Darcy and the Wicked Waltz: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Grix Jane

Author:Grix, Jane
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: jane austen fan fiction, Regency romance, Mr. Darcy, Darcy and Elizabeth, clean romance
Publisher: Jane Grix
Published: 2018-06-26T00:00:00+00:00

AS MUCH AS SHE LIKED Mr. Bingley and thought Netherfield a fine home, Elizabeth was eager for Jane to get well so they could return to Longbourn. Three days of listening to Miss Bingley and her sister had been enough to make Elizabeth miss her sisters – even Lydia. Fortunately, Jane was rallying, and after a few days, she was well enough to join the party after dinner.

Elizabeth had to smile when she watched how Bingley fussed over Jane. He spent at least half an hour piling up the fire, so she would not be cold and then insisting she move to the other side of the fireplace, so she would not catch a draft. Afterwards, he sat down by her and talked scarcely to anyone else.

Miss Bingley did not approve. She played cards for several minutes with a scowl on her face, then declared the game to be a bore and set it aside.

Without cards, Mr. Hurst had nothing to do but to stretch himself on one of the sofas and go to sleep.

Mrs. Hurst played with her bracelets and occasionally joined in Bingley’s and Jane’s conversation.

Elizabeth glanced idly at a book of poetry.

Miss Bingley said abruptly, “Charles, are you really serious in considering having a dance at Netherfield?”

Two days before, Mrs. Bennet and Lydia had come to Netherfield to see Jane. Once she was assured that Jane was in no danger, Mrs. Bennet had chatted with Mr. Bingley happily. Lydia had teased Bingley about offering a ball and told him it would be the most shameful thing if he did not keep his promise. He had assured her that he would give a ball as soon as Jane was well enough to attend.

Bingley now looked at Jane. “Would you like a ball?” he asked tenderly.

Jane’s face was still pale and thin from her illness, but she coloured prettily at his words. “I would.”

“There’s your answer, Caroline,” Bingley said in a louder voice. “As soon as Miss Bennet is fully recovered, I will set a date.”

Miss Bingley grimaced as if she had swallowed a fly. She said pettishly, “I don’t know why everyone wants dancing. I find conversation vastly superior. Don’t you agree, Miss Eliza?”

Elizabeth thought of the last time she had danced with her cousin and her heart seemed to skip a beat. She said, “Surely each has their merits. I do not think one is naturally superior – they each serve a different purpose.”

“I agree,” Bingley said. “Apples and oranges.”

“Very well. But if you are going to have a ball, Charles, make sure you invite Mr. Darcy and his sister ahead of time.”

“I will do it,” he promised. “And I won’t tell Darcy about the dance until he’s here. He may go to bed, if he chooses, before it begins.”

“I look forward to seeing Miss Darcy again,” Miss Bingley persisted, but her brother was not listening to her. He was too interested in Jane to comment.

Elizabeth smiled to herself, satisfied by turn of the conversation and her part in furthering it.

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