Unsure if that was praise or censure, she looked at him with a quizzical expression that seemed to amuse him, and she was preparing to question him about his comment when Sir William suggested that they dance. “Mr. Darcy, considering the inducement, you cannot refuse when so much beauty is before you.”

“I would be honored, Miss Elizabeth.”

Lizzy would have accepted him, but at that moment, Mary had given in to Lydia and Kitty’s pleas to play a jig, and after the first chords were struck, numerous guests flocked to the small dance floor.

“That is very kind, sir, but as you can see there is little room for another couple, but hopefully you will ask again.”

With Sir William believing he had brought the pair together, he departed in search of the few guests who might not have heard his story of being knighted at St. James’s Palace, leaving the couple to make their own way. And then there was the silence Mr. Darcy dreaded. These pregnant pauses were a particular irritant to him because he was ill-equipped to fill them.

“I was beginning to think you might not come, Miss Elizabeth.”

“Yes, I can imagine. Since you are new to the neighborhood, you do not know our family’s history. We are always late. You have no idea of the complexities of having five daughters and their mother leave a house all at the same time.”

“I may have some idea of your situation as my sister recently came out into society. I must say armies have marched with fewer provisions and less fanfare than that required of a young lady making her debut.”

And then he smiled, and Lizzy felt her heart flutter. Alas, Mr. Darcy was someone who was far beyond her reach. She would have to be grateful for just the one dance. Unfortunately, he did not ask again.

Although Mr. Darcy did not claim his dance, the evening passed agreeably. Lizzy had found partners in John Lucas, Colonel Forster, and Captain Denny, and after dancing with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Long, Mr. Darcy had joined Charlotte and Lizzy, who were urging the colonel to host a ball in Meryton. When Lizzy noticed that Mr. Darcy was listening to their conversation, she asked, “Will you add your support to my efforts, Mr. Darcy?”