Page 54 of The Secret Diary of Anne de Bourgh

Kitty was delighted with everybody’s appearance, though she could not resist putting one small fold of my gown to rights before we went to join the company.

“There. Now you may go.”

“I am very much obliged to you.”

“You will be, when you see how well it sits.”

I did not have the opportunity to examine it again, but I trust that it justified her confidence. I was complimented on my elegance by a number of ladies in the receiving-line, at least.

Richard found me before the dancing began.

“I believe you owe me a dance, Annie.”

“I have not forgotten.”

“Then I shall claim the right of favourite cousin, and ask for the first.”

“Dearest Richard, I would have given you the first dance in any case.” I said it without the least consideration.

Then I heard myself.

He looked at me, and for a dreadful moment said nothing at all. I could feel my face growing warm. I wished to look away, but that seemed likely to make matters worse; I wished to explain, but could think of no explanation which did not draw further attention to what I had said.

At last he smiled. “Then I am more fortunate than I knew.”

This was not at all helpful to my state of agitation.

The orchestra played a few bars, indicating they were ready to begin, and I almost gasped in relief at the timely interruption. Richard offered me his arm.

“Are you certain your leg will permit it?” I asked quietly.

“Oh, for at least the one set. I have been very prudent all afternoon.”

“And afterwards?”

“Afterwards I shall sit down, and permit Sanderson to tell me that he advised against it.”

I looked at him sharply.

“He did advise against doing too much,” Richard admitted. “Which is why I mean to stop after this one set, but I made a promise to you, Annie, and I will not break it.”

I was satisfied with that, although I resolved to watch him carefully.

Darcy led out Georgiana. Elizabeth stood beside Mrs Thurston, smiling at them both, and I had a moment to think how pleased she must be that all her preparations had brought about such a happy evening.

Then the music began, and I could think of very little beyond Richard.

I had wondered so often what it would be like to dance with him. I ought to have been awkward from the weight of my own expectations, but he spoke to me quite naturally, and presently I remembered that I knew him very well, even if I did not always know what to do with my feelings when he was near.

He asked whether Luna had continued her attempts to climb gentlemen.

“She prefers the curtains now.”

“A sensible advancement.”

“I do not think Mrs Reynolds would agree.” We turned with the other dancers.

“Then we must hope she is not discovered.”