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Chapter 11: Ghosts of our past
"You are my absolute hero." Elise murmured as they danced farther away from the lecherous
Mr. Collins. Darcy chuckled.
"It looked painful from my vantage point, I can't imagine how it must have been from yours."
"He just.. talks so much."
He grimaced.
"Don't I know it. He introduced himself for a good ten minutes before we even began business discussions."
Elise cringed along with him, taking a moment to look about the room. Things had been going well. Darcy was charming in a brooding sort of way which seemed to both mystify and intrigue the potential investors. As such, Elise wasn't entirely sure if she was seeing things or perhaps had sipped her champagne a little too fast but it seemed to her Darcy was supremely uncomfortable.
He kept turning his neck in his collar, as though it were too tight and fussing with the cuffs of his sleeves when he believed no one was watching. Had she not spent the last few months working for him, she wouldn't have even noticed the near imperceptible snap of his fingers. But every so often, if she listened for it she could hear it, a soft and steady snapping noise at his side as he walked.
"Bennett?"
"Huh?" She blushed, he always seemed to catch her off guard.
"I was just asking if you wanted to sit down."
She smiled with a shake of her head.
"I know i'm small but I promise, even I can last one dance."
"Actually it's been three but thank you for the compliment."
Elise frowned, nose scrunching while Darcy tried not to notice the warmth growing in his belly from seeing the absentminded habit.
"Three already? That speaks pretty well of your dancing skills."
It was his turn to blush.
"My mother insisted I take lessons when I was younger. It does come in handy,
every so often."
"You go dancing?"
He chuckled.
"Never. But my sister enjoys having a partner at events she's already familiar with."
Smoothly he spun her outward and brought her back in, slipping back into the steps with ease. Elise found herself acutely aware of just how close they were, of the warmth from his hand pressing through the fabric of her dress and the scent of his aftershave drifting about him lazily. Unfortunately she could also feel the watchful eyes of several people around them.
"Why are they staring?" She mumbled.
"That tends to happen when I'm around a woman." He admitted.
"Why? The tabloids hoping to get a big scoop?" She joked, eyes widening when he shrugged.
"Darcy tell me you're not serious."
"People find my love life, or the lack there of, interesting for some reason."
"Because of the company?"
"I assume so. The company, the money it brings in, my inheritance- I'm sorry. I don't even know why I'm telling you all this. And no doubt you came for a nice evening, not to hear me boast of my accomplishments."
She was quiet briefly, and then looked up at him.
"I hope that i'm not overstepping any bounds here but… that sounds really lonely."
He blinked.
"You're the first one to think so. After all, I can buy anything I want, go anywhere I want, see whoever I want-"
"But do you?"
He hesitated, disliking how easily her eyes seemed to stare into his soul.
"Sorry. Sorry. That was- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be nosy, I'm sorry."
"It's fine, you don't have to apologize."
She clamped her mouth shut and offered a sheepish smile, making a zipping motion with her lips. He smiled kindly in return and swayed with her, guiding them around the dance floor gracefully. After two tries of Mr. Collins attempting to cut in, the pair quickly became experts at avoiding the obtuse young man.
"Isn't he a client though?"
"We've already got the account."
"Wait, how? You only just met with him yesterday-"
"I've had words with Mr. Collin's employer, we're in the process of drawing up contracts. We can discuss that more once the contracts arrive. In the meantime, could I get you something to drink?"
"One's kind of my limit but a ginger ale would be nice."
He nodded and led her to a table, going to order their beverages. She crossed one leg over the other, rubbing her feet and waving with a smile towards Jayne and Bingley. The pair looked completely besotted by each other, dancing almost as if no one else was around. Elise wouldn't be one bit surprised if a few months down the line Bingley propo-
Oh god. No. It couldn't be..
Shemar thanked the bartender, eyes already searching out the seat he'd left Elise in. He was careful to remind himself they were just friends, that tonight they were here in a professional capacity. She gave herself little credit, he'd enjoyed their dances and was considering asking for another when he caught sight of her face.
She wore the same expression as their failed blind date, her face almost green around the edges and lips moving soundlessly. He hurried over, mumbling excuses and at her side in an instant feeling strangely protective of the young woman.
"Bennett? What is it? Are you ill?"
"Denny… Denny.." She whispered hoarsely.
He looked around, eventually spotting the young man she had fixated on. He was laughing uproariously, a woman on each arm and flirting heavily with the both of them. His hair was carefully tousled, in a look that was guaranteed to look natural after an hour or so of fussing. But it was his eyes that left a chill on Darcy's spine. They were hungry, with a wicked gleam and a smirk that spoke volumes.
"It's alright, he's not in our party-"
"I have to go. I have to go now." She was racing for the table, grabbing her clutch and and in a clear panic.
"Let me at least find your sis-"
"No time. I have to go, please excuse me!"
He followed her to the coat check, watching in confusion as she tapped her foot impatiently and looked over her shoulder every few seconds.
"You're gonna have an awful time trying to get a taxi this time of night if you don't wait for your sister and Bingley."
"I can't-"
"I know, I know. You have to go." He cut her off and handed in his coat ticket as well.
"Sir-."
"I'll give you a ride. Let me just go and make my excuses, I'll have Mrs. Reynolds ensure everyone ends the night on a good note."
"Sir.. Darcy. I can't ask you to just leave-"
"You're not. I'm volunteering. And anyway, I've already schmoozed with the important ones and they've headed out. All that's left are the young bucks."
"Bu-"
"This isn't up for discussion Bennett. Whatever's going on, it looks pretty serious. Not only are you my employee, you're my friend and maybe you're in trouble. So I'll do what I can to help."
He rushed off, leaving her speechless and hugging her coat tightly. In less than five minutes they were bundled up snuggly in the back of Darcy's car, and Elise was headed for home.