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Chapter 15

The Netherfield Ball Part One

"Look at that beautiful violet silk," Kitty sighed "A pity I cannot wear such colours while I am an unmarried woman. It's a rather ridiculous rule, that we should be made to restrict the colours of our wardrobe until we marry, and even then, my husband might forbid it. And what if I should never marry? Would the rules change as a spinster? I always see spinsters in colours closer to mourning." she added eyes wide.

Elizabeth stifled a yawn; the evening prior had been tiresome to say the least. Mrs Bennet had been inconsolable at Mary's dismissal of Mr Collins' suit and had suitable laid her anger and discord onto Elizabeth for behaving like a wanton!

Oh Lizzy, how could you have given him such liberties. What must he think of your morals? That is not what Mr Darcy expects of his wife. You shall only have yourself to blame if he decides to leave you in Derbyshire and continue about town making a mockery of you!"

She wouldn't have allowed it to affect her in with such weight had she not seen the disapproving looks of her father and her aunt and uncle. And then when she had confided in her father about Mr Wickham, and he had dismissed her saying that her sisters were too silly to be a target to a man in want of a fortune.

What a mess she had made.

At least she was feeling more secure about Mr Darcy and in hindsight felt that she had treated him rather unfairly, though, if his kiss was anything to go by, he was not displeased with her… How wonderful that kiss had been.

"It would perfectly bring out your eyes, Lizzie." Kitty smiled up at her older sister, and Elizabeth smiled back.

"I promise to purchase you a gown in the finest silk of any colour you chose, when you are married." Elizabeth promised. "Now let us leave that to be packed away in my trousseau and lay out the gown I will be wearing to the ball this evening."

"Are you nervous about this evening Lizzy? It is an awful lot of fuss!" she said stroking her hand along the emerald silk once more longingly before moving to get the requested garment.

"I am a little nervous, but I must admit I am anxious to be married now. I fear that the waiting is driving me to distraction." Admitted Elizabeth as she watched her youngest sister pull lay her new gown out.

It was rare to have this time alone with Kitty, but as Jane was being prepared for Mr Bingley, in the hope that tonight was the night he would declare himself, Elizabeth was afforded this time. Her youngest sister was the closest to Jane in nature but also easily lead, which had her behaviour mirroring Lydia's.

"Kitty, when I am away from home, I would ask that you conform to rank and make sure to act as befitting to your place in this family."

Straightening Kitty frowned thoughtfully, "How do you mean?" she asked.

"Well, I do not believe that Jane or Kitty are far behind me in marrying and… Lydia is very impressionable. It will be your duty as her sister to make sure she does not behave without propriety or make foolish decisions." Elizabeth said carefully, hoping that the way she worded this would have the right impact.

"I understand and I will try, but I do find it difficult with Lydia… I do not really feel as though I have a place in this family. No one would notice me if I were not stood beside Lydia. Even Mary gets recognition for being serious and sombre." She shrugged before squaring her shoulders and adding, "You are correct. Things will need to change once you and Jane have married. I will not let you down."

"I am very proud of the young lady you are Kitty. You do have a place in this family, and I would very much like to have you come and stay with Mr Darcy and I in London once we are settled."

Kitty beamed in excitement. "I should like that very much. Perhaps Miss Darcy and I will be best friends."

"Indeed, I believe you and her would be suited as friends."

"I have never had my own friends before. What an exciting prospect, I shall make an effort to spend time with her this evening at the ball."

"That would be a wonderful idea, now you are aware that you will not be allowed to stay until the end of the ball. From now on we will have to behave in a way that is deemed proper when in company with Mr Darcy's family."

"Yes, Papa told us earlier that he will accompany us home before the supper dance. I am glad for it, I have never admitted this for fear of being ridiculed by Lydia, but I do get so tired!" she groaned making Elizabeth burst with laughter.

"I must go and chose the best outfit possible; I want to look elegant like Miss Darcy." Kitty gushed dashing from the room.

"Kitty." Called Elizabeth.

"Yes?" replied Kitty breathlessly rushing back.

"Please can you ask Mary to come here directly."

Kitty nodded and then shouted for Mary as she hurried to her room.

