After a short stint on the dance floor, Elizabeth accepted the offer of a non-alcoholic drink from Richard and was content to just watch the other partygoers on the sidelines. A part of her was silently hoping that Darcy would solicit her hand for a dance, but the CEO seemed to be busy in conversation with some VIPs. Perhaps due to holding the company's top position and being a reserved man, Darcy might not readily dance at such large social gatherings. Elizabeth's newly engaged sister Jane was likewise occupied with Charles and other well-wishers.
"Georgiana, I am going in a minute. It has been a wonderful evening. If you need a room, just come up and knock on my door," she reminded the younger lady about her earlier offer.
"Thank you, but I might still be here for another hour or so… I do not want to disturb you if you are already asleep."
"That is not a problem at all. Actually, I can give you my aunt's keycard. Here."
"Are you not going to wait for my brother?" Georgiana asked, looking around to find Darcy.
"He is very much engaged with other guests. I will just message him tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of the evening, or morning," Elizabeth bade her good night and left to inform Jane that she was leaving.
Georgiana quickly searched the ballroom for her brother, whom she found in the company of other departing guests. After the seemingly endless farewells, she took her brother aside and whispered, "Elizabeth has gone up to her room."
"Oh," Darcy sounded disappointed, turning to the exit to see if he might still be able to catch up with Elizabeth.
"She has offered me a room in her suite to stay in for tonight. I have a keycard."
"Are you not staying with Anne?"
"Probably not. I do not want to become a third wheel," Georgiana stated.
"I see," Darcy absently replied, wondering how he could get an opportunity to speak to Elizabeth before she retired for bed.
"She has only just left. Go follow her."
"What? I can't just do that…"
"Why not? This is the best time to talk to her… who knows when you will get another chance?" she urged.
"So what, I just go up to her room… I do not want to appear like a stalker," he expressed some hesitation.
"Well… let me think… I won something from the silent auction. You could take it up for me," Georgiana tried to devise a way for Darcy to visit Elizabeth in her room.
"What did you win?"
"The gargoyle."
"What? That grotesque thing?" Darcy exclaimed.
"Shhhh… it's all for charity. No one else was interested so I entered a bid," she hissed.
"What are you planning to do with it?" Darcy remarked disbelievingly, hoping it did not end up adorning their property.
"Let us worry about that later. For now, it serves as your convenient excuse to see Elizabeth. So go!" Georgiana practically shoved her brother away.
Knowing that people will be directing questioning looks at him when he carried the hideous carved creature away, Darcy decided to seek Mrs R's assistance in sourcing a suitable box for it.
"I could ask someone to take care of that for you, sir," Mrs R proposed.
"Oh no, I'll handle it," Darcy hastily gripped the package, to his PA's surprise.
When he finally arrived in front of Elizabeth's suite, Darcy felt anxious all of a sudden. He did not want to mess up again when he made another attempt to ask her for a date. Though Elizabeth had been friendly and warm with him since his apology, that was not a guarantee that she now considered him a potential romantic interest.
What if she says no? What if she only views me as a friend or her ex-boss?
Before he knew it, the door opened to reveal a bewildered Elizabeth.
"Oh, my gosh. You startled me. I heard noises from outside the door. I was expecting Georgiana."
"Sorry. Ahhh… she asked me to bring this up for her," Darcy supplied.
"I see. Erm… come on in. I guess you could place that, whatever that is, somewhere here," Elizabeth guided him to the massive living room space.
Darcy gingerly set the prized article down on a side table and desperately thought of the right words to say. This could be his moment. He was alone with the woman he loved, and he was now free to pursue her!
"If you do not mind me asking, what is inside the box?" she was curious to know.
"A gargoyle."
"What?" she laughed.
"Georgie won it from the silent auction. Don't ask me why," he shook his head and smiled. "I hope you enjoyed the gala."
"Yes, I did. I had a fantastic time. I must congratulate you on the success of the event. I am sure many worthwhile causes would benefit from the ticket sales, donations, and the auction."
"We could not have done it without the help of our hardworking and loyal staff. You have made a huge impact with your input, Elizabeth. That presentation… and Georgiana's performance… made the evening much more meaningful and memorable. Thank you," he spoke sincerely.
"There is no need to thank me, after all that you have done to help me and my family. You have been far too generous with us. And look at the size of this room. I bet this space is big enough to dance in," she declared and twirled around.
"Will you dance with me, Elizabeth?" Darcy whispered close to her ear as his right hand caught her by the waist.
"But… I… I thought you did not want to dance…" she stammered.
"I was not sure if you wished to dance tonight… or if you would accept a dance with me… especially with so many people around… but you did dance with Richard…" As he said this, his hands slowly wrapped around her back.
"And you danced with Caroline…"
"Not really… I got dragged into it… didn't you see what happened after?"
"Yes, I did. Poor Caroline… I hope she is alright."
"She'll be fine, but enough about her," he quickly dismissed all thoughts of that woman. "So… will you dance with me? Please?" he repeated his request.
"There is no music…" she murmured.
Darcy took his phone out and soon after, the first notes of 'What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?' started to play.
"Shall we?" he asked, and she could only nod in response.
As they swayed to the soulful voice of Ella Fitzgerald, the couple seemed mesmerised by each other's gaze.
"I have often wondered what could be on your mind when you stare at me so," Elizabeth eventually spoke halfway through the tune.
