Chapter 25

The ball room glittered, and as she entered with her arm looped through Darcy's, Lizzie took a moment to admire the rich purple tablecloths, the silver decorations and the centrepieces that adorned each table, a bouquet of delicate white flowers twinkling with fairy lights.

"They don't cut corners, do they?" Darcy whispered in her ear, his warm breath tickling her neck, she couldn't suppress the slight shiver the sensation caused through her body, and it was a moment before she could respond with a small smile and a giggle as she nodded her agreement.

"I wouldn't expect anything less from Leanne," Lizzie whispered back, just as none other than the hostess herself, spotted them.

"Ahhh! Lizzie! You're here!" Leanne Annesley called from a little way across the room.

"I told you she'd never forgive your absence," Darcy teased, pulling her across the room to greet the hosts.

"Happy anniversary, Mrs. Annesley!" Lizzie said by way of greeting.

"Oh Lizzie! I was so afraid you wouldn't be here!" She started, and Lizzie plastered on a smile and prepared for an onslaught. Mrs Annesley was nothing, if not enthusiastic. "I called your office today and they said you'd been out all week and Lily didn't know when you'd be back, and Mr Darcy here had already left for the day! I didn't know what to do with myself!"

"And don't the two of you look simply gorgeous tonight!" Mrs. Annesley continued,

"Well thank you Mrs. Annesley," Lizzie said, feeling the blush on her cheeks.

"That dress is simply stunning, and Mr. Darcy, you look very handsome, and together! Well, you're the most beautiful couple in the room!"

Darcy nearly blushed this time, and gently squeezed Lizzie's hand, which still rested on his arm.

"Believe me Mrs. Annesley, I know exactly how lucky I am tonight," he said, speaking softly and gazing down at the woman on his arm.

Mrs. Annesley watched them curiously for a brief moment, noticing that there was certainly more than their usual employer/employee relationship between them tonight.

"I think I'll just leave you to it then," she said conspiringly before flitting away to greet a new guest.

"Shall we?" Darcy asked, gesturing to the expanse of the room. Lizzie nodded her consent and the couple stepped off to make the first rounds of the night.

Out of obligation, they started the evening out with business, making sure to speak to anyone at the function who was a donor or a client, and stopping off with the SUFA people to contribute their donation. But the entire time they were 'working' Darcy never let Lizzie leave his side, making sure he was involved in all the same conversations as her, and incorporating her into the ones he was obligated to partake in. One of the things Will found so wonderful about Lizzie was her quick wit and comfortable demeanour, that meant she could talk to almost anyone about anything and make it into the most riveting conversation. So in the end, Darcy didn't get much of a word in edgewise, because he was too busy being enraptured by Elizabeth.

"You okay?" Lizzie asked him about forty minutes later, after they'd moved away from the conversation she'd been having with Paul and Loretta Jameson, who were one of the smaller donors at Darcy Enterprises.

"Never better," he smiled warmly.

"You're awfully quiet," she said.

"Just enjoying the brilliance of your mind," he answered, "Listening to you is far more entertaining than hearing myself talk,"

"What a charmer you are," Lizzie teased, "Lucky for you, it's my job to talk to these people, so you get to keep listening,"

"How fortunate," he winked, affectionately tapping the end of her nose, making her blush.

It was then that they were separated. Will reluctantly let go of Lizzie's hand as she was drawn into a conversation with one of their larger donors, and he was pulled away by one of their more important clients and it wouldn't have been polite for either of them to cut their conversations short. Somehow, Will found himself at the bar, nursing a scotch on the rocks and watching Lizzie from across the dance floor as she laughed and smiled at her companions words. Marshall Peterman was chuckling at one of his own jokes and Darcy managed to laugh enough to make it look like he'd been listening intently… something about a golfer and his putter? Regardless, he quickly turned his thoughts away from Lizzie so he wouldn't get distracted again.

The next time he looked up, as conversation with Peterman was coming to an end. Lizzie was no longer in the same place, so with every intention of going to find her, Will shook Peterman's hand and brought the conversation to a stop.

