Page 17 of Gentlemen of Honor (Bennet Gang Duology #2)

I Could Have Danced All Night

Darcy stood to one side of Netherfield Park’s ballroom with Richard and Bingley as they awaited the supper set, his second with Elizabeth. She, Miss Bennet, and Miss Mary had gone to the ladies’ retiring room. He didn’t care to admit as much, even to himself, but despite Elizabeth’s words and the vows he knew her sisters had made to their intendeds, it made Darcy nervous that the three had gone off together.

Before them, Miss Kitty swirled by, dancing with an enthusiastic, verbose young man who Darcy vaguely recalled as a Goulding. She had her nose in the air and her lips clamped shut, and Darcy imagined that the only reason she hadn’t turned down Mr. Goulding was because Richard had her supper set. His mind went to earlier that day when, over tea, she had declared that a ball held at Netherfield Park might be tolerable. He’d thought her putting on airs, but the local gentlemen seemed to know about her five thousand pounds and to consider her a prize. She’d been swarmed by them since their arrival.

Following his gaze, Richard said, “It is a shame her dowry is so minimal. I could secure a Bennet woman of my own.”

“Only the son of an earl would consider upwards of twenty-five thousand minimal,” Bingley chuckled from Richard’s other side.

Darcy leaned past Richard to address his friend. “Do you not mean five-thousand?”

Bingley shook his head. “That is what her mother settled on her. I’ve been to see Mr. Phillips. The general settled a fine sum on each of his stepdaughters, and their other uncle, Mr. Gardiner, directed Mr. Phillips’ investment of the funds.” A touch of awe entering his voice he added, “Did you know that their uncle is Mr. Edward Gardiner? Of Gardiner’s Imports?”

Darcy blinked. He knew that Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle were Gardiners, and vaguely recalled the initial E used in Mr. Gardiner’s letter, but he’d only met Mrs. Gardiner. “I did not make the connection.” He’d been to their home, and the respectable but cramped abode in an unassuming neighborhood did not speak of the wealth Edward Gardiner was rumored to possess.

Richard issued a low whistle. “Edward Gardiner? I had no idea. He is one of the most successful businessmen in England.” Miss Kitty passed them again, her expression bored. “And that lovely creature has twenty-five thousand settled on her?”

Bingley nodded. “It is not common knowledge. I do not believe Mrs. Oakwood or her daughters know that General Oakwood made the investments. Jane certainly did not.”

“Nor, I do not believe, does Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy added. He could not help but be pleased. He had no need of an additional twenty-thousand pounds but the sum, combined with her connection to the future Earl of Pillory, should speculations about Thomas Oakwood’s lineage prove true, would appease his relations.

“Best not to tell Miss Kitty,” Richard said. “Her pretension runs high already.”

“And yet, you are tempted by her?” Darcy asked, uncertain if Richard meant his words of moments ago, or had been jesting.

“I am.” Richard turned slightly to watch her. “She is lovely. Elegant. Possessed of the same potential as the exquisite women you and Bingley have found.”

On the other side of Richard, Bingley shook his head. “She requires far too much attention and effort for a man of my nature. I will take my lovely, biddable Jane.”

“I am well versed in accommodating difficult women,” Richard countered. “And there is something to be said for a challenge.”

Darcy felt they were both mad. Richard for considering Miss Kitty, who was far too young and intractable. Bingley for believing that Miss Bennet was in fact biddable. Kind, yes. As well as reasonable and calm, but Darcy had seen the look in her eyes on the day of the duel. The strength and determination. She was not a woman to be crossed, nor one who would relent when it came to anything about which she truly cared.

Like Bingley’s life.

But it was not Darcy’s place to point out her iron will to his friend. The wedding day had been set and the banns read twice now. Bingley would have to discover the depths of character his future wife possessed on his own.

Richard, on the other hand…Darcy quietly asked, “You would not truly consider her? ”

“Truly?” Richard watched Miss Kitty’s elegant form for a long moment. “She is far too young, in years and spirit.” He shrugged. “Perhaps, once she grows into the woman she will become, if I have not yet been captured by some willing miss or her by some fortunate gentleman, I will come to know her.”

