J Croft - Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge

The couple grinned and accepted the polite comments and teasing from the others. None of Lizzy’s family had been surprised; they also assumed a courtship was already underway, despite the brief hiccup caused by Dun. As much as he wished to stay near Elizabeth, Darcy realized he should depart and allow his lady time to get ready for the ball. If Georgiana was typical of other young ladies, many hours were required to prepare for such an evening. He gave precise directions to Matlock Manor and took his leave after another opportunity to kiss Elizabeth’s hand.

Lizzy attempted to assist Kitty with her macramé project but was all thumbs when she tried to tie knots. Her mind was more agreeably engaged. She had been meditating on the very great pleasure of advancing from courtship with Mr. Darcy to actually tying the knot with him.

Because the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families were co-hosting the ball, the dance cards featured both their impressive crests embossed on the silver and gold silk covers. Jane opened hers and sighed at all the blank spaces next to the titles of the pieces to be played. She gasped as she read the name of the final one. “Oh, my! Lizzy, do you realize the final dance is to be a waltz?”

Elizabeth sat by the fire with her eyes closed as Rachel towel-dried her hair. Her eyes flew open and she said, “Goodness, I would not have believed the staid Earl of Matlock and Lady Rebecca would allow such scandalous activity under their roof. I am glad Mama insisted on our learning to waltz last season, for Mr. Darcy has requested my final set in addition to the supper one.”

“You are very fortunate, indeed, sister. I admit to being quite envious. My dance card has not one gentleman’s name on it yet. Other than Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Fleming, I am unsure if I will even be acquainted with any other young men tonight.”

“Since nobody can ever be introduced in a ballroom, you shall surely be a wallflower all evening, poor Jane. It must be an awful burden to be so unattractive, unapproachable, and unappreciated. Perhaps you should just remain at home.” Lizzy had closed her eyes again under Rachel’s ministrations and was totally unprepared for the cushion that sailed through the air and landed in her lap.

“Knott, have you ordered my bath for precisely seven o’clock?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Have you ensured all pieces of my ensemble are crisply starched or pressed, as necessary?”

“But of course, sir.”

“You have not starched my trousers by mistake again, have you?”

“Certainly not, sir, only your collar and cuffs.”

“You will not be offended when Bladen is summoned, instead, to perform my barbering?”

“I understand, sir. You need a steady hand this evening. It would not do to have unsightly nicks and cuts on such an important night.”

“Important night? What do you know, Knott?”

“I know naught, as usual, sir. Be that as it may, there is some interesting scuttlebutt below-stairs amongst the servants. There is talk you will soon no longer be fiancée-free.”

From the moment the Misses Jane and Elizabeth Bennet entered Matlock Manor, they were swept up in the glamour of a private ball given by a member of the Peerage. The public rooms were festooned with garlands of flowers, greenery, and ribbon; and illumination was provided by hundreds of beeswax candles reflected in strategically placed mirrors. A multitude of handsomely clad fashionable people milled about, chatting and sipping fine wine, while a quartet of professional musicians played background music.