A Wife for Mr. Darcy

much beauty is before you.”
    “I would be honored, Miss Elizabeth.”
    Lizzy would have accepted him, but at that moment, Mary had given in to Lydia and Kitty’s pleas to play a jig, and after the first chords were struck, numerous guests flocked to the small dance floor.
    “That is very kind, sir, but as you can see there is little room for another couple, but hopefully you will ask again.”
    With Sir William believing he had brought the pair together, he departed in search of the few guests who might not have heard his story of being knighted at St. James’s Palace, leaving the couple to make their own way. And then there was the silence Mr. Darcy dreaded. These pregnant pauses were a particular irritant to him because he was ill-equipped to fill them.
    “I was beginning to think you might not come, Miss Elizabeth.”
    “Yes, I can imagine. Since you are new to the neighborhood, you do not know our family’s history. We are always late. You have no idea of the complexities of having five daughters and their mother leave a house all at the same time.”
    “I may have some idea of your situation as my sister recently came out into society. I must say armies have marched with fewer provisions and less fanfare than that required of a young lady making her debut.”
    And then he smiled, and Lizzy felt her heart flutter. Alas, Mr. Darcy was someone who was far beyond her reach. She would have to be grateful for just the one dance. Unfortunately, he did not ask again.
    Although Mr. Darcy did not claim his dance, the evening passed agreeably. Lizzy had found partners in John Lucas, Colonel Forster, and Captain Denny, and after dancing with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Long, Mr. Darcy had joined Charlotte and Lizzy, who were urging the colonel to host a ball in Meryton. When Lizzy noticed that Mr. Darcy was listening to their conversation, she asked, “Will you add your support to my efforts, Mr. Darcy?”
    “That is unnecessary as you expressed yourself with great energy. The subject of dancing always renders a lady eloquent.”
    “That is because there are few things I enjoy as much as dancing, sir.”
    “Would teasing be among the few?” he asked.
    “Only when the person being teased has little experience with it.”
    Sensing the levity in their exchange, Charlotte took Lizzy’s hand and explained that she was leading her friend to the pianoforte so that she might exhibit her talents. “It is her turn to be teased, Mr. Darcy.”
    “If that is the case, then I shall not move from this spot.”
    Lizzy was not a proficient, but the delight she experienced in playing was evident, and her performance merited a request for another. While she performed her second piece, Miss Bingley came and stood next to Mr. Darcy, and he felt as if a sinister shadow had darkened his path.
    “Is it not insupportable that we must pass an evening in such society because my brother insists on having a house in the country?” The whine continued at length. She complained of the noise, the heat, the lack of fashion, and the self-importance of the guests.
    “My mind was more agreeably engaged, Miss Bingley. I was reflecting on the pleasure a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow, as is the case with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
    Miss Elizabeth Bennet! He could not be serious! If she had fine eyes, then that was the only thing that was attractive about her. Her clothes were out of fashion, and who did her hair? And what of her family?
    “I agree with you, Mr. Darcy. Other than Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth is certainly the most attractive of the Bennet daughters, and I am sure you were entertained by Miss Mary Bennet’s exhibition on the pianoforte. I do not recall if you were introduced at the assembly to the younger sisters, but they are certainly enthusiastic in dancing with all of the young officers. Then there is their mother, Mrs. Bennet, who has so much to say and is so easily heard saying it.”
    “None of which affects my admiration of Miss Elizabeth’s eyes,” he answered. Nevertheless, he found it unfortunate that the lady had such a family, especially in light of Bingley’s attentions to her sister. Caroline might be right. This may not be the best place for a young man, such as Charles, whose heart was easily touched, and because of that, their continued stay in Hertfordshire would require more thought.

Shortly after the gathering at Lucas Lodge, Mr. Darcy left Hertfordshire for London to visit