Chapter 12:

Elizabeth was thankful the music had begun and Mr. Rochester offered his arm as they found themselves in the dance floor, and began to dance. It was an easy distraction to move to the steps without having to think about Mr. Darcy. It took all of her self control to not look around for him but rather forced herself to keep an easy conversation with Mr. Rochester and only look at him. This was more difficult that she could have imagined, for her heart was thumping almost as loud as the music. And although she thought was not being obvious, Mr. Rochester looked at her curiously, as if knowing that her head was elsewhere.

After their dance, which would have been enjoyable otherwise, but in this case Lizzy was quite glad it ended, they found themselves with Miss Rochester and Jane.

"Miss Elizabeth" said a familiar voice, a voice she could never forget. Even without seeing who it was, for she was facing the other way, she knew who it was at once and she forced herself to look calm and collected, before turning around to face him.

"Mr. Darcy" said Elizabeth, twirling towards him, giving him a genuine smile, with a measured hint of surprise, "Do you know Mr. Rochester?"

Mr. Darcy nodded and so did Mr. Rochester, acknowledging each other, though by their cold encounter, it was clear Mr. Rochester knew there was quietly analyzing him.

"May I have the next dance?" he asked, "If you are not otherwise engaged?"

"Of course" said Lizzy demurely, "I am not otherwise engaged." She smiled politely at Mr. Rochester and took Mr. Darcy's offered arm. They walked silently to the middle of the dance room where no one seemed to notice the emotions the couple were feeling at the moment. No one other than Mr. Rochester, who was watching from the sides, and Jane, who always felt for others what they felt for themselves.

Once the music had started and they had begun dancing, Miss Elizabeth could not longer contain herself.

"Mr. Darcy...it has been a few months since I have know that you gave Lydia a dowry, thereby ensuring her marriage, and helping, nay saving us...I must thank you for my family" said Elizabeth with feeling. Mr. Darcy looked surprised, he did not know that Mr. Rowling could not be trusted.

"Do not blame Mr. Rowling, it was Lydia who accidentally revealed it and I have been anxious to thank you, where we ever to meet again" explained Lizzy, knowing what he was thinking without him saying it out loud.

"If you will thank me," he replied, "let it be for yourself alone. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you."

Elizabeth blushed and looked down, not knowing what to say. This was an intimate moment and filled with fear, shame, and anxiety, Lizzy did the only sensible thing: she asked about his wife.

"How is Mrs. Darcy?" asked Elizabeth, now looking back up again, "Is she here with you?" Elizabeth looked around to see if she saw him.

"We had a baby boy" he said, with a genuine smile. "Quite a charming baby, really" he added, it was evident he dearly loved his son.

"I am so very happy for you both!" said Elizabeth, feeling that Anne must have been very happy. "And how is she feeling?"

"The baby is three months old now, I was worried for her health" said Mr. Darcy with a frown, "She is now at Pemberley. My aunt felt it was prudent to join her and bring her own surgeon, she was not content with the three surgeons I called from London. I only stopped in London for a few days to attend to some business and I was coaxed into attending tonight."

Lizzy raised an eyebrow as if asking by who?

"My other aunt, Richard's mother" answered Mr. Darcy, motioning to his aunt with his eyes.

"Ahh, I see" she said, looking around for his aunt and finally seeing her, looking closely at them dancing. She was a stunning lady, who was looking at them with the similar closeness that Mr. Rochester was observing them from the other wise of the room.

"I will forever be grateful for your help with my family—I still blush thinking that I went to Pemberley" said Elizabeth, looking down again.

He interrupted her, "I am glad you came to me, I shall always help you."

"I am very happy to see you thus, Mr. Darcy" said Elizabeth, twirling once last time, as the dance was coming to a close.

"Likewise" responded Mr. Darcy, "He seems like a nice gentleman", motioning with his eyes to the gentleman Lizzy was previously dancing with, who was looking at them with a suspicious and slightly jealous look.

"He is courting me" said Lizzy softly, "He is a gentleman-I have not known him for long"

"I wish you for you the utmost happiness, Elizabeth" he said, as the song ended. He bowed and hiding the tears that were threatening to swell his eyes, he exited the ballroom.

Lizzy stood there for a moment frozen, watching him go. Her chest was still heaving and it had nothing to do with the dancing.

"Would you like a drink?" said Mr. Rochester, appearing from behind her and offering his arm.

"Yes, I thank you" said Lizzy, forcing a smile, she turned to watch the tail of Mr. Darcy's coat flip through the door and with a sinking feeling, she returned her smiles and attention to Mr. Rochester, who gladly claimed them for the rest of the night.

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I stopped posting because this story and the other story were both in London and it just felt like I was confusing readers who were reading both stories. I feel like now they are at a different pace and I would love to return to this!

FINALLY THEY MEET AGAIN! What did you think?