Page 36 of Shields and Roses

Miss Rose dipped her head slightly as she performed a graceful curtsy in response to his bow. As they broke eye contact, he was released from his silence. Darcy smiled, an unusual act for him during an introduction.

"As you have been warned," he said almost teasingly, although loud enough to be heard over the commotion that was still going on behind them. "I was wondering if you might do me the honor of dancing the next with me? Or any other set you wish, if that one is not free." He added the last sentence hastily, not wanting to lose any chance to continue the acquaintance.

She smiled pleasantly in return, although not with the liveliness she had shown while conversing with Lord Sheldon. "I would be pleased to dance the next set with you, Mr. Darcy. By the sound of the music, it should be forming any time now."

He offered his arm and she rested her hand lightly upon it. "Gentlemen," he said by way of parting, giving each man a stately nod instead of bowing.

At first, Darcy could not think of anything to say. Miss Rose seemed to be waiting for him to start the conversation, so they went to the dance floor in silence and joined one of the sets forming there. As they waited for the first couple to start down the line, he finally roused himself to speak.

"I am very glad you were willing to dance with me this evening, Miss Elizabeth."

"Dancing is one of the primary purposes of such a gathering," she said pleasantly, although he could see what might have been mirth dancing in her eyes.

He fell silent again for a short while, wondering what else to say. How did one get to know a complete stranger in such a situation? He finally had an idea.

"Did you enjoy reading The Natural History of Selborne, Miss Elizabeth?" he asked.

The amusement in her expression changed to surprise. "How do you know I read the book?" she asked.

Darcy suddenly realized how awkward his question sounded. "I saw you in Hatchards a few weeks ago, the day you made the purchase. I overheard you talking with your companion about how you had purchased the book to read on a journey you were about to take. Your conversation caught my attention because I had come to the shop to buy that very book on the recommendation of a correspondent. I also planned to read it on my journey here. I wanted to speak with you at the time, but you were busy with your conversation and there was no one available to introduce us."

The alarm in her expression faded, although she still regarded him a bit warily. Darcy mentally kicked himself for not having considered what he might say when he finally found his mystery woman.

"I apologize if my question has made you uneasy at all," he added after a brief pause. Before she could reply, their turn came to dance down the line. He went through the sequence without embarrassing himself. He could dance after all, even if he did not enjoy the exercise, and had learned the steps because it was his duty as a gentleman to know. Miss Elizabeth, he noted, was graceful and light on her feet as she executed the sequence perfectly.

"Your knowledge of my purchase did surprise me," she said in the pause before their next run down the line. "As you heard, I purchased that volume along with a few others to keep me occupied on my journey here."

"And did you enjoy it?" he asked, hoping all was well again.

"It was not quite what I expected. Of course, I knew it was not a novel or something similar. I simply expected more of a narrative, if you will. In many ways, the book came across like the random thoughts one would put in a private journal. The information presented was interesting but not exactly organized."

"That was my impression as well. Do you regret the purchase?" he asked. He had to wait for a response while they tended to the steps of the dance.

As they entered another pause, she said, "I do not regret either the purchase or the time spent reading the book. As I said, it was interesting and provided a good insight into the flora, fauna and history of the author's home neighborhood."

They discussed some of the specifics of the book for a time, comparing their impressions. Darcy was impressed by her thoughtful responses and considered it the most interesting conversation he had ever had on a dance floor. As the second dance of the set was called, he decided to turn the topic a little, despite knowing that their conversation would be more frequently broken up by the needs of the new dance, which was livelier than the first in the set.

"If I may ask, what else did you find to read on the way?"

"One of the books I purchased was a novel. I will admit to reading them on occasion and they are especially good for travel. Since they rarely require deep thought, they can be easily put down during stops, or when one wishes to enjoy the scenery or conversation with others, without the experience of the story suffering much. I also brought a book on philosophy, but it required too much attention, and I put it away for later."

"Do you often read philosophy?" he asked in surprise.

"I have a strong interest in all branches of learning, and my father taught me a great deal. Those subjects rarely come up in ballroom conversation, however."

The subject dropped as they were separated for a time by the dance. When they came back together, he started a new subject.

"That is a very interesting pendant you are wearing. The workmanship is exquisite. I have never seen anything like it."

She smiled as she replied, "The necklace and earbobs are a treasured gift. I wear them on nearly all formal occasions. The shield reminds me of all the people who care for my well-being and wish to shield me from harm. As for the roses -well, I have a special fondness for roses."

"They suit you very well."

She dipped her head slightly in acknowledgment of the compliment even as they were separated by the movements of the dance again. He had no idea what else to say when they were next together, but this time it was Miss Elizabeth who spoke.

"I have heard Pemberley is a very lovely estate, with fine gardens and sections of old forest. Is that true?"

"I think it is the loveliest place in all Derbyshire," he replied, "and perhaps in all of England. Of course, I am biased. When I was younger, I used to spend hours walking or riding around the estate. I still would if the work of managing it did not require so much of my time."