Elizabeth moved to her bed whilst she waited for Mary's arrival and looked down at the expensive gown she was to wear tonight. It was a beautiful ivory gown with lavender embroidered onto the bodice with a scattering of green beading for the leaves The sleeves were sheer netting with lavender bows securing the edges, that matched with the one on the high waist.

"You wished to see me, Lizzy?" asked Mary coming over to inspect her gown. "What a wonderful gown. It shall look very well on you."

"Thank you, Mary. I wanted to give you something." Elizabeth said reaching into her wardrobe. "Now I am to become Mrs instead of Miss I think it is only right that this gown goes to you."

Mary gasped when she saw her sister pull the gown she had admired whenever Elizabeth had worn it. It had three quarter length sleeves and it was a pale blue with lace overlay. The neckline had always shown off the elegance of her sister's neck to perfection.

"I could not wear something so beautiful. It is your favourite, you must keep it, Lizzy." Mary said stepping back.

"Come now, I insist. I would please me greatly if you were to wear it to the ball this evening. We shall style your hair with ribbons through it and softer curls around your face. I have just the ribbons –"

Elizabeth was cut off as Mary flung her arms around her in the tightest of hugs.

"Thank you, Elizabeth." She whispered emotionally.

"I am very proud of you, Mary. You deserve to marry for love and nothing less." Soothed Elizabeth.

That evening, Elizabeth fidgeted in the room she had been allocated to get ready in as Georgiana's maid applied the last pins to her hair that was swept up in an abundance of curls with a string of pale pink and clear-cut garnets woven throughout, Elizabeth looked at what she would present to the ton and gasped at her reflection. She looked quite pretty with her hair in this new style. The curls had been so artfully pinned that the garnets shimmered and peeked through without being excessive.

"That is wonderful, thank you Sarah."

"Miss Bennet," the maid curtsied and waited for further instruction.

"That will be all, thank you." said Elizabeth dismissing her

Elizabeth expelled a breath looking at her reflection closely once the maid had gone, turning her head this way and that. She raised her eyebrows higher above her eyes, then pinched at her cheeks, and pursed her lips in a pout and frowning at her reflection just hoping she would be pretty enough to dispel any questions as to why Mr Darcy would choose to marry her. Her stomach twisted in knots as her mind drifted once more to the most captivating man of her acquaintance. No doubt he would look as staggeringly handsome as ever this evening… the thought shocked her. When had she begun to think of him as staggeringly handsome?

A knock at her door interrupted her musings, and she swivelled her head to look to the door.

"Come in!" she called. "Charlotte, I was not expecting you!"

Charlotte entered the room hesitantly stopping a small distance away from her.

"We arrived a touch early, please do not fret that the ball has started without you. My father was helping Mr Bingley avert a crisis with the musicians and a lost flute…"

"You look lovely, I have not seen this design on you. Is it new?" Elizabeth asked conversationally, unsure of why she felt trepidation over her friend's sudden appearance.

"My what? Oh, yes, it is new. I do not believe Mrs Trudy has had so much custom in years." She said smoothing the skirt of her pale teal gown.

"I can imagine, she should be able to retire by next week." Elizabeth joked.

"Yes!" agreed Charlotte.

"Charlotte is anything amiss? You are behaving rather oddly…"

"Lizzy I must tell you something before you hear it from another..." her friend trailed off hardly able to meet her eye.

"Charlotte, what is it?" Elizabeth asked her worry clear in her voice.

"I am engaged to be married."

Silence.

"To Mr Collins."

Silence.

"I know what you are thinking, and I want to stop you right there. I have thought this through, and he is not so bad. I am not likely to receive another proposal and before you tell me how wonderful and beautiful, I am… unfortunately the gentleman of our acquaintance do not view me in such a flattering light. At least my looks are not enough to create an allure. This marriage will give me what I have always wanted. I will be able to run my own household and no longer be a burden on my parents. To be frank this is a relief and a blessing to me, and I should be very grateful if you could be happy for me." Charlotte finished clasping her hand tightly before her, looking at Elizabeth imploringly.

"My dearest friend, please do not feel the need to justify your decisions to me. If you are happy then I am happy for you." Elizabeth said after a brief hesitation, "Forgive me, I cannot pretend I was not shocked, but I was simply caught off guard."