Relieved, Darcy nodded. Wedding the brother of a future earl, even more so than being the half-sister of one, would render Miss Kitty insufferable.

The set ended and Mr. Goulding tucked Miss Kitty’s arm into his. He escorted her back to her mother but, a hand overlaying their clasped arms, he did not seem ready to relinquish her into Mrs. Oakwood’s keeping. From where they stood, Darcy noted Miss Kitty’s attempt to free her arm with a frown.

“But I will go rescue her from that cad,” Richard said lightly and strode away.

“There they are.”

Darcy followed Bingley’s gaze, trained in the opposite direction, to see Elizabeth and Miss Bennet approaching, though of Miss Mary there was no sign. Bingley started forward, eager, and Darcy followed.

“Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth greeted as they met.

He bowed, straightening to offer his hand. “Our set is about to begin.”

Elizabeth placed her fingers in his. “Did you fear we had forgotten?”

“That is not what I feared at all,” he said, leading her to the other couples lining up for the supper set.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept her peace as the music began, not speaking until they met in the center in a turn. “What, then, did you fear?”

“Nothing. I merely…question the joint absence of all three of you.”

She cast him a devious smile as the steps drew them apart, the expression not assuaging his worry at all.

When they came back together, however, her gaze had become serious as she murmured, “We could not locate Lord Franklin anywhere.”

Darcy cast her a surprised look. “Did you wish to? I would think you and your sisters would prefer to avoid him.” He could not imagine Elizabeth or Miss Bennet consenting to dance with the man. Miss Mary might, but only to gain information.

Hand in hand, they turned to stride between the lines of other couples, moving in time with the music.

From the corner of her mouth, a smile on her lips for all to see, Elizabeth whispered, “Miss Hargreaves informed us that he is about somewhere, but even though I have not met her before, she seemed very…smug to me. Worryingly so, for it simply cannot be her usual demeanor.”

They reached the end of the line and separated. Darcy sought Miss Hargreaves among Bingley’s guests. He found her standing beside a cheerful, rapidly speaking Miss Bingley. From experience, Darcy imagined that Miss Bingley thought Miss Hargreaves wore a bored expression because she was above her company, but he suspected that, in truth, Miss Hargreaves was tired of Miss Bingley’s presence.

When the procession concluded and they met for another turn, worry in his gut, he asked, “Where is Miss Mary?”

“Seeking Mr. Hargreaves.”

Mr. Nathan Hargreaves. Darcy had yet to make the young man’s acquaintance, but he had read in the letter Miss Lydia sent to Elizabeth of how Mr. Hargreaves had assisted Lord Franklin. Executing a turn with Miss Bennet, for she and Bingley were lined up beside him and Elizabeth, Darcy looked questioningly at Elizabeth. Before she stepped away, he could not help but note that Miss Bennet’s smile, while as sweet as always, seemed brittle at the edges.

When he reunited with Elizabeth, she murmured, “Mary merely wants information.”

He nodded, his worry only growing.

And his resentment, for he did not want to be thinking about Hargreaves. He was dancing with Elizabeth, which ought to be a very pleasant occupation. He strove to put Lord Franklin and his siblings from his mind and to enjoy the superior partner Elizabeth made, though her lithe strength was squandered on such a slow procession.

He managed to calm his whirling thoughts by the time the dance ended. The musicians struck up a cord to denote a faster paced choice for the second. A country reel, with spins and passes. Secretly one of Darcy’s favorites, for all the tune’s rustic roots. He enjoyed the vigor. The opportunity to shed some of the rigidity he generally employed in public.

By Elizabeth’s smile, she approved of the dance as well. She launched into the steps with surety and enthusiasm. Her eyes gleamed, her curls bounced, and Darcy had never seen her look more beautiful.

But then, that realization came to him nearly every moment. When she smiled. When that look of mischief sharpened her features. In repose, when her face was calm and inscrutable, and she did not know he studied her. Her every breath brought fresh glory to her features.

