"Good heavens!" Anne remarked as she looked from the window along the long line of carriages which sat nose to nose outside of Hart's.
"Indeed, all of London must be in attendance. How wonderful. Nothing like a well-attended private ball to offer the promise of an evening well spent. Now Anne, you must promise to allow me the pleasure of your hand for a dance. I shall not be content unless I am allowed to have your company for at least one set."
She smiled at Richard and nodded. Truth be told she intended to spend as much of the evening in Edwards company as possible; but for proprietary sake one dance with her cousin she would allow. She looked at Richard in his gleaming regimentals. Once she had thought him the most handsome and agreeable man she had ever seen. How strange it was that she could now observe flaws in his character which before she thought quite perfection. Oh, he was still fine looking and very agreeable, but lately she had seen glimpses into his character and attitudes which had left her rather uneasy. She quite congratulated herself; for she had most definitely surpassed her childhood fixation with her cousin.
As Richard handed her down from the carriage; she took Darcy's awaiting arm, and the three made their way into Hart's.
"Do try and look not quite so severe Fitz," Anne whispered. "If you are lucky you can escape just after supper; for I know full well that is likely your intention." She gave his side a gentle nudge. "But do try and at least pretend you are happy to be here. I ask it of you, if only for dear Mr Bingley."
He looked down at Anne, half hidden under the large hood of her wrap. "I shall endeavour to be as jolly as a fool."
"Well steady on, let us not try and aim for the impossible," she mocked teasingly as they entered the foyer.
The music from the orchestra filled the entire building. Several large groups of people were conversing in the foyer, though it was clear the majority of the party were within the large ballroom beyond. What a pity to miss the first dance Anne thought. She wondered if Edward had arrived yet. Knowing him he would likely be late; he often was for such events.
As the men removed their hats and outer garments, Anne was led to a side room in order to remove her wrap and check herself in the mirror before making her final entrance.
As she undid the fastening beneath her chin, her stomach clenched with anxiety. She had spent all day being poked and prodded. Poor Hennie had run herself quite ragged making everything as perfect as she possibly could. She took her hood down slowly as not to damage her finely woven hair. Anne had been bathed in various oils and lotions, her entire body had been powdered and her hair had taken almost three hours to create the elegant display. She stopped and observed her reflection in the looking glass. She hardly recognised herself. She looked far too modern. What would her mother think if she could see her daughter at this moment dressed in the height of London fashions?
Her hair had been curled and loosely piled high at the crown of her head; folded and weaved to create something quite magical. Tiny white pearls had been sewn into the hair so that they simply floated within a sea of chestnut swirls. Several wisps of curls had been artfully left to hang loose about her face, creating a most romantic impression. One final tendril had been left loose, snaking its way down her bare neck, weaving its way down the exposed skin between her shoulder blades.
She wore no jewellery apart from a pearl cluster broach and matching bracelet. Removing her wrap entirely she handed it to the waiting maid. Her pale, almost iridescent skin contrasted greatly in the candle light against the deep vibrant blue of the satin gown.
The dress sat low and wide upon her shoulders, dropping to a gentle v-neck cut at both the front and back. She had wished to wear a necklace in order to distract from the expanse of bare skin on show, but Hennie had been firm in her refusal. There was no point in wearing such a dress if one intended to only ruin the final silhouette, Hennie had told her forcefully. Anne had been hesitant but she trusted Hennie's good judgement entirely.
Never had Anne worn a dress which revealed so much of her flesh! Her chest had been pulled unnaturally high by Hennie; who had altered one of Anne's short body stays so that it sat even higher on her ribcage. The gown then did something most unusual. Rather than fall straight from the high waist, as was the typical style, it fell at a slight angle, creating an almost bell like silhouette when it touched the floor. In order to have the dress fitted to the curve of Anne's figure as perfectly as possible, she had been sewn into the dress entirely. Thankfully it was not too tight as to be uncomfortable, though Anne felt exceedingly aware of the close hugging fit.
She looked in the mirror at her reflection. Never had she looked more elegant. She could hardly believe the woman looking back at her had been merely created in one day. Although she was a little timid when she thought of the reaction of other people to such a statement gown, a small part of her also felt it to be quite thrilling. She looked simply beautiful. Her reflection could almost be mistaken for a drawing at the dressmakers. She was a picture, just like one of those exquisite French girls wearing the latest styles from Paris. It had been her desire to appear as close to perfection as she was able, and thanks to Hennie the task had been more than achieved. Taking a small breath, she returned to the foyer and her cousins.
