Page 51 of Desperately Seeking Mr. Darcy

“Don’t you dare.”

“Ah, ah, ah,” he reprimands. “You’re not staying in character.”

“Please go away.”

He bows. “As you wish. I shall see you at the assembly.”

He winks at me before leaving, and my stomach does a flipping thing. There’s been hugging, and flirting, and winking. I’m not sure what’s happening here, but I find that I like it a lot.

“OH, MR. BENNET! IS IT not a splendid sight? The room is abuzz with conversation, and the music—how delightful! I daresay we might see some promising matches tonight,” Mrs. Bennet says, her hand clutching Mr. Bennet’s arm as we enter the Meryton assembly as a family, the staff member playing Charlotte Lucas in tow.

I can’t stop my smile when I see the room. The ballroom has been turned into an assembly hall, and it’s packed. The polished floors gleam under the chandeliers, but they’ve tried to make it look less fancy with simple tablecloths and little bunches of wildflowers on the tables.

When Lady Catherine informed us earlier today that people from the surrounding town were invited to make it look more authentic, I thought we’d have a handful of people join us. But there are townsfolk everywhere—their voices hushed like they’re extras on a movie set, as they pretend to chatter and move about in their Regency-appropriate costumes, making the whole thing feel surprisingly real. There’s a small quartet playing music in the corner, and between the gowns swishing and footmen walking around with drinks, it’s like stepping into the 1800s.

I look for Zane in the crowd but can’t find him. I’ll see him soon enough when we reenact our lines, and I can’t decide which is causing the butterflies in my stomach—the reenactment of this scene? Or seeing Zane? Maybe it’s both. It’s hard to believe that three-days-ago me was freaking out that he was coming with me, and now I’m looking for him, excited to see him.

“Indeed, my dear. There are matches enough to keep you entertained, I am sure,” Mr. Bennet says.

Mary nudges me with her elbow, and when I look at her, she’s giving me wide eyes. “Your line?” she whispers. In front of us, Lady Catherine, dressed in more subdued Regency clothing—a lavender gown that continues to display an extraordinary amount of cleavage—arches a brow in my direction, her clipboard clutched tightly in her hands. She clears her throat.

“You know, Mama, perhaps you should have a dance card of your own. You are the liveliest among us,” I say, feeling slightly flustered. It was entering the room that threw me off. It’s like a Regency dream come true. And I guess anticipating seeing Zane soon might have something to do with it.

“Oh, nonsense, Lizzy! Tonight is about you girls. Now, remember—keep your smiles bright and your manners polished,” Mrs. Bennet says as we walk farther into the room.

I fidget with the sleeve of my sapphire-blue dress, which is cinched high under my chest, with a delicate silver embroidery tracing the neckline and hem. I actually sighed when I saw it during the fitting, and Monroe insisted I take it. I feel elegant in white gloves, a light shawl draped over my shoulders, and a reticule hanging from my wrist. My hair was simply styled by my lady’s maid, who left a few loose curls framing my face and added a sparkling comb for a final touch. I think I might even be adjusting to the corset. Sort of. Okay, listen: I still hate it. But I might hate it a bit less.

“Girls! That must be Mr. Bingley—and his friend, Mr. Darcy. Such fine gentlemen!” Mrs. Bennet says, and my eyes move up to see Zane standing next to a strawberry-blond man, who must be the staff member playing Bingley, with Caroline Bingley standing behind them, a scowl on her face.

My heart does a skipping thing, and I see a quick upward turn of Zane’s lips before he schools his features quickly, trying to stay in his role as the stoic Mr. Darcy. He’s wearing a dark-navy tailcoat with a crisp, white cravat tied neatly at his throat, the sharp lines of his waistcoat emphasizing his broad shoulders. The polished boots and perfectly tailored breeches complete the look. It’s similar to what he’s worn before, but tonight, under the lighting of the chandeliers, he looks so freaking handsome. My heart picks up speed. I think I’m in danger of falling fully back into my crush on him.

“Mr. Bingley does seem very agreeable,” Jane says.

“But is he any good at dancing? That is what matters most!” Lydia says loudly, and some of the onlookers snicker.

“Agreeable or not, a steady foot and a sense of rhythm can do wonders,” Charlotte says with a small smile, glancing at Lydia. “Though I suppose enthusiasm counts for something too.”

Mr. Bingley approaches and bows politely. “Good evening. I am most delighted to meet you all. What a lovely assembly this is!”

“Oh, Mr. Bingley, you are most welcome to Meryton. Might I introduce my daughters—Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia?” Mrs. Bennet says, a huge matchmaking smile on her face.

Bingley bows to us, but Mr. Darcy stays in the background.

“Do you see how he looks at Jane? Mark my words, Lizzy—this will be a fine match,” Mrs. Bennet says to me.

“Mama, do try not to marry her off before the first dance,” I say, reciting my line.

“Miss Bennet, would you honor me with the first dance?” Bingley asks Jane.

“I would be delighted, Mr. Bingley,” she says.

They move to the dance floor, and Lydia, Mary, and Kitty follow behind them to find dance partners, as instructed by Lady Catherine before we entered the hall.

“And you, Mr. Darcy—do you not care to dance? Surely, among all the ladies here, you must see someone worth your attention,” I say to him.

“I am perfectly content to observe for now, madam,” Zane says, just like we practiced on the plane. It’s hard to hold back the smile I want to give him. He nailed it. He’s even got the above-reproach look down.

“Oh, but Mr. Darcy,” I say. “You must not let such an opportunity pass. Surely even the most seasoned observer wishes to join in the fun from time to time.”

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