His every breath saw him more in love with her .

Smiling with good cheer, she looped arms with him and they spun in a circle before separating. She cast him a quick, questioning look as she whirled away.

Darcy schooled his features into amiability, uncertain what they had revealed, and devoted his attention to the dance.

When the music ended and they all stilled, applause rose in the room, for many of the guests had halted in their other activities to take in the display. A glance showed that Richard and Miss Kitty moved in their direction, for they’d been near the musicians, as, to Darcy’s relief, did Mrs. Oakwood and Miss Mary. He searched her face for what she may have learned, but her expression was bland.

Converging on them, Mrs. Oakwood, who looked much more herself now that Master Matthew was improving, said, “Oh, what a fine display. Such vigor has not been seen in these parts for an age, I can tell you. Anyone witnessing the fine couples you all make cannot but doubt that you are meant for one another.” Her smile took in Bingley and Miss Bennet, then Darcy and Elizabeth, before she turned it meaningfully on Richard and Miss Kitty.

“Oh, Mama.” Miss Kitty made a swatting motion with her fan, her other arm twined tightly with Richard’s. “Do not say such silly things. You will give Colonel Fitzwilliam ideas.” Turning from her mother, she fluttered her eyelashes at him.

Richard awarded her a bland smile.

“Splendid set,” Bingley declared. “Perfect way to build up an appetite for dinner. Shall we?” He gestured to where others had begun to file from the ballroom.

“Lead the way,” Richard said amiably. He proffered his free arm to Mrs. Oakwood. “Mrs. Oakwood?”

“Oh, why thank you, Colonel.” She settled a hand on his arm, appearing a bit flustered by the courtesy.

Bingley offered his arm to a smiling Miss Bennet and Richard, Miss Kitty, and Mrs. Oakwood followed them. Miss Mary stepped back to slip around them, seemingly unnoticed. She cast him and Elizabeth a meaningful look, staying Darcy when he would have trailed the others. Recovering from her moment of confusion, Mrs. Oakwood began a monologue extolling the virtues of her favorite daughter. Darcy couldn’t hear every word as she moved away, but her declaration of ‘five-thousand pounds’ reached him clearly.

“What is that smile?” Elizabeth asked.

Darcy hadn’t realized he’d smiled. “It is amusement over your mother extolling Miss Kitty’s five thousand pounds. Bingley has learned something auspicious about your dowry.”

Elizabeth tipped her head to the side. “What dowry? Mama settled all her money on Kitty.”

“Yes, but your stepfather settled money on all of you, something apparently only your uncles know.” He narrowed his gaze slightly. “Speaking of which, why did you not tell me that your Uncle Gardiner is the Edward Gardiner, of Gardiner’s Imports?”

“Did I not?” A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “How lax of me. I may point out, however, that you did not inform me that you are related to a peer. I had to learn that from others.”

“A fair point.” Darcy tamped down chagrin. Her sally had definitely landed, for while he preferred not to boast of his connections, he hadn’t considered that a woman would do likewise, so as not to be courted for hers.

“What is Kitty’s dowry?” Miss Mary asked.

How did she always manage to disappear into the background so thoroughly so as not to be of note? “Bingley said it is upwards of twenty-five thousand.”

“Oh dear.” Elizabeth exchanged a look with her sister before turning back to Darcy. “I hope you asked him not to tell anyone else? If she finds out, she and Mama will be insufferable.”

“They may hurry off to London,” Miss Mary said thoughtfully. “For a Season for Kitty. She is the right age, and there is no longer a reason to hide from the Hargreaves.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “Do you believe Mama has been?”

“It explains why she always decries Town,” Miss Mary said with a shrug before a closed, angry look stole over her face. “I found Mr. Hargreaves. He bowed out of attending the festivities due to his youth. He informed me that he has not seen his brother since tea. He also said that, several days ago, Lord Franklin sent a rider north to Nottinghamshire with great urgency. That is all he seemed willing to say on the matter, though it obviously agitated him.”

