"My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me." - Henry Ford
Chapter 10
Two days before Elizabeth was due to return home, she was preparing to attend her final ball in London. Jane and Elizabeth had spent the afternoon sequestered away in Jane's private parlor laughing together and wondering about their family at home in Longbourn.
"It is a wonder that Papa has not sneaked away to join us in London during my time here. His last missive, though short, was filled with allusions to how creative Lydia and Kitty have become at trying his patience." Elizabeth said with a laugh.
"Oh, I am sure that they both are just looking for attention from Papa." Jane said softly.
When Elizabeth fixed her sister with an incredulous stare, Jane added, "and perhaps they are looking for a slight increase in allowance as well."
They both laughed at that before the door was opened to reveal an exasperated Caroline. Without a word, she threw herself onto the divan with a dramatic sigh.
"Good afternoon, Caroline." Jane said.
With another sigh, Caroline said, "Oh, my dear sisters, whatever am I to do?"
"What is wrong?" Jane asked concerned.
"I am simply forlorn, Jane! Louisa is being awful to me and refuses to allow me to wear Mother's ruby necklace to the ball this evening. Even though I told her that it would look dreadful with the dress that she intends to wear!" Caroline looked from Jane to Elizabeth expecting to see agreement.
"Perhaps that is the very reason she will not allow you to borrow the necklace, Caroline." Elizabeth said sharply before continuing, "I know that I would not feel generous towards my sisters if they were critical of my fashion choices."
"Oh, Eliza, do be serious! Louisa is aware that I have more fashion sense than she." Caroline glanced down at the dress that Elizabeth was wearing before adding, "as well as others."
Jane saw the anger flash in Elizabeth's eyes and quickly intervened.
"Caroline, you are welcome to borrow one of my new pieces for tonight?"
"Oh, truly, Jane? Thank you so much! The necklace that Charles gave you at Christmas with the large onyx would be perfect…better even than Louisa's ruby necklace." Caroline said sweetly.
"Certainly, I'll have it sent to your room." Jane replied.
"You are such a treasure, Jane. Now, I must retire to my room to begin dressing for tonight." Caroline said as she stood quickly from her chair. Before she reached the door, she looked over at Elizabeth and added, "You would do well to follow my example, Eliza. Your time is almost up to return home with gentleman willing to follow you."
"Thank you so much for your concern, Caroline." Elizabeth said sarcastically.
That evening, as Bingley hands Elizabeth down from the carriage, she smiles to her brother and takes a moment to look at the bustling people around her. Although she had visited Town in the past, it was nothing compared to the amount of social events she was privileged to go to during her stay with Jane and Charles. Watching Charles extend his arm to Jane, Elizabeth cannot help but feel blessed that he joined their family.
"Truly, Eliza, must you always dawdle?"
Elizabeth's thoughts were cut short by Caroline's fierce whisper. Perhaps there is a price to be paid for every blessing after all.
Choosing not to respond to Caroline's chastisement, Elizabeth simply continues to follow her party into the house. Most of the guests have already arrived and the chandeliers are radiant. A thrill of excitement courses through Elizabeth at the thought of dancing tonight. Mr. Darcy soon joins their party and extends his greetings to everyone. Caroline maneuvers closer to him as Elizabeth smirks.
"Well, Darce, I hope that you have come prepared to dance tonight. My house was filled with talk of dancing all afternoon and we must not disappoint the ladies." Charles says with a laugh.
"Charles, do not torment Mr. Darcy. You know that he does not enjoy the employment." Caroline says while turning a questioning look to Darcy.
"On the contrary, Miss Bingley. I have every intention of dancing this evening."
A look of joy comes across Caroline's face before he continues.
"I understand that this will be your last ball before leaving Town, Miss Bennet. I was hoping to solicit your hand for the first dance." Darcy asked, turning towards Elizabeth.
"I thank you, sir. It would be a pleasure." Elizabeth said with a smile, avoiding the look that Caroline was sending her.
Darcy went on to request dances with Jane, Caroline and Mrs. Hurst. Before excusing himself to greet another gentleman, Darcy promised to return before the first set began. Bingley took this opportunity to request the second set from Elizabeth and was happily accepted.
Amelia and Col. Waldegrave then joined their party.
"Oh, Elizabeth! I can hardly believe that you will be leaving so soon. Even before the Season is over."
