Page 14 of The Wager
Shoulder to shoulder, hands entwined, they rotated slowly three times. The enticing scent of lavender drifted up between them.
“Are you not afraid this poor garden variety flower might wither and wilt in your cold, austere company?”
“Before I respond, please know I am not in any way insulting you, however… garden flowers are more sturdy than exotic species, which require far too much attention. A little bit of frost would not stop you from remaining fresh and beautiful,MissElizabeth.”
“You are a rogue,” she murmured, pulling away from him slightly.
His instinct was to allow his body to follow hers. To curve into her form and hold her close. Alarmed at his visceral reaction, he released his light grip and stepped back in line.
“Not a rogue, merely a gentleman who is intrigued, and this is a new experience for me.”
The dance ended and after a smattering of applause, they joined Miss Hamilton standing next to Bingley, who conversed with an animated Sir William Lucas. As they were somewhat set apart from the other patrons of the assembly, and knowing he may not get another opportunity to put forward a genuine apology for his behavior, Darcy cleared his throat bringing the attention of both sisters to him.
“Miss Elizabeth, first and foremost I have truly regretted the rude manner in which I addressed you at Lady Montrose’s ball. My comments were uncalled for and ungentlemanly. Since that occasion, I have often thought on this with much remorse and made a solemn promise to myself that if the opportunity presented itself, I would apologize immediately with no expectation of forgiveness.”
“Might I inquire as to the reason why you are so determined to render a second apology?”
“Not long after our less-than-illustrious introduction, I was having breakfast with my sister, who is not yet sixteen and very shy. I was struck with the thought of how she would have been devastated if some unknown gentleman said something similar about her. She very likely would have burst into tears. My comments were obnoxious and rude and no woman deserved them.”
“A fine answer, Mr. Darcy. One that I believe to be heartfelt and true.” Elizabeth gave him a small smile. A real one this time. “You have my forgiveness in this matter.”
“Thank you, Lady... Miss Elizabeth.” He gave her another half-bow and flicked a gaze at Miss Hamilton. “Might I beg a proper introduction to your sister?”
“Which one? I have four.”
Darcy felt a thrill of satisfaction course through him at her teasing and the way her emerald eyes sparkled.
“The sister standing next to you who witnessed me eat humble pie.”
“Mr. Darcy, may I present to you my eldest sister, Lady Jane Hamilton – although she is better known as Miss Hamilton when we are in Hertfordshire.” Elizabeth gave her sister a warm look of affection. “Jane, this is Mr. Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire. He is our cousin down the Fitzwilliam side of the family.”
“Mr. Darcy,” Jane said with a shallow dip of a curtsy to his polite half bow.
“Miss Hamilton.”
“Oh, there you are Mr. Darcy!” Their conversation was interrupted by Miss Bingley who came alongside and wrapped her arm around his, paying no mind to the two ladies standing with him and her brother. “I thought you may have scurried back to Netherfield upon discovering how dreadfully pastoral this assembly was. However, I am glad you did not abscond from our presence, and may now escort me to the little room they have set aside for what I presume will be mediocre refreshments.”
Darcy’s back straightened even further at her bold assumption and he disengaged his arm from hers.
“I am already escorting Miss Elizabeth, Madam.”
His harsh tone must have caught Bingley’s ear because he turned his attention from Sir Lucas back to their small group.
“Louisa and Hurst promised to save a place for you, Caroline. I believe they are already in the adjacent room,” he said to his sister, completely ignoring her burning glare. “Come, Miss Hamilton, let us secure our seats before they are all taken.”
Bingley offered his arm to Miss Hamilton and Darcy did the same for Miss Elizabeth. They allowed the Hamilton sisters to decide where they would sit, and then he and his friend joined the line of men getting glasses of punch and small cakes for their respective partners.
Bingley could not decide, so Darcy left him wavering and made his way back to Elizabeth. When he neared their table, he overheard part of her conversation with an older gentleman he assumed was her father.
“She had a slight episode. It is just that he looks so much like—” Her words ceased upon noticing Darcy’s approach. “Papa, may I introduce you to one of my very distant cousins, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire? His mother’s aunt, Lady Minerva Fitzwilliam was Grandfather Hamilton’s wife.”
Upon hearing the connection, Darcy realized why Lady Jane had seemed so familiar. She was the exact image of his great-aunt. Both men gave each other a courteous nod of acknowledgment.
“Mr. Darcy, this is my step-father, Mr. Thomas Bennet of Longbourn.”
“Mr. Bennet, the pleasure of making your acquaintance is mine.”
“Nicely said, young man.” Mr. Bennet waited until he had taken his seat before continuing the conversation. “Lizzy tells me you met her a few months ago in London.”
