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E lizabeth had watched Mr. Darcy during his dance with her aunt, and then was distracted during the second, as the colonel he had arrived with spoke to him as they stood beside the wall, watching the dance floor. There was some resemblance there, and she thought he must be some relation.

She turned back to her partner and made herself smile brightly at him. “So your estate is in Cornwall, my lord? I think the weather is much warmer there in the winter months than I have been used to in Hertfordshire, is it not?”

The Earl of Trenton looked delighted. “Indeed, Lady Elizabeth. We have fine gardens because there is rarely a frost, even in the coldest months. Headington Hall has a large hothouse, and we can grow many soft fruits unobtainable elsewhere in the country.”

Elizabeth made polite conversation with him for the rest of the dance. But she wished her father would not push her to older gentlemen, many of whom had lost previous wives to childbirth or sickness.

She was only twenty, and if there were no younger men he thought suitable, then she could wait another season.

At least this was the last. In a day or two, she would be going to Longbourn. Father had agreed she could stay there, instead of at Netherfield, and, though Elizabeth would still see Jane, she would try to keep Mama occupied at Longbourn and give Jane some free time.

Her relief was tinged by regret. As the balls would stop, so would her dances with Mr. Darcy. At least she could look forward to their time this evening.

It was time, and she gave Mr. Darcy a grateful look as he led her to the dance floor.

“I have been looking forward to this dance, Mr. Darcy.” She didn’t see why she ought not to speak the truth, but the sudden look of hope in his eyes caused her to hesitate, and his hand tightened protectively.

“As have I, madam.”

They lined up, and she smiled rather sadly. “I have been looking forward to the end of the season, as I’ve found it tiring.” She met his gaze. “But I will miss these dances. I cannot imagine I will see you during the rest of the year.” She must warn him of her father’s continued antagonism.

The warm regard in his gaze sent an answering wave of warmth through her. “I am sure you will have a great deal to occupy yourself with, Lady Elizabeth. There will be much that is new to you.”

He must understand, and didn’t appear to be blaming her. Her relief must have been apparent, for his smile transformed his features, and he picked up the threads of their last conversation from the previous week’s ball.

“I heard from Bingley on Tuesday. He seems to be invigorated with his marriage, and making great efforts to improve the estate. I hope your sister is enjoying being mistress of her own home.”

Elizabeth knew her eyes danced as she smiled at him. “Did he tell you that Papa Bennet is restricting how often the carriage is available for Mama to call there, so Jane is more able to plan her duties? I think she is happier.”

His face seemed positively mischievous. “I thought it might have been you. Bingley seemed unable to account for the change.”

She shook her head ruefully. “Jane will never ask for what she needs. But I was glad when she admitted to me that Mama was calling too often, and a few words to Papa made things easier.”

“You have ever been thoughtful, Lady Elizabeth.” He looked at her, and a tiny frown line appeared between his brows. “Have I said aught amiss, madam?”

“Oh, no. I just … well, it would not be possible, I suppose, when we might be overheard, but I wished for friends to be able to leave my new honorific and revert to plain Miss Elizabeth.”

His eyes were sad. “I understand your wishes, but I think it would certainly be unwise in the ballroom.” And his unsaid words echoed on.

... and doubly so for me, my lady …

She forced herself back to the conversation. He was the only person she could really talk to regarding Longbourn, the only person who had been there, knew what it was like. Apart from Father, of course, but then, the conversation was more formal.

“I believe Longbourn is utterly changed now, and much quieter,” she said lightly.

“Had you heard? Father and Papa agreed with me that Lydia and Kitty were rather too free with their attentions to the officers, and so they have gone to school, ostensibly to follow their interests and become ready for introductions to fine, wealthy redcoats.” She laughed.

“But in reality, they are learning proper behaviour and deportment, and are away from the militia. I am very relieved that I was allowed to word the opportunity in such a way that they agreed without demur.”

“It was a very good notion of yours.” His conspiratorial look warmed her through. “I imagine it was yours?”

“Well, yes.” She shrugged slightly. “I would otherwise have been unlikely to be allowed to continue to visit there occasionally.” She gave a heavy sigh.

“Kitty seems to have settled in fairly well, although she upbraided me when I visited her that I had not told her how hard she would have to work. But Lydia is furious that her letters to Mama are being read, and she is not allowed to send them if she complains and asks to go home. She gave me to understand that it was all my fault.”

“It is something that I hope she will realise was a good thing once she has grown up a little,” he said cautiously, and Elizabeth nodded.

“I am very relieved she is away from Meryton while the officers were there. Most of them were just very young, but I didn’t trust several of them. Mr. Wickham was the worst, he had such a calculating express … why, Mr. Darcy! Are you unwell?”

She was shocked. Not only had his missed a step, but he had gone completely white.

“Wickham? George Wickham?” His voice was low, but he seemed to have got himself back into control now, and none of the other dancers seemed to have noticed what had happened.

“Yes,” she lowered her voice, too. “Do you know him?”

His jaw was tight. “I do.” His look was almost wild. “Tell me he has not importuned you, my lady.”

She looked at him doubtfully. “He tried to approach me several times. But I was always in company, and when he got no encouragement, he allowed Lydia to paw at him.” She shivered.

“I am very glad she’s away from there. I was worried he would try to attach himself to her — and he looked at me far too often. ”

“You are an amazing lady.” He sounded admiring, and she arched an eyebrow at him.

“While a gratifying sentiment, Mr. Darcy, I do not understand it in the least.”

He shook his head. “I do not wish to spoil this dance with talk of him. Let me just say that he is a practised charmer, and always, always, has his eye on obtaining wealth by fair means or foul. He cannot keep it, of course, being an inveterate gambler and womaniser.” The dance required him to take her hand, and his fingers exerted a little more pressure than was otherwise warranted.

“Please take care, Miss Elizabeth, very great care, anywhere he might be, or any influence he may try with your family.”

Warmth spread up her arm from the contact with his hand, even with their gloves between them, and his unconscious use of the term Miss, rather than Lady.

She smiled upon him. “I will take care, sir. With only Mary at home, she takes no notice of them, and though Mama encourages them, they are not interested in visiting her now Lydia and Kitty have gone.”

“I am glad,” he said soberly. Then he smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Let us cheer the conversation in these last few remaining minutes. Have you enjoyed the theatre at all since I saw you last?”