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Chapter 10: A proposition

"Miss Bennett? Kindly inform your employer I am here for my appointment." strode in, his wingtip shoes clacking all the way. She was also fairly certain he was wearing lifts, because his walk was stiff and ungainly as though he weren't used to being that far from the ground.

Then again it could just be the stick up his butt. Elise mused and then forced a pleasant expression to rest on her features.

"Certainly Mr. Collins. Can I offer you anything while you wait?"
"Spring water with a lemon on ice."

"That'll be just a moment."

She went to one of the backrooms and readied the glass as instructed, mumbling to herself but trying hard to remain cordial.

"Here we are." She set it down and headed for Darcy's door. A light knock and he bid her to come in.

"Mr. Collins is here for his appointment."

Darcy groaned and then smiled slightly.

"I did that out loud, didn't I ?"

"I didn't hear anything sir."

He chuckled.

"Glad to see your selective hearing is working today. Send him in."

"Yes sir."

"Oh, Bennett?"

"Sir?"

"There's going to be a business dinner tomorrow night, I'd like for you to be in attendance. Not incredibly formal, but potential investors would like to see me "away from the company" so to speak. Dancing and dining, though publicly dancing is not something I enjoy. Think of it as a cocktail party."

She nodded, mind whirling. Her first cocktail party in ages, hopefully Jayne could help her-

"Bennett? Elise?"

Her head snapped up, torn from her musings by his voice.

"Sorry sir. I'll be there."

"Excellent. I'll email you the details later on today. And take an early lunch, I don't think i'll be done with this meeting for quite some time."

The two shared a smile, both amused by Collin's ridiculous and long-winded speeches before Elise went back out to the waiting area near her office.

"Mr. Darcy will see you now."

"At last! My esteemed employer Madame De Bourgh would be most displeased with such a wait, as she so often says one must show preparedness by being punctual."

"Right."

He nodded, satisfied that he had passed on his employer's wisdom to one less fortunate than himself and headed into the office. Elise shook her head at his arrogance and decided to spend her lunch thinking about what sort of clothing to wear to her first dinner with the company.

The next evening, Darcy suited up and prepared for the night ahead of him. As head of such a prestigious company as Pemberly digital, first impressions were everything. He'd worked for years to become more agreeable, studying topics of conversation as others would research essay presentations. He was almost painfully shy and so used email, texting or letter writing as often as possible.

Elise has probably never been shy a day in her life. He mused on the way to the party. He ought to have offered her a ride, but then was that acceptable within the parameters of being friends? He didn't have many friends and even fewer who were female so he wasn't really sure what the proper etiquette was.

Then there was the added problem of their work situation. Just suppose one day she agreed to dinner? Then what was he to do? Technically speaking she was head of a department, not working directly under him. But he often used her more like a personal assistant.. perhaps he could assign her a new work title? With a sigh Darcy leaned back. Since when did he give this much thought to a woman? What was it about her that so intrigued him?

He'd still been pondering this as his driver pulled up to the supper club and got out to open his door for him. He straightened his tie, pulled down his cuffs and nodded at Reggie who knew him well enough to sense his nerves. He smiled, tipped his hat and all but gave him a pat on the shoulder before getting back in the vehicle. The little nudge was enough to get him inside and shaking hands.

So far, things were going alright. He'd tried hard to stay focused, this was not a night out on the town, this was business. He needed to seem lighthearted, yet capable. If he could manage that then the night would be a-

His mouth went dry as he caught sight of Bennett coming in, along with her sister and Bingley. Secretly he was glad that Charles had decided to come tonight, he always knew how to liven things up in just the right way. And Elise would undoubtedly be more at ease in the presence of her sister.

She looked.. amazing. Her dark hair hung in loose curls looking elegant against the dark green of her sheath dress, a simple silver chain hanging in the v-neck of her outfit. She'd done something to her eyes, making them look large and soft and he found her entirely enchanting.

So much for looking capable.

Elise was trying hard to relax. She looked nice, wearing a dress that John had always hated but had actually been one of her favorites. It felt good to wear it now, to receive compliments and be treated like the adult she was. The club itself was phenomenal, with fountains at the entrance and twinkling lights above them, a mirrored dance floor and wide booths for their party's seating.

Jayne and Bingley had already planned on coming here this evening, when they found out Elise would be going as well they were thrilled. Bingley had really taken a shining to her and she liked the young man a lot. He made her sister happy, treated her well and was generally well-liked by all who knew him. That was enough for Elise.

The one thing that had her off her game was Darcy. The man had been watching her for the better part of an hour and she wasn't sure what that meant. Hada she dressed inappropriately? Was there something in her teeth? A glance in the ladies room mirror put those fears to rest. But then why else would he be staring?

Elise was still wondering what it meant when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning, she found herself face to face with David Collins.

"Miss Bennett. I would find it a great pleasure if you would agree to honor me with a dance."

"Oh. Um.. that's very flattering but I don't think-"

"Excellent!"

Without waiting for another protest he took her hand and made his way to the dance floor. Elise cringed at the feeling of his sweaty palms clasping hers but there was little she could do as he began to dance. At least, she assumed that's what he was doing, he moved with the awkward, stilted steps of a toddler and stepped more on her feet than the actual floor.

"You move well Miss Bennett. Perhaps you are not entirely incompetent. Rather, I find you utterly charming."

"Thank you?"
"Quite welcome. My most esteemed and honorable employer Madame De Bourgh would be delighted to find you such a capable dance partner. As she always says, one must be in touch with their own movement to understand the ways of others."

"How.. interesting."

"Isn't it? Madame De Bourgh is always so full of wisdom, as she should be for a woman with such-"

As he rambled on and on, Elise looked desperately for some means of escape. She was on the verge of faking a fainting spell when Darcy intervened.

"May I cut in?"

"Well-"

"Of course. Mr. Collins, you don't mind do you?"

Both turned to her dance partner who blinked owlishly and then nodded.

"I would not, after all, wish to offend-"

"Thank you sir. Please enjoy yourself this evening."

And with that Darcy whirled a very grateful Elise away.