by Linda Wells
Bingley’s voice at his ear answered the question. “It seems Miss Elizabeth was claimed by Lucas in you absence, Darcy.”
He spun around. “Pardon?”
Bingley nodded. “That is John Lucas.”
Elizabeth sensed his presence and began searching the room. She looked up and directly across from her was William. He turned back and witnessed the moment she spotted him. His distress was evident, and it was only her obvious happiness at seeing him that stopped his immediate advance to tear her away from her partner. John noticed her changed expression and saw Bingley standing with the tall stranger. His frustration appeared and he remarked bitterly. “It seems that the men of London deigned to appear tonight; how very gracious of them.”
Elizabeth looked sharply at him. “I am sure that there was a good reason for their delay, Mr. Lucas.”
John met her glare. “You need not make excuses for them, Eliza.”
When the music ended, John purposely led her in the opposite direction from Darcy. His eyes narrowing, he quickly advanced to meet them. He bowed. “Good evening, Miss Elizabeth. May I apologize for our unfortunate delay? I hope that you will forgive me and allow your company for your next available set.” His eyes stared into hers, trying hard to display his regret. Elizabeth saw it.
“I admit to being disappointed in missing our set, sir. Unfortunately I am not available until the third.”
Darcy’s eyes expressed his hurt. “Thank you.” He said softly. He glanced at John, who was grinning at his supposed set down.
Elizabeth looked between the men. “Mr. Darcy, may I present Mr. Lucas? He is the son of Sir William, who you met at the door. Mr. Lucas, this is Mr. Darcy, a guest at Netherfield Hall.” The two men nodded slightly and stood sizing each other up.
“Miss Elizabeth?” She turned to see a youth standing nervously, and looking worriedly between the two angry men.
“Mr. Harris.” Elizabeth smiled warmly. “Are you ready for our dance?” Darcy and John both swung to take in the boy.
His eyes grew wide. “Y-y-yes.” Relieved to escape the standoff, Elizabeth hooked her hand onto his arm and led him to the floor. Darcy watched her go, appreciating already that she purposely accepted the young boy as a consideration for him. He looked back at John.
“So you are Darcy.” He leaned against a wall. “Your name is oddly familiar.”
“Is it? I am familiar with yours as well.”
John’s brow rose. “Eliza seems to be under the impression that you are interested in her.”
Darcy’s eyes narrowed, hearing him speak of Elizabeth in such a familiar way. Eliza, I never liked that name. She is Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth is a very astute woman.”
“I agree; I have had the pleasure of knowing her all my life, quite intimately. How long have you known her, Darcy?” John baited him, watching to see his reaction.
Darcy growled. “Long enough to know that she deserves the best.”
John laughed. “A rich man’s argument.” He took in Darcy’s handsome features and fine clothes. “What is your game, Darcy? What do you want with my Eliza?”
His eyes flashed dangerously. “I think that Miss Elizabeth would object to your claim of possession, it shows a lack of respect.”
John stood up straight and glared at him, his smirk gone. “And I think that you could have any woman in England. This one is spoken for.”
Darcy stepped closer. “Do not presume Lucas.” His eyes were black with his warning.
Before John could respond a low voice interrupted. “Gentlemen, I believe that this is not the place for a cockfight. We are here to dance.” Mr. Bennet stood between the men. “Lucas, could you introduce me to your friend?”
John continued glaring at Darcy. “This is the fabled Mr. Darcy.” He said with clear derision.
Mr. Bennet nodded. “Ah, I thought as much. Forgive me for interrupting, sir. I am Thomas Bennet.”
Startled, Darcy ripped his gaze away from John. “Mr. Bennet.” He bowed and met the man’s inquiring eyes. “I had hoped to meet you under …” he glanced at John, “calmer circumstances.”
A small smile appeared on Mr. Bennet’s face. “Well sir, I am sure that the opportunity will arise soon. You will bring your sister to visit Longbourn?”
Darcy relaxed. “Yes, Georgiana is looking forward to putting faces to the names in Miss Elizabeth’s letters.”
