"I do say, I always love this Twelfth Night ball. None of those silly masquerades, just good food and drink and good company. It is not a crush, and you can actually hear one another speak. And best yet, the worst of the snobs are still in London or not even invited. Though I guarantee it will be the most sought-after invitation next year. They will all be positively green that they missed this first public appearance of the fully reunited Hurst family." Robert Elson laughed good naturedly. "Your sister is a lovely creature, Hurst. My mother is probably lamenting that I am already married."
Darcy was standing with David, Andrew Kern, and a few other gentlemen in a corner of an increasingly busy ballroom. They were awaiting the start of the ball. Darcy had been greeted by a number of acquaintances, none that he considered a good friend but pleasant enough company, some from his Cambridge days, some from his club, still others that he met from simply being part of the ton.
"Have you not been married these past four years, Elson?" David asked.
"Six, as it happens. Rather happily, too. My mother likes Abigail well enough, but this situation is quite tantalizing for a skilled busybody like my mother. She would love to be in the thick of things." The man's words were tinged with affection.
"Even if you were not married, you would have no chance for success with my sister. Perhaps that knowledge would placate her."
"Keeping her close, are you?" Elson jested.
"Yes, I am," Darcy finally interrupted but offered no further explanation. Neither David nor Kern provided any additional information to Elson or the others in their group. However, it was not necessary, for Elson quickly came to the correct conclusion.
"Ah, that explains quite a bit. I confess, I was curious as to your presence and I know I am not the only one." The others confirmed this. Darcy's connection to Hurst was known to exist simply because of their respective relationships with Bingley. Many were surprised to see Darcy on such friendly terms with the Hurst family with Bingley nowhere to be seen. Many also breathed a sigh of relief that Caroline Bingley was nowhere to be seen as well. "Courtship or engagement?"
At one time, Darcy might have found it presumptuous for a man he barely knew to ask questions about his relationship, but now he was actually eager to share. "Courtship," his previously guarded expression changed to one of delight.
"Miss Hurst must be an extraordinary woman to draw your attention. I wish you the best, Mr. Darcy." Darcy acknowledged Elson's words with a nod. "May I share this intelligence with my mother? I am never able to get ahead of her on the gossip."
Darcy laughed, "By all means. In fact, I would be grateful if you would. You may all feel free to share if you like." David and Kern stayed by his side, but the others dispersed immediately to find their wives, sisters, and mothers.
"And they say women are the gossips," Kern shook his head in amusement. "Have you ever seen Elson move so fast? Yes, it is his mother who is a skilled busybody."
As if to emphasize Andrew's words, a ripple of noise moved through the crowd as they were speaking and numerous heads turned their way. David picked up the thread of the conversation. "Elson is right, though. To have missed the official reintroduction of Elizabeth Hurst to society will drive the matrons into a frenzy. They will want to size Lizzy up as either competition for their daughters or a potential match for their sons. And then they will be immediately frustrated on both counts. Not only does our Lizzy surpass all their daughters but she has already snagged the grand prize, the elusive Mr. Darcy."
"I bet all those who live in in Warwickshire, and probably Leicestershire as well, will be making their way home once they hear. January is not the usual time for house parties, but I imagine it will be all the rage around here. Then they will descend upon us all. Congratulations, Mr. Darcy. You and Miss Hurst have ruined the London season," Kern sighed, feigning disappointment.
"I have always wanted to ruin a season, but I thought if I ever did it, I would at least be able to get away from society, not bring them to me. Maybe Michaels could host us all for a time," Darcy suggested hopefully.
"I do not think that would be safe either. Nor Derbyshire. I believe Pemberley and Matlock will both see an influx of visitors too, regardless of if anybody is in residence. Hertfordshire might not even be safe." They could all see the truth of David's comment.
"I hate to interrupt you gentlemen but, we are ready to make the announcement," Mrs. Hurst said. She and Mrs. Kern had gathered all the other family members, who were following the two ladies like ducklings, as they approached the platform that had been set up at one end of the room for the musicians. The arrangement had been previously discussed so everyone was able to quickly take their places. Mr. Kern stood front and center with Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Elizabeth close behind him. Mr. and Mrs. Lee, David and Louisa, and Henry and Tessa Michaels formed another row behind them. Mrs. Kern and Andrew, as the evening's hosts, and Darcy, as the Hurst's guest, were standing to one side of the platform. As the crowd become quiet, Mr. Kern raised his voice to welcome everyone to the ball and then introduced Mr. Hurst. Mr. Kern stepped aside to join his family and Darcy as those behind him moved forward.
"'It has been so long since I have felt such happiness. That you, too, will revel in my news only adds to my pleasure. She is found! Our darling Zibby is found.' Friends, those words, written by my dear son David, just two months ago, have change our lives. Our daughter is returned to us, and we are so pleased to share this moment with you. We wish to extend our gratitude to our friends, the Kerns, for giving us the opportunity to do so by taking over their Twelfth Night ball for this introduction. Mrs. Hurst and I present to you our daughter, Elizabeth Celia Bennet Hurst." Elizabeth stepped forward and smiled to those assembled before her. Enthusiastic applause erupted and, looking out over the crowd, she could see open interest on their faces.
"You know we have always been a bit unconventional in our ways so you will indulge us yet again, I hope. I would like to acknowledge another member of our party. Escorting Elizabeth this evening, well, as much as is possible with her overprotective menfolk present, is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire. And now Kern, I would very much like to dance with my daughter."
Mr. Hurst knew this statement was something usually not done, and also not necessary. News of the courtship had moved rapidly to every corner of the room but given the stricture he had placed on their relationship, he wanted to make known that the family very much approved of Darcy and Elizabeth's courtship and squelch any hopes that others might harbor for either one.
"By all means. Shall we open the ball?" Mr. Kern returned to take up his duties as host. A polite cheer resounded before the crowd dispersed as people sought their dance partners or a place for which to watch Elizabeth and Mr. Hurst's first dance.
~~IOAF~~
Elizabeth, before the carriages come, I wonder if you might assist me." Louisa led her upstairs to one of the Kern family's private rooms on a level above the ballroom.
"Louisa, what is it? Are you ill?" Concern was etched on Elizabeth's face.
"Perhaps just a bit warm. If you could just stay with me a few moments all will be well, you will see."
Elizabeth thought that was an odd way to phrase things. She did not have to ponder it for long when Mrs. Kern entered with Mr. Darcy following closely behind her.
"Children, I am sorry I could not give you a waltz, as Louisa tells me you both greatly anticipate an occasion for such a dance. We thought a few moments of relative privacy might make up for it. Now Louisa and I will remain in the room, but we will be applying considerable scrutiny to this painting here. You might wish to take in the painting over there." She dismissively gestured to a painting on the far side of the room. Just as they got up, and very decisively turned their backs on the couple, Louisa pressed a small bundle into Elizabeth's hand and gave her a shy smile.
The couple did not waste this precious time. Darcy led Elizabeth over to the far corner near the window. They stood quietly looking out at the clear winter night. As Darcy reached for her hand, he felt the bundle that Elizabeth was holding. "What is that you have there?" he asked.
"Let us see." The bundle was about the size of a playing card but bulky. Unfolding the piece of stiff parchment Elizabeth revealed the item it disguised. It was a small sprig of mistletoe with five white berries remaining on it.
Elizabeth blushed red. Despite her forward statements about kissing Mr. Darcy, that others were trying to aid in fulfilling her wish, was a tad embarrassing. She could not meet Darcy's eye, so she looked over to the two ladies. They were still staring at the painting and the tension their shoulders suggested their self-control was hard won. It was then she heard Louisa comment, "Why, yes, the waves are quite realistic, quite wavelike, and quite…wavey."
She was laughing quietly when she turned back to Mr. Darcy. She noticed he had removed one of the berries from the mistletoe. He looked utterly smitten. However, he, too, displayed great self-control. He gently took her free hand and raised it to his lips for a lingering kiss, never breaking eye contact. Elizabeth would not have expected him to use a berry in order to kiss her hand but then realized it was most likely a good thing, so she was not overwhelmed. As it was, she thought she could swoon just from the intensity of his gaze and his lips on her hand.
He then took a second berry and leaned down toward her. His breath was warm on her face, and she could feel his hair brush across her temple as his lips met the smooth skin of her cheek. She sighed dreamily. Before he could take the third berry, she did, as she wanted to return a kiss to his cheek. She stood on tip toe but the difference in their heights meant she was still not tall enough. She thought he would bend down a little to help her meet her target, but he just smiled mischievously. Instead, she ended up kissing Mr. Darcy's jaw. It somehow felt much more intimate than a kiss on the cheek. He had appeared freshly shaven at the start of the evening, but it was now past five in the morning. Dark bristles had emerged on his face, and seen in this proximity and feeling them as she kissed him, they made him more alluringly…masculine.
She had felt Mr. Darcy shiver at the contact and used his distraction to take another berry. Since the man obviously wanted her to ask for his favors, she did just that. "Hold this please," she transferred the mistletoe with its one remaining berry to his hand, as well as the two berries she had claimed. "Will you please bend down a little, sir?"
There was no mischief in his countenance now, rather Mr. Darcy looked very, very serious as he came closer. She lightly bracketed his face in her hands, nervously brushing her thumbs across his cheeks as she brought her mouth to his. It was a soft and innocent kiss, no less heartfelt for that nor for its brevity.
"Bloody hell," Darcy whispered as he took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"Did I not do it right?" Elizabeth asked anxiously.
"It was perfect. Perfect."
"I thank you for your insights on the composition of this piece, Louisa. Is it not amazing the endless discussion a single work of art may inspire?" Mrs. Kerns words, as well as her increased volume, indicated their time was running out.
"One more berry, Elizabeth." He plucked it and held it up before her, then set the whole bundle aside. He clasped her hands in his and leaned in for one more kiss. It was firmer and a bit more heated than the one Elizabeth gave him. Unfortunately, there was no time to luxuriate in the feeling of it, for Mrs. Kern cleared her throat. They separated reluctantly but it was probably for the best. When they returned to their chaperones, Mrs. Kern appraised them to ensure nothing was amiss before they returned downstairs.
Elizabeth left with Louisa as Mrs. Kern and Darcy waited a few moments for discretions sake. As they exited, Mrs. Kern remarked, "I think maybe the waltz would have been more tame in comparison. That Louisa is a sly one to suggest this, so shocking." She patted his arm kindly. "Make sure you and Elizabeth thank her properly."