This is a chapter that I got really excited for. The waltz became such a core element in it. I think the waltz is beautiful, and back then, you can bet it was quite scandalous. But of course, what is love without a little scandal?!

Chapter 7

The feeling of his strong hand in the middle of her back, was a heady brew. And the intense look in his blue eyes was enough to make her blush.

The man could dance, she had to give credit its due.

There was something to the intimacy of this dance that was making her feel unkempt, but not once did she feel uncomfortable in the gentleman's arms.

The waltz at the Netherfield ball was not going as smoothly as one would hope. People who knew the dance, danced it well. But to most the dance was still foreign to them, and they knew not how. It was amusing to anyone watching to see the new try. They were colliding with other couples, while the skilled, expertly maneuvered around the collisions.

Bingley being one of them. His enthusiasm for the dance was far superior than his actual skill, and he had actually managed to trip himself up on his Angel's feet three times already, and the dance had barely begun. He was encouraged though, when Mr. Darcy, skillfully led Elizabeth around them.

He wanted to do that with his Angel. Bravely he started again, mimicking Mr. Darcy's posture and motions.

Spectators found this dance amusing on both ends. To the old this dance was scandalous, and should not be done in polite society. To the younger generation, this was a new adventure, most were willing to test.

But to Darcy it was going perfectly, for he and Elizabeth were the only two people in the room. Nothing could break his reverie, or the hold he held onto his lady.

As soon as the waltz had ended the men and women separated, bowed or curtsied to their partner, then the men lead their women off the floor, as the musicians prepared for the next set. It was no different for Darcy and Elizabeth.

And for now, Elizabeth was glad she had a steady arm to lean on. She was suddenly feeling very week.

"That was a delight," Bingley exclaimed as he led Jane off the floor towards their families. If I had it my way, every dance would be a waltz! He ushered her to her seat, then took his place next to her.

Jane smiled her agreement, the blush on her face had not faded since the start of the dance.

The party went on without a hitch. Caroline Bingley proved herself to be a consummate hostess, she knew when her guests were in need of something. Though more than one had heard her complain about her guests at one point in the evening or another. And Charles a well rounded host, he was friendly, and jovial, and welcoming to all. The food was delightful, the drinks were never ending, and the laughter never seemed to stop.

Even the Hurst's seemed to be enjoying each other's company more than usual, though they did not waltz. Mr. Hurst found it unappealing. Mrs. Hurst had not the courage to ask her husband for a dance. She dearly wanted to . Maybe next time.

Oh she couldn't wait until the next ball.

"I must say, Mr. Bingley," Mrs. Bennet was saying, "you throw a delightful party." Mrs. Bennet had been all a flutter since she had walked into the room, astounded by all the decorations.

So much satin, and ribbons, and lace and china!

Mr. Bennet could only raise his glass in a toast to his agreement. He didn't much care about the waltz. Seeing his daughters in the arms of gentleman who were not their suitors as of yet, only seemed to justify his feelings.

But the party was lively, the drinks were flowing, and the guests were neighbors he had known all his life.

Even if he did use their follies for sport.

Mary Bennet was in a state of shock. The waltz was something she had never seen, only heard of before, and in her eyes, it was not to be deemed a respectable dance. Not that Mary cared much for dancing anyway. To her a woman's virtue was solely the most important thing she would poses her entire life. This dance did a woman no credit.

Kitty Bennet, barely saw the waltz, for she was too busy focusing on her plate. Kitty was having an off night tonight and wasn't her normal self. Maybe it was from lack of sleep, or maybe it was from the lack of gentleman. Never the less, she chose to make the best of it. And the food here was delicious.

Lydia Bennet was pouting next to her mother. At fifteen she was not allowed to waltz, the dance was forbidden for her. And she dearly loved to dance. And this waltz seemed perfect to her. She envied her two older sisters their age, as she watched them dance with their respected partners. She was too young to understand why there was an age limit for this very mature dance. Lydia was not as innocent as Mary, she often snuck her mother's romance novels from her room. Her mother never missed her books, for she barely read. Lydia, along with Kitty, would sit for hours trying to analyze those books. Though, in their innocence, they knew not what to analyze.

The ballroom at Netherfield was grand. It contained more space then the small assembly hall their previous ball was held in. The guests were comfortable and able to move around so freely. The relaxed society made it easy to converse.

It was a wonder nobody wondered where two very important people were.

Elizabeth was currently learning of the pleasures that were to be found when kissing her handsome dance partner. The excitement of it being forbidden, and the danger of being caught, only spurring them on.