"Have someone call my office next week and I'll set up a meeting," he said grasping the portly man's hand and smiling, "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

"And the same to you, Darcy" Peterman chuckled, "I suppose you're anxious to get back to that goddess of a woman who is your date tonight! Good for you! I knew you and Elizabeth would figure things out eventually!" And with that remark, he departed, leaving Will slightly perturbed. He took a moment to ponder the man's words, and then figured it didn't matter and turned to find his date.

"Willy?" a high pitched voice interceded, stopping his endeavour before it could start, "Willy! Hi!" it repeated. Darcy groaned, his shoulders dropped for a moment and he closed his eyes tight before regaining a neutral expression and looking towards the voice. He came face to face with none other than Caroline Bingley.

"Hello, Caroline," he greeted, not extending any part of his body in greeting for fear that she'd latch on. The last thing he wanted was for Lizzie to find him with another woman, the woman who'd caused them so much damage at that, grasping onto him possessively, not after they'd finally made so much progress.

He could see that his efforts would be in vain as she took a step closer and started to turn her body towards him, intending to take his arm. He mirrored her movement and created a little more distance.

"Willy," she said again and he cringed, she was the only person in the world who called him that, she actually thought it was endearing, that he liked it! He hated that pet name like he hated the plague, or peas.

"It's so lovely to see you Willy. It's been so terribly long! I was starting to think you didn't love me anymore!" she pouted, and Darcy braced himself for another tedious conversation of over the top flirting and grappling by his companion. Something about his rejection had only caused to spurn Caroline on, and if it weren't for her brother, the kindest, most honest man he'd ever known, being his best friend and his business associate, he'd have nothing to do with her.

"I suppose it has been a while hasn't it," he answered, scanning behind her for a glimpse of Lizzie, hoping to catch her eye and plead for rescue. She was nowhere to be seen in the continually filling ballroom, and with every new addition to the party, she was going to be harder to spot in the crowd.

"Charles' birthday must have been the last time we were together!" She exclaimed, making it sound like they'd shared more than a passing hello at her brother's birthday dinner four months ago.

"I suppose you are right," he said again, trying to move back a step to stop her advances, but she was getting increasingly closer as she jabbered on.

"I'm here, of course, for work. I think it's quite ridiculous that these Annabee's host a party for themselves every year, don't you? But Mr. Simmons was quite insistent that I come and represent the company."

Darcy was only half listening, he was beginning to worry that if someone didn't interrupt their conversation soon he was going to end up shuffling around in circles to avoid her grasp, which despite his best efforts, was getting closer with each passing moment. He wasn't sure how she did it, but he knew if she got a hold of him, there would be no getting rid of her until they were seated for dinner. For the briefest of moments, he panicked, feeling a hand on his arm, but realised it was coming in from behind him and couldn't be Caroline's, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Actually Caroline," Lizzie's voice intervened, "The Annesley's party is one of the biggest annual fundraisers for Stand Up For Africa, in Britain. Leanne and David use their anniversary as an occasion to improve the lives of the impoverished people living in Africa. Everyone here usually gives a rather sizeable donation."

She said, claiming her place at Darcy's side with ease and authority. He smiled down at her, she really was amazing, the way she'd put Caroline in her place was subtle yet the message couldn't be clearer. She'd claimed her place with Darcy, defended one of their company's biggest contributors, and a friend, and let Caroline know that she wouldn't be playing any games with her with just a simple glance.

"Oh," Caroline said, deflating before their eyes, "I didn't know you were here Eliza,"

"Why wouldn't I be?" She asked, sliding a little closer to Will, who took the opportunity to slide his arm around her waist and anchor her to him.

"I suppose it is you job," she said.

"And my pleasure," Lizzie added, looking up as Will. Caroline glanced down at the possessive hand Darcy had on Lizzie's waist then up at their smiling faces as they looked into one another's eyes and almost gagged. Surely this wasn't right, they weren't here together!

"Nice to see you, Carrie" Lizzie said, returning the favour of using the nickname she knew Caroline despised, "But they're about to serve dinner, so we ought to find out seats."

