Page 108 of The Engagement at Longbourn

He looked down the table. His uncle was arguing amiably with Mr. Bennet. His aunt was asking Mrs. Bennet about the Parker children. Georgiana and Lydia were whispering, with Mary pretending not to listen. Richard had somehow persuaded Kitty to try a bite of something she had declared suspicious. “I had imagined this dinner many times,” he admitted.

“And?”

“None resembled this.”

“Are you disappointed?”

Darcy looked at her. “No.”

After dinner the gentlemen did not remain over port long. Bingley abandoned the dining room first. Richard followed. The Earl observed that he had no intention of being left with two fathers discussing marriage settlements and escaped too.

In the drawing room, Lydia persuaded Georgiana to play a country dance.

“No dancing,” Mrs. Bennet said automatically.

“Why not?”

“Because—” Mrs. Bennet looked around. “Because we have just eaten.”

Richard held out a hand to Lady Matlock. “Mother?”

She laughed and accepted. Within minutes the carpet had been rolled back. Darcy could not dance properly yet.

Elizabeth stood beside him as the others formed sets. “Does this pain you?” she asked.

“My leg?”

“No. Watching.”

He looked at her. “Less than before.”

“Why?”

“Because I know I shall dance with you again.”

Her expression softened.

Darcy offered his hand. “We can manage the final turn.”

“Dr. Morrison—”

“Is not here.”

“He will know.”

“How?”

Elizabeth smiled. “I shall tell him.”

“Cruel woman.”

But when the music ended and everyone joined hands for the final figure, Darcy stepped carefully onto the floor with Elizabeth. He could not turn quickly. He could not cross with the others. So they made their own small circle at the edge of the room.

No one laughed.

Not even Lydia.

When Darcy bowed to Elizabeth at the end, applause broke out anyway.