Upon seeing Anne emerge from the ladies' cloakroom, Darcy could not help but look surprised. He had never seen Anne look more radiant as she crossed the room in her dress of blue satin. Realising he was indeed staring; he quickly regained his composure.
Taking her arm, he whispered, "Am I to believe that dress is entirely for the benefit of one gentleman and one gentleman alone? If so, you shall be exceedingly disappointed, for I am afraid no gentleman here present shall be able to take their eyes from you."
Anne blushed, but felt herself swell with pride. Darcy was not one to simply utter compliments without true meaning. "So, you approve?"
"You are a vision. Shall we go in? It would appear Richard is speaking with the Fitzgerald's and I have no inclination to join in their conversation." Anne nodded and grasping tightly onto Darcy's arm, followed him into the ballroom.
The first set was well underway, with at least forty couples on the dancefloor. It was a sea of formal wear, in a variety of fabrics and colours. Anne was pleased to observe her particular shade of blue was not readily seen amongst the crowds. She quickly scanned the busy swathe of people looking for Edward. It was such a disadvantage being quite so short!
"Would you care for a glass of punch?" Darcy asked.
She replied that she would, and her cousin headed off through the crowds to the refreshment table. Spying a raised area to the southern end of the ball room Anne made her way towards it, climbing the few steps in order to gain a better vista of the room. She was aware of several eyes upon her as she moved through the crowds. She did all in her power to remain calm. If people looked it was because she was worth looking at, not because she was at fault. She scanned the room once more. Oh, it was much easier from this position for now she had a full view over the crowd. She quickly glanced around the edges of the ballroom observing groups of gentlemen in conversation, but could not find Edward anywhere. Then suddenly she saw him.
He stood tall, straight backed and utterly the most handsome man in all of London. His dark hair was curled just as she liked it. The scattering of grey hair at his temples only made his appearance all the more distinguished. He was dressed in a dark blue tartan tailcoat which suited his dark complexion quite perfectly. His face wore an amused smile as he moved forward towards his raven-haired dance partner. Anne felt her stomach drop to her shoes. He was dancing with Caroline Bingley.
"There you are Anne, for a moment I believed I had all but lost you," smiled Darcy with relief as he handed Anne a glass of punch. She took the glass but said nothing, her gaze still fixated upon their hostess.
Puzzles by her cool response, Darcy followed her line of sight until he saw Miss Bingley and Lord Colville upon the dance floor.
"Ah good man. I was worried that Miss Bingley would chastise me something dreadful for our rather late arrival, but it would seem Colville may have saved me from such a fate."
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Well I had promised Miss Bingley the first set of course. Rather insistent she was upon it too. Hence my annoyance over Richards delay to our arrival, but it would seem it all worked out in the end. Anne would you care to dance the next?"
She continued to stare at the happy couple on the dancefloor. How lucky indeed that Edward should step in so readily in Darcy's absence.
"I am afraid," she replied drily, "I intend to find myself very much engaged to another for the next set."
Edward continued to smile as Caroline continued to talk with little need for encouragement, as he led her through the last half of the cotillion. He really did find her single-minded flirtations quite tedious. If only she would not act the simpering female; for she was quite pretty and at moments gave way to hints of a sharp, astute mind. As they came together and turned, he finally saw her. He faltered, almost tripping over his foot.
There at the far end of the dance hall stood Anne. She wore a dress of rich deep blue which contrasted against her alabaster skin most becomingly. The cut of the neckline was unlike any dress he would have expected to have ever seen Anne wear. Although there was nothing improper in such a style, he had never witnessed Anne in something quite so suggestive. He took in her auburn hair, moving down her lovely face to the line of her neck. He continued his gaze down further until he reached the curve of her breasts. He could not take his eyes off her.
Having just asked Lord Colville a question for the second time, Caroline was most annoyed upon her realisation that he was not even listening to her. She turned her head only to find him staring in another direction. She followed his gaze and had to fight the urge not to stamp her feet with irritation. He was looking at another woman!
It was bad enough vying for his attention between the tedious Miss de Bourgh, but to add another woman into the mix was quite unacceptable. She headed up the line and turned sharply to get another look at the retched young woman. It was only then that the true horror of the situation hit Caroline like a blow in the stomach. The other woman was none other than mousey, old Miss de Bourgh. Yet there was nothing old nor mousey about her at all. It hurt Caroline to admit it, but she thought her quite ravishing in her gown of azure blue. Caroline had barely recognised her in such a stylish, modern evening gown. How dare she come to her ball in such a dress!