Caroline didn't say anything else, but turned in a huff and stormed off towards the tables.

"That was brilliant," Will said when she was out of ear shot, "You have to show me how you did that. I can never seem to get rid of her,"

"That's because she's deluded enough to think she still has a shot with you," Lizzie scoffed as they stepped off towards the dining area. She'd already found their seats while Darcy was busy with Marshall Peterman so she led the way. They'd just reach their seats when dinner was announced and Darcy pulled out her chair for her. This was something he'd done before at these types of benefits. They often attended them together, and up until today she'd always just seen it as a part of her job. In light of the new situation they found themselves in, she was starting to conceive that Darcy could easily attend these functions without her, bring a date or another associate, but it was always her at his side. She felt herself blushing again as he pushed her seat in behind her.

Dinner was three courses, Lizzie had the potato and leek soup starter with soft fluffy bread rolls, a main course of slow cooked lamb that practically melted in your mouth on a bed of the most amazing mashed potatoes she had ever tasted and a dessert that had her salivating before it was even placed in front of her, chocolate délice with raspberries and vanilla bean ice cream. She took her first bite and couldn't hold back the moan that escaped her. Darcy chuckled beside her and Lizzie shot him a look.

"What?" She asked

"Oh nothing, I've just never seen anybody enjoy chocolate so much," now it was Lizzie's turn to laugh.

"Obviously you haven't spent enough time around me," she said, not grasping the implications of that sentence until it was too late. Darcy's eyes darkened as he gazed at her and she averted her gaze quickly, suddenly feeling very warm. Her eyes fell on his plate, a panna cotta with passion fruit glaze. She quickly picked up his fork, stole a bite of the creamy dessert and put it in her mouth. A look of surprise crossed his eyes as he watched her, she smiled softly, looking back into his eyes.

"Mine's better," she said simply and turned back to her plate. He laughed, taking his first bite from his plate and contemplating it, it was good. Then, he reached out and gently grabbed Lizzie's wrist as her hand made its journey to her mouth. Her fork was poised in midair and she turned to look at him, he pulled her hand towards him and quickly stole the bite of chocolate that she'd been about to enjoy. Her mouth dropped open in shock as her delicious dessert disappeared behind Will's lips. It was the briefest moment that their eyes locked and then his closed… and he moaned!

"God, you're right. Yours is better!" he said and she giggled, pulling her hand out of his and spearing some more chocolate, quickly eating it.

"Too bad, the rest is mine," she teased. He pretended to pout, but turned back to his plate and ate his, what was now, a substandard dessert.

As the dessert plates were cleared away, the music lifted from the soft background instrumentals that had accompanied dinner and the mingling hour and the band started to play something danceable. Upbeat and jazzy, most of the guests started to leave the tables and head onto the polished dance floor. By his side, holding his hand on the tabletop Lizzie was turned away from him, speaking to her other dinner companion. Darcy was half listening to their conversation, but mostly he was watching Lizzie and looking for the opportunity to ask for a dance. One that was more like the one they'd shared at her first Darcy event, not like all the obligatory dances she'd been burdened with since then. He found his moment when Lizzie's conversation partner was swept off to the dance floor by her own husband. Lizzie turned to face Darcy with a smile.

"I think I might have just convinced Mrs. Denny to have her husband's company sign on with us," she said proudly.

"I don't doubt it," he said, rubbing a circle on the back of her hand with his thumb. They stared at each other for a long moment before he spoke again.

"Would you like to dance Lizzie?" he asked her, she looked across to the dance floor where couples were dancing to a bluesy number.

"I'd love to," she answered. Darcy beamed, and got up to help her from her seat and lead her to the floor. They reached it as the song was changing. The soft opening of plucking strings immediately recognizable and Darcy pulled her closer and began to sway to the music.

Darcy had always been a good dancer. She had danced with him enough times to know that. Admittedly most of the times she had been this close to him, she'd been looking for a way to escape. After everything that they'd discussed in recent days she was re-thinking all of his motives.

