Page 17 of Attempted Compromises
Was he really asking her to dance? And yet… she realized with a jolt that he was. Of all the women in the room, he had come to her, in a tone much softer than when he had denigrated her looks.
Elizabeth felt her pulse quicken as she processed what he was saying. His words weren’t quite an apology, but there was unmistakable remorse. She hadn’t expected him to even remember the slight, let alone acknowledge it in a way that was almost… humble. Perhaps Mr. Darcy was not as unfeeling as she had first thought.
Could he truly feel sorry? For all he knows, I didn’t even hear him.
Her initial impression of him had been so set, so solidly dismissive that she hadn’t considered he might try to make amends. Yet here he was, his expression serious, his posture slightly tense, as though he, too, were unsure of her response. With that, she realized something that surprised her even more—He’s nervous.Mr. Darcy, the proud, aloof figure who had spent the evening looking down upon them all, was showing a glimpse of something almost vulnerable.
She felt herself softening toward him, the instinct to forgive him rising naturally, but just as quickly, another thought stopped her. She could feel her mother’s gaze on her from across the room, burning with anticipation. If she accepted, her mother would interpret the dance as a sign of interest—a sign that could fuel endless speculation and mortifying assumptions. The last thing she wanted was to give Mrs. Bennet reason to believe that Mr. Darcy was pursuing her, or she him.
As she wrestled with her decision, her gaze fell on her sister Mary, seated nearby with her book held protectively in front of her. Her face was pinched with quiet disappointment as she watched the couples on the dance floor, and Elizabeth’s heartsqueezed at the sight. Though Mary tried to appear content, clutching her book as if it were a shield, Elizabeth could see the faint glimmer of tears in her eyes. She had not been asked to dance even once, and her attempt to appear unaffected made Elizabeth’s heart ache for her.
Elizabeth’s chest tightened, her admiration for Mary’s quiet courage mingling with a pang of guilt. She couldn’t bear the thought of enjoying this dance while Mary watched, pretending not to mind that no one had asked her.
Turning back to Darcy, she offered him a small, gracious smile. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy, but I must confess, I am rather worn out.” She tried to keep her voice light. Her heart felt the disappointment of the words, but she knew it was the right choice.
His eyes widened, and she laughed slightly to herself.I wonder if anyone has ever turned him down before.
“However,” she continued, glancing meaningfully toward Mary, “my sister Mary is still quite fresh, as she has not yet stood up to dance this evening.” She met his gaze with a significant look, hoping he would understand her intent. “If you would be so kind, I’m sure she would be honored.”
She held her breath, silently pleading that he might understand the unspoken request, that his earlier apology was not a mere formality but a sign of true decency.If he is truly kind, she thought,he will know what this means.
Darcy’s eyes followed her gaze toward Mary, lingering on her sister’s downcast expression and her attempt to hide herdisappointment behind her book. Elizabeth could almost see the moment of recognition in his eyes, his proud expression softening with understanding. He turned back to her and nodded; his face somber yet composed.
“Of course, Miss Elizabeth,” he replied quietly. “Thank you for the introduction.”
Warm relief washed over her as she watched him extend a hand to Mary, who looked up with surprise, her book slipping slightly in her hands. Elizabeth pressed her fingers to her lips, a quiet sense of satisfaction filling her as Darcy bowed before her sister. For a fleeting moment, Mary’s eyes lit with astonished delight, and Elizabeth could hardly contain her joy at seeing her sister’s quiet longing fulfilled.
Perhaps,she thought,Mr. Darcy has more heart than I had given him credit for.
Though his initial insult had hurt, his willingness to turn it into an act of kindness spoke volumes, revealing a depth she had not expected. As she watched him lead Mary to the floor, Elizabeth allowed herself a small, hopeful smile.
Perhaps he is kinder than he seems, and perhaps more so than even he knows.
And, just for tonight, that was all the apology she needed.
Chapter 5
The morning dawned bright and clear, a sharp contrast to the dimly lit assembly hall of the night before. Elizabeth welcomed the cool air as she stepped outside, drawing a deep breath and letting it fill her lungs. The quiet countryside stretched before her, calm and undisturbed, and as she set off down her favorite path, she let her mind wander over the events of the previous evening.
Her thoughts lingered, of course, on Mr. Darcy. His apology—if indeed that dance invitation had been one—was unexpected, and for a man of his evident pride, rather significant. And yet, beneath that initial impression of haughty indifference, she’d glimpsed a depth that intrigued her. She couldn’t help wondering what kind of man he truly was.
Perhaps, she mused,his isolation is not merely a product of arrogance but a kind of self-protection.As a widower and father, he was likely weighed down by responsibilities and memories. Still, his behavior had bordered on insulting.What a curious mix of contradictions.
The morning air felt bracing as she continued along the path, her shoes crunching lightly on the frost-covered ground. Beyond Mr. Darcy’s unexpected approach, Elizabeth found herself delighted by Mr. Bingley’s clear admiration for Jane. His open, friendly manner had charmed nearly everyone in attendance, but his gaze had seldom strayed far from her sister.
To have danced twice!Elizabeth thought happily. For Jane, who so often carried herself with quiet reserve, Mr. Bingley’s attention had been a gift well deserved.
A soft rustling in the nearby trees pulled her from her thoughts, and she glanced up, smiling at the cheerful birds hopping between the branches. Her feet led her instinctively along the winding path, and the familiar route provided her with a chance to reflect more deeply, free from interruptions or curious questions. She could almost hear her mother’s excited voice chattering on about Mr. Bingley’s fortune and the prospects for Jane, and she smiled to herself, grateful to have this peaceful interlude before the day’s inevitable conversations began.
As she turned back toward Longbourn, her thoughts shifted to Mary and the gentle pride she’d felt watching her sister on the dance floor with Mr. Darcy. For Mary, who seldom attracted notice or praise, the experience must have felt like a triumph. Elizabeth hoped that her sister would hold onto that moment, allowing herself a bit of confidence and joy. She herself had seen Mr. Darcy’s expression soften, had sensed an unexpected kindness beneath his otherwise inscrutable manner. It left her both intrigued and uncertain. Perhaps there was more to himthan met the eye, and she found herself wondering, just for a moment, if she might have misjudged him.
By the time she returned, the household was just beginning to stir. Inside, breakfast was being laid out, and her sisters were sleepily making their way to the table as the morning sunlight began to pour through the windows. The Bennet household hummed with its usual energy as the family settled into their day.
Soon after breakfast, news of visitors arrived, and the housemaid announced that the Lucases had come to call, as was there custom the day after an assembly. The Bennet sisters gathered in the parlor, awaiting their visitors, who soon entered with cheerful greetings.
“Oh, what an evening it was!” Lady Lucas exclaimed as soon as she was seated, her face bright with the memory of the assembly. “I don’t believe Meryton has ever had such an exciting gathering. To have Mr. Bingley and his party there—it was simply grand!”
Elizabeth exchanged a small smile with Jane, while Mrs. Bennet, ever eager to discuss the night’s events, nodded in agreement. “Oh, indeed, Lady Lucas! Mr. Bingley was so kind, so attentive! And Jane… well, everyone noticed he danced with her twice!”