“Nottinghamshire?” Elizabeth repeated. “And Mr. Hargreaves gave you no notion what Lord Franklin might have—”

“Mr. Darcy, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary,” Miss Bingley’s voice called.

Darcy turned to see her striding across the ballroom, which he realized was now empty of all but them and several servants, who moved about tidying up. Even the musicians had departed, likely to a meal in the kitchen.

“Did you not realize we have adjourned for dinner?” Miss Bingley asked, reaching them. “You seem to be in very deep conversation.”

“We were discussing the Hargreaves,” Miss Mary replied. “Apparently, Lord Franklin received a mysterious package.” She studied Miss Bingley’s face.

Which pulled into a grimace. “That lot. I suspect the youngest is harmless, but the other two…” She trailed off, casting a quick look about, but none of the staff stood near. Turning back, Miss Bingley whispered, “I do wish I had listened to you and Mr. Hurst, Mr. Darcy. Lord Franklin is horrible. If I had known, I would never have set my aspirations on him. The staff is terrified of him, and of her, and their people torment ours. Do you know that she threw a vase at one of the maids? Simply because the girl forgot to bring her marmalade for her toast. Then, when the girl tried to clean up the pieces, Miss Hargreaves stormed over and kicked her. Kicked a servant, and not even her own. I have never encountered such monsters. And to think, they are related to a peer.”

“Unimaginable,” Elizabeth said blandly.

“But do not fear,” Miss Bingley continued. “They are meant to leave by St. Nicholas Day. We expressed a desire to have a family Yuletide, and space to prepare for Charles and Jane’s wedding after Twelfth Night.”

“You asked for over a month to plan for a wedding?” Miss Mary asked.

Miss Bingley shrugged. “We cannot have them remain here. The entire household is made miserable by their presence.”

“And yet, Lord Franklin has sent for something from Nottinghamshire,” Miss Mary said. “How singular. I wonder what he could require so urgently, especially when he means to depart soon.”

Miss Bingley shook her head. “I cannot say. I endeavor not to speak with the man. Or with her. I have no notion why she seeks me out, unless she believes she has charmed me. When she does, I attempt to blather on about the most ridiculous topics, simply to drive her away.” She smiled slightly. “It is a method I have observed your mother and youngest sister employ from time to time, and it proves most effective on Miss Hargreaves.”

Darcy realized he must reorder his assumption of earlier. Miss Bingley hadn’t been currying Miss Hargreaves’ favor.

“Shall we go?” Miss Bingley gestured in the direction of the hallway. “There is always a crush when moving from a ballroom to dinner, but we do not want to be noticeably absent.”

The four of them crossed the room to a now empty corridor, though the lively chatter from around the next corner said that not everyone had entered the dining room yet, so they would not have been missed. Out of sight in the opposite direction, a dull thumping sounded, growing louder. When they reached the intersection, Darcy looked right to see that Lord Franklin approached, employing a dragon-headed cane. The tip thudded on the floor in time to his steps.

“Ah, Darcy, how fine to see you.” Lord Franklin bared his teeth in the semblance of a smile.

Smug was precisely how Darcy would describe him, as well. “Lord Franklin.”

“Are you injured, my lord?” Miss Bingley asked, not quite hiding her glee at the idea.

“I am afraid I took a tumble from my horse while riding after tea,” he said with no trace of sincerity in his voice. “It is why I avoided the dancing.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice to a whisper. “Embarrassing for a rider of my caliber, I know.”

“I am certain no one will mock you, my lord,” Miss Bingley replied.

Lord Franklin drew himself up. “I should think not. The insignificant peasants hereabouts have not the courage.” He turned an oily smile on Elizabeth, causing every muscle in Darcy’s body to tense. “I do not believe we have met. May I assume you to be the mysterious second daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet? Your beauty gives you away as a relation to your sisters.”

Darcy frowned.

Elizabeth dipped a curtsy. “You are too kind, my lord.”

“I do hope I have not missed my opportunity to dine beside you, Miss Elizabeth? I have been warned off your lovely older sister, but no one has mentioned any gentleman having the courage to secure your hand yet.” Lord Franklin’s gaze shifted to Darcy as he spoke.

