley said, “I suppose I must see to the other guests.” She hovered for another moment before turning and gliding away.
“Poor Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth said when the woman was out of hearing.
“Poor indeed,” Mr. Darcy said quietly. “Did you not see how she was angling for admiration?” He shook his head.
Elizabeth patted his hand. “No, I am in earnest. Poor Miss Bingley. You see, she has decided that you might suit her after all, but she is far too late.”
Mr. Darcy’s eyes widened. “Good God, Elizabeth, tell me you are in jest.”
She watched Miss Bingley as the other woman walked through the dining room without speaking to anyone else other than to accept their spontaneous thanks and compliments. Mrs. Hurst stood to one side of the room, and Miss Bingley was headed in her sister’s direction.
“No, I am quite sure of it, Mr. Darcy,” she assured him. “However, it matters not. You are safe with me.”
There was the sound of a man clearing his throat, and they glanced up to see Mr. Bingley standing with Papa at the front of the room.
After a few halting remarks, Papa reluctantly came to the point. “I am pleased to announce that Mr. Bingley has asked for my daughter Jane’s hand and been accepted. Please, raise your glasses as we toast their health and happiness. As the proverb says, ‘Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.’”
“I wish Papa did not appear so forlorn,” Elizabeth said fondly as everyone stood and pressed forward to congratulate the couple.
“I believe I shall feel the same one day in the future,” Mr. Darcy replied. Elizabeth felt the heat of her blush as he smiled at her.
“Do you two have any discretion at all?” Mr. Fitzwilliam scoffed as he and Charlotte joined them.
“I do not know what you mean,” Mr. Darcy said, and the two were soon engaged in a whispered conversation which Elizabeth was certain included their plans for London on the morrow.
“I am so happy for you and Jane,” Charlotte said as she took Elizabeth’s hands. “I presume you have come to some sort of understanding with Mr. Darcy?”
Elizabeth’s brows lifted in surprise, and Charlotte giggled. “No one noticed, dear, for their attention is all on your sister and Mr. Bingley. But as we were coming to congratulate you, your mutual admiration was difficult to miss.”
“He must travel to London tomorrow,” Elizabeth said in Charlotte’s ear. “Papa has asked that we not say anything until he returns. Please keep my confidence?”
“Of course,” Charlotte replied. “I am truly happy for you, Eliza.”
“I know you are, for you have always been my friend,” Elizabeth replied. She tipped her head in the direction of the two men. “And you?”