Update ch 29
Mr. Darcy was similarly affected by the people who stared. Dancing with Lady Sarah, he went through the dance motions, entirely bored. Lady Sarah spoke a few times, but he was distracted watching Elizabeth. She seemed tense, and he hoped the viscount was behaving himself. He could not detect any conversation between them, so perhaps she was only bored. Then he heard it. A whisper from the couple beside them.
"Can you believe he would bring his mistress here tonight?" Mr. Darcy hated gossip, and would have refused to listen, but they said his name next, "Mr. Darcy would never stoop to such a woman. The stories that they are affianced are absurd. Besides, my maid's sister works at Rosings and declares there is no talk of any engagement. He was familiar with her, which means he has taken her."
The dance separated him from the gossipers. Only the best breeding and discipline allowed him to follow the steps. His mind was completely elsewhere. The rumors had not only spread, they had mutated beyond recognition. He had to act fast. He could not allow the rumors any more fuel. But how? They were not engaged. Could he say something before speaking to her first. Did he have any choice.
"Mr. Darcy!" He startled as Lady Sarah nearly shouted. "My, but you are exceedingly distracted tonight."
"Forgive me for being so lost in my thoughts, Lady Sarah. I trust your mother is well."
"Yes, and my younger sister too, which you would know if you had paid attention in the receiving line, but you were too busy staring at some little chit whom you appear to have a fancy for. If the rumors are to be believed, then it is a wonder you brought her here. Surely you should arrange to see your paramours in private and not in a grand ballroom."
Mr. Darcy thought quickly. "Then the simple fact that she was not escorted by me but by Lady Catherine, whose behavior and standards are impeccable, must be believed. Miss Bennet is a woman of high moral standards and conduct. It sickens me that she is maligned by so many who do not know her at all for the cheap thrill of gossip!"
"Such passion!" Lady Sarah laughed and blushed a little. "You sound almost as though you are hiding something. You rescued a damsel in distress from a burning building, calling her by name, and now you defend her as though your dying breath might depend on it. Well, well, is the fastidious Mr. Darcy finally smitten?" She paused as Mr. Darcy took in all that she said.
For emphasis, she added, "The rumors are fun, but I never paid them any heed. I have watched you at numerous balls over the years. Indeed, your distaste for schemes and fancies were so pronounced that my younger brother insisted I should never take notice of you or set my cap at you. Prepared, I watched you as you attended balls, and I never saw how anyone could spark your fancy. You would never flirt with a gentlewoman, let alone think to take one as a mistress, unlike my older brother."
Mr. Darcy began to deflate his anger slightly. Nodding in thanks, he was grateful the dance had him move away from her. He looked to Elizabeth, who appeared nearly pale with horror or anger, he could not tell which. Perhaps both. He wished to end the dance early and go to her, but that would not quench the rumors.
"Mr. Darcy, you are becoming lost again." Lady Sarah nudged him slightly as they came together in the dance. "My betrothed and I shall do what we can to squash the rumors, as will my younger brother. At the moment, it looks like the rumors will not be told in Lady Catherine's hearing or my mother's, which will help your case. My mother would hate for a rumor to ruin her ball. They are not so formidable for nothing. Is there anything I should know that might aid my endeavor?"
Mr. Darcy pulled himself together quickly. "At the moment, there is no news that can help. Perhaps I can make an announcement later."
Lady Sarah nodded, and sensing the finality in his tone, changed the subject. She could not get his attention for the rest of the dance, though he danced beautifully enough that she decided not to let it bother her. When the dance ended, Mr. Darcy bowed as Lady Sarah wished him well with his endeavors.
Mr. Darcy barely heard her as he skimmed the crowd for Elizabeth. He could not see her anywhere. Passing by people who wished him to stop and converse, he found his cousin, Anne. "Have you seen Miss Bennet?" he asked desperately.
"She seemed distraught, so I encouraged her to step outside. I believe she is alone."
Mr. Darcy narrowed his eyes at his cousin as he took in her words. "Did you plan this?"
"For her to be upset, absolutely not. But you need to go to her before someone else does." She winked and turned away, dismissing him.
Shaking his head, he moved towards the doors to the patio. Before stepping out, he surveyed the ballroom one more time. Making eye contact with Colonel Fitzwilliam, who nodded, he returned the nod and stepped outside. The colonel would ensure they were not disturbed.