10. Chapter 10

June 7, 2014 - I really have come to dislike writing balls. Really, really dislike. Fortunately for you all, this was written before the apathy developed. Anyway... Time to put on those dancing shoes and get down, Regency style. (Somehow I have Jungle Boogie stick in my head now. GAH!)

Chapter 10

The carriages carrying the Bennet party were the last to arrive. Mrs. Bennet wanted to ensure that Mr. Bingley would lead Jane into the Ball.

Darcy and Georgiana had patiently waited just inside the room for Elizabeth to make her entrance. Upon spotting the pair, Elizabeth made her way over to them trying her best to shake off Mr. Collins in the process.

"Elizabeth, I am so glad to see you. You look so beautiful tonight! Does she not, Fitzwilliam?"

"She looks very well indeed, Georgiana. Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to see you this evening. I had my work cut out for me just keeping my sister here from ordering the carriage to take her to you since the last day we saw you. I had to remind her that the roads were in no shape for such a journey and that your family would not be expecting anyone in such weather."

"Though I would have welcomed the intrusion I assure you," Elizabeth replied.

The strains of music alerted everyone to the imminent beginning of the opening dance. Mr. Collins rushed over to claim Elizabeth for the set. She did not care for the way he looked at her. She only hoped that she was not the one he had chosen for his bride, though it seemed as though he had. She did not fear being forced to accept such a man. Her father would never inflict such a husband on her, no matter what the advantage to the family. The only concern was the unpleasantness that refusing any offer would entail.

Elizabeth was mortified by the conclusion of the first two dances. Mr. Collins, awkward and solemn, apologizing instead of attending, and often moving wrong without being aware of it, gave her all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give. The moment of her release from him was ecstasy. He led her to Charlotte Lucas and Elizabeth introduced the pair.

"Delighted to make any acquaintance of my fair cousin Elizabeth. If you will excuse me now I must claim my dances from another of my cousins. Ladies."

"At least that is over, Elizabeth," Charlotte began after he had left.

"Unless he tries to secure another dance!"

"And you have any left to give?"

Elizabeth laughed, "No, but that does not mean he will not try nor that one of my partners is unable to fulfill his commitment."

"At least this means you do not have to dine with him then. Who will your dinner partner be?"

"Partners, Charlotte. Mr. Darcy has engaged me for the Supper Dance so that I might be able to dine with Miss Darcy."

"I suppose he does not mind having to dine with you then?"

"Charlotte! He would do anything for his sister. But he and I are united in our desire for the best for Georgiana. I do not think he will mind my company."

Elizabeth's next dancing partner came to claim her for the next set. In fact Elizabeth did have partners for all the dances before supper. Her lively personality made her a desirable partner for all the young men at the Ball.

When the music started for the final dance before the meal, Darcy came and collected Elizabeth. Many eyes turned to them in wonder that Darcy would so single her out. They were both conscious of the stares but each decided not to let what they could not control bother them. They would enjoy their dance together and then have a pleasurable meal with Georgiana.

After a few moments dancing in silence Elizabeth was first to speak.

"Come sir, we must have a little bit of conversation while we dance. A little will do."

"What would you have me say?"

"You should comment on the size of the room or the number of couples."

"I believe there are the perfect number of couples for the size of the room."

Elizabeth laughed, "You only need comment on the weather and the state of the road and we shall have exhausted all topics of polite conversation!"

"You talk then as a rule when you dance?" Darcy was enjoying himself completely.

"Yes, it would seem odd to be silent for a whole half hour."

"Sometimes silence is preferable, Miss Bennet, but not right now."

"What news do you have of Mr. Wickham? I notice he is not here tonight even though I understand that Mr. Bingley issued a general invitation to all of the officers."

"Mr. Wickham has joined his new regiment in Surrey. Colonel Fitzwilliam has an old friend, Colonel Williams, who enjoys tormenting officers who take on the airs of gentleman when they have little claim to the title. When my cousin brought Mr. Wickham to his attention he was only too happy to take him in his regiment.

"What did Colonel Fitzwilliam tell him?"

"Fitzwilliam related that Wickham had grown up on my family's estate and that he abused the trust of my father. He told him that Wickham had squandered the legacy left him by my father and had refused the living that had been provided for him.

It was enough to convince Colonel Williams. He has also promised to keep my cousin apprised of Wickham's 'progress'. I am afraid Mr. Wickham is in for a surprise when he gets to Surrey. He is ignorant of the reasons behind his transfer. Imagine how surprised he will when he discovers that he has been brought in to be made an example."

"I am pleased for it to have worked out so well. Does Georgiana know he was here?"

"I told her after he was gone. I felt she needed to know he was here from me and not by overhearing some idle gossip."

