Page 122 of Ashes and Understanding
∞∞∞
Darcy had never been so aware of the passing of time.
Each tick of his pocket watch in his coat pocket seemed to echo like a cannon blast in his ears, beating in time with his thumping heart. Though he stalked darkly along the edges of the room, watching the dancers, his mind was elsewhere—three floors up, in a quiet nursery, where Elizabeth waited alone.
His Elizabeth.
His hands were clasped tightly behind his back, every muscle in his frame straining to keep him rooted to the polished floor and not bolting up the stairs like a madman. The music, the laughter, the sparkle of chandeliers—all of it grated. It felt wrong to pretend all was well, to feign interest in flirtations and refreshments while she placed herself in danger.
He should never have let her do it.
What if something went awry? What if one of the guards hesitated? What if Le Corbeau was cleverer than they anticipated—faster, stronger, crueler? What if—
“Your expression would be terrifying, Mr. Darcy, were you not so very still.”
He startled at the voice behind him and turned to see Mr. Bennet approaching, a glass of punch in hand and a raised brow.
Darcy’s mask fell back into place with mechanical precision. “I was not aware I had an expression.”
“Oh, you do not. Not visibly,” Mr. Bennet said easily. “That’s what makes it so unsettling. I would not have guessed anything at all, but the colonel sent me to fetch you. He said you were likely staring holes into the ceiling and needed someone to drag you back to earth.”
Darcy’s lips tightened into something approximating a smile. “Your daughter is very dear to me.”
“I suspected as much.” Mr. Bennet nodded sagely. “I, too, am contemplating storming the stairs and locking her in a pantry until this is all over. But I am assured there are plenty of guards stationed in and around the nursery. All seasoned men, retired or injured in service. My study is currently housing more in case someone makes an attempt there.”
“But none of them are in the same room as her. Even those stationed in the nursery are hidden back in the small nurse’s bedchamber behind a closed door.”
“I know,” Mr. Bennet said kindly. “I have the same concerns, but she was already in danger before this. At least we control the circumstances for now, as opposed to being surprised.”
Darcy inclined his head. “Thank you. That does ease my mind—somewhat.”
“She will be fine, Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Bennet’s tone turned unexpectedly gentle. “That girl may have been born in a bonnet of lace, but she came out swinging.”
A small breath of laughter escaped Darcy before he could stop it.
But peace did not last long.
“Mr. Darcy!” came a sugary voice from his left. “There you are. I have been searchingeverywherefor you.”
Darcy turned with reluctant politeness as Miss Bingley glided toward them, her orange gown shimmering far too aggressively in the candlelight. She stopped before him with an artful tilt of her head, opening her fan and fluttering it below her chin.
Her smile was bright, eyes alight with calculation, as she said, “I do hope the ball has met your standards. I did my best to ensure that I was giving the people of Meryton an example of what they would see amongst our circles, although I was forced to compromise in several areas.”
“It is a fine evening,” Darcy replied evenly, “and your efforts are evident.”
“I am delighted to hear you say so,” she said, tilting her head. “There are so few gentlemen who appreciate refinement properly. Most are taken in by a pretty face or a lively manner. I daresay true taste is much harder to find.”
Mr. Bennet made a quiet noise of amusement beside them.
Miss Bingley leaned in a little, her tone lighter. “And now the supper dance approaches. Surely, as a gentleman of discernment, you will choose your partner with care. The hostess, for example, is a most suitable choice.”
Darcy turned slightly, his brow lifting. “Do you suggest yourself, Miss Bingley?”
Her laugh was light and practiced. “Well, I would never presume. But I do happen to find myself without a partner, and you are here alone.”
His eyes darted towards Mr. Bennet at his side, who did his best to hide a smirk at the woman’s intentional slight.
She continued, voice soft and coaxing. “It would be such a shame for the hostess to go unpartnered at such an important moment. Do you not agree?”
