Elizabeth and Jane: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Regina Velarde

Author:Regina Velarde [Velarde, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Goodreads: 218728010
Published: 2024-09-11T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18 Netherfield Ball

The night of the ball finally arrived, and it was with great anticipation that Jane, my father and I alighted from the carriage in front of Netherfield Park.

When we reached the receiving line, I noticed that Mr. Bingley seemed even less well than he had at the Gouldings’ party. In fact, he looked almost shockingly ill. But his eyes lit up when he saw Jane and he momentarily broke off from the other guests in order to speak with her.

“You look radiant this evening, Miss Bennet,” he said, slightly breathless, “and I am very happy to see you.”

“And I to see you, Mr. Bingley,” said Jane. “But you seem…pardon me for saying so…unwell.”

Bingley smiled gently at her and said, “You are very kind to be so concerned for me and, though I do not deserve it, I am nonetheless thankful.”

“Truly, Mr. Bingley,” said Jane, “you seem quite ill.”

“It is nothing, Miss Bennet. But, I would like to know if you would dance the first set with me? And the last?”

“Of course,” murmured Jane. “I should love to.”

“And Miss Elizabeth, may I have the supper set?”

I was confused, thinking that the supper set should have gone to Jane. But I only smiled and accepted.

It was then that Mr. Darcy approached and said, “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth. You both look lovely this evening.”

“Yes,” said Bingley, staring at Jane and looking quite enthralled. “Quite lovely.” Jane, who was wearing the dress she had worn to Lady Selwyn’s ball, blushed while Bingley continued to regard her. “Everyone here pales in comparison to you,” he added, almost in a whisper. (I tried not to take it personally.)

“I was wondering, Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy, drawing my attention from Jane and his friend, “if you have the first and last dances of the evening still free. And, if so, would you do me the honour of dancing them with me?”

I smiled and said, “Yes. Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”

Then he turned to Jane and said, “And Miss Bennet, are you free for the supper set?”

Jane laughed and said, “Thank you, Mr. Darcy, I am free. Perhaps the four of us could sit together…during supper.”

Bingley looked sheepishly at her but only said, “Thank you for thinking of it, Miss Bennet. I also wish for you to know that I have asked the orchestra to play a waltz for the final set.”

“A waltz,” murmured Jane, looking fondly at him. “I very much look forward to it.”

Bingley only looked at her more tenderly, but eventually said, “I must return to greet my other guests. But I shall find you later.”

“Yes,” said Jane, staring after him, as he walked back to the receiving line.

I then turned to Darcy and asked, “Did you know that he would request a waltz for the final set?”

“Yes, I knew. Do you regret accepting me for that set?”

I imagined being in his arms, and twirling across the ballroom, in a dance I had only practised before with Jane. To be that close to him, and to be held by him…the thought of it made me quite giddy.

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