Page 50 of Attempted Compromises
Elizabeth’s heart leapt into her throat. Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins both stared at Darcy in shock. “When did this happen?” Mrs. Bennet demanded, her gaze bouncing between Elizabeth and Darcy.
Darcy, unflappable, replied, “I was already aware of the ball and made my request at the Philips’s card party yesterday evening.”
Elizabeth barely managed to suppress her astonishment, while Mr. Collins spluttered indignantly. “This is most irregular—most improper! Cousin Elizabeth—”
“Mr. Collins,” Mrs. Bennet interjected suddenly, her tone surprisingly shrewd. “If Mr. Darcy has already asked Elizabeth, you must ask another. What about Mary? She is quite accomplished and would be an excellent partner for you.”
“I could not possibly overlook the eldest,” Mr. Collins blustered, his indignation growing.
At that, Mr. Bingley, who had been standing quietly, stepped forward with a smile. “Ah, but I asked Miss Bennet for the first two dances myself, sir.”
“You did?” Mr. Collins looked at Jane suspiciously.
Jane’s eyes widened, and a faint line appeared between her brows. Elizabeth, sensing her sister’s hesitation, gently pinched her arm. “Oh, yes,” Jane said, her voice soft but steady. “Mr. Bingley asked me last night as well.”
Mr. Collins’s expression faltered, but Darcy’s cool gaze was enough to silence further protest. “Then it is settled,” Darcy said firmly. “I believe you will find Miss Mary an agreeable partner, Mr. Collins.”
Mrs. Bennet beamed at Darcy’s tone, practically vibrating with excitement. Mr. Collins, though somewhat deflated, turned to Mary, who inclined her head politely but looked distinctly unenthused.
Eager to change the topic and ease the tension in the room, Elizabeth turned towards the most timid member of the Netherfield party.
“Will you be dancing as well, Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth asked her young friend encouragingly.
Beaming, Georgiana nodded her head. “My brother has given me permission to attend until the supper dance. I may only dance with him, Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Hurst, however.”
“Quite understandable,” Elizabeth replied. “I’m sure you will still enjoy the evening, and you needn’t worry about unfamiliar partners boring you with dreadful topics, like horse racing.”
“Why can’t you dance?” Lydia demanded, bounding to that side of the room, Kitty close behind.
“Miss Darcy is only fifteen years old, and she is therefore not yet out,” Elizabeth replied calmly.
“Well, if that isn’t the silliest thing I have ever heard,” snorted Lydia. “I am only fifteen as well, and I have been out these six months at least!”
Kitty giggled beside her, clearly finding Lydia’s outburst amusing. Georgiana, however, flushed deeply and cast a nervous glance at her brother.
Darcy’s voice cut through the room, calm but firm. “In higher social circles in London, particularly where my sister will eventually find herself, young ladies are not presented until they are at least seventeen or eighteen. It ensures they are fully prepared for the demands of society.”
His tone, though measured, carried enough authority to silence Lydia momentarily. Mrs. Bennett, however, was undeterred. “Seventeen or eighteen, Mr. Darcy?” she asked, her voice laden with curiosity. “Why, that seems so… late. Why would one wait so long?”
Darcy inclined his head slightly, his expression polite. “In part, it allows young ladies to develop the poise and confidencenecessary for society’s demands. It also ensures they are better equipped to navigate its intricacies.”
Elizabeth suppressed a smile at the subtle dig, though Mrs. Bennet was oblivious to any possible slight. “Well,” Mrs. Bennet began, puffing up with self-satisfaction, “our Lydia is already quite accomplished. There was no sense in delaying her debut.”
Darcy’s lips twitched as though he were restraining a comment. Elizabeth—sensing the need to redirect the conversation—quickly addressed Georgiana again. “Miss Darcy, I am certain that when you do make your debut, you will be the toast of the season. For now, I hope you will enjoy the ball. And if I may, I would be honored to sit with you for a moment to hear your impressions.”
Georgiana’s cheeks turned pink, but her smile brightened. “Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. I would like that very much.”
Mrs. Bennet, meanwhile, seemed deep in thought, her eyes darting between Darcy and Georgiana. Elizabeth could almost see the wheels turning in her mother’s mind as she no doubt imagined the possibilities of such connections.
Lydia, recovering quickly from her earlier indignation, turned to Kitty and whispered something that made them both giggle. Elizabeth ignored them and instead focused on Georgiana, who seemed reassured by the attention and kindness.
“Well,” Bingley said brightly, breaking the moment, “we still have many invitations to deliver, so we must take our leave.”
As the Netherfield party made their farewells and exited, Elizabeth felt a curious mixture of relief and confusion. Darcy’s intervention had been entirely unexpected, and as she watched the carriage pull away, she couldn’t shake the lingering warmth that his words had stirred within her.
Caroline Bingley sat rigidly in the carriage as it rattled down the uneven road, her gloved hands curled so tightly into fists that her knuckles ached.
Howdarehe?she seethed.