Charlotte shifted her footing slightly as her eyes shimmered with tears.

"He really is quite amiable if you ignore that he tends not to think before he speaks." she said softly.

"I am certain he is an amiable person. You have great taste in people. You are friends with me, aren't you?" Elizabeth asked in as light a tone as she could muster. She knew her friend was unsure of her decision, but she also knew her fears of being a spinster and a burden to her family. At least with Mr Collins, Charlotte would be the one who ran their household and aside from his confrontation with her family yesterday he was not intentionally a hurtful man.

"Thank you," Charlotte said before moved to hug Elizabeth. "Now I shall leave you to finish getting ready."

"I shall see you downstairs in a few minutes."

Charlotte smiled and walked out of the door leaving an astonished Elizabeth stood in the centre of the room wondering if that had truly just happened.

Elizabeth exited her room a little while later and found Miss Darcy waiting for her.

"Miss Elizabeth, you look lovely!" she exclaimed happily. "Miss Bennet has already gone d -down - oh forgive me. I am all awkwardness again." Miss Darcy said with a self-deprecating shake of her head.

"Georgiana please do use my name in more familiarity. We are to be sisters!" said Elizabeth with a small chuckle.

"I was not sure as we had not had the chance to see each other before now as I should have liked. I confess I am filled with nerves at meeting you other sisters too!"

"I shall tell you a small secret that comes with having sisters… it is not allowed for us to feel awkward with another. Soon you will find it impossible to feel so!" declared Elizabeth eliciting a giggle from young Miss Darcy. "Now my sisters are most anxious to see you."

"They are?" Miss Darcy asked wide eyed.

"Indeed, they are. In fact, my sister Kitty wishes to be your firm friend and I believe you and her will be great friends in no time."

"I should like that very much. Very much indeed." She whispered as they made their descent of the main staircase chatting amiably.

A movement ahead caught her attention and her breath caught in her chest. Standing at the foot of the staircase was Mr Darcy's tall and powerful frame, dressed immaculately as he moved adjusting his sleeves and cufflinks. He was pure masculine elegance. His clothes fashionable without being overdone and his hair styled as always with the appropriate amount of disarray.

"William!" called Georgina excitedly.

He glanced toward her then and froze. She felt an impact of pleasure and anticipation upon seeing him and watched as his gaze dropped to the hem of her gown and slowly drink her in as he pierced her with his dark amber gaze. The quiet intensity in which he stared at her made her stomach clench. Then shifting slightly, he looked upon Georgiana and his expression instantly brightened as he gave her a warm smile full of pride.

"You look wonderful, Georgie." He said as his sister beamed back at him.

"Thank you, brother." She replied shyly as they reached the bottom step. "Excuse me." Georgie said before leaving Elizabeth and Darcy to join her cousins at the doors of the ballroom.

Mr Darcy stood there looking at her with his eyes crinkled at the corners as lips lifted into a smile.

"Allow me." He said offering his elbow, which Elizabeth wordlessly accepted. Her words failed her at the finality of the significance her acceptance of his arm would mean. The declaration of their intention to become bound to one another for eternity.

The receiving line and all other conversations blurred until Elizabeth and her betrothed found themselves standing at the edge of the ballroom trying to catch their breaths and rest their smiles. The ball was an absolute crush, a roaring success and full to the brim of well-wishers and faces she had known her whole life. Elizabeth had been fraught with nerves completely forgetting that Mr Darcy and his intimidating relatives were the minority in attendance this evening. This small realisation came to her as she had been making the many introductions when greeting all of the arrivals.

"Ah – this is where you have been hiding!" came the booming voice of Miss Dorothea Darcy.

"Can one be considered hiding when in plain sight?" murmured Mr Darcy and Elizabeth had to bite the inside of her cheeks to keep from laughing.

"My two favourite aunts." Proclaimed Mr Darcy in regular speaking tones as his Aunt Matlock and Aunt Dorothea moved towards them through the crowd.

"William, be a dear and fetch your favourite aunt's a glass of punch." Said Lady Matlock patting his arm warmly.

"Much obliged." Added Miss Dorothea.

"Of course," Mr Darcy replied dutifully, before asking her is she would like one too. Elizabeth declined and he headed in search of the refreshments.