Darcy fought a scowl, well aware that he was being deliberately tormented.

“I doubt you can comprehend the amount of sorrow I feel, knowing that I am unable to dine by your side, my lord,” Elizabeth said lightly. “But Mr. Darcy has, indeed, claimed the honor.”

“Perhaps another time, then.” Lord Franklin showed his teeth again, dipped his head to Elizabeth, and thudded down the hall, ordering other guests out of his way.

“You do have two sides,” Miss Mary pointed out.

“And I will ensure that Richard is on the other,” Darcy said, his words clipped.

Elizabeth squeezed his arm lightly.

“You see?” Miss Bingley sniffed. “Insufferable. He did not even acknowledge you, Miss Mary.”

“I preferred being ignored.” Miss Mary opened her mouth to say more, then closed it.

Turning to follow her gaze, Darcy took in a servant hurrying up the hall, bearing a tray with a note atop.

They all swiveled to face him as he approached Miss Bingley and bowed. “Miss, I’ve been sent with an urgent note for Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Miss Bingley’s nod was regal. She may not approve of kicking the staff, but she certainly enjoyed looking down on them. “Present it.”

The man dipped again, then came up to offer Elizabeth the tray.

“Thank you,” she murmured, taking the note. “Please wait a moment while I read.”

She cracked the seal, and though he’d seen her handwriting only once, Darcy immediately recognized that Miss Lydia had written the, ‘Elizabeth Bennet,’ scrawled on the outside of the missive. Miss Mary crowded her sister so that she might read as well, apparently having no compunction in doing so. Their eyes, so similar even though Elizabeth’s were by far the lovelier, narrowed. They exchanged a look.

Handing him the letter, Elizabeth said, “Mr. Darcy, please call your carriage. We must return to Dovemark immediately.”

“Is something amiss?” Miss Bingley asked, her words quick and high with worry.

Darcy took in the scant words, informing them that Master Matthew was very unwell and requesting the immediate return of Elizabeth, Miss Mary, himself, and Richard. Folding the note, he turned to the waiting footman. “Please summon my carriage.”

The man bowed, then hurried away.

“I do not believe there is a way to extract Colonel Fitzwilliam without causing a stir,” Miss Mary said softly.

Elizabeth nodded. She plucked the folded note from Darcy’s hand and proffered it to Miss Bingley, who accepted it gingerly, then opened it to read.

“I am sorry to depart,” Elizabeth said, sounding sincere. “I can see that you have put considerable effort into making this an unparalleled occasion. Netherfield Park has never appeared lovelier.”

Looking up from Miss Lydia’s words, Miss Bingley stood taller at that praise, some of the worry leaving her face. “If your brother has need of you, you must go, although I am uncertain why Mr. Darcy and the colonel would.”

Elizabeth gestured to the letter. “You know all that we do, but I do think it is best that Colonel Fitzwilliam remain, to raise as little excitement as possible. When you have the opportunity, please present Lydia’s note to Jane, but try not to permit Mrs. Oakwood or Kitty to notice. Jane can speak to them after supper, so as not to disrupt your occasion any further. You may care to have our carriage waiting, for once my mother hears the news, she will wish to depart. If anyone asks after us before then, say that I felt unwell and that Mary and Mr. Darcy offered to escort me home.”

Miss Bingley nodded. “Would you like me to send word to Mr. Jones?”

Elizabeth looked to Mary.

She shook her head. “No. I doubt he can assist, and he will insist on leeching Matthew again.”

Miss Bingley looked past them to the dining room door, where Darcy imagined few people lingered now as most everyone would be inside by this time. “Do you require any other assistance that I can give?”

“No, but thank you.” Elizabeth’s smile was kind. “Endeavor to enjoy your ball. Despite our departure—”

“And the Hargreaves’ presence,” Miss Mary muttered.

“—the event is a success and will be talked of for years to come.”

Leaving Miss Bingley with that reassurance, they hurried away, seeking the entrance hall.