A/N: This chapter is a bit short, and I'd like to tell you, dear readers, that the next one will be up within the next couple of days. I'm just re-editing parts as I go. FYI - there was one tiny detail I missed when proofreading Chapter 1 before posting it, and I have corrected it. Don't worry - it's nothing major for the characters, just a little adjustment in our timeline.

Format concerns: I saw some authors on here use P&P&P as a divider, instead of the long line I have been using, so I have done the same starting this chapter. If that was your story, please be assured I mean it as the sincerest form of flattery... and because I have no other idea how to put time/spaces/divisions on here!

Again, thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Welcome to those who are new to the story, hope you enjoy the ride - and to those who have been there since Chapter 1 was posted, thank you for staying.

NYT, thank you for your reviews, felt like I had to say this though - it will be revealed, but not in the next two chapters, it may be a little while... but we'll get there! Hope the upcoming chapters hold your interest.

-DCM

Chapter 4

It was already five past seven in the evening when William came in from his meetings. He hurried to his bathroom, turning the shower stream on high as he undressed. There was no time for a shave, he thought, as he dried his hair quickly with the bath towel; so tonight he would look a bit rough around the edges but not unkempt, he hoped.

William moved into the bedroom after splashing himself with cologne and made quick work of his white shirt and trousers. Socks, shoes and jacket in hand, he walked into the common room to finish dressing in front of the large mirror just by the entrance, keeping a close eye on the clock.

7.28. He shrugged on his jacket and tugged on his bowtie, willing himself to feel calm. In the silence of the suite William suddenly felt anxious of the night to come. His eyes flickered back and forth from the clock to his image in the mirror and he took a steadying breath, closing his eyes.

A click, and he turned, unable to mask his surprise as Elizabeth stepped out, her hair swept up, wearing a sleeveless, unadorned, dark plum-hued gown that reached the floor. Her eyes met his, and he saw her smile tentatively. William was certain the pleasure evident on his face was enough to dispel any apprehensions she might have held, and when her nervous expression faded into a full smile he felt a great sense of relief. Suddenly overcome - he let the smile on his face grow to reach his ears.

"Do you think they would approve?" She teased, her voice a bit breathless. In truth the look of complete delight on his face as his eyes traveled down her body had left her flustered. His sincere expression of pleasure had been unexpected, but one she welcomed nonetheless.

William moved closer to her, the smile still on his face. His voice was low and warm. "If someone found you lacking, I would call them blind," he said, shrugging on his jacket. He opened the door and soon they were out in the hallway, waiting for the lift. She kept her eyes on the floor, still feeling the effect of his bold compliment, certain it was obvious in the deep pink of her cheeks. A beat, the doors opened, and they stepped in.

She sneaked a glance at William as they moved down floors, her eyes tracing his profile. He made a tall, striking figure in his formal clothes, looking more imposing than usual tonight.

Once the doors slid open, he turned to her and offered his arm. In the hotel lobby, there were a few finely-dressed guests milling about, waiting to enter the ballroom. They joined the cluster just by the banquet hall's entrance. A number of the guests turned to look at them, and some unabashedly stared – and though William kept his gaze pinned to the ballroom beyond, Lizzy was not impervious to the questioning looks. She tensed beside him, feeling her unease rise.

His head bent down just as she licked her lips nervously, his mouth stopping just inches from her left ear. "Don't be frightened, I won't throw you to the wolves," he joked, his voice low and reassuring.

"That makes me feel better," she whispered.

"In any case these are just the guests, the photographers inside are much more intimidating," he murmured, and she threw him a look of alarm just as they entered the ballroom and flashbulbs exploded in their faces.

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Guests were standing up to dance and mingle, having finished the meal's last course. William looked to Elizabeth on his right, amused at the way she carefully set down the dessert spoon beside her plate. She then daintily wiped her mouth with the cloth napkin, then placed it neatly beside the spoon. She had been mostly silent throughout the meal, indulging in polite conversation with the woman seated beside her, and of course, himself – she was, obviously, still on edge. He was thankful for both of them that they were seated with a group of virtual strangers, as that meant they could keep the conversations polite, formal, and brief.

He should have warned her earlier about the photographers that were expected to be there, and that more than a few heads would turn at their arrival. Save for tonight, it was only Georgiana that he brought to these events. And here she was, lovely and serene - he could not get over it - and seated beside him.

He had to suppress the urge to grin foolishly. For once his companion had gotten more attention than he.

"What are you thinking?"

He shook his head slightly, turning to face her. Her expression held barely concealed restlessness as she waited for his answer.

"The sorbet was wanting," he said blandly, a smile playing on his lips. His answer seemed to satisfy her, though it clearly did nothing for her mood. She started to fidget in her seat. "Still nervous?"

"A little. I clearly haven't had enough champagne," she teased, and his smile grew.

"The waiters have been remiss, then."

"Ah," she said shrugging her shoulders. "I would have thought the service here flawless." Their banter seemed to have rid her of her nervousness, and she leaned back in her chair, tilting her head at him. "What now? Do we mingle?"

William looked into her dancing eyes and felt a warmth inside him begin to grow. How glad was he to be here, in this sea of people, in her company? While Georgiana was gregarious and lived for events like these, he had never felt comfortable in large, formal gatherings and tonight, he had someone to share the feeling with. Applause sounded from the dance floor as the music faded, and when the first few strains of the next song began to play he thought to repay her for the favor. He remembered how she had been dancing almost the entire time the night they first met. William raised his left eyebrow and flashed her an inquiring look.

"I think we should dance."

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They moved fluidly to the music, and Lizzy was pleasantly surprised to learn that, in the last four years, he had learned to like dancing – or at least, he had practiced enough to feel more comfortable on the dance floor. The band was playing jazzy renditions of the classics and the easy steps to their dance made conversation much easier to handle. Couples glided across the floor with ease and she found herself almost giddy with the thrill of the night.

Here she was, blending effortlessly in the elegant crowd, in her partner's capable arms, in the beautiful dress she had luckily found in one of the city's fanciest boutiques. If someone had told her but a few days ago that she would be at a fancy ball dancing with William Darcy tonight she would have rightly said - "In what universe?" The irony of it all made her smile.

The song ended and they separated to face the orchestra, joining the crowd in applause. The band stood up to take a break and with a hand on her back, William escorted her off the floor just as another group of musicians went up on stage to begin playing another set of songs. A server passed by bearing a tray of freshly-filled champagne flutes and he took one for each of them. The rhythmic beating of the drums signaled a medley of Latin songs and Lizzy turned to William, her eyes bright with anticipation. Latin music had always been one of her favorites to dance to with its pulsating tempo and sensual melodies.

William's attention however, had been caught by someone else. She heard a loud "Darcy!" and turned her head to see a tall blonde man making his way to where they stood, a wide, toothsome smile on his face.