Chapter 3
Kitty stood flushed, though in her case it was not from awkwardness, but from the much more enjoyable undertaking of dancing all evening. She had danced every waltz, jig and trot since supper and fully deserved her rest. She was about to go and look for a refreshing drink to strengthen her for the next dance, when her path was blocked by a tall, laughing, young man. Bowing he said merrily.
'I have watched you in wonder all evening and I must be the only young man left who has not had the pleasure of a dance with you. I insist you honour me now by turning back and having this dance with me.'
Kitty smiled. A handsome face was just as uplifting as a cool drink and who was she to refuse such a charming offer? The offer in the end extended for the rest of the evening and she danced all the remaining dances with her handsome gentleman, who was receiving many covertly jealous looks from the rest of the company of men. For Kitty was in her element, enjoying herself, laughing, and putting all her energy into the music. Add to that her appealing charm and fresh good looks and it was no wonder that he was considered by all men assembled the luckiest of them all. Kitty herself was receiving similar glances, but this time from the womenfolk, for his mysterious dark looks gave him an edge over the other gentlemen.
The end had to come, though it came much too soon for both of our striking couple. It was only then that Kitty, with much amusement, turned to her partner.
'Why we haven't yet been introduced?'
It was true. They had both danced so happily and eagerly that there had seemed no need for names, just smiles and lots of energy.
'Tis true indeed. I know who you are of course. One of the fascinating Miss Bennets, your fame has reached further than you would believe. You are Kitty, one of the younger ones. And I am. No, I'll let you find out. Farewell, I have been the most fortunate man here tonight as I got to have so many dances with you.'
And so with a bow and meaningful smile he was gone. Kitty felt happy, but was soon taken over by a sudden awkwardness. When he, whoever he was, had talked of their fame had he meant the scandal of Lydia's elopement and, even more importantly, who was he? The answer to the latter questioned would soon be answered by her aunt but the other bothered her that night until finally she managed to get to sleep. When asleep she dreamed naturally of herself and the man whose name was Rory Delaney.