"Just admiring the most beautiful woman of my acquaintance. And wondering how I could entice her to agree to go out with me," he confessed.
When no words came out from her, he continued, "I know I made a big mess of asking you out before… and I can very well recall your vehement rejection that time… but I am hoping that you may have had a change of heart… that you may be willing to give me a chance…"
"Yes."
"Yes?"
"Yes, I will go out with you."
And it was Darcy's turn to be speechless.
"What are you thinking about now?" her eyes twinkled at him.
"How much I want to kiss you right now," his honest reply made her blush. "I know we have not been on a date yet… and it is past the New Year's Eve countdown… but maybe, just maybe, you might--"
"Shut up and kiss me," was the sweetest command Darcy had ever heard, to which he, of course, promptly complied.
Their lips met tentatively at first, with one of his hands touching the side of her face then stroking her hair, and the other gently drawing her body towards him. Her arms moved from his broad shoulders and slid around his neck. As warmth blossomed in their hearts, they learned in closer and their kiss gradually intensified. By the time the song had ended, they were locked in an affectionate embrace, her head resting on his shoulder while he pressed soft kisses on her head.
"Elizabeth… I have wanted to kiss you for so long… to hold you in my arms like this…" he sighed contentedly.
"Really? You did not seem to like me very much in the beginning. And I distinctly remember you making a comment about my 'healthy appetite' during Jane and Charles' first date."
"I only meant that… you eat well and that you manage to stay in great shape. It was meant to be a compliment."
"Oh. I thought it was a body-shaming remark. Jane has always been known as the beauty of the family. With her face and figure, she could be a model if she wanted to," she explained.
"How many business cards did you get tonight? And weren't they mostly from men? You do not know how attractive you are, do you? But maybe that is to my advantage… otherwise you might choose someone better than me…" he thought, his hands travelling up and down her back.
"Are you kidding me? No woman in their right mind would turn you down," she raised her head to look at him.
"Yet you did. The only woman I am interested in did not want to go on a date with me… I took that really hard, you know. Then after some reflection, I realised that you were right in refusing me, that my words and actions then were appalling."
"I think we both behaved and reacted terribly that time… and I am glad that we have resolved our differences. And look where we are now," she reached up to brush a few loose strands of his hair back into place.
For a few moments, Darcy just stood there, appreciating her lovely features, counting himself fortunate for this second chance with Elizabeth.
"Darcy?"
"Hmmm?"
"Is it okay if we sit down?"
"Of course. Are you alright?" he worried that she was still unwell. "Maybe you should get some sleep now."
"No, it's just that my feet hurt. I am not used to wearing stilettos," she admitted. "I've been in these high heels for hours."
In an instant, Darcy effortlessly lifted her and carried her over to the couch. After setting her down carefully, he knelt in front of her, removed the offending shoes, and caressed her aching feet.
She looked at him fondly and posed a question, "Do you make a habit of saving damsels in distress?"
"Only one special lady. Do you want something to eat before bedtime?"
"No, just some warm tea. I can make some for you too if you like. But I think we only have teabags."
"I'll take care of it. You have made my tea perfectly for a month," he kissed her hands before disappearing to prepare some refreshments. Within a few minutes, Darcy was back with their hot beverages and some biscuits.
"I might get used to this. You should not spoil me so," Elizabeth placed a light kiss on his cheek. The besotted man could not help but return her kiss, but on her rosy lips.
"Your phone…" she mumbled in between breaths.
Darcy removed his mobile from his pocket and tossed it onto the coffee table but did not withdraw from their kiss.
"Someone might need you…" she slowly pulled back after hearing more incoming alerts on his phone.
Taking a deep breath, Darcy reluctantly checked his phone then smirked after reading the messages.
The first:
Please tell Elizabeth I won't need a room. Mrs R found me a spare room from a last-minute cancellation.
The second:
You don't need to come back. Richard and I will stay with the remaining guests.
The last:
You cannot sleep in my suite. I have some hot woman staying with me.
"I guess you need to go back now…"
"Not just yet. We have time for tea."
And so after partaking in a light post-midnight snack, Darcy finally rose to leave in order to allow Elizabeth time to rest, and for him to face his meddling relatives.
"What are you doing on New Year' Day, Elizabeth?" Darcy asked her as they stood by the door, both of them not wanting to part ways.
"Nothing much, I guess. I am assuming Jane and Charles would be together after just being engaged. Denny will be collecting Lydia and their baby so they could meet his mother. So I might be on my own."
"Do you want to spend some time together?" he spoke in a hopeful voice.
"I would love to. What do you have in mind?"
"I do not really mind what we do, as long as you are with me."
"Why don't we talk about it later this morning?"
"I will see you later then. Good night, Elizabeth," his voice turned low and husky.
With one final hug and lingering kiss, where Elizabeth was practically on tiptoes, the couple welcomed the promise of a newfound relationship. The outlook for the coming year seemed very bright indeed.
/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
Well, I think that's it.
I was not sure how to end the chapter. I am not entirely satisfied so I might tweak it at some point. Please let me know if you have suggestions.
I cut out three very short scenes after this as they felt out of place. If anyone is interested, I can send them via PM (because I'm not sure they're good enough to post) or post I them as outtakes/end-of-credits scenes featuring non-ODC characters…
Thank you very much for your support.