“Ah yes, the letters. Your sister was most prolific in her writing; sometimes I noticed two letters in Lizzy’s hand.” Mr. Bennet’s brows rose watching Darcy’s startled reaction. His eyes widened, and he shifted uncomfortably.
“Yes, Georgiana often thinks of more to say after she finishes a letter.” He wondered what Mr. Bennet suspected.
“How kind of you to save us the cost of delivery by employing your own messenger.”
John stepped in. “A worthy woman would not be impressed with such extravagance.”
Darcy’s glare returned. “It was hardly an extravagance when my servant was travelling between Derbyshire and London. It is also faster and more reliable than the post.”
Shifting his gaze away from Darcy, John turned. “I am sure, Mr. Bennet, that you are curious what would inspire such a wealthy gentleman to bestow his attentions on your daughter. I hope that you will warn the lady that he could not possibly be serious.”
“My daughter will determine if the attentions from ANY man are welcome. I believe that you are familiar with my opinions.” Mr. Bennet’s eyes took on an unusually serious cast as he stared at John.
Knowing he had stepped over the line with the man whose opinion mattered, John nodded. “Yes, sir.” He glanced at Darcy’s raised brow and walked away.
Darcy eyed Elizabeth’s father. “Sir, I do hope to pay a call to Longbourn tomorrow. I would appreciate a few moments of your time.”
“Would you? Well as you barely know my Lizzy, I can be assured that the conversation will not be about how you have fallen madly in love with her by reading your sister’s letters, correct?”
Mr. Bennet’s amused smile disconcerted him, but he raised his chin and answered truthfully. “Correct, sir.”
Mr. Bennet laughed. “Very well then, until tomorrow, sir.” He looked across the room to where John stood watching them. “I must say, it is quite fascinating to watch this play out.” Darcy’s gaze was again fixed on Elizabeth as she danced and was not listening. Mr. Bennet saw the intensity of his concentration. “Yes, quite fascinating.” He stepped away and taking a cup of punch, moved to the periphery of the dance floor to watch and see what might transpire next.
The dance ended, and Darcy saw Elizabeth directing the boy to escort her off of the floor and to him. He acknowledged the lad, who would not look at him, but nervously bowed and thanked Elizabeth for the dance, then with a look of utter relief departed. Elizabeth laughed watching him go, and smiling widely looked up to Darcy’s unrelenting and very warm gaze. “You are beautiful.”
Elizabeth blushed and looked down. “Thank you.” She whispered.
He stepped closer. “I can not begin to express how deeply sorry I am that I missed the opening set. To find you dancing with another man when it should have been me … I can hardly put my feelings into words, particularly when I learned his identity. Can you forgive me, my love?”
Elizabeth glanced up at him. He was so sincere, and she could tell it was only with a great effort that he did not take her into his embrace. She drew a deep breath and looked him head on. “Sir, I was very unhappy to find myself in such a difficult position.” She lifted a brow and tilted her head. “I shall consider your excuse then render my punishment.”
Darcy’s eyes widened and a slight smile appeared. He whispered so only she could hear. “I daresay any punishment of yours will be a pleasure to suffer, my dearest Elizabeth.”
She laughed. “Well, sir, I am waiting.”
Darcy drank in the sight of her beautiful laughing eyes. Punish me dearest, let me take you away from here and do your w
orst, I will gladly win my place back in your good graces. He pulled himself together and nodded over to a corner where Caroline and Louisa were holding court. “Do you see those two women over by the refreshment table?” Elizabeth stood near his shoulder and he inhaled her light scent, and longed to caress her hair with his lips. She nodded. “The one in blue is Louisa Hurst, Bingley’s eldest sibling. Beside her is his unmarried sister, Caroline Bingley. She is the reason for our delay tonight.”
Elizabeth turned to look up to him, finding his person close enough to feel the warmth of his body. She felt enveloped in his clean manly scent, and wished they were back in the seclusion of the forest. She regained command of her feelings and looked into his eyes. “Oh, and I assume that they were trying to repair the damage to their appearance and were unsuccessful?”
