Elizabeth glanced towards the children’s tables, noting their wide eyes and expectant expressions. “I can understand why.”
As the members of their group moved towards the crates filled with the gift packages, the maids and footmen from Matlock and Darcy Houses began to pass out a packet containing a new slate and chalk to each child.
Apparently, the clothing gifts were grouped by table, so at least it would be a bit easier to figure out which gift belonged to which child. They made their way around the room, passing out the packages to the eager children. All were so grateful. Afterward, the children lined up and left for their rooms to put away their gifts, though they returned promptly. Before long, the three-course meal began. Judging by the wide-eyed expressions of both the children and the staff, this was not their usual fare. Elizabeth had to admit the food was superb, but since it had been overseen by the chef employed by the Earl of Matlock, she had not expected anything less.
As the dessert course was served, along with chocolates for the children, Mrs. Cooper called the attendees to attention. Once quiet had settled, she removed a sheet covering a large trunk. Opening it, she revealed paper, pencils, toys, puzzles, games, and books, adding to the orphanage’s collection already available to all the children after their chores and schoolwork were done every day.
Tears welling up in her eyes, Elizabeth turned to Lady Adelaide. “How very kindhearted of you, my lady!”
Lady Adelaide smiled. “I agree, but it was not me who provided these luxuries…” her gaze moved past Elizabeth.
Elizabeth turned. Judging by the blush that infused Mr. Darcy’s cheeks, she knew immediately he was the benefactor. “It is very generous of you, sir.”
He waved a hand as if chasing away a fly. “Their parents would have done the same for them, had they lived.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I am sorry to disagree, but these children were not from wealthy families, sir. Your involvement has provided them with a secure community, nourishment of the mind, soul, and body, the likelihood of independence in the future, and even the opportunity for leisure. What your family has done here should not be dismissed so easily.”
Mr. Darcy blinked several times in a row, then said softly, “It was all my mother’s and aunt’s doing. I have only continued the practice once I could.”
“But you did not have to,” Elizabeth said. “Although these children are obviously appreciative, I understand they have no idea exactly who they should be grateful to, Mr. Darcy, and so, I will thank you for them.”
Mr. Darcy stared into her eyes for a long moment, then his gaze moved down to her lips. Elizabeth almost thought he was going to lean in and kiss her, but it quickly passed.
He took a deep breath. “If you wish to thank me, Miss Elizabeth, you may do so by granting me the honour of the first set at the ball on Tuesday.”
“Perhaps the second set might be more appropriate?”
Shaking his head, he did not release her from his gaze. “I was thinking specifically of the first.”
“But sir, do you know how people would see that?”
One of his eyebrows twitched. “That I wish to acknowledge you are a very special lady… particularly since I have never danced the first set at any ball.”
“Never?”
“Never.” He leaned in a bit closer. “I must enquire… is the supper set spoken for?”
“You know very well it is not, Mr. Darcy, since your aunt has only just handed me a dance card a few minutes ago. Do you wish to reserve the supper set instead of the first set?”
He shook his head. “I meant in addition to the opening set.”
Elizabeth closed her gaping mouth before saying, “Sir, if we dance together twice in one evening, I am sure you know even better than I what society will assume.”
He nodded once.
Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat. Could he really like her? That much?
Oh, no, she could not believe it. Her mind was jumping to conclusions.
She had seen for herself he did not enjoy balls. Perhaps he did not understand the ramifications. “It is my opinion you might regret the notice your attentions will garner.” She looked down at her hands in her lap.
“If I do feel any remorse, it will be of my own doing. However, I do not believe I could ever regret dancing with you three times in one evening.”
“Three times?”
“Yes. I was about to request the final set, as well.”
She gasped aloud this time.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he said her name as if it were a caress, “You should know that, if you would permit it, I would sign every line on your card.”
She could barely find the sense to ask, “Mr. Darcy. I am at a loss… please… what is the meaning of your statement?”
He smiled, displaying his dimples, and her heart was again lost. “This morning I realized I may never have another opportunity to spend this much time with you if I do not act quickly, so I have decided to take a page from Bingley’s book and use it as my own.”
Good heavens. Could this be real?
She could not catch her breath. “Mr. Darcy, are you certain you have not had too much wine?”
He lifted his glass. “I have barely taken two sips thus far.”
“Then, perhaps you really are unaware of how what you are saying might be perceived?”
“I will say the same again, if, by chance, you missed some of it.”
She blinked at him several times. Was he merely flirting, or was he honestly saying what she thought he was saying?
The look in his eyes spoke volumes.
“In fact,” he said, “I asked my aunt to bring the dance cards for you and Miss Bennet here this evening for this very purpose.”
Good heavens, had he planned this?
In that case, she would be a fool not to accept.
She raised one eyebrow ever so slightly, then retrieved her dance card from her reticule. “Well, then. I can do nothing else but accept your request, Mr. Darcy—all three.”
His smile widened in triumph then reached out to take the card, his gaze not leaving hers for what seemed like much too long—and too short, at the same time. Their fingers brushed, and a shiver passed through her at the same moment his eyes lit up.
Did he feel that too?
He took something from his breast pocket.
Goodness, he even brought his own pencil!
Chapter 19
~Tuesday, 10 December 1811 – Matlock House
Darcy passed Bingley as they paced in the opposite direction from the other. When they reached the wall of the hidden alcove near the archway leading into the ballroom, they turned and passed each other again. Every time they neared the window, both men glanced down at the front entrance, where carriage after carriage deposited their charges.
In the past few years, Darcy had been grateful his involvement with the orphanage was not more widely known, for it meant he had no reason to be hanging about the receiving line, but today was a bit different. Though he would have despised greeting all the guests, he also wanted to see Elizabeth the moment she arrived.
If he were successful in winning her, perhaps next year, this ball would be held at Darcy House instead, and he would be the one welcoming everyone… with Elizabeth on his arm, as his wife.
He felt the corners of his lips turn upwards as he imagined such a scene. Him, standing at the head of the receiving line, Elizabeth resting her hand in the crook of his elbow, and Georgiana standing next to her. It would be Elizabeth’s voice greeting everyone who entered their townhouse as he simply bowed his head in welcome. She would know exactly what to say to everyone, how to make them comfortable, emitting a chuckle at their witticisms at times, and remembering to ask about those in each family who were not able to attend the ball for one reason or another. Eventually, the uneasiness of all the attention being paid to him would become almost overwhelming, as it always did, and Elizabeth would instinctively recognize his state. Feeling a pressure on his forearm, he would turn towards her, and he would become captured by the affection sparkling in her eyes. She would smile up at him, raise an eyebrow slightly in such a way that almost drove him mad. His intense need to escape would disperse, for there was nowhere he would rather be than by Elizabeth’s side. Once she was satisfied that he would be well, Elizabeth would wink at him, discreetly of course, and then turn away to greet the next group of guests.