Suddenly the music stopped, marking the end of the first set. As the other couple's around them bowed and began to depart from the dancefloor, Caroline panicked as she saw Lord Colville turn to her and bow, ready to do the same.
"My Lord, you are such an excellent dancer that I find myself quite fatigued already! Do you not find it quite warm this evening? I do believe I find it rather stifling. Pray shall we take a turn on the terrace? It is such a fine evening, I do believe it will be most refreshing."
He offered her his arm, and her heart leapt with triumph at the simplicity of her plan. They had just reached the edge of the dance floor when he placed his other hand over hers, in order to unhook his arm from her grasp.
"My apologies Miss Bingley, but I am afraid I must speak to Mr Darcy quite urgently over a small business matter. I would not wish to subject you to such a dry topic of conversation. Especially not on the night of your own ball." He smiled at her as he took a step back. "Ah, Mr Montague perfect timing. Miss Bingley was just stating how she wished to take a turn in the evening air. I am sure you will be more than willing to oblige. If you will excuse me."
Caroline could feel her rage boiling to the point of near explosion as she watched Edward stride away from her. How dare he dismiss her so! Who in the devil did he think he was? She almost wanted scream. Damn him and damn everyone. Especially damn that blasted Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam! Was it not after all his plan to keep Lord Colville and Anne apart? She had only gone along with his scheme as it benefited herself. If she was to be victorious in the outcome, what was the harm in complying with his silly intentions?
A carefully orchestrated lovers' tryst on the terrace would have been just the action required to secure such an outcome. This would have been especially perfect if the rumour mill was then fuelled in such a way that the only salvation for a poor, naive misguided young woman was a haste engagement. Caroline had no scruples when it came to ton gossip. If people wished to gossip then who was she not to oblige? At least for once their hurtful remarks would work in her favour. If a few white lies, and an ounce of exaggeration were all that was required in order for her to become a Viscountess; then it would be a very little price to pay.
She was no fool, she knew full well Edward was running off to find the insipid Miss de Bourgh. How dare she arrive at the ball of another woman looking quite so grand. It was entirely poor taste. If Richard was so pathetic that he could not control his cousin long enough for their plan to work, then she would be his pawn no longer.
She was entirely aware that her face looked most unpleasant when she was vexed. Carefully she manipulated her face into her most becoming smile. Why were men, who were meant to be of such superior breeding and distinction, so disappointing? Giving her new, but rather dull companion her most dazzling of smiles, she grabbed Mr Montague's offered arm rather forcibly and followed him out onto the terrace.
Anne watched with great agitation as Edward led Miss Bingley from the dancefloor; her hand possessively wrapped about his forearm. Then to Anne's delight, something wonderful happened. Suddenly he was walking away from the dark-haired beauty and heading straight in her direction. Oh Lord, she thought. She could feel her palms sweating within her gloves. Surely that was not what attractive woman were meant to do when trying to impress a member of the opposite sex? She turned her head to focus on Darcy, trying her best to seem quite engrossed in what he was we saying.
She could feel his presence before he spoke.
"Good evening Mr Darcy. How glad I am to find you here present. Better late than never my good man. Do not fret, I kept your forgotten dance partner quite entertained in your absence."
The gentleman bowed in welcome and Anne curtsied far too low than was required or sensible. Oh, heavens why did she feel so nervous? Was she not determined to make him love her? Was not her whole appearance a carefully planned display in order to make him realise she was just as fashionable as the young woman of the ton who chased him so pathetically. And yet here she was, timid and self-conscious. She was a far cry from the confident female form of perfection which she had so imagined herself to emulate.
His smile was friendly and his greeting warm and genuine as he spoke to Darcy. Every few seconds he would glance in her direction with such an expression upon his dark eyes, she was not sure what he was thinking. She felt quite exposed under his observation. She was not entirely sure she was as confident in her appearance as she had earlier thought. She could not tell if he was appreciative or shocked from her appearance.
"Miss de Bourgh," he said softly finally taking his place opposite her. "I cannot tell you the disappointment I felt upon missing your presence at the start of the first dance. I am embarrassed to say I found myself quite without a suitable partner. I am sure Miss Bingley found me to be quite an old bore. It would seem you and I are destined to continuously miss one another's company; I do hope this shall not become a habit."
"My apologises Lord Colville, I am afraid I too was travelling alongside my cousin. I assure you it was never my intention to miss the first dance. I am flattered that you think myself to be a more suitable choice in partner."
"I believe there is no other better. Darcy would you mind if I stole your fair cousin for the next set?"
"Not at all, Lord Colville. Anne if you should require my presence, you shall find me at leisure in the card rooms until supper."
