Chapter 28

Elizabeth sat in front of the mirror in her room, sitting still — if a little impatiently — while Jane put the final touches on her hair for the ball at Netherfield.

Mr Darcy had sent a formal written invitation following soon after his spoken one. Even aside from her own anticipated pleasure in dancing, Elizabeth was glad that the Darcys had chosen to host a ball. It was certain to cement Georgiana's popularity with the neighbouring families, for everyone enjoyed a ball. Indeed, it was all people for miles around could seem to talk about. It would be the party of the winter season.

"There," Jane said. She placed her hands on Elizabeth's shoulders and smiled at her through the worn mirror. "You look like Aphrodite."

Elizabeth could not help but laugh. "You go too far in your praise of me, sister. But I appreciate the sentiment."

"I mean it," Jane said. She went to the full-length mirror and smoothed down her pale blue gown. Elizabeth joined her, wrapping an arm around Jane's waist, dressed in a white gown. Jane leaned her head against Elizabeth's. "Mr Darcy will not be able to take his eyes off you."

Elizabeth jerked up, then searched Jane's eyes. "Why do you say that?"

Jane waved her off, giggling as she went and sat at the vanity to finish putting a few silk flowers in her hair. "You know very well what I mean. You have been seeing a lot of each other lately. And I see how you look at him when you are walking together in town, or around Longbourn."

"And how is that?" Elizabeth asked.

Jane turned and faced her, giving her a pointed stare for a moment. "Like every bit of you comes to life."

Elizabeth could not argue. It was exactly how she felt. Instead, she looked down at her hands, wringing them absently. Was Jane imagining things? Surely Mr Darcy's treatment of her was in return for the service Elizabeth had done for his sister. He was grateful. That was all.

Wasn't it?

"Well, no matter," Elizabeth said. It would be better not to get her hopes up. "We cannot be selfish with his time tonight. He and Miss Darcy will be the hosts, after all, and he will have to introduce Mr Bingley and Miss Bingley to everyone in Meryton. I doubt he will have time to see us, past welcoming us into his home."

The little smile that appeared on her face made it obvious that Jane saw right through her excuses. But she said nothing.

The sun had already set when they arrived at Netherfield. There were carriages lined up as far as the eye could see as they came down the country lane toward the great house. It did Elizabeth's heart good to see the old mansion alight again. Ever since the old owner's death, it had sat as a lonely reminder of what had been. Now, the house would have a new life, and she could only hope that Mr Darcy would never leave.

When they arrived, they had to wait in a long line of guests waiting in the welcome line. She spotted Mr Darcy and Georgiana standing at the entrance to the grand salon. When it was their turn, Elizabeth felt her whole being come to life, just as Jane had described it. Mr Darcy's eyes fell upon her and a smile crossed his lips. It fell away as he looked her over.

Elizabeth caught her breath. It did not at all appear as though he did not wish to see her. On the contrary, that serious look made it seem as though the sight of her meant…everything.

She could not disagree with the sentiment. One look at his handsome face, and exactly as Jane had said, Elizabeth felt her whole being coming alive.