The Jane Austen Dating Agency by Fiona Woodifield

Author:Fiona Woodifield [Woodifield, Fiona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloodhound Books: Women's fiction and romantic comedies
Published: 2020-02-09T16:00:00+00:00

After what seems like an eternity, the dance ends and I am swept off by my rescue team, i.e. Maria and Chloe, who probably figure I need a break. Mel earns my gratitude by kindly disappearing to the dance floor with Rob to get him off my back for a while as he seems intent on shadowing me all evening for some reason. Goodness only knows I’ve given him little enough encouragement, but he doesn’t seem to care, he has such a high opinion of himself.

Looking at the dance floor, I notice with misgiving that Josh is dancing with the beautiful and expensive-looking creature he was dining with at the First Dates evening. Izzy is nowhere to be seen.

Suddenly my phone bings from within my bag. ‘Why on earth have you got your phone with you?’ Chloe asks sarcastically. ‘Not exactly Regency, is it? Soph?’

I’ve gone quiet as I am reading a text from Daniel. Hi Sophie, I’m really sorry but I’m not going to make it tonight – have had to work late. Hope you have a good time anyway, will be sorry not to be there with you. Was hoping to have the first dance but maybe next time…

‘You okay, Soph?’ Chloe asks.

‘Yes fine. It’s Daniel, he can’t come tonight. Had to work late,’ I reply shortly, trying not to look as disappointed and crushed as I’m feeling.

‘I’ve heard that one before. I’m sorry.’ Chloe can obviously see how upset I am. Another text bings its arrival.

It’s no good, I can’t lie to you, Sophie. It’s not that I have to work, I just can’t face meeting Darcy Drummond tonight, it would bring back too many memories and I don’t want to spoil your evening. Hope you understand. Daniel x

‘Ooh he’s put a kiss.’ Chloe’s peering over my shoulder. ‘He certainly can’t stand Darcy.’

‘I’m not surprised. How would you feel if someone had promised you a chance out of nowhere, offered you a lifeline, having come from a difficult background with no money, and you were relying on that opportunity, maybe your only hope. Then this insufferably arrogant rich bastard comes along–’

‘Soph…’ Chloe tries to stop my tirade as we are approached by none other than Darcy Drummond. I don’t know what’s wrong with this guy, he always pops up without warning at the worst bloody moments.

‘Miss Johnson? Would you do me the honour of accepting the next dance?’ he asks diffidently.

‘I… erm… well… I don’t… erm… okay.’ I’m floored by his request. I can’t think how to refuse him at all.

A million thoughts flood my mind as Darcy takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. Why has he asked me? Maybe he makes it a point to dance with everyone so there is no favouritism. This seems unlikely though as, glancing round the room, there are so many women at the ball. If that were the case he’d be dancing all night. I have a comic mental image of Darcy needing a lie down at the end of the evening, after being whirled round by hordes of women.

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