Darcy held in his amusement, and returned from his fantasy. “I do not see why you fear taking on the ton, Elizabeth, you have just proven that the spirit of cattiness lives in every woman.” She giggled. “In all seriousness, the sisters, I imagine; wish to show the poor residents of this village what it is to be a woman of society. They planned to come late to draw attention. I imagine Miss Bingley is wishing for my attention as well. This is the longest I have gone for some time without her attaching herself to my arm.” He shook his head.
“So you have a Mr. Lucas, too.”
His expression darkened. “The man is not easily dissuaded from you.” He watched her carefully. “Does he have your permission to call you Eliza?”
“I have asked him to stop.” She said quietly. “He persists nonetheless, and continues to insist that I call him John.”
“Do you like the name Eliza?” He asked softly, and watched as her face changed expression.
“I used to, when I came out our neighbours stopped calling me by my family name of Lizzy, and switched to the more adult name, but now, it just makes me hear his voice whenever it is spoken.” She caught his serious eye. “Please never call me that.”
He shook his head. “I will not.”
The music began again and they smiled at each other. “Finally it seems we shall have our dance.” Darcy held out his arm and Elizabeth gladly took it. It just felt so right to feel the strength lying beneath the coat. They took their places and looked across at each other. Nobody else was in the room. There was no need to speak, they were lost in the movement, their steps seemingly choreographed perfectly, as if the music, the night, the atmosphere was all designed for just them two. Gloved hands touched and parted, warmth was sensed and drawn away as they moved around and near. It was as if they were making love without ever touching.
Those in the room who observed the striking couple saw that there was certainly a connection. Mr. Bennet stood up and moved closer, carefully watching their faces. Mrs. Bennet saw nothing of the emotion, but crowed in triumph to the ladies around her. On opposite sides of the room two others looked upon the scene with great displeasure. Caroline began whispering furiously to Louisa, trying to determine who this country nobody was who not only had won a dance from Mr. Darcy, but his attention. John watched seeing only the desire in the eyes of the woman he wanted. His jealousy grew.
When the dance ended, the spell was broken and both of the lovers felt weak with the intensity of their exchange. Flushed, Darcy offered to bring Elizabeth some refreshment and led her over to where he saw Bingley standing with Jane. A familiar look in his eye awakened Darcy from his bewitched mood and back to reality. “Bingley.” He said, startling his friend.
“Darcy!” He smiled and looked at Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, what a pleasure to see you again. I do apologize for our delay this evening. My sisters were determined to make a grand entrance.” He nodded to the corner where Caroline and Louisa were staring at them, now trying to see who their brother had latched onto.
“Mr. Darcy explained it all to me, and I have decided to forgive him.” She smiled.
“You have?” He looked at her with surprise. “I think that I am disappointed. I was rather looking forward to hearing my penance.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I have no doubt that you will raise my ire again in the future, sir.”
He smiled, and leaned down to whisper. “I look forward to it.” She blushed.
Looking up she saw her sister’s amused smile. “Mr. Darcy, do you remember my sister, Jane?”
Darcy bowed to her. “Yes, Miss Bennet, I am delighted to meet you again. I see that you have been suffering the attentions of my friend. I hope that his charming manner has not been too overwhelming.”
“Mr. Bingley has been everything a gentleman should be, sir.”
Darcy looked at Bingley and cleared his throat. “I was just going to fetch some punch for Miss Elizabeth. Would you care to join me?”
They moved to the refreshment table and Bingley nudged him. “You and Miss Elizabeth seemed to get on well. She accepted your apology so easily?”
“Yes, although she suggests that we take two carriages from now on.” Bingley laughed. “She was not impressed with your sister’s fashion efforts.”
Bingley glanced at Caroline and grimaced. “Neither am I, but she was out to draw your attention, I think.” Darcy shuddered. “You will have to dance with her Darcy.”
Sighing he nodded. “Perhaps the next, then I will be free for Miss Elizabeth.” He tilted his head. “What do you think of Miss Bennet?”
“Oh Darcy, she is an angel!”
Darcy sighed. “Bingley, do not trifle with her, please.”
Bingley looked offended. “I never trifle with ladies!”