Finally, they were alone. Well at least as alone as a pair could be amongst a room of more than a hundred. Edward smiled as he offered her his arm which Anne gladly accepted, and slowly they made their way towards the dancefloor in anticipation for the next set. He breathed deeply; her hair smelt of rosewater. He could not help but glance sideways; attempting to take in as much of her fine appearance as possible without drawing too much attention to his blatant ogling.
Finally, he cleared his throat. "Now Anne, do tell me," he spoke quietly in her ear. "Whatever possessed you to wear such a gown."
Her stomach lurched. She looked up at him with a startled expression. "Why, do you not like it?"
"I adore it," he said with a rather wicked grin as he turned her onto the dance floor. He kissed the back of her gloved hand and took his position opposite for the forthcoming quadrille.
The wonderful, yet also rather vexing, problem with the quadrille is that it entails several couples; it is not an easy dance for conversation with one's own partner. It requires the ladies to be constantly swapping partners within the four couples of your set. Typically, such a notion did not bother Anne in the slightest, however at this moment she only wished to be near Edward.
"I missed seeing you yesterday," Edward began as they came together and crossed hands. "It was most unfortunate indeed as I very much wished to speak with you."
"You may do so now," she replied.
"Oh, I think we both know that shall need to be later. For the moment I shall simply enjoy the view." He retreated back to his position as the next couple took their turn which meant Anne was ready to move to the next step with the gentleman to her right. She could feel Edwards eyes upon her for the entire dance. Each time they came back together briefly she felt herself blush under his gaze.
"You really do look quite exquisite," he said as he returned as her partner for the final time. "Though I must admit if Mr Fenton looks in your direction one more time, I may need to remind him he is partnered with his wife."
She could not help but laugh at his remark and before she knew it, she was again working her way through the set until the music finally came to an end and she was back once more opposite Edward. As she looked across at him, she was aware of the excited murmurings which radiated through her fellow dancers and the crowd beyond. It appeared the next dance was to be the waltz.
Anne's eyes grew wide and she swallowed nervously. Not quite common yet in many public balls, the waltz was becoming a firm favourite at private assemblies. Anne had learned the steps last year with her cousin before attending the Edinburgh Season, but she had only danced the steps in full twice in public. Her first attempt she had danced with her dear cousin Angus, the second had been with Edward. At the time she had not thought anything of it. If anything, she had been quite relieved to only have to dance the waltz with her cousin and a dear family friend; for the hold was so intimate she would have been quite too embarrassed to dance it with anyone else. But Edward was now no longer just a dear family friend. He was so much more to her. The thought of being so close to him sent shivers up her spine.
As the music began, Edward took a step forward, offering her his hand which she timidly accepted. He drew her close and raised their adjoining hand into position. Anne gently hovered her right hand towards his left shoulder. He looked at her rather intently as he slid his hand firmly against the curve of her back. Neither of them said a word. They simply stood, in hold, staring at one another as the music began and the couple's around them started to move in unison.
Snapping to attention Edward began to lead, yet Anne was not able to concentrate, and the pair then stumbled quite ridiculously. Anne wanted to die of embarrassment. Edwards merely let out a rather uncharacteristic nervous laugh.
Edward mentally scolded himself for his clumsy behaviour. One would think he had never danced with a beautiful woman before. He had danced with many attractive woman; but he had never danced with a woman whom he wanted as much as Anne. He had long considered her to be perfection, but this evening, in that dress, well there was only so much a man in love could endure. He looked down at her, she seemed nervous. He looked at her flushed cheeks and the swell of her bottom lip. He flexed his palm against her back which resulted in Anne taking in a sharp, small breath. He decided the best way forward was to make light of the situation. Once this set was over, he would find a quiet corner for them to talk.
After a few more ungainly stumbles, they found their rhythm and began moving quite easily about the dance floor.
"You dance just as superbly as I remember, with all the grace of a bloodhound," he teased with a wide grin. "What have my poor boots ever done to receive such a thrashing." Upon seeing the flash of embarrassment in her eyes he leaned his head forward, and all but whispered; "Do not fret my dear, for I should forgive you anything and would endure far worse in order to be rewarded with the pleasure of having you in arms."
"You sir," Anne laughed, forgetting her embarrassment "are the most determined flirt that has ever graced ton society. I believe no woman is safe from you."
"Do you wish to be safe?" Edward asked in a low voice, adding pressure to her back, closing the distance between them. "I can say with absolute certainty that every woman in the whole of London is safe from me, but you Anne... you, are an entirely different matter."
