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The royal servant paused, raising the staff like the anticipation in the room before striking the floor one last time.

“Ladies and gentlemen, His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent.” He gave a pause before announcing the rest of the royal party. “LordHoward, LordBolton, Mr Sheridan, Mr Fox, and Lieutenant Wickham.”

The announced party entered with the Regent at the forefront with Mr Bingley a half step behind behind and smiling broadly at the honor. Elizabeth looked to Georgiana, whose excitement had disappeared after hearing Wickham’s name. She had been close enough that she was by the girl’s side in half a dozen steps. She entwined arms to comfort her.

“How do you feel?”

Georgiana smiled weakly. “I am fine. I am. I was only taken by surprise when I heard his name.” Darcy suddenly appeared on her other side. Before he could ask, she answered his question. “It is all right, William. I am fine. It was unexpected to hear his name and see him. That was all it was.”

“It is my fault. I did not give the reasons when I asked the Regent to find a special detail for him,” he said, angry with himself for not being more specific about why he wanted the man away. “I meant for him to be in town.”

“There is no need to worry about me. I cannot, I will not dwell on my childish mistake for the rest of my life.” She stated, glancing from one to the other.

Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other. She raised her brows slightly and tilted her head. He reluctantly shrugged back.

“I shall take your word on it,” he said with a firm nod. He moved and motioned for Anne to come close to include her. “As soon as the room settles down. I will take you for an introduction.”

After the entrance of the Regent and his party and the initial shock wore off, the room became abuzz with the excitement of having his Royal Highness at the ball. Bingley was introducing his family. Then those of Sir Williams and Colonel Forster, along with a few of his officers who were the spares of titled families.

Overjoyed at having the Regent at her ball, Miss Bingley looked around at the milling, gawking, chattering crowd. It might disrupt the entire night if she did not get the dancing back on schedule.

“Hurst,” she whispered.

“What?” He hissed back, irritated that he had been allowed but one drink all day. He had not seen a reason why he should be denied drink, as it was common knowledge the Regent was famous for his drinking and gambling. He was looking forward to the card room tonight if the Gambling Prince decided to play a hand or two.

“I need the music to begin for the next set.”

“Certainly,” he replied, eager to get away from those around him. “Then I will have a drink,” he added, testing the waters.

She nodded. “But not too much. Please.”

It was rare that she added please to anything or anyone. He nodded and backed away and out of the throng. A few minutes later, the signal for the next dance was given, and the Regent found himself alone with Sir William and Lady Lucas and those of his own party. He sent Wickham to fetch him a drink as Sir William told him about dancing at St James.

Before Wickham returned, the Regent excused himself and headed directly for where Darcy stood like a shepherd watching over his most valued lambs. He laughed to himself, hoping he would remember the image so he could describe it later at some other ball.

“My dear Darcy, it is good to see you again.” Darcy bowed and formally greeted the man. “And who are these lovely ladies?” the Regent asked casually.

Darcy began the introductions as he tried to tune out Mrs Bennet’s excited voice.

“Lady Anne. My condolences. I knew your father well. He was also a good friend of my father, even when they were on opposing sides of a bill. As far as I know, they never let the differences in political matters interfere with their friendship.”

“Thank you, Your Royal Highness.”

“I believe my daughter is of your age. Fifteen is it?”

“Yes. We have met twice. I liked her very much.”

“Oh, splendid.” He looked at Darcy. “Perhaps another visit can be arranged in the near future.”

“Of course.” He then introduced his sister.

“I met your mother a time or two back in the day. A wonderful and beautiful woman. I can see you take after her a great deal.”

Georgiana blushed at the compliment.

“Thank you, Your Royal Highness.”

“I distinctly remember hearing her give a performance on the harp and such a beautiful voice. Do you play?”

“The pianoforte.”

“You should play for me.”

Georgiana reddened and looked at her brother in fright. “In a year or two,” Darcy said, touching her shoulder.

“Yes, when you are up to it.” He patted her hand as he would to help calm his daughter. She nodded in agreement. He then moved to the woman he had come to see.

“I present to you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn.”

The Regent looked Elizabeth in the eye before taking a step back and boldly scrutinizing her from head to toe.

“No offence to the two young ladies, Darcy, but you saved the loveliest for last.”

“It would have been most irregular if he had introduced me first, Your Highness,” she replied dryly.

He looked at her with a blank expression for a second before smiling. “I can see why you find her beguiling.” The comment made Darcy uncomfortable as Elizabeth glanced at him. “He did not actually say that,” he said with a wink. “It was the way he talked about you. Might I also compliment you on your dress? It is most becoming on you.”

“Thank you.”

“I believe Lady Anne had an emerald necklace that would have matched perfectly.”

“I did not know you concerned yourself with fashion,” Elizabeth said.

“When one cavorts around with Brummell long enough, you pick up a thing or two. I had thought of bringing him with me, but he can be a bore when much of the fashion is outdated.”

“Then I should thank you for my neighbors.”

The Regent was astute enough to notice a marked change in three of the small group as Wickham approached with his drink.

“Wickham. You may take that back to the party. Tell them I shall rejoin them shortly, and for god’s sake hold the glass by the stem. Dismissed,” he said, waving his hand to shoo him away.

“Now, Miss Elizabeth. I would like you to introduce me to your parents. I am guessing that woman over there who keeps pointing in this direction must be your mother.”

Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder and confirmed it. “Then I hope the gentleman she keeps hitting on the arm is your father.”