"Did she take the news well?"

"Yes, she has much recovered from her trauma. I think she rather enjoyed the fate Fitzwilliam arranged for him. She was also glad that you were not taken in by his manners."

"So am I."

At that moment Sir William Lucas appeared close to them, meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the room; but on perceiving Mr. Darcy he stopped with a bow of superior courtesy to compliment him on his dancing and his partner.

"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss Eliza (glancing at her sister and Bingley) shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to Mr. Darcy, but let me not interrupt you, sir. You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me."

The latter part of this address was scarcely heard by Darcy; but Sir William's allusion to his friend seemed to strike him forcibly, and his eyes were directed with a very serious expression towards Bingley and Jane who were dancing together.

Elizabeth followed his eye towards he sister. She had recovered from Sir Williams's ill-mannered allusions and was looking with joy at her sister. Darcy's attention came back to his partner and he noted the look of pleasure on her face as she beheld the pair.

"Do you approve of Mr. Bingley and your sister?"

"I only wish for her happiness."

"And what would make her happy?"

"Being with those she loves, either with her family at Longbourn or in a home of her own someday."

This gave Darcy much to think on. He had never detected any symptom of peculiar regard by Miss Bennet for his friend. Could it have been there all along and he had missed it. And what of Bingley? Was he aware of the general expectation of the neighborhood? He needed to speak with him, and soon. After his behavior tonight he needed to make some decisions and Darcy needed to make sure Bingley was aware of what he was doing.

Elizabeth observed his silent contemplations. It was obvious he was thinking about her sister and his friend. She needed to change the subject before he became too withdrawn.

"I want to thank you, Mr. Darcy, for securing me such a delightful dinner partner. I look forward to sitting with Georgiana"

"And what about me, Miss Bennet, or have you forgotten I am to be your other dinner partner?"

"Oh no, sir! I am just not sure what manner of a dinner partner you will be!"

"I am wounded madam!" he mocked. "I have always been told I am a delightful dinner partner!"

"By Miss Bingley and every other woman like her?"

"Point taken, Miss Bennet. Do you think I will make a delightful dinner partner?"

"That depends on which Mr. Darcy shows himself."

"Pray enlighten me! What do you mean by 'which Mr. Darcy shows himself'?"

"Will it be the kind and solicitous brother or the reserved, does not care to be in much company Mr. Darcy?"

"Which would you prefer?"

"Neither!"

"You would have me be not what I am?" he cried.

"No, you mistake my meaning, sir!"

"Then what do you do mean?"

"I would wish to see the gentleman whom you really are!"

Darcy was stunned. What did she mean?

"What kind of gentleman do you think that I am?" he asked nervously.

"Do you truly want to know?"

"Yes."

"Well sir, you are a difficult man to get to know. If I were to have judged you on the usual reserve you present to the world in general I would have found you to be an extremely proud and disagreeable man. But, that is not who you are. You are a man of honor who takes his duties and responsibilities very seriously. You are a loving brother; anyone can see that. You are a loyal friend. I know that you have come to guide Mr. Bingley, but have not acted in a way that would overshadow him, even though it would be very easy for you to do just that. You are intelligent, and obviously well read. You weigh your decisions carefully, but act quickly and resolutely when you do come to a decision. You treat servants as human beings worthy of respect. You are not irreligious, for you have not missed a service while you have been here, which is more than I can say for our hostess. In short you are one of the best men I have ever known and it is an honor to know you and your wonderful sister, sir."

With that she was silent. He could only manage a mumbled "Thank you for your kind words," before the set had finished and he led her to meet Georgiana who was waiting for them at a table.

Elizabeth was no less affected by her words than he. Did she really just call him the best man she had ever known? Oh Lord, Jane was right! She would accept his attentions if he sought them. Why did she have to come to realize that now? Would it complicate things with Georgiana? She must stop dwelling on these thoughts! She was beneath him, they both knew that. He would never reject his duty to marry someone of equal wealth and status. She must not allow herself to be hurt. And she must return to her normal spirits, because they were even then approaching Georgiana at the dinner table.

"Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam! I very much enjoyed watching you two dance together. It is like you have been doing so for years. The harmony of you motions was sublime."

"Georgiana dear, you forget that you made me dance with Miss Elizabeth before. We are not totally unaccustomed to each other in the dance."

"Perhaps, but it was still enjoyable to watch. Come sit with me. I think you will be pleased with our table."

Georgiana, not being out and dancing made full advantage by securing a table full of pleasurable company. Miss Bingley was a few tables over and Mr. & Mrs. Bennet sat at the other end of the room.

"Well done, Georgiana!" Elizabeth laughed, "I see you have gone out of your way to ensure my comfort. Too bad Mr. Bingley and Jane had to sit with his sisters. But I am sure she will not be displeased considering her dinner partner."