“A lady of the ton is likely more aware that you are only wishing to enjoy her company for a brief time. I fear that a sheltered country girl might have a more fragile heart.”
Bingley’s brow rose. “And she is Miss Elizabeth’s sister.”
He looked at him pointedly. “Please behave carefully.”
“Did it ever occur to you, Darcy; that I already am?” Bingley picked up his two cups of punch and led the way back to the ladies. Darcy studied the back of his head, wondering if he was serious.
Across the hall, Caroline had enough. “Come along, Louisa, we must stop Mr. Darcy and Charles before they are drawn in by these country upstarts.”
“I seriously doubt that Mr. Darcy is susceptible to the charms of these girls, Caroline. He has never paid attention to anybody. Miss Elizabeth is simply a friend of Georgiana’s.” Louisa said as they slowly walked across the room.
Caroline glanced at her. “You saw how he looked at her when they danced. He never dances outside of his party! Something is very wrong! I will not have these Bennet girls upset my plans for Mr. Darcy or Charles!”
Bingley and Darcy made their way back towards the ladies and very nearly lost their cups of punch when two wildly giggling girls ran in front of them. They arrived to find Jane blushing and Elizabeth’s mouth set in a grim line. “Will you please excuse me, Mr. Darcy? I need to speak to my sisters.”
“Those girls are your sisters?”
Elizabeth met his incredulous eyes. “Yes sir, please excuse me.” He realized her embarrassment, but she was striding away before he could apologize for his clumsy reaction and was left looking after her, still holding the punch.
Elizabeth reached Lydia and Kitty. She whispered in a furious tone, “What are you doing? You are making fools of yourselves in front of the entire neighbourhood!”
Lydia looked around her sister to peer at Darcy. “Oh pooh, Lizzy! You do not know how to have fun! Is that the Mr. Darcy Mama has been going on about? He looks far too stiff, and he never smiles. John Lucas is far more entertaining. I think you should accept him.”
Kitty eagerly chimed in. “Yes Lizzy! Mr. Darcy is handsome, I suppose, but I hope you do not marry him. Although, he is rich …” Kitty giggled. “That would make up for his dour face.” Lydia grabbed her arm and the two began whispering together.
Elizabeth took hold of both of their arms. “Neither of you have any sense nor can you judge an
other person by the expression on their face. Now, settle down!”
She began to return to Darcy when again she heard the soft voice near her ear. “Eliza.”
She closed her eyes in frustration. Will he not take a hint? She turned. “Mr. Lucas, I am not in the mood …” He caught up her hand and kissed it. “Mr. Lucas!” Her eyes flashed.
“Forgive me, but I could not resist. You look even lovelier when your eyes burn so passionately.”
She closed her eyes, her hands balled into fists. “Mr. Lucas, you wish to be friends. Why do you insist on … approaching me like this?” She attempted to control her anger and the volume of her voice. “Surely there is another suitable candidate for your attentions somewhere in this room!”
He drank in the fire he had never seen in any other woman. Beauty and strength, and he wanted it for his own. “Dance with me, Eliza.” He urged, reaching for her hand again.
“Mr. Lucas, I cannot.” She started back to where she left William.
“Mr. Darcy is engaged for the set, he is not your excuse.” He nodded to the floor where she saw William dancing with Caroline. Elizabeth turned back and saw the satisfied smile on John’s face.
Charlotte appeared at her side. “Eliza.” She jumped.
Lady Lucas approached from behind, she was surrounded. “Ah, Eliza, I knew you would not be fooled for long. These men from London are not here to find wives, no matter what your mother says. Why, they have barely acknowledged Charlotte and Maria.”
“Mr. Bingley did dance with me, Mama.” Charlotte said quietly.
Elizabeth felt for Charlotte’s discomfort, and tried to change the subject. “Lady Lucas, please …”
“Why are you not dancing?” She smiled and gave her a firm nudge towards John. Charlotte pasted a smile on her face and began to speak but was interrupted by Mrs. Bennet’s screech. For possibly the first time in her life, Elizabeth was grateful to see her mother.
