Free Mr. Darcy's Promise by Jeanna Ellsworth Page B

white flowers in her beautifully braided hair that was wrapped into the most charming bun that had a single silver or white ribbon weaved into it. She turned back to the carriage and said something to her father who was exiting the carriage behind her. He found himself entranced by the short ringlets at the nape of her neck but when she turned around, he was mesmerized by her smile. Her chocolate curls were styled in ringlets that framed her face nicely and he could hear her vibrant laugh even through all the commotion of the Bennets.
    Elizabeth caught up to her family and was witness to a very endearing look from Bingley to Jane which made Jane blush most becomingly. Elizabeth thought Jane looked more beautiful tonight than ever, and laughed softly as she realized Bingley was mimicking her own thoughts aloud. It is more evident than ever that Jane will have a love match. She smiled at the thought and wondering idly if she would ever get married. Were there two such Bingleys in England?
    “Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said interrupting her thoughts, “I have never been as moved as I am right now.”
    Elizabeth assumed he had been watching the exchange between Bingley and Jane as well, and did not see his dark brooding eyes on her. “Yes,” she said, touched by the attention to his friend’s romance. “They do seem to be the picture of the perfect attachment.”
    Mr. Darcy was almost relieved that she seemed to not catch the essence of his comment. He attempted to calm his heart, which was beating louder in his ears than the musicians in the next room warming up. He tried again to compliment Elizabeth. “Yes, Bingley and your sister do seem to enjoy each other’s company, but I find the whole night seems to have a somewhat magical feel to it. May I say how nice you look?” His hand reflexively reached up for those ringlets on the side of her face and brushed one away from her eye.
    Elizabeth, startled by the touch, finally turned towards him and saw the look on his face. He was not looking at her, she thought, but rather through her . . . as if he was deep in thought. When his hand brushed the lock of hair away from her face, she felt quite conscious of how a gesture could be construed. “Mr. Darcy, might I remind you that that kind of gesture . . .”
    He lowered his hand quickly and then clasped both tightly behind his back. “I am sorry, the hair was in your eye, I . . . I . . . I have no excuse, please forgive me.” He looked sheepishly around and luckily it appeared no one had noticed. Why do those eyes bewitch me so? This is not starting off well. “It will not happen again, Miss Elizabeth, I promise.”
    He then turned into the ballroom, without even noticing the teasing quizzical look Mr. Bennet gave to Elizabeth. Darcy also didn’t see Elizabeth shrug her shoulders and arch her eyebrow back at her father before entering the ballroom as well. Papa, I will not be intimidated or teased tonight.
    Mr. Bennet just chuckled. No matter how hard Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth tried to be discreet, it was impossible for a father to miss their obvious attraction and flirtation. He assumed they had their reasons for not being open with their feelings. Perhaps Darcy could not bring himself to propose to a girl of so little fortune. His eyebrows drew together. He could not see Darcy being the sort of man to take advantage of a girl, and he knew Elizabeth had enough sense to avoid any kind of secret courtship. Whatever their attachment, he knew, he could assure himself that it would resolve itself in time.
    Soon enough the musicians were ready and Darcy knew he had to face Elizabeth again. He chastised himself firmly in their time apart to keep his thoughts and especially his hands to himself. This next half hour would be trying in this new commitment as their persons would be not only near each other, but their hands would be touched and even held at times out of the necessity of the dance. He allowed himself one more glance at