Mr. Darcy's Promise Read Free

determined to address her right in front of everyone! 
    Mr. Darcy hadn’t meant to be anxiously awaiting her return, but when he saw her, he knew he wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms. Since he couldn’t do that, and he knew it, the inner turmoil within himself pushed him to ask her to dance instead. “Miss Bennet, will you do me the honor of dancing a jig with me?” His hand was stretched forth and his head bowed slightly.
    Elizabeth was shocked into momentary silence. All she could think of was how he had scorned her at the Meryton Assembly and how he had said she was merely “tolerable” and “not handsome enough to tempt” him. Remembering this comment, she saucily raised her eyebrows and said, “It is tempting, Mr. Darcy . . .” She was at loss on how exactly to finish the perfectly impertinent refusal, when he took her hand and led her to the center of the room. How could he presume that was an affirmative answer? How could I have let him think so? Her cheeks flushed. She certainly had not wanted to demonstrate any special attention to Mr. Darcy. She could already hear her mother’s shrill celebration of his income. She almost refused, but then caught a glimpse of Georgiana’s sweet smile. She could not embarrass him in front of his sister.
    Once they began to dance, Miss Bingley’s tempo seemed to quicken and she played with energized fervor, leaving Elizabeth quite short of breath. Her heart was pounding and her hands were on fire every time the movements brought their hands back together. Soon Bingley asked Georgiana to dance which made the dance less of an intimate performance and Elizabeth relaxed a little. She laughed at Georgiana’s shyness to dance, but Bingley was too kind and encouraging. Could there be some feeling on Mr. Bingley’s part for Georgiana? Surely his attentions to Jane were genuine; she would not believe anything else. Elizabeth continued to watch the two dance, if for nothing else but to avoid Mr. Darcy’s penetrating gaze.
    Oh, how lovely! Elizabeth’s cheeks were bright pink once again! Darcy couldn’t quite decide if her eyes or cheeks were brighter. He longed to kiss those cheeks and feel their warmth on his lips. This was something he knew he could not do and he decided he had better keep his thoughts to himself. He was pleased to see her relax and laugh merrily as Bingley and Georgiana danced. All too soon the music ended and Miss Bingley stated her fingers were tired and asked Georgiana to play. Mr. Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and escorted her to her seat and took the seat next to her . Why did I do that? He knew he could not show a preference for Miss Elizabeth ! He struggled with the rudeness of leaving and sitting elsewhere after he had already sat down. If he wasn’t careful, his impulses would take over and he would give encouragement when the reality of developing a relationship was absurd! He had enough experience with eligible ladies throwing themselves at him that he did not wish another one, even if her eyes were fine and her mind engaging. He stood up again and claimed need of refreshment. On impulse, he asked if others needed something to drink and looked at Elizabeth. But it wasn’t Elizabeth that answered.
    “Oh yes, thank you, Mr. Darcy! My fingers got such exercise with that tune!” Miss Bingley said dramatically.
    Mr. Darcy turned to Miss Bingley and said, “Of course, Miss Bingley, tea or wine?”
    “Wine, please.” Miss Bingley then sat in Darcy’s vacated spot next to Elizabeth solely to prevent him from sitting in it again.
    Elizabeth was quite amused at Miss Bingley and smiled to herself. Surely she knows I want nothing to do with Mr. Darcy!
    *****
    The next few days were spent between strange looks from Mr. Darcy, smiles of mischief from Miss Darcy, and frowns of frustration from Miss Bingley. Elizabeth was greatly relieved when Jane was finally feeling well enough to come down. The last few days without her had been wild!