Anne looked up, the butterflies in her stomach were beating their wings so furiously she could almost hear them pounding in her ears. The look on his face was so intent, she almost felt it indecent. His hand upon her back radiated heat to her very core, though her skin tingled and shivered in such a way that left her light headed. With his head turned down towards her, his face was only inches away from hers.
Edward chuckled softly upon seeing Anne's sweet look of bemusement at his rather suggestive remark. Oh, how he would love to see the look on her face if she could but know what he desired most. He lowered his face slowly, his mouth so close to hers. He watched as her breathing quickened, which made her chest rise and fall so alluringly.
Anne's eyes grew wide, she did not dare move. The familiar scent of Edwards cologne was heavy in the air. Why had she never realised how delicious his unique scent? A mix of spiced wood and lavender. His dark eyes all but burnt into her own. She was certain he intended to kiss her. Good lord he was going to kiss her! On the dance floor no less! Why did she not feel alarmed at such a thought? The expression on his face was almost sinful. She could easily pull away, though she knew she would not. She looked back at him, hoping he could read in her face how much she wished him to kiss her. Quickly she tried to compose herself, wasn't this exactly what she had wanted? She closed her eyes as a way of invitation; for this, she had read, was how ladies behaved who wished to the thoroughly kissed.
Edward softly chuckled as he watched Anne close her eyes. The sweet little fool, if only she knew how utterly charming he found her naivety. He had not noticed the music end around them, as he stood with his hand still gripping her back, holding her close. He knew how improper the situation was, though the scandal would be nothing once it was known he was fully intent on marrying her. He was just about to place her lips over her's when a hand thumped him hard over the shoulder.
"There you are my good man; I hope you will not mind my stealing your charming partner for the next set. Anne I must apologise, I got distracted by an old acquaintance earlier. My, that dress, I am all astonishment. You cannot know how much I regret not claiming your hand earlier. Am I not a lucky man to have such a beauty for a cousin?"
"Colonel Fitzwilliam," Edward said flatly. He stepped away from Anne sharply, grabbing the Colonels outstretched hand and shaking it vigorously in an attempt to distract him from observing how close the two had just been. "It is a pleasure indeed to see you. I shall not detain your fair cousin a moment longer. She was kind enough to partner me for the waltz. If you will excuse me Miss de Bourgh," he said softly, "I shall not detain you a moment longer." He looked down at her from his great height, admiring her flushed appearance for the final time before departing within the crowd of eager dancers, ready for the new set.
Anne stood, open mouthed. Not entirely sure what to think. She could hear the blood pounding in her ears. A hollow sensation settled in her stomach. She felt entirely put out. She would have given anything to simply follow him off the dancefloor and demand he kiss her immediately.
"Anne are you quite well," Richard asked, touching her arm gently. "If you would rather, we can miss this set and take refreshment in the upper rooms?"
Shaking herself, she fixed a forced smile upon her face. Never in her life had she felt such disappointment at seeing Richard. "I apologise, I am quite well. I am more than happy to dance."
"Capital, capital let us begin," smiled Richard taking Anne's arm in order to set her with the other couples, ready to partake in the Allemande. He glanced over his should as he took his place, he could not see the dark-haired Lord Colville anywhere. He bowed to his partner as the music began. That, he thought, had been far too close for comfort.
They made idle conversation as they danced. It was clear Anne was distracted, and this vexed Richard quite acutely. He could not deny she looked entirely breath-taking this evening, though he was most unimpressed at the amount of attention she was receiving from other gentleman.
"I must say Anne, although the colour suits you very well, I am rather surprised at your choice of gown. Do you not think it is a style best suited to the, shall we say younger ladies in attendance? I would not have considered you someone so eager for attention."
She stopped short, mid step and looked at him sternly. "How dare you speak to me in such a way."
"Oh, there is no need for that Anne," Richard said quickly, keen to get her back dancing before anyone noticed their quarrel. "It was a mere observation, my apologies if it came across anything but complimentary."
"There was nothing remotely complimentary implied."
"Anne you are causing a scene," hissed Richard.
"If I am causing a scene then it is one entirely of your own making." She had quite enough of this. She turned ready to leave the dancefloor, but stopped as Darcy suddenly appeared at her side.
"Thank heavens I have found you. Anne you must come with me. Make haste for we must leave immediately."
Richard, already fuming, was quite ready to explode.
"For goodness sake Darcy can you not see the lady is engaged with me at present? Can this not wait?"
"No Richard I am afraid it cannot. Anne you must come with me this very moment. We must leave for Rosings Park this very night. It is Lady Catherine."