Free The Last Waltz: . . . another pride and prejudice journey of love by Pat Santarsiero

extremely fine today, and the fresh air quite invigorating.” He then turned to her mother. “That is if you do not think it too soon, Mrs. Bennet.”
    Mrs. Bennet’s eyes lit up at the suggestion.
    “Why yes! That’s just the thing! I am sure it would be most beneficial! Mary, you must go along and keep Mr. Darcy company.”
    In the absence of Lydia or Kitty, Mary would have to do. However, Mary’s reaction was to give a horrified look to her mother. Mr. Darcy seemed far too intimidating for her taste.
    “Mama, I had planned to practice on the pianoforte this afternoon. I hope to play at Mr. Bingley’s ball.”
    “We would not wish to keep you from your practicing, Miss Mary,” said Mr. Bingley.
    As Mrs. Bennet was about to insist that she go, Mr. Darcy intervened.
    “Perhaps you will go in her stead, Miss Elizabeth.”
    Elizabeth took in a sharp intake of air as the needle with which she had been embroidering pierced her finger. She quickly brought it to her mouth, and Darcy could not help but stare as her lips gently tugged on the injured tip. He met her gaze and reminded himself to breathe.
    Mrs. Bennet was determined not to let an opportunity for Jane to be alone with Mr. Bingley pass, and she conveyed that determination with the stern look she gave to Elizabeth.
    “Why, of course, Lizzy would be happy to accompany you,” said her mother as Elizabeth was just about to voice her protest. “Go along, Lizzy. I am sure Mr. Darcy will not mind keeping a slow pace, will you, sir?”
    Elizabeth’s eyes looked downward, and she felt her complexion redden once again with embarrassment.
    “Not at all,” he replied. “I would prefer a slow pace on such a pleasant day.”
    As Elizabeth was about to again voice her refusal, Jane quickly spoke up. “I will go retrieve our gloves and pelisses, Lizzy.”
    “Nonsense!” said Mrs. Bennet as she did not want to give Elizabeth any time to think of an excuse. “Mr. Bingley said the weather was extremely fine. No one shall mind if you forego such niceties, will you, gentlemen?”
    Bingley and Darcy looked at each other, then nodded in agreement to Mrs. Bennet.
    Elizabeth sighed. She was well and truly caught. In a matter of moments, he would witness the ungracefulness of her walk and learn of her imperfection. She took a deep breath and knew there was nothing to be done. She might as well get on with it.
    Mr. Bingley walked over to Jane. With a demure smile, she rose and placed her hand on his extended arm. As she did, Mrs. Bennet looked as if she might burst with happiness.
    Darcy approached Elizabeth where she sat and offered his right arm to her. She stared at it for a long moment. How strange, she thought, that no one else in the room was aware of the significance of what was about to occur. Only she knew that the next moment would put an end to all of her fantasies.
    She felt the tears that welled in her eyes and quickly wiped them away, hoping they had not been detected. She finally placed her hand on his arm, and he guided her to her feet. They walked to the door, and she knew he felt the unevenness of her gait.
    As they made their way outside, he stopped after they had gone only a few steps and dropped his arm. Her hand fell away, and she looked up at him.
    “I will understand if you have changed your mind, Mr. Darcy.”
    “Not at all, Miss Bennet.”
    He walked around to her other side and extended his left arm. She automatically placed her hand on it as she gave him a curious look.
    With the support of his arm now on the right side of her body, her injured right leg was less vulnerable, and as they continued on, her gait was noticeably improved.
    Silence stretched between them for a while as they adjusted to the rhythm of their walk. Jane and Bingley were far ahead of them, a fact to which they paid little attention.
    “You seemed quite intent on your needlework. Is it something you enjoy?”
    Elizabeth had never considered if she enjoyed it or not. If one