As they neared the end of the meal Mr. Bingley asked Miss Bingley to oblige the company with a song. Elizabeth was relieved that she had remembered to speak with her sister Mary earlier that day.

"Mary, it is very likely that Mr. Bingley will call for young ladies to exhibit on the pianoforte this evening."

"I anticipate that he will, Elizabeth, that is why I have chosen two numbers to bring with me tonight."

"Mary, I need to remind you that Mr. Bingley will first ask Miss Bingley to play. When she is finished then other ladies will be asked to take her place. Please understand that you should only plan on playing one piece, especially if there are many ladies willing to play. I would suggest you play that new air you have been practicing."

"But I was planning on playing the other new piece, the one with three movements."

"That would be fine in a smaller gathering but tonight there will be dancing and all. Keep it light and short and you will bring much more pleasure to those who are anxious to return to the dancing."

"I do not know what pleasure it is that so many find in the dance. But what you say is proper. Do not worry, I shall follow your advice, Elizabeth."

And so she did. The air she played was received with more polite applause than she was used to and she almost began playing her second piece before Elizabeth's words came to mind. She blushed and moved to allow the next lady her turn. As she looked up at Elizabeth she was rewarded by one of her sister's famous bright smiles as she nodded her approval. Mary had little experience being on the receiving end of one of those smiles from her sister. She found unexpectedly that it brought her great comfort. Perhaps it might be worth spending a little less time with her books and more with the company of her sisters, well her two eldest at least.

Darcy quite enjoyed his dinner. His companions were amiable and he was able to converse with them in the easy manner they were accustomed to. The other persons at his table were well mannered as well.

Without much thought he asked Elizabeth, "Do you have any remaining dances that I might claim one, Miss Elizabeth?"

For some reason Elizabeth colored and looked shyly at him before responding.

"Aye, the last one sir."

"No one has claimed the last dance! I am astonished!"

"I have been asked but I told them I was engaged elsewhere." She said uneasily.

"But you just said that you had the last one free?"

Elizabeth bit her lip, unafraid of what he might think of her answer. Georgiana observed with growing amusement. Elizabeth was clearly discomposed. Whatever for?

"After my sister Jane's second Ball I resolved to always save the last dance for my dinner partner. I reasoned that if I felt comfortable dining with him then at least the last dance would be enjoyable."

"And if you found that person disagreeable?"

"My father knows of my resolution. If I ever found myself desirable of another partner I would then claim his prior commitment and I would dance the last with him instead."

"Why were you so embarrassed to tell me? It seems a very reasonable resolution."

"I was afraid you would think me begging a dance with you, Mr. Darcy."

"But I am the one who asked you! Will you be dancing the last with your father, Miss Elizabeth?"

"How can I when you have already asked me, Mr. Darcy!" she smiled.

Strangely relieved, he smiled back and said, "I look forward to it, Madam."

It was only after the dancing began again the he kicked himself. 'Oh Lord, I have done the thing I have said I would not do and singled Miss Elizabeth out,' he thought. 'It is done now and there is nothing for it. I might as well enjoy it!'

With that he went to claim Mrs. Hurst for their dance.

Finally it was the last dance of the evening and Darcy led Elizabeth to the set. Once again they were the objects of many looks of surprise. This time they were too lost in their own thoughts to notice. Their actions were as harmonious as the last dance but there was a tension neither wished to break. They moved in silence, content with the pleasures of the brief touches the dance induced. At last it was over and Darcy led Elizabeth over to her father.

"Mr. Bennet, please allow me to apologize for taking your place with your daughter for the last dance. She assured me that you would understand. Miss Elizabeth, thank you for the pleasure of your company for both our dances tonight. I only hope that I was a worthy enough partner for you."

"The pleasure was all mine, Mr. Darcy, I have never stood up with a better dancer sir."

Darcy smiled, "Mr. Bennet, Miss Elizabeth" he said taking her hand in his bowing, and bestowing the lightest of kisses on her fingers, and then took his leave to go and find his sister.

Just as she had done in insuring that they were the last to arrive, Mrs. Bennet made sure they were the last to leave.

When they were finally gone Mr. Bingley invited Darcy to join him in the library for some brandy.

"I will be there after I see Georgiana to her rooms, Bingley. I have a wish to talk to you tonight."

"I will be awaiting you there, Darcy. Send my best wishes for a good night's sleep to your sister."

Bingley made his way to the Library to await his friend. He too had many things he wished to speak to Darcy about, and he could not bear to wait until morning to do so.

I killed a preposition at the end of one sentence but let them slide elsewhere. Sigh. I really have learned not to end a sentence with a preposition. Until tomorrow.