Pemberley Ranch - Jack Caldwell [50]
George approached the group, and for a moment, Beth thought he was going to request a dance from her, but instead he claimed Anne’s hand. Beth could not decide if she was relieved or envious when she heard a low voice beside her.
“Miss Bennet, you do look lovely today.” She turned to behold Will Darcy. “Forgive me, but I promised this dance to Gaby. May I request another one?” His bright blue eyes discombobulated her.
“I… I…”
“The third one!” hissed Gaby with a twinkle in her eye.
Beth was puzