"Good evening Lord Colville."
"Why good evening Miss Bingley. My are we not quite the vision in gold. I would have expected no less especially at one's own event. Quite the crush we have this evening. You must be most pleased with the turn out. Half of London must be in attendance."
Caroline smiled with a deep sense of satisfaction. She knew full well she looked quite marvellous, why everyone upon their arrival at Hart's had said so; but when Edward made such an observation, she could not but help radiate with pride.
He smiled back at her politely but made no attempt at further conversation. In truth Miss Bingley's rather unwavering attention wearied him somewhat. He could not deny she was a handsome young woman, but as far as he could discern, this was her only positive attribute. There were many handsome women to be found if this was all a man desired; but Edward desired something much more indeed.
Thankfully the crowd moved forward, allowing Edward to move down the welcome line towards Mr Bingley. He smiled with genuine warmth at the happy fellow, and spoke a few minutes on the pleasant summer weather they were experiencing and the promised entertainment of the evening ahead.
Mr Bingley puzzled Edward exceedingly, not because there was anything particularly concerning about the gentleman; but that he was such a particular friend of Mr Darcy. The gentleman could not be more opposite in their character and disposition. Where one was entirely jolly and frivolous, the other was sombre and serious. Never had Edward seen such an odd pairing so happily content in the presence of the other.
As he moved from the foyer into the main ballroom he glanced around earnestly. There was only one person whom he wished to see this evening. He had been quite annoyed by his missing her yesterday at the Fraser's. She had been late; and he had been called upon to attend at the House of Lords.
Upon leaving the Fraser's, he had taken a small detour in order to call upon Anne at Grosvenor Square. It was unlike her to be late, indeed she was the most punctual person of his acquaintance. In truth this uncharacteristic incident had caused him to worry. He had spent all afternoon and much of today worrying that his telling her how he felt had perhaps frightened her away.
He had played their exchange over and over in his head until he now was not sure what to think. He had felt so confident that she too felt something more, though the more time passed since their last meeting, the more he doubted himself. Why else would she be late to call upon the Fraser's unless she wished to avoid him? She knew he often spent his late afternoons with his clerk going through his papers while parliament was still in session. Thankfully there was only a few more weeks until he would be free of that obligation. Then it would not be long until the two-mile race at St Ledger and his final attempt at securing the Triple Crown.
He walked to Western side of the ballroom so that he should have an unobstructed view of the foyer. If Anne had indeed not yet arrived, he would be damned if he missed her when she finally did.
Upon his not finding Anne at home yesterday, he had then called upon her again after leaving the House of Lords. He had tried his best to concentrate on the tasks he had to undertake, though he was so distracted by thoughts of Anne, he had likely been of no use to anyone. He had then called upon her again only to find her yet still not at home. It was all rather vexing.
He had, in one final attempt, left a message with Mrs Marks quite late in the evening. His short note stated he would be riding within Hyde Park the following morning, upon his usual route, if the lady was so inclined to have company on her morning ride.
This was something which he and Anne did quite often. Miss Darcy was also usually present on these morning excursions; and the three of them would spend quite a jolly hour together. However, this was not to be the case on this occasion. Edward's fine black stallion had not enjoyed his forced, calm paced walk up and down the main promenade. Neither Anne nor Miss Darcy made an appearance, and there was only so long Edward was willing to look quite so desperate to passers-by. After a short canter to allow his horse and his person to let off some steam, he had returned home still most agitated.
He had called today around noon, expecting to find Anne at home to visitor's, only to be informed that the lady was not receiving any calls. He had tried to use his charms on Mrs Marks, for of course he was not just anyone, but the house keeper had been most firm in her refusal. It was all most vexing and had left Edward feeling rather anxious. This was not an emotion Edward was accustomed to. Until his feelings for Anne had become clear upon her departure from Scotland, Edward had never felt worry with regards to a woman. He had never before cared enough for the good opinion of one woman alone. He had never really given marriage much thoight. He had always assumed he would eventually just marry, as was his duty. Yet marrying Anne would never be an act of duty or convenience. On the contrary, marrying Anne was something he desired above all things.
Lord, how he wished he had just kissed her two days ago in the library. Then there would be no question of her knowing the full extent of his admiration and he would know once and for all her opinion on the matter. Damn Percy for his interruption! If only he had simply asked her to marry him right there and then.
The ballroom was full, he had not been exaggerating when he called it quite the crush. He scanned the room but could still not see his little Anne anywhere. He took out his watch fob, it was almost nine. In a moment the opening dance would begin. Where the devil was she? He had every intention to claim her hand for the first set, and every subsequent set that followed if she was so willing, or indeed if not.
Caroline Bingley entered the ballroom on the arm of the handsome Mr Montague and slowly scanned the room. She caught the eye of the conductor who was under the strictest of instructions that the first dance would not begin until she gave him permission to do so.
With her perfect smile in place, she nodded just enough for the gentleman to assume she was listening to his tedious conversation, while she located Lord Colville amongst the crowd. Richard it seemed, for once, was sticking entirely to plan. She had had her reservations, but all seemed to be going perfectly to plan.
Excusing herself, she moved across the room towards Lord Colville. He stood, tall and rather imposing, his broad shoulders and chest displayed perfectly in a linen double-breasted tailcoat. The coat was in a tightly woven dark blue tartan pattern with a dark cravat of a similar blue. Even his coat buttons were finished in the same fabric! Caroline did enjoy a man with a keen sense of fashion, he wore his clothes well, they did not wear him.
His golden waistcoat flashed beneath his coat. It finished his attire quite perfectly. She could not have planned a more perfect outfit, for his waistcoat matched the gold detailing of her gown almost perfectly. How wonderful they would look together on the dance floor.
She pinched her cheeks quickly before drawing up alongside him.
"Oh Lord Colville," she began, "how glad I am to have found you. Have you seen Mr Darcy? I was certain he would arrive alongside Miss de Bourgh, yet I have not seen him. Pray have you seen Miss de Bourgh, could you ask her where may her cousin may be found?"
"I am afraid I cannot, for I have neither seen Miss de Bourgh nor Mr Darcy."
"Oh, this is quite awful. What am I to do now? Mr Darcy had me promise him the first set, yet he is not here and the dance is but ready to begin. I am sure everyone else will already be partnered; and as host it would look most odd indeed if I were to not partake in the opening set."
"Are you quite certain he has not yet arrived? I doubt very much Mr Darcy would allow anything to get in the way of his promise to be your partner. The man is all honour as we both know."
"Indeed, he is, yet he is not to be found. Oh, what am I to do?" Catching the eye of the conductor, she gave a firm nod. The room then filled with the swell of the orchestra and the whole room began to manoeuvre to allow space for the dancing to begin.
Although a tall lady, she was still several heads shorter than Lord Colville. She continued to look up at him, her dark eyes wide, with just the right amount of helplessness across her features. She took a sharp, shuddering intake of breath, just enough to sound like she may be on the verge of panic.
"Oh, Miss Bingley do not worry. If you are quite certain Mr Darcy has not yet arrived, I am sure there is a most suitable reason for his delay. If all else fails, I myself am not engaged for the first set and would more than happily come to your aid.
"Marvellous, Lord Colville, quite marvellous." And just like that her whole demure changed; her smile was bright and her voice light and teasing. She linked her arm through his and all but lead him to the centre of the ballroom. Edward was only mildly surprised by such a contrast in her countenance. He often believed there was nothing a vapid young woman cared more for than dancing. Miss Bingley was indeed no exception. Taking one final glance about the room, Edward took his position opposite his raven-haired partner. Anne was nowhere to be found.
"We are already running exceedingly late, to be even further delayed will only cause gossip and speculation upon our arrival. I mean really Richard, is this necessary?"
"I shall be but one moment. Darcy do not fret it is barely even nine, no one arrives to these things early anymore, it is not the fashion."
Richard alighted from the carriage and gave Anne his most charming smile. "My dear cousin, you are not so cruel as to chastise me like our stern cousin here. I did promise I should drop this bottle of tonic to Mr Roberts to help sooth his wife's headaches. The poor woman has tried everything. It would be unkind of me if I were to put off such a delivery simply so we can arrive but five minutes earlier to a party."
"No indeed, do go and please give my best to Mrs Roberts. Darcy and I shall wait in the carriage until you return, but do make haste Richard."
Grabbing her hand through the window of the carriage he kissed the back of her gloved hand before taking his leave.
She sat back in her seat and checked her wrap. She was still entirely encased within the folds of the dark hooded wrap. All that could be seen was a single loose curl which fell along her right cheek. She was not quite yet ready for anyone to see her full attire, much less a rather grumpy Darcy. Especially when confined in a small space.
"I am sure he shall only be but a moment," Anne said brightly.
Her cousin made no reply.
"Darcy, whatever is the matter with you this evening. You seem exceedingly out of sorts. If you will allow me to say so, all is well I hope?"
He looked at her sternly. He was in no mood for conversation. Indeed, he was in no mood for a blasted ball. All this conversation with Bingley with regards to his potentially purchasing Netherfield Park had left Darcy quite unsettled. For the last three days he had thought of little else but Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her fine eyes and sharp wit. The more he told himself to forget her, the more she was etched upon his memory.
Upon seeing Anne's reaction to his rather harsh glare, he softened. "Forgive me Anne, all is well. I just have a rather conflicting matter which is praying upon my mind. I am sure it shall pass. It is unfair of me to be anything other than civil to you. I apologise."
"Is there anything I can do to help you with regards to the matter? I may not have the answer, but I am a willing ear if such an offer may bring you some comfort."
He gave her a small smile. "I believe I am beyond help. It would appear I have not only lost control over my heart, but now my mind is determined to aid in my downfall." He looked at her. He knew he could trust Anne beyond all others. He needed to confide in someone. "It is Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
"You have been in contact once more?" Anne asked softly.
"No, none whatsoever since that blasted evening at Rosings Park. I should not care, I know I should forget her, but alas I cannot. Against all my better judgement, against my own pride, I cannot think of anyone other than Miss Bennet."
"It is a retched thing when one loves entirely, yet it is not returned. It eats away at your soul, you're very being, until you are but a shadow of the person you once were. All I can say, and I do mean this in all honesty, that it does get better. This feeling too shall pass. I promise."
He looked at his cousin. Her face was sombre, yet she seemed quite content. "You know what it is to love yet be refused?"
"I know what it is to love and be forgot."
"Oh Anne," Darcy replied. "How insensitive I am, pray let us not talk of such depressing matters."
"That is our problem, you and I, neither of us talk of our feelings. It is not the Fitzwilliam way, and you and I have both been raised by Fitzwilliam's. I must confess, staying with my aunt and allowing myself to grieve over something that never was, well it allowed me to become the person you see before you now. It has also allowed me to realise that my feelings, though genuine at the time, were perhaps not true love. I only so desperately wished them to be."
"Is that what you believe I am experiencing? Do you think this too shall pass? That my feelings for Miss Bennet may in fact not be love but simple infatuation?"
"Oh, Darcy I cannot tell you that. Only you can know the true extent of your own feelings. It is only you who can decide which action you wish to pursue. If you believe all hope is lost, then so be it. Yet if you believe there to be any ounce of hope then I encourage you to grasp it. Do not let your pride get in the way of your potential happiness. Are you certain all hope is lost?"
Darcy sat silent a moment as he recalled their heated exchange at Rosings Park. Elizabeth's blatant refusal and almost crass observation of his character had indeed left him quite certain that this marked the end of their acquaintance.
"I believe there is no hope. Pray let us not waste any more time discussing the matter."
"Then I am sorry for her, for she cannot see the man which I do. Perhaps in the near future you shall meet someone who will surpass all your expectations; then you shall know real happiness."
"Are you speaking from first-hand experience, or is that merely observation?"
Anne blushed. "Both," she replied with a nervous laugh.
"I believe he will make you exceedingly happy. It is quite obvious he holds you in the highest regard. A love match is a rare and wonderful thing And, you both shall be exceedingly content."
She was just about to ask him what he thought he knew of her and Lord Colville's relationship when the carriage door burst open and Richard appeared.
"Sorry old chums, these things always take longer than one anticipates. Had to have a quick drink with old Roberts, would have been rude not to. Right then," he glanced at his pocket fob, it was after nine thirty. "I think it is high time that we made our way to Hart's. At this rate we will be lucky if we are there in time for supper!"