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As Darcy suffered through the following few minutes of introductions, bowing and murmuring greetings automatically and without thought, his mind was more pleasantly engaged with thoughts of his upcoming dances.

He did his best to focus on the conversations his friends were having with the ladies and gentlemen they were meeting, but he failed more often than not.

Soon, it was time to claim his dance and he presented himself to Elizabeth once more.

“I believe this is our set.” He bowed and held out his hand to her.

He was unprepared for the tingle that shot from his palm to his heart the moment her gloved hand touched his.

He ceased to breathe momentarily. Swallowing and forcing his eyes from hers, he led her to the dance floor, depositing her on the ladies’ side of the line and then taking his place across from her.

As before, once his eyes met those of his partner, Darcy could not look away. When the steps of the dance separated them, as it did regularly throughout the set, he barely was able to smile at the other ladies he turned with. His whole focus was on Elizabeth.

Though Darcy had a difficult time forming thoughts, it appeared his partner did not.

“How do you like Netherfield, Mr. Darcy? I have only been inside it once, but I recall it being very elegantly decorated.”

“It is a comfortable house. I find I like it very much. It has a welcoming, cozy feeling to it.” Inside, Darcy was amazed that he had managed to speak in such a sensible manner, given the confused plethora of feelings stirring around inside him.

“How does it compare to your home? Bingley told me Longbourn is also very nice.”

“I believe Longbourn is quite lovely, but I am biased, I fear.”

Elizabeth laughed, and the warm, rich sound made him want to kiss her.

“The rooms are well-appointed, I think, and in the family quarters, they are quite comfortably furnished. The public rooms are a little fussy, but my mother insists they must be so for company. It would not do for anyone to think we were lesser than we are.” She rolled her eyes.

Darcy chuckled. “Indeed,” he said. “I recall my mother saying something similar at some point.”

Elizabeth tilted her head to look up at him as they promenaded down the line. “She does not do so now?”

Darcy shook his head, a pang hitting his heart. “My mother passed away when I was young.”

Elizabeth’s free hand came up to cover her mouth. “Oh! I am so sorry!”

Darcy shrugged. “You could not have known. All is well.”

“Thank you, sir. You are most kind and forgiving.” She squeezed his hand, which she had been holding as part of the dance. “What about your father? Is he still with you?”

“Sadly, no. He joined my mother four or five years ago. There is only me and my younger sister now, along with some aunts, uncles, and cousins on both my parents’ sides of the family.”

“How awful for you to have lost both parents. I cannot imagine losing even one.” Elizabeth stepped back to her side and clapped along with the music. “How old is your sister?”

“She is more than ten years my junior. She is in town with her companion, taking advantage of the masters.”

“She must have been very young when your parents passed away. Have you raised her, then?”

“I have.” He fell silent for a moment. “I have not always been the best parent in the world. I have failed spectacularly on many occasions.”

“I cannot imagine being guardian to one of my sisters. I admire that you have managed so far. Is she difficult?” Elizabeth glanced down the line to where two younger girls were laughing loudly as they danced, and then turned her attention back to Darcy.

“My own sisters, except for Jane and possibly Mary, are a handful. The youngest are seventeen and fifteen. I could often be challenging at their ages, so I would imagine such behavior would be universal at that time of life.”

“Georgiana can be rather emotional at times, but she is generally well-behaved and quiet. She is shy and eager to please, which must, in part, explain …” Darcy trailed off, suddenly realizing that he was about to tell a total stranger the story of his sister’s recent broken heart.

He was silent for a few minutes as they applauded the orchestra as one song ended and they waited for the next.

Thankfully, this last dance of the set was one that allowed for more conversation.

Elizabeth had not spoken, content, it seemed, to allow Darcy to think about what to say next. She watched him, smiling when he caught her eye.

“All I can say is, my sister is not generally one to cause a scene. She does not like being the center of attention. However, when it is just the two of us at home, she is more than capable of expressing her displeasure.” One corner of Darcy’s lips lifted as he noted his partner’s eyes twinkling.

“That is something every female is capable of, I believe.” Her brow lifted.

Darcy laughed out loud. “Indeed.” He held out his arm for her to rest her hand on as they promenaded down the line.

The remainder of their dance was spent in similar conversation, speaking about their families and homes.

Darcy was disappointed when the set ended and he had to return Elizabeth to her mother’s side.

He bowed deeply to her and reluctantly walked away.

For the rest of the evening, he remained along the edge of the dance floor, though he did perform a set with his host’s sister once.

Even then, his attention was more on Elizabeth than it was Louisa.