Page 37 of The Wager
“I would much rather be in your company.”
“Even though you have an ardent admirer who desires your company whilst traipsing about our park?”
“I would like to think I have an almost ardent admirer with me at this very moment.”
“Whoever could that be?” Elizabeth teased and pretended to look around in search of someone.
“You,” he said simply, then stepped closer. “Miss Elizabeth, may I be so bold as to request the opening set of Mr. Bingley’s ball?”
She paused for only a brief moment before replying in the affirmative, emitting a soft gasp when Mr. Darcy took her hand in his and brought her fingers to his lips.
“May I further my boldness by asking for your company during the supper set?”
“You may,” she said slowly, delighted in the fact he curled his fingers, effectively twining their hands together.
“And, may I press my good luck to request your hand for the final set?”
Her eyes widened. Not only because Mr. Darcy had requested three dances – tantamount to an undeclared proposal – but he also refused to release her hand, even though she tried to withdraw from his surprisingly firm grip.
“Are you aware what these particular three sets at one ball signifies?” she demanded, feeling her cheeks pinken and unsuccessfully attempting to tug her fingers once again from his hold. “Tongues will loosen and gossip will flow, possibly all the way to London.”
“I am very aware and if you are amendable, I would humbly ask you to entertain the idea of a courtship.”
“With you?”
“Is there another man who claimed three sets and your undivided attention today?”
Almost against her will, she grinned.
“No sir. No other gentleman can lay claim to that.” She tilted her head and assessed the tall, handsome man who stood before her. “I will say yes to all of your requests, with the proviso you speak with Papa and ask his permission.”
“I do not believe Mr. Bennet wishes to dance with a gentleman, but if that is what it takes to reach an agreement for a courtship…”
Surprised and delighted, she laughed out loud.
“I never knew you had such a wicked sense of humor, Mr. Darcy.”
“I am a man who must keep such vagaries hidden beneath a bushel barrel. I have a reputation of being taciturn to uphold, as you well know.”
“Indeed, I do.” She glanced down at their hands, still locked together. “Shall we join everyone at the hermitage?”
“Of course.” He turned and carefully placed her hand on his forearm, covering her gloved fingers with his large hand. “You have made me very happy, Elizabeth.”
“I join you in your happiness, but I must tell you that while you are the only gentleman to request a courtship, you are not the only one who hinted at a desire for a more permanent acquaintance.”
They came to a complete halt.
“What are you saying?” he practically growled out. “Did that buffoon dare propose marriage to you?”
“He did not.” She hastened to soothe his ruffled feathers. “Before your arrival, Mr. Collins enumerated the many reasonsJaneshould align her life with his. Chief among them, the beneficent patronage of Lady Catherine.”
“He has been here less than two days!” Darcy glared down the path Mr. Collins had trod on his way to the hermitage. “I will make certain he knows to leave both of you alone.”
Emboldened by his desire to protect, Elizabeth cupped his cheek and drew his attention back to her.
“Already taken care of. Jane plucked the cocky bird’s plumage and set him straight. You may put away your shining armor and climb down off your high horse.”
He turned his face slightly and kissed the palm of her hand that cupped his cheek. A jolt of pleasure shot straight from her hand to her belly and a strange warmth spread throughout her entire body. Was this what love felt like? He took her hand in his and clutched it to his chest.
