Chapter 21

No one had notice their altercation as Lizzie had not even raised her voice, much as she had wanted to. Darcy was looking devastated. He looked back at her when she mentioned Catherine. He could see she was only just holding it together, he took a step forward but before he could say anything they were interrupted

"There you are Darcy, oh and Miss Bennet. You both are needed in the ballroom. Anne wants to switch partners Darcy so you should dance with her while I dance with Richard. Elizabeth, you can wait and dance the next"

Elizabeth raised her eyes to Darcy at the insult. She could see he understood. He was just about to open his mouth when she turned.

"Thank you Ms De-Burg but I have danced enough. I think I may have strained my ankle on the last dance. I shall go to my room and rest it I think. I am sure it will be better by tomorrow" and without a backward glance she was gone.

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Darcy didn't know what had hit him. When he had found out Elizabeth was going to be at the hotel for the week he was thrilled. Here was a chance to spend some time with her. See what she likes, show her what he liked.

Richard had flirted on the first night but Darcy had spoken to him letting him know he had intentions and he had taken the hint. Richard had then proved quite useful and Darcy had been able to accidentally meet with Elizabeth on a number of occasions. Each time making him realise more of his hearts desire. Originally he had just thought he was enticed by her but the more time he spent with her the less it was about a physical attraction.

When he had walked in to the ball room she took his breath away. Her gown was elegant and flattering and displayed her figure perfectly. Dancing with her had been blissful. When she had moved in to the other room he had assumed she was wanting him to follow, encouraging him to make a move.

The resulting argument was awful and the worst part was that she was right. Who was he to judge her mum and sister? What she said about silly teenagers, couldn't that apply to Georgiana? The thought that he had broken up a couple actually attached to each other hurt him. He had believed Jane was cheating and when he watched her with Bingley he could not see anything that suggested she liked him a lot. Even Bingley had said she didn't seem to text or call him. But Elizabeth would know better how her sister felt.

His mind wasn't in the dancing and he excused himself not much later. Alone in his room he paced. What could he do to make this better? And what about Wickham? What lies had he told her. When he saw them together on the street that day she had implied that they did not know each other. How had that become telling each other secrets? Had she been seduced by him? The thought made him go cold. He should have warned her or stopped him.

There was nothing for it. He would have to explain himself. He made to head to her room and stopped himself. She would not want to talk to him. It would become a confrontation. No. He should write a letter.

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Elizabeth didn't go to her room she walked out and around the house, enjoying the cool air and looking at the stars. They were quite far from towns here and the stars were beautiful. She gazed at them for what seemed like hours barely registering the tears that were streaming down her face. When she started shivering she made her way back inside and to her rooms. She sank in to a bath to warm up and felt much better soon.

When she got out she noticed a note had been pushed under her door. Curiosity pulled her forwards. Her name was neatly written on the envelope and she knew instinctively that it was from Darcy. She opened it immediately, curiosity overcoming her stubborn nature.