Page 49 of Attempted Compromises
“Mr. Collins,” Elizabeth began, her voice steady but tinged with discomfort, “I assure you, Mr. Darcy has made the request himself. I am merely—”
“Nonsense, cousin!” Mr. Collins interrupted, his tone bordering on condescension. “It is not fitting for you to monopolize the attention of a man so above your station. I insist you join me at another table.”
Elizabeth looked around helplessly for Jane, but her sister was deep in conversation with Mr. Bingley across the room. Her eyesdarted to Charlotte Lucas, who appeared at Elizabeth’s side with a serene expression and her firm voice.
“Mr. Collins,” the elder girl said smoothly, “I was hoping you might join us at our table. My father has been eager to hear all about Rosings Park and Lady Catherine. He believes he may have crossed paths with her at St. James’s court, and no one could enlighten us better than yourself.”
Mr. Collins blinked, momentarily thrown off course. “Lady Catherine, you say?” His chest puffed out with pride. “Why, of course, I would be delighted to oblige Sir William and share my humble insights.”
Charlotte looped her arm through his and steered him toward another table, throwing Elizabeth a quick wink over her shoulder. Elizabeth mouthed her gratitude, her tension easing as Mr. Collins’s booming voice receded into the background.
Mr. Darcy rapped the cards against the table. “Shall we continue, Miss Elizabeth?” he asked with amusement.
Elizabeth nodded, her lips curving into a smile. “By all means, Mr. Darcy. I believe we have all waited long enough.”
As the games commenced, Elizabeth found herself increasingly aware of Darcy’s presence beside her. He was attentive, his reserved manner softening slightly in the intimate setting. Their hands brushed once as they reached for the same card, and Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm at the brief contact.
Georgiana and Mary also appeared to be enjoying their game, exchanging occasional smiles and murmured words. Elizabeth’sheart warmed at the sight of Georgiana beginning to come out of her shell.
The evening passed in a haze of easy conversation and gentle laughter. Elizabeth, to her surprise, found herself increasingly at ease in Mr. Darcy’s company. His wit, though subtle, revealed itself in unexpected moments, and his occasional smiles felt like small victories.
As the final hand was played and the tables began to disperse, Elizabeth turned to him with a bright smile. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. You make an excellent partner.”
He inclined his head, his expression warm. “The pleasure was mine, Miss Elizabeth.”
Her heart fluttered at the sincerity in his tone, and as the evening drew to a close, she felt a quiet contentment settle over her. The warmth of their brief exchange lingered with her long after she retired to bed that evening. As her eyes closed, she fell asleep to the image of Darcy’s eyes gazing deeply into her own.
Chapter 13
The following morning dawned crisp and clear, and the Bennet household bustled with its usual morning routines. Jane and Elizabeth, seated together in the drawing room, occupied themselves with needlework while their mother busied herself with instructions for Hill. The hum of conversation carried faintly through the house, punctuated by Lydia and Kitty’s occasional laughter as they flitted from room to room.
The sound of a carriage pulling up outside drew everyone’s attention. Elizabeth glanced toward Jane with a questioning look, but Jane merely shrugged. The window revealed a familiar sight—the Netherfield carriage coming to a stop at the gate.
Before long, the family assembled to greet their visitors. Mr. Bingley entered the drawing room first, his ever-pleasant smile lighting up the room. Mr. Darcy followed, with his tall and commanding presence drawing notice. Behind them came Miss Darcy, her shy gaze flickering about the room, and Caroline and Mrs. Hurst, both as impeccably dressed as ever.
“What a pleasure to see you all,” Mrs. Bennet cooed. “And how kind of you to call on us!”
Bingley stepped forward, a wide smile on his face. “We come with an invitation. We are hosting a ball at Netherfield on Tuesday next, and we would be honored if you all would attend.”
“A ball!” Lydia and Kitty exclaimed in unison, clapping their hands with delight.
Mrs. Bennet beamed. “Of course, we will be delighted to join you. Such a thoughtful gesture, Mr. Bingley!”
Caroline, standing slightly to the side, fixed her gaze on Elizabeth, her smile tight. “We, of course, hope to see all your lovely daughters in attendance. And, naturally, any houseguests.”
Elizabeth stiffened slightly, her eyes darting to Mr. Collins, who was seated a little apart from the group. His attention snapped to Caroline, and his chest puffed with self-importance.
“Oh, yes,” Mrs. Bennet gushed, “we do have my husband’s cousin visiting. He is a member of the clergy, you know.”
Elizabeth cleared her throat, attempting to steer the conversation delicately. “I am certain Mr. Collins will appreciate the invitation, though perhaps—given his position—he might prefer not to engage in such frivolities.”
“Certainly not, Cousin Elizabeth!” Mr. Collins interrupted, his voice rising. “It would be most unbecoming to refuse such a gracious offer.” He turned to Caroline with a broad smile. “I shall be delighted to attend, Miss Bingley.”
Before Elizabeth could respond, Mr. Collins turned back to her, his expression suddenly shifting to one of determined purpose. “And Miss Elizabeth, may I have the honor of reserving the first two dances with you?”
The room stilled, all eyes turning to Elizabeth. Her mouth opened, but no words came. Instead, her gaze flickered to Darcy instinctively.
Darcy stepped forward smoothly, his tone calm but firm. “I must apologize, Mr. Collins, but I have already secured Miss Elizabeth’s first two dances.”