Caroline interjected, "Yes, Louisa and I were just saying the same, Amelia. However, our little Eliza has been out of the country for quite a long time. I am sure that she will be content to be home with her family again."
"But you are forgetting, Caroline. You are my family now too." Elizabeth said with a sweet smile before turning back towards her friend and the Colonel.
"I hope that you have a wonderful evening, my friend." Amelia said with a gleam in her eye.
"As do I, dear sister, which is why I would like to request your hand for the first set, Miss Bennet?" The Col. said with a bow.
"Oh, I am sorry, Col. Waldegrave, but I am already engaged for the first two sets."
"I see. Perhaps I can secure your company for the supper set then?"
"Yes, I thank you." Elizabeth replied.
"Brilliant, then I can assure my sister that I will do my utmost to make your evening wonderful during dinner."
The three of them laughed and continued to talk before Elizabeth felt someone approach from behind.
"Pardon me, Miss Bennet, but I believe that they are lining up for the opening dance."
Mr. Darcy greeted the Waldegrave's while extending his arm to Elizabeth. As the pair took their places, Elizabeth noticed the many stares turned their way. Even for an outgoing individual like Elizabeth, it was unnerving to be scrutinized so fervently. It must be absolute torture for a man like Mr. Darcy who seemed to relax only when in the company of friends in small numbers. She turned her gaze upon her dance partner with a new appreciation. At that moment, his eyes found hers and she blushed at being caught.
"May I ask what has caused you to look at me with such concentration, Miss Bennet? You are being quiet, which I happen to know is a rare occurrence when you are dancing."
She smiled broadly at his teasing before responding.
"I am attempting to sketch your character, Mr. Darcy. You continue to surprise me."
"I see, please carry on, I would not wish to suspend your enjoyment." He said in mock seriousness.
Elizabeth was greatly pleased with her dance partners as the night progressed. After spending the majority of her time 'out' in Hertfordshire with the same young men who she grew up with, it was exciting to meet so many affable gentlemen. Time passed so quickly, that it was soon the supper set.
"Miss Bennet, how are you enjoying this evening's festivities?" Col. Waldegrave asked as they took their places among the other couples.
"It has been simply wonderful, Colonel." Elizabeth responded with a smile.
"Hmmm, then I will have my work cut out for me to improve upon it. It will certainly be a challenge to top 'wonderful'." He said with a thoughtful look.
Elizabeth laughed at this bit of silliness before they proceeded to dance. As always, Elizabeth and the Colonel maintained an easy conversation throughout the dance and then at dinner. Much to Col. Waldegrave's chagrin and Elizabeth's entertainment, Tom Bertram was seated with them at dinner. His eagerness for information about Amelia would not be deterred, despite the fact that his partner was not amused and the Colonel did everything allowable in polite society to dissuade Bertram from pursuing Amelia.
At the end of the evening, Amelia and her brother once again approached the Bingley party to wish them a good night and say farewell to Elizabeth.
"Oh, Elizabeth! How I will miss you!" Amelia exclaimed as she embraced her new friend.
"I expect faithful correspondence from you as I have said. Perhaps we will meet again." Elizabeth said as she released Amelia from their hug.
Amelia cast a quick glance to her brother before saying, "Yes, perhaps we will. Take care, my friend."
Amelia stepped aside to allow her brother to speak with Elizabeth. Col. Waldegrave smiled and said, "It has been a pleasure making your acquaintance this season, Miss Bennet. I shall miss your stimulating conversation at the next event that Amelia's drags me to."
Elizabeth laughed lightly and responded, "The pleasure has been mine, Colonel. I hope that you find the remainder of the season equally as enjoyable."
The Colonel looked serious for a moment before bowing over Elizabeth's hand and placing a quick kiss on it before straightening and saying, "Unlikely. Safe travels, Miss Bennet."
Before Elizabeth could respond, the Colonel and Amelia were gone. Elizabeth's mind was swirling as she tried to analyze the differing friendships she had developed during this trip. As she settled into the carriage, Elizabeth was brought out of her thoughts by Caroline's voice.
"Well, that was a slightly dull ball to complete your visit with, Eliza. Fear not, I have ensured that I am available to entertain you all of tomorrow!" Caroline added with excitement.
Elizabeth glanced at Jane and Charles, who were both attempting to keep their laughter at bay, before turning to Caroline and saying, "How wonderful, Caroline."
A/N: Sorry for the long wait. Writer fail. Are you still with me?