Every time he asked her to accompany him to a function, asked her to dance, pulled out her chair, helped her from the car… what she'd always tolerated with disdain, she was starting to appreciate with sweetness. Being in his arms on the dance floor now, it no longer felt awkward and constricting, but welcoming and natural. He held her closer against him and she looked up into his eyes as the singer began to croon.

Stars shining bright above you, night breezes seem to whisper 'I love you'.

"You really do look stunning tonight, Lizzie," Darcy whispered, his voice was gruff and his eyes she noticed were very dark. She blushed and ducked her head to avoid his gaze, her head fell right under his chin and he pulled her closer, resting his chin on her head as hers found purchase on his chest.

Birds singing in the sycamore tree, dream a little dream of me.

"I think this has to be the most fun I've ever had at one of these things," she murmured against him, and she felt his chest shake with a small chuckled.

"I think you might be right," he agreed, "Now that you know I don't hate you,"

"Hmm, yes that might have something to do with it," she teased.

Say nighty night and kiss me, just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me.

Lizzie felt a shiver down her spine as the soft words flowed over them. Imagining their meaning, and feeling the sincerity in Darcy's touch. The words felt so real, as if the band were singing about them, these two people who were so close to becoming something more, but still keeping that distance between them.

Like every night this past week, when they would say goodnight and go to their own beds, both kept awake at night with thoughts of the other.

While I'm alone and blue as can be, dream a little dream of me.

He trailed his hands down her arms and took her hand, spinning her out so swiftly she felt like she was floating, then pulling her back to his arms.

Stars fading, but I linger on dear, still craving your kiss. I'm longing to linger till dawn dear, just saying this…

She felt very warm again all of a sudden, swept into his arms, remember their encounter at Netherfield, the way he'd held her so tightly against him and loved her. How could she not think about waking up in his arms each day when this song was penetrating her deepest thoughts, her most secret desires, the ones she'd never shared with any one?

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you, sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you.

The ones she'd only ever dreamed about, and all of them including this man before her, holding her like she might disappear forever in the blink of an eye. She drew back her head and looked up into his eyes, which shone with adoration, and, Lizzie shivered, love?

But in your dreams, whatever they be…

"Lizzie…" he whispered, stroking a strand of hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear. His fingers lingered on her cheek and she wet her lips.

Dream a little dream of me.

The rest of the song was lost to her, fading into the ether along with everything else in the room, except for this man, who suddenly became the only thing in the room to her.

"Lizzie," he whispered again, as his head dipped down and his lips met hers. The words that spoke of craving kisses and lingering till dawn became obsolete, because his lips were on hers and she had his kiss. His soft lips, his warm mouth, his hands cupping her face and pulling her into him and they continued to sway to the music.

Dream a little dream of me.

The music faded away to silence, and it broke their little bubble. Will pulled back, still gazing down on her and he smiled, matching the one she wore on her lips. The music had stopped and someone was speaking up on the stage, David Annesley was making his speech and she ought to pay attention so that next week she'd be able to call him and tell him how wonderful it was. Do her job, which was something she was finding rather difficult to do at the moment. But somehow, with herculean effort, she managed to turn away, and still grasping Will's hand, pay attention.

The rest of the night passed in a blur. They didn't dance again, because they both knew that being that close could cause some serious, not appropriate in public, actions. So instead they mingled, spoke to more associates and donors, laughed and joked with those who'd become friends and, Lizzie remembered, drank a lot of wine. They stayed until it would be appropriate to leave and then Darcy called for their car to be brought around. Lizzie wondered how they'd manage alone together in the back seat of a car for the short drive home, but didn't have much time to contemplate on that before they were there. She didn't want to rush things, she wasn't ready to sleep with him again, but there were definitely things that needed to change, she hoped she was sober enough to keep her resolve, and if she weren't, that Jane, Katie and Charles' presence at the house would be enough to intervene. Because every time memories of their dance, or for that matter, their night together at Netherfield, popped into her mind, she was finding it hard to remember her reasons for taking things slowly.