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Elizabeth looked around, trying to spot her partner. The other couples were moving onto the dance floor for the start of the supper set, and her other half was nowhere to be seen. She had not been with him since introducing the Regent to her parents. She had watched him dance with Miss Bingley, replaying the conversation of their dance as she observed surreptitiously. Thankfully, the woman had avoided her so far except for a perfunctory greeting and a look of bitterness.

She could smell him before she felt his hand on her arm as he whispered an apology in her ear for being delayed. She accepted the apology as they took their place on the floor. The music began almost immediately as if the musicians had been waiting for them.

Their dance again started out in silence, which bothered her. He had been talkative during their last dance. She asked if everything was all right. He replied in the affirmative but did not look at her when he answered.

She began to wonder what had changed. She had witnessed an animated exchange between him and the Regent. Had the Regent decided against her? Had he commanded Darcy to abandon her for another that he believed was a better match, a political one?

“You seem distracted,” she said, taking a direct approach. No, he did not just seem distracted, she thought. He was distracted. He looked down and gave her the barest of smiles.

“It…” He started to say before gazing away again.

“Did the Regent speak against me?” She blurted out. He jerked his head back to look at her.

“Good god, no. Whatever gave you that impression? Even if he had, I would not care one wit.” Relief washed over her at his reply. “Since the Hursts are dancing, Georgiana and Anne are alone and with Wickham here, even under the Regent’s thumb.”

“That is easily solved. Although I have not seen him leave the Regent’s side except to procure more wine. We don’t have to dance.”

“No. That, is not an option.”

“My mother can watch over her until we are done. Do not look like that,” she said with a laugh. “They will not pick up any bad habits in the span of a dance. Lead me to Sir William unless you want me to take the lead?”

He did as asked.

“Sir William, we have a favour to ask.”

“How may I be of service?” he said, smiling and eager to help.

“His Lordship would like you to ask my mother to entertain his sister and Lady Anne until the set is finished.”

“Please,” Darcy added with an inclination of his head.

“I shall do so without delay. May I say what a joy it has been watching you two dance. And to think the Regent has graced our small community with his presence. It has turned out to be the most capital of nights. Do you not think, my Lord?” The bushy eyebrows on his wine flushed face went up in anticipation of a positive answer.

“I agree, Sir William,” he responded. He was about to guide Elizabeth back to the floor when the man spoke again.

“Perhaps there will be even more good news before the night is through,” he said with a beaming smile and a knowing look. Darcy knew how he wanted to respond but withheld his answer for two reasons. First, he did not want to put Elizabeth on the spot. Second, his wards were still alone, and an answer might lead to a longer conversation with a man who enjoyed talking.

“Lady Anne and Miss Darcy are waiting, Sir William.” Elizabeth reminded him, and he departed on his mission. It was not until Georgiana and Anne were with her mother that Darcy relaxed.

“How did your she take meeting his Highness?” He asked almost immediately.

“She was surprisingly calm,” she admitted smiling. “I believe that is the least she has talked as long as I can remember. Although I think she would have tried to make a case for Jane if he were not married.”

“Poor Bingley,” he muttered. The man was a short distance away, dancing his second set with Jane. She had a warm smile on her face as he chatted away.

Elizabeth laughed at the comment but more so the joy of him being back to his usual self. At least how he was when they were alone. It struck her that he was a completely different man when they were alone, or at least as alone as one can be on the dance floor.

Once again, she was disappointed when the set came to an end. They collected Georgiana and Anne and made their way to the dining hall. Miss Bingley had outdone all expectations. Even if the Regent had not made an appearance, the meal would have kept people talking for years.

“Perhaps Mr Bennet will get a knighthood. One never knows about these things.”

Darcy heard Mrs Bennet say to Lady Lucas.

“Whatever for?” Lady Lucas asked.

Mrs Bennet was enjoying the meal and wine to worry about being overheard. Darcy attempted to shift his attention back to the conversation between Elizabeth and his sister.

“It is hardly fair for the father of a countess to not have a title.”

Lady Lucas replied but was more discreet, and Darcy did not hear her reply. He looked to Bingley, and despite being seated near the Regent, he gave most of his attention to Jane Bennet.

Miss Bingley sat next to the Regent, pleased by his attention and the success of the ball. She had all but ignored him and Elizabeth. Darcy was unsure if it was because she had finally come to terms with the fact that she would never be his wife or because she did not want anything to spoil the night. Earlier, Bingley told him that while he had been away, he had a long discussion with her, trying to make her understand her obsession with him was futile.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard. “If it had only been Jane. She would have made a better countess.”

He stood and excused himself before his blood began to boil, and he said something he might regret.

“Is something wrong?” Elizabeth asked, unconsciously reaching out and touching his arm. He looked at her hand.

“I need some fresh air. I will be back in a minute or two.” He patted Georgiana’s shoulder as he walked past.

Elizabeth looked at his stiff frame as he departed. Georgiana spoke, but she was not paying attention. She wondered what had suddenly changed and glanced around. Her eyes fell on her mother. Then, she heard the topic of the conversation and colored from embarrassment. She looked back, but Darcy had already exited the room.