Page 156 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

Elizabeth laughed. “Oh, is that all? I regret to inform you that these two ladies are already married, but I will watch out for someone suitable.”

“I thank you.” He bowed and walked away, leaving her to take the last few steps to her friends, who curtsied as she approached.

Elizabeth laughed and embraced each of the women in turn.

“It is wonderful to see you here! I was afraid you would not come.”

“Though we were surprised to receive the invitation, it worked well with our travel plans. Now that I see the ball is in your honor, I am even more excited to have been included,” Priscilla said.

“Yes, but why did you never tell us, Eliz—Lady Elizabeth?”

“I am sorry, Edith. I did not know myself until recently. In truth, everything has happened so quickly⁠—”

“Lady Elizabeth. It is a pleasure to see you again.” Before she had even seen him approach, Mr. Cage had brought her hand to his lips in a bow. “Would you do me the great honor of dancing the remainder of this set with me?”

Elizabeth blew out an exasperated breath. She would have returned to her dance with Lord Blakely, but he was nowhere in sight now. She saw Edith alternately glaring at her own cousin and giving Elizabeth an apologetic glance, so she gave Mr. Cage a half-hearted smile.

“Of course, Mr. Cage. I can spare you a few minutes.”

“You know I have always admired you, Lady Elizabeth. I was most upset by our brief separation, but I hope you will allow me to call on you again. Where are you and His Grace staying?”

“I am not staying with my grandfather. In fact, he will return to Yorkshire before long.”

“Oh, I see. Surely you are not staying at Gracechurch Street now?”

Elizabeth was glad to have the dance separate them as she considered what she could say to him. Why had Lady Matlock thought it a good idea to have her thought of as single for the first half of the ball? No wonder her husband was miserable. She was growing increasingly so herself. Before turning back to Mr. Cage, she spotted Fitzwilliam, his soft gaze on her, and she smiled. Soon they would be together again.

“How have you been occupying yourself since we saw each other last, Mr. Cage? Have you been to your estate in Somersetshire or to visit Edith and her husband?”

She was able to ignore his attempts to learn anything about her, and the dance soon ended. Then she stood up with a marquess who must be five-and-thirty and was finally reunited with Fitzwilliam.

Anyone close enough to see their expressions while they danced could not doubt they were enchanted, but Elizabeth knew everyone would be surprised, nonetheless, when their marriage was announced at supper.

“I have missed you, my love.” Fitzwilliam clasped her waist and pulled her even closer than the waltz required. Perhaps people would not be so surprised by the announcement after all.

“I have longed for this set with you after the past two tedious hours.”

Fitzwilliam chuckled. “I will not tell your grandfather you said that, but I may let Blakely know he did not pass muster.”

Elizabeth grinned. “Blakely was actually quite jovial, and my grandfather was a perfect gentleman. But I find I am uninterested in making conversation with most people of late. It is a good thing we need not remain in London long.”

“A good thing indeed. From what I am hearing, every lady here wishes to be your new best friend, and every man wishes to court you.”

They laughed, but as they gazed into each other’s eyes, their expressions sobered.

“Must we remain for the whole ball?” Her husband’s earnestness would have swayed her had this been any common ball, but his aunt would be hurt if they departed early.

Elizabeth gazed up at him. “We cannot miss the big announcement at supper. And then I am to dance with your uncle and the colonel, and I know not who else. Will you not choose someone to dance with after supper?”

“I prefer to watch you.” Fitzwilliam’s hand slid up her back as he pulled her closer yet again. Any nearer, and she would not be able to move her feet.

“Why not dance with Mrs. Kirkpatrick or Mrs. Hopper? You met Edith once, about two years ago. They both married about that time, but they were good to me for a short time when I needed friends.”

Fitzwilliam kissed the top of her head. “Very well. If they are not engaged, I will ask them.” He looked around the room for a moment before returning his gaze to her. “Has anyone else here been a particular friend to you?”

“Not really. Except Jane, of course. I have not seen her or her party tonight, but she assured me they would all be here.”

“They were in the adjoining parlor when I saw them. Bingley planned to tell his sisters of our marriage right before they go in to supper to prevent too much embarrassment on their part. You are generous for not wishing to publicly shame Miss Bingley.”