Page 50 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Miss Lucas, would you do me the honor of dancing with me the third set?”
“Yes, I thank you, Mr. Darcy,” Charlotte said just when Mr. Bingley came to collect her.
“Eliza, help our new friend navigate our oft too-familiar society. I leave you in the hands of one of dearest ladies Meryton can claim, sir,” Charlotte said before walking away on Mr. Bingley’s arm.
Chapter 3
Elizabeth Parleys with the Man from Derbyshire
“It is awkward, Mr. Darcy, but do not feel obligated to converse. Charlotte is dear to us, but she does tend to take exceeding care of those whom she considers younger sisters,” Elizabeth said playfully at Charlotte’s back.
“She wants everyone to feel welcome. It is the Lucas way,” Jane said, directing all to look at the affable Sir William, who promenaded about the room, asking if he might perform an introduction or be of assistance in any other way.
“I confess this is an unexpected start to the evening,” Mr. Darcy said, looking between the sisters.
“Fear not, sir. I am certain, in essentials, it is like every other assembly or ball. The ladies and their mothers hope you admire them. But you are an unwitting fortunate. You have found yourself amongst three women who welcome you to the neighborhood for your own company. When we express a hope of all being well with yourself and your family, know it is done in earnest,” Elizabeth said, hoping he would not take offense at being teased.
“You suggest I can dance with the three of you without raising expectations?” Mr. Darcy asked, the tilt of his head mirroring her skeptical father.
“Oh, you are certain to raise them for everyoneelse. All are aware that a man of your standing is expected to marry a lady of great wealth or excellent connections. Preferring both, of course. However, a gentleman might overlook such material considerations for my dear sister, Jane, with such beauty and so sweet a nature. Sadly, the rest of us cannot compare—thus, you are safe.”
“Stop tormenting our new acquaintance, Lizzy. Charlotte is wonderful and kind, and you are a wit and all goodness,” Jane said, shaking her head.
“You are sweetness and too good for any mortal man to deserve you, dearest.” Elizabeth reached out to take Jane’s hand. “Mr. Darcy, please escort Jane to the floor so you do not miss your opportunity to dance with a veritable angel.”
“I shall if she would honor me. And might I claim a set from you as well?” Mr. Darcy asked.
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.” Jane looked over her shoulder as she and the handsome man lined up at the top of the set and gave Elizabeth a meaningful smile.
Darcy Dances the Second Set
“I believe we need to have some conversation, Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bennet said after five minutes had passed in silence.
“I confess I cannot fathom what an angel might prefer to discuss with so mere a mortal as I, Miss Bennet,” Darcy said, gratified when Miss Bennet’s tinkling laugh filled the space between them.
“I shall now offer in trade a confession of my own. Many would claim me naive, sir, but I prefer to see things in the best light. It is my nature to see what is good rather than to focus on what is not.”
“Then I am glad your next partner is my friend Bingley. You both enjoy the same view. I predict, however, the rest of the world will envy such perfect harmony that the two of you will find in each other’s company.”
“Matchmaking, Mr. Darcy? You were skeptical of our intentions, but moments ago, surprised when we assured you that you need not fear giving rise to expectations. Now, you attempt to partner me with your friend within minutes of making my acquaintance?”
Caught out, Darcy did not know what to say until he recognized, in the brightening of her wide, luminous blue eyes, that she was being whimsical. Her eyes gave her away, though her countenance betrayed nothing.
“I suppose I am.”
“Only Miss King can claim to have some wealth, and none of us have the connections needed to capture a man worth ten thousand a year. Still, I hope we shall all be friendly and your party has an enjoyable stay in our small corner of England.”
“I hope I would not be so concerned about wealth and connections as to let love pass me by. My parents knew such a match to be worth the wait for the right person,” Darcy said, shocked by having spoken of such a private notion with a stranger.
“I promise not to tell anyone you hope for a love match if you promise to tell no one I am a hopeless optimist?”
Darcy startled himself again when he laughed, having never done so whilst dancing with any woman save his aunt, the redoubtable Lady Matlock.
“Miss Bennet, your sister is correct. You are an angel of mercy and goodness.”
“You seem far too excellent a gentleman to be still unwed. Whatever the reason, I hope you find the lady who fulfills your vision of perfection.”
“You have already determined we do not suit?”
