A/N: Thank you for your reviews. They keep me going, if a bit slower than usual these past weeks due to a number of real-life events that kept me away from the computer. I am glad most of you liked the flashback in the previous chapter - I was hoping for that reaction. Anyway, on with Chapter 6 (this one's a bit short but the next chapter will be up in a few days) and as always, please read and review. -DCM

Chapter 6

"Well, I have to say I am altogether quite impressed. You dance extremely well," Richard declared, smoothly guiding their feet on the dance floor.

"I would say the same thing, if I weren't afraid of bruising your ego," Lizzy grinned impishly, moving slowly within his arms. It was already their third dance, and with the music having significantly slowed down to a waltz, they were finding it easier to converse.

Richard looked at his partner with contained curiosity. Her tone was lightly teasing, but far from what he would consider flirtatious… her expression was much too open to be deemed coy. He gave her a look of mock disapproval. "You give me far too much credit." Her lips curved in a half-smile before she turned away to look at the other couples on the dance floor.

"So you and William are friends?"

Lizzy turned back to face Richard. "Yes."

"He's been selfish then, keeping you all to himself. If I'd known he had a friend as lovely as you, I would have pushed for an introduction," he said.

She wondered if it was always this easy for him to shift to flirtatious banter, knowing his partner would respond encouragingly.

Not that she was thinking of flirting back.

"I just arrived from New York."

"Ah, so this is a holiday visit?"

"Well... I was there for work. Now I'm back here for the same thing."

"Any plans for the holidays?"

"I'm spending it in Baslow with my sister and her family."

"Baslow? That's about half an hour's drive from my own family's property, as William's. Will this be your first time there?"

"To their new house, yes," she replied. She spotted William just on the edge of the dance floor, staring thoughtfully into his drink.

"If you're fond of the outdoors I think you'll find the area to your liking. There's already a thick layer of snow on the hills, and they say there will be more before the month ends. I hope you brought enough warm clothing," he continued, and she nodded absently. Following her gaze he realized she was looking at Darcy – who looked bored stiff, still standing in the spot they left him, the champagne flute in his hand his only companion. He had not meant to monopolize her company for more than one dance, but he had found her company quite diverting…

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Though Lizzy had enjoyed Richard's company, she was a little anxious to return to William by the end of the third song. Her partner's occasional silence during the latter half of the last dance had greatly differed from his flirty, overly chatty behaviour in the first two. The feeling that she was being evaluated was a little unsettling.

She walked ahead of Richard, meeting William's eyes over his champagne flute as he took another sip. He replied to her apologetic smile with a faint grin of his own, eyebrows raised in question.

"He finally step on your toes?"

Richard flashed him a wry smile. "Sorry about that. I didn't realize we'd been gone for more than one song." His apology was acknowledged by a nod, and he glanced at his watch. "I ought to find my father before he leaves with mum," Richard said, offering his right hand to William in a handshake. "I'll see you in a few days?"

William shook his hand. "Yes, once Georgiana arrives."

"Elizabeth, it's been a pleasure. I do hope to see you again."

A tilt of his head, a dazzling smile of even white teeth - Lizzy seriously thought he was going to wink at her - and then he turned and disappeared into the crush. "Quite the charmer."

He gave her a sideways glance. "That he is."

After a few minutes of standing silent, William placed his empty glass on a nearby table and at last turned to face her. "Shall we call it a night?" he murmured, offering his arm. She inclined her head, and together they discreetly made their way out of the ballroom.

The lift's doors slid open to reveal an empty car - and they stepped in, separating to lean against the back wall as they moved floors.

"Thank you," William's voice was low and sincere.

She turned her head to him, a soft smile on her face. "I had fun."

His mouth quirked at one corner as he looked at her thoughtfully. "So did I."

He swiped the card key and opened the door to the suite, stepping aside to let her into the room. Lizzy stood on one foot, then the other, tugging off her heels. William took off his jacket and hung it on the coat rack.

He intended to go straight into his room after bidding her a quick goodnight; but at the sight of her little toes digging into the carpet William stopped, turning to face her once more.

"Elizabeth. You were brilliant." He smiled as she turned to face him.

"You're welcome," she replied, whispering a soft "goodnight" as she walked into her room.

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Fifteen minutes later she had her teeth brushed, face washed, formal updo undone, and the dress back on its padded hanger. Getting out of costume was always much simpler than getting into it, she mused, grinning. Lizzy pulled an oversized sweater over her flannel pajamas and fell into bed.

Had tonight been a success? Yes, it seemed so, at least William's last statement was proof of that. He usually preferred silence to speech but when he did choose to communicate, he never minced words - and tonight she appreciated that.

The idea of William's reticence brought forth thoughts of the cousin who seemed to be his complete opposite - at least when it came to loquaciousness. Definitely much better-looking in real life than in pictures, Richard Spencer was tall, tanned, and broad-shouldered in black-tie. The air of easy confidence he displayed was unaffected, and combined with his obliging smile, the overall effect, she assumed, was potent to the opposite sex. He was openly appealing, and there was something to be said for that; he was obviously very comfortable in his attractiveness.

There was nothing in him that reminded her of William, at least inherently. William... if she were to be entirely honest with herself, was quite good-looking, but beyond that he did nothing to call attention to his physical attributes. He was the silent type, solemn and thoughtful; and without a visible indication of his favour most would shy away from him.

Lizzy turned to her side, facing the pale moon framed by the large window. She pulled the covers up to her chin and yawned softly, sleep overtaking thoughts of the two men she had danced with tonight.