Miss Darcy entered the ballroom of Fitzwilliam House very much improved in health. Her blue silk gown made her eyes sparkle and Elizabeth made a fuss over her when she approached with her brother.
After their greeting, Miss Darcy was immediately surrounded by Elizabeth’s sisters and Mr. Darcy watched them go in a blur of bright silks. He took a place beside Elizabeth to help her welcome her guests.
“Did you invite the whole of London?” He whispered as carriage after carriage came and went.
Elizabeth took a breath as the last of her guests passed them and crowded into the ballroom. “I believe your sister may have sent extra invitations from her sick bed.”
Mr. Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm. “It would not surprise me if she did. Would you honor me with the first dance?”
Elizabeth took his arm gratefully and Mr. Darcy led her into the ballroom. Servants were opening the balcony doors to allow air into the room as the evening was unusually warm.
Elizabeth paused as she crossed the threshold. It seemed the crowd of London’s finest turned at once to watch her enter with Mr. Darcy.
The Matlocks had come and Mrs. Bennet hovered around the earl who very much liked to speak with her, much to Elizabeth’s eternal surprise.
Lady Matlock had come to Fitzwilliam House faithfully every day for the fortnight before the ball and taught the younger Bennet sisters how to behave themselves before the Ton.
Elizabeth noticed that she now kept her head turned in the direction of her niece and the Bennet sisters. Eligible young men surrounded the foursome, eager to claim the first dance.
Miss Darcy chose her beau, the young viscount from the Matlock Ball, as her brother had known she would. Elizabeth thought they made a fine match.
Kitty and Lydia were much more restrained in their enthusiasm for a dance and Elizabeth was most surprised by the change in them. The shouting and crying that had rang from this same ballroom for two weeks had left her in doubt, but tonight her sisters did Lady Matlock proud.
The music began and by the delighted gasps of the crowd, Elizabeth knew she had chosen well in having a waltz to open the ball.
Surprise registered on Mr. Darcy’s face for a brief moment and then he swept Elizabeth into the swirling crowd of dancers. Mr. Darcy held her close. His breath against her ear excited Elizabeth and she breathed deeply as they moved across the floor.
“I am relieved to have claimed the first dance in time. I would not wish to fight a man at your first ball in Fitzwilliam House.”
Elizabeth laughed at him, her cheeks filling with color. “William, to hear such threats of violence thrills me, but I do not think you would resort to such measures over a dance with me.”
She promptly bit her tongue and ducked her head as his eyes grew darker. “I am quite fond of you, Elizabeth, and so I do not make the threat lightly. I have found what I had lost at Fitzwilliam House; peace and hope for the future. It is because of you and young Richard.”
Mr. Darcy cleared his throat and continued to guide Elizabeth around the room. Candles flickered from the cool air of the balcony and the movement of the dancers.
Elizabeth had never known such a romantic setting. Mr. Darcy’s arms were firm as he held her and she closed her eyes, finding pleasure in the moment.
Too soon, the music ended and the earl appeared to seek the next dance. Mr. Darcy bowed and cautioned his uncle. “Do not become comfortable, sir. I shall be waiting to have another dance with the lady.”
The earl chuckled and Mrs. Bennet pouted, her eyes trained on Mr. Darcy. He took pity on the woman to gain favor with her daughter. Elizabeth rewarded him with a giggle when they danced near to one another.
The earl chose Mrs. Bennet next and Elizabeth wished to watch her guests for the third dance. Mr. Darcy was eager to follow in her example for he did not wish to leave her side. “I abhor dancing and only am persuaded for your enjoyment.”
Elizabeth patted his arm in commiseration. “I am most grateful for your kind consideration, William. Mother shall speak of your gallantry for days, you know.”
Mr. Darcy gave a wry smile. “It would likely be the first good words she might have for my character.”
“‘Tis true she has often thought you unkind. But you cannot blame her. You did interfere with Charles and Jane.” Elizabeth immediately regretted the reminder of his past missteps.
“I have apologized to the Bingleys. I see no reason to revisit the matter now that all has come right. Have you forgiven me?”
Elizabeth thought on his question for she had not expected it tonight of all nights. She would not lie to him again even if it wounded his pride to know the truth.
“I have, I think, but I shall never forget. I think that must be why Richard never wrote to you of our courtship and marriage. He knew you had lost your friendship with Bingley over my sister. He chose Georgie as his confidant because she had not met my family and would hold no prejudice against me.”
Mr. Darcy’s lips formed a thin line and he stood speechless for some time. Elizabeth thought perhaps her honesty would have been better received had they not been at a ball.
“I may have the tendency toward caution where it is not warranted but would you not warn a friend if you believed their happiness was at stake?”
Elizabeth sighed. “I would seek to know more of the person they were attracted to, William. A judgement made too soon is as bad as one made too late.”
Mr. Darcy shook his head. “Your sister did not behave as women of her age and station often did with Bingley. I did not believe she held any interest in him and was merely polite.”
“Jane is a shy person. As close as we are, there are times I cannot tell her mind.”
Mr. Darcy held up a hand in pleading. “Must we have this discussion now? I am not the man I was then.”
Elizabeth turned and accepted a cup of punch from the footman tending the table. She offered it to Mr. Darcy. “I agree you seem more engaging and kind but there are traces of that prejudice still lurking. I shall be happy to remind you whenever it appears.”
She smiled at him as he sipped punch and furrowed his brow. Lady Matlock appeared behind his right shoulder and Elizabeth moved to stand beside her.
“My sisters have benefitted greatly from your assistance. I wanted to thank you for the kindness you have shown them. I fear mother and father would never have bothered.”
Offering the olive branch to her mother in law was not difficult but Elizabeth braced herself for a stinging reply.
“The night has only begun, there is time for punch and the allure of handsome young men to undo my careful tutelage.”
The lady did not disappoint. Elizabeth covered her irritation with a tight smile. “Perhaps you might remind them to maintain their composure?”
Lady Matlock waved a hand to dismiss Elizabeth and pressed closer to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth took that moment to escape and find her sisters herself. It would be wise to remind them of the promise she made before the ball.
If they managed the evening without a bit of embarrassment, she would take them shopping for an entire day in Mayfair. Any bonnet or bauble within her means could be had for the asking. Mary had only wished to visit the bookseller Mr. Darcy frequented, but Lydia and Kitty had sat down straight away to plot their day in the shopping district.
As Elizabeth made her way around the ballroom, she was greeted by many faces made familiar by her presence at Lady Matlock’s events and the many introductions when out with Miss Darcy. They seemed pleasant and interested in knowing her better, Major Wickham among them. Elizabeth took the hand he offered and moved away from the dance floor.