Page 42 of To Go Against Her Heart (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
“You look more than happy, and if I must mention, you are elated for your sister. You do derive joy from the happiness of those around you; it is such a rare quality.”
“It is indeed not; I observe the quality more often than not. Why your face brightens when you see your sister laugh, you derive joy in her happiness as well, and in this aspect, we are very much similar.”
“You are a fervent observer of my character these days. Do you suggest any other aspect we may be similar in?”
“This must be a secret, as it would not favor our characters, I feel both of us have a strong temper,” she said, almost whispering, making Darcy smile, and the music ended then.
He reluctantly led her back to his party, and Georgiana warmly complimented Elizabeth, remarking on how beautifully she danced.
The second set started, and Richard claimed Elizabeth for the dance, and Darcy watched them silently as he stood along with his uncle.
He wondered if Richard would keep his word and say something to his advantage.
“I heard Georgiana compliment your dancing, Miss Elizabeth, but I must compliment you on something else,” Richard said.
“I do not have the pleasure of understanding you.”
“Well! My cousin rarely dances, nor does he make the effort to ask a lady at such a ball—yet you seem to have accomplished the unlikely,” he said.
“I do not think it is a rare occurrence; he danced in Hertfordshire as well, so I am not surprised.”
“Is that so? May I ask with whom?” he asked mischievously, making Elizabeth laugh.
Richard couldn’t help but glance in Darcy’s direction, expecting to see irritation—but all he saw was warmth and quiet happiness in his cousin’s eyes.
It was clear to him then: Darcy had begun to imagine a life with Elizabeth, not just as a companion, but as a future member of the Darcy family.
The conversation drifted to the newly engaged couple, and Richard mentioned that he considered Mr. Bingley as one of the amiable gentlemen among his acquaintances.
“I may not know him as well as Darcy does, but I can confidently say that he is one of the kindest and most sensible men I have ever met,” he said, and Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
“It is indeed a happy prospect to see a sibling married. It has been quite some time since we had a wedding in the family, and my cousin has disappointed us long enough by not securing a suitable bride. We still hold him in mild contempt for that,” he said with a teasing smile.
“A wedding in the family is indeed a delightful event, but why must poor Mr. Darcy alone suffer under such expectations? Surely, as a most eligible bachelor yourself, you might have led the way—and relieved him by setting a fine example,” she said, catching Richard quite off guard.
Poor Mr. Darcy, indeed! She is already defending him, and yes, Darcy is fortunate to have won her affection.
“You cannot fault me there, Miss Elizabeth. Unlike my cousin, I have never shied away from the idea of marriage. Sadly, fate has not been kind to me in this aspect,” he said, and Elizabeth somehow felt he would be an excellent pairing for Charlotte.
“Fate often rewards those who make the effort, Colonel Fitzwilliam. I would advise you not to give up hope just yet,” she said with a smile.
As the dance ended, Darcy walked up to Elizabeth and asked her if she wished to dine and then guided their party to supper. Elizabeth observed that Lady Matlock and her aunt had become acquainted with remarkable ease and cordiality.
As they sat down to eat, Georgiana took her seat by Elizabeth, and Richard sat on the other side on purpose, much to Darcy’s irritation.
Darcy knew his cousin’s actions were deliberate—a subtle provocation meant to urge him to pursue Elizabeth more openly.
During the meal, as the conversation drifted to her impending departure, Elizabeth caught the subtle shift in Darcy’s expression as his features darkened and were clouded with displeasure.
She longed to know what he was thinking—what he truly felt in his heart and what course of action he wanted to take regarding them.
After the meal, the ladies excused themselves to the retiring room where Elizabeth’s aunt enquired when she wished to depart.
Elizabeth replied that she had promised Mr. Darcy the fifth set and hoped they might leave soon after, as the hour was already nearing half past ten, and she did not want to stay past midnight.
“Oh! I already feel quite tired, even though I haven’t danced. I am sure you will want to rest before your journey, and I promise to call on you before you leave,” Georgiana said, adding that she rarely had the opportunity to attend balls unless her aunt extended an invitation.
“My brother always thinks I’m too young for an evening such as this—not only because I might grow tired, but also because, as I do not dance, he worries someone might ask me to,” she confessed.
“He is quite protective of you, and I can see that everything he does is centered towards your happiness.”
“He truly is the best brother in the world, and all I wish for is his happiness,” she said, stopping herself just before she could urge Elizabeth to marry him.
To Elizabeth, it seemed Darcy’s family was well aware of his affection for her and was most eager to encourage their union.
Everything seemed perfectly aligned, and obstacles appeared nonexistent as she considered her situation—yet her past loomed over her like a shadow.
She knew it was solely up to her to conquer her fears.
“If you do not mind, I wish to sit down for a while, Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner said.
“Of course, please do. I shall walk with Miss Darcy and return shortly,” Elizabeth said, then made her way around the crowded ballroom with Georgiana, her eyes searching for Darcy.
As they walked to the other end of the ballroom, they found Lady Matlock in the company of two young women, and Elizabeth noticed them smiling as they spotted Georgiana.
“Come, Miss Elizabeth, I shall introduce you to my friends,” Georgiana said as she gently pulled her along.
“Miss Darcy! What a pleasure it is to see you again after so long. I was only remarking to your aunt how greatly we have missed your company. We returned from Bath but yesterday, and I confess, I was most eager to rejoin society,” said the elegantly dressed lady with blonde hair, casting a watchful glance at Elizabeth as Georgiana still clasped her hand.
“It is a pleasure to meet you as well. My aunt mentioned your trip—I do hope it was a pleasant one,” Georgiana said graciously.
“Allow me to introduce my friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet from Hertfordshire.” She then turned to Elizabeth and continued, “Miss Elizabeth, may I present Mrs. Harrington and her sister, Mrs. Kingston—dear friends of my aunt.”
Suddenly, Elizabeth’s world froze.