"How are you feeling, Miss Elizabeth? It is but two days until you are to become Mrs Darcy! Tell us if there is any way we might be of assistance to you." offered Lady Matlock.

Before Elizabeth could answer however, Miss Dorothea spoke. "I will not lie to you Miss Elizabeth; our nephew is used to getting his own way and can be stubborn and controlling -"

"Are we talking of my brother? In which case I agree that he can at times be controlling and more often than not, always right!" grumbled Georgiana joining them with a huff.

"Yes, all of that, but he is not lazy. He has a big heart and will always try do what is in others best interest."

"Well, that does sound awfully controlling." Teased Elizabeth in good humour.

"Always such a grouch when he is hungry." added Georgiana rolling her eyes and excusing herself when she spotted her cousin Miss Francesca, and almost bumping into Mr Hurst as he walked by, signalling a nearby footman for a refill of his wine, and panting grossly from the exertion.

"At least our nephew has an obsessive outdoor hobby which will leave you plenty of time to peruse your own endeavours and keeps him in excellent physical form. And you will soon find out he is an excellent dancer, which always bodes well as it signifies a direct correlation as to the kind of husband he will make. It is well known that Darcy men have stamina..." said Dorothea looking at Mr Hurst with open censure as Lady Matlock opened her fan with a flick of her wrist and hid her smirk behind it.

"Dorothea!" the Lady admonished struggling to keep in her laughter and maintain her composure.

"Yes, he is very fond of riding. And he has a fine a seat as I have seen." Elizabeth said choosing not to comment directly on My Darcy's figure and hoping her compliment was the right response to the eccentric widow, while she struggled to understand the undercurrent of the conversation that was being had.

"There shall be plenty of riding indeed, once you are married!" She cackled with a wicked gleam in her eye.

Lady Matlock patted her arm in a half-hearted gesture of scolding. But brought the fan to cover her smile as her shoulders shook with mirth once more.

"Mama, there you are. Please persuade James to let me stay at the ball a little longer! You said yourself that country balls are never so formal as the balls in town. And Georgiana has said that Cousin William is making her leave before the dancing too – but I am sure he would not if I were permitted to stay." Implored Miss Francesca to her Lady Matlock.

"Francesca do not be sullen," Came James response as joined them. "You know perfectly well it would not be correct for you to stay later than agreed."

"He is insufferable, Mama!" Francesca said with a sniff, making a face.

"What is wrong with you trouble?" said Sir Percy as he drew near with Mr Darcy.

"She is a young lady now, Percy!" scolded Miss Dorothea taking both glasses from Mr Darcy and handing one to Lady Matlock.

"Forgive me, I was referring to you, Aunt Dot." Came Percy's swift reply.

"These men would do well not to tease me. For they forget I know all their exploits." Warned Dorothea looking at their group now two larger with the addition of Mr Bingley and Jane.

"Surely not all!" Replied Percy grinning and stressing the last word.

"Would you care for me to make a list and read them to this night?"

Darcy cleared his throat. "That would probably be unwise."

Then he moved to Elizabeth's side with a smile and said, "Miss Elizabeth, I hope I have not neglected you too long. Are you looking forward to the dancing? Would you do me the honour of the first dance?"

She returned his smile, one which was warm and reached her eyes, replying teasingly. "It is our engagement ball Mr Darcy. I believe it is the custom that we are to stand up together for the first dance of the evening."

"I am not ignorant of the fact, only trying to introduce the romance you spoke of previously." He said leaning into her.

"Do you know I have yet to see you dance, sir. You do know how, yes?" She teased.

"I have been known to on occasion," he drawled, his voice dropping to a deep, husky tone. "I am more than capable I assure you."

"Do not exaggerate, Lizzy. Of course, we have seen him dance," said Jane throwing a nervous look at Miss Dorothea.

"Do not fret, Miss Elizabeth is well within bounds to tease me so, after my refusal to dance at the Meryton assembly. Also, I do not think I would admire her so if she did not challenge me." Complimented Mr Darcy.

Elizabeth laughed a little breathlessly. "I'd be delighted to partner with you, Mr Darcy." Then just managing to tear her eyes away she looked to Jane. "Who is it you are dancing with, dearest?"

"Ha! You are not just partaking in the first dance - you are opening the dancing, gal!" Boomed Miss Dorothea. "Nephew, I have organized for a waltz to be played for the opening of the dancing at your introduction. Call it a gift! You may thank me later," she said with a mischievous wink.

"J-Just the two of us?" Stuttered Elizabeth.

"You do not fool me, Miss Bennet with feigned shock. You cannot be so scandalised; you are engaged to be married in a few days hence." She clucked placing both hands atop her cane to close the conversation.

"Shall we?"

Mr Darcy's words near her ear had her startling slightly and her pulse quickened. But her manners and breeding had her tucking her hand into his elbow, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. A sense of anticipation thrummed down her spine, and she liked the idea of being in his arms.

Tugging gently on his elbow he immediately leaned in a little closer, "I do not know how to dance the Waltz, Mr Darcy."

"You are in luck, Miss Elizabeth. This is a dance designed for a man to take the lead and allow his partner to enjoy the movements. I assure you, I will not let you misstep. Trust me."

"I trust you, Mr Darcy." She whispered as the first strains of the waltz were played.

Darcy swept Elizabeth into the waltz, moving effortlessly around the dance floor. They continued in silence. Elizabeth did not know whether it was intentional on his part to allow her to acquaint herself with the steps or if he was simply quiet as a rule when dancing. Looking up, she caught him looking at her intently and then he pulled her close for a spin, his hand grazing the small of her back. His thumb brushed her spine, and she shivered, savouring his touch.

"You do not care to talk when you are dancing, Mr Darcy?" she asked out of curiosity.

"Not generally, I find I am not always sure of what should be discussed. Would you like to choose a topic for us?" he replied.

"It is odd, in such proximity when dancing, I feel that we must speak as we are being so closely scrutinised and yet my mind fails me. I fear I am finding it difficult to forget that we are the only one's dancing."

Instead of answering her Mr Darcy smiled and then moved spinning her even faster until she felt her skirts swirling around her feet though, she could scarce feel them touching the floor. Laughing in delight she looked up at him just as his smile broke into wide grin as he moved them around the dancefloor. She caught a few ladies whispering behind fans and the sour look on Miss Bingley's face, but she couldn't bring herself to care when she was having such exhilarating feelings.

"It's extraordinary," he said, lowering his eyes to hers. "I'm enjoying myself quite a bit."

Elizabeth's eyes widened "Oh no Mr Darcy that will not do. I see you were in earnest when you said you are not well versed in conversations when dancing."

"At least it cannot be said that I did not try."

"Indeed. Tell me where your thoughts lend themselves when you dance?"

"I think you will be able to guess that I am ordinarily bored and so sadly I am thinking over tasks that require my attention. But if I enjoy my partners company and I am relaxed with them I do enjoy dancing and so give myself over to pleasure of it."

"I can happily tell you that you are an excellent dancer, Sir."

"You are surprised?"

"No not at all-well perhaps a little. But I have learnt a new phrase from you aunt."

"I am afraid to ask but on occasion she speaks sense."

"Apparently, there is a correlation between men that are good dancers make good husbands."

Spluttering out a bubble of laughter he faltered in his step, but quickly recovered.

Leaning in close he whispered. "I am not sure that it is appropriate to say."

"I do not understand."

"My aunt I believe was enjoying teasing you, Miss Elizabeth. Pay it no mind."

"I – "

"Sometimes my aunt can overstep. I would not worry." He simply nodded but his gaze looked past her and settled on his aunt with a shake of his head.

"I am not worried sir. I think perhaps you should keep yourself level-headed. I believe I can now perfectly comprehend your aunt's insinuation at my expense."

"You can?" he asked with an arch of his brow.

"Of course, I understand." She said flushing to her roots but refusing to turn away.

"Well then, I should very much like to hear your verdict of my dancing, Miss Elizabeth." he said bending to murmur in her ear. Chuckling when she stumbled, and he pulled her closer. His sure footing and grace preventing her err from being noticed by the other guests.

As they moved through the final steps, he said, "You look most beautiful tonight, Miss Elizabeth."

"Thank you, Mr Darcy," she replied blushing prettily at the of their Waltz.

TO BE CONTINUED...