Page 61 of The Wager
“Come along, Mrs. Hurst. It is time we take our leave. As I do not believe you and your sister will be home to visitors for some time, we shall return to the family seat in Dorset.”
There were murmurings and low rumbles of laughter as the Bingleys and Hursts made a hasty exit. Elizabeth felt a feather-like touch on her elbow and turned to find Mr. Darcy standing next to her.
“Are you well, Elizabeth?”
His deep blue eyes held concern and warm affection.
“I am, thank you for asking.”
“Need I chase after the bright persimmon and bring back a feather from her turban as tribute?”
Elizabeth laughed and shook her head.
“No, but thank you for wishing to slay my dragons.”
“I would do more than that if needed. You must know how ardently I admire and love you.”
As she gazed at him, her heart fluttered and danced within her chest. His very presence stirred up a whirlwind of emotions, making her head spin and her knees weak. Such was the power he held over her, igniting a fire in her heart with only a few sweet words.
She then noticed the musicians were taking their seats to signal the beginning of the ball. Impulsively, she grabbed Darcy’s hand and led him from the ballroom, then down a short hall into a small parlor set aside for those who wished a quiet moment during the ball.
“Where are we going?” he asked. “The dancing is about to begin.”
“I have an important question to ask and require privacy.”
“Well then, I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours,” he warmly replied and allowed her to meekly usher him into the room.
Almost as soon as they crossed the threshold, Elizabeth turned to face him.
“Mr. Darcy, may I be so bold as to request the opening set of Lady Kildair’s ball?”
His resulting look was one of surprise, followed by a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. Elizabeth could tell her gambit was not lost on him in that she quoted his words almost verbatim the day he asked for her first set at Mr. Bingley’s ball.
“Yes.”
She paused for only a brief moment before continuing.
“May I further my boldness by asking for your company during the supper set?”
“You may,” he said slowly, his eyes darkening with what she now knew as desire.
“And, may I press my good luck to request your hand for the final set?”
Nowhereyes widened. Not only because Mr. Darcy nodded and murmured his assent, but because he slid their palms together, curling his fingers around hers.
“You are aware what these particular three sets at one ball signifies?” he asked, kissing the back of her hand while slipping his free arm around her waist, drawing her close to his body. “Tongues will loosen and gossip will flow, possibly all the way to Meryton.”
“I am very aware and if you are amendable, I would humbly ask you to entertain the idea of meeting me at Longbourn’s parish in four weeks.”
“Are you proposing to me, Lady Elizabeth Rose Hamilton Bennet?”
“I am.”
“I accept.”
With that he wrapped both arms around her slender frame, lifting her off the ground for a proper kiss.
“Nothing has been anywhere near normal in our courtship,” he whispered and she felt a light kiss on her forehead after he lowered her back onto her feet.
