Mrs. Bennet's Favorite Daughter by Jann Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland [Rowland, Jann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781989212233
Publisher: One Good Sonnet Publishing
Published: 2020-04-16T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter XV

The sight of Miss Elizabeth Bennet that evening, stepping daintily from her father’s carriage with his assistance, was akin to an epiphany to Darcy. This was a beautiful woman, both inside and out, the likes of which Darcy was certain he would not find if he searched the length and breadth of England without ceasing for the rest of his days. What did it matter if he had only known her for a short time? They would have the rest of their lifetimes to come to know each other better if only they both possessed the courage to take that step. Perhaps it was a little premature, but only a little.

Regaining control over his limbs after first catching sight of her, Darcy hurried to the stairs, taking them two at a time down to the entrance hall where the Bennet family was just entering. The smile he received from Mrs. Bennet and the knowing look from Mr. Bennet informed him that both senior Bennets were aware of his interest, their smiles a testament to their approval.

Darcy greeted them both with pleasure, welcoming them to Netherfield, though he was aware it was not his duty to do so. Then they ceded Miss Elizabeth’s company to Darcy and moved off toward the receiving line.

“I have waited for you, Miss Elizabeth,” said Darcy. The sound of his own voice, speaking such drivel, almost provoked a wince.

“Waited for me?” asked Miss Elizabeth with feigned astonishment. “Why would you wait for me?”

The woman’s jest calmed Darcy’s beating heart just a little, allowing his mind to function again. “Do I not have the first dance? Or do you intend to foreswear yourself?”

“It is yours, Mr. Darcy. I have no wish to dance it with anyone else.”

“Then I am well pleased.”

They joined Elizabeth’s family in the receiving line, chatting companionably as Darcy continued to calm, such that he could carry on a rational conversation. Miss Bingley, to Darcy’s distinct lack of surprise, greeted Miss Elizabeth with words as cold as the driven snow. Bingley met Darcy’s presence in the receiving line with his typical humor.

“I say, Darcy, I had thought you were staying at Netherfield. Did you, perchance, repair to the inn without my knowledge?”

“No, Bingley. I hope you do not blame me for not wishing to take more than two steps away from this lovely creature by my side.”

Bingley laughed to Miss Elizabeth’s self-consciousness and exclaimed: “Would that I could do the same. When all the guests arrive, I shall emulate you closely.”

Darcy smiled and slapped Bingley’s shoulder, and then guided Miss Elizabeth into the ballroom. Georgiana came close to ply Elizabeth with an excited greeting, after which, she left, giggling in the company of the two youngest Bennet sisters. Darcy watched her, happy this time in Hertfordshire had raised her spirits and putting a little of the girl she had once been back into her.

“Your sisters, it seems, are as excited as Georgiana for the evening,” observed Darcy.

“Yes, the first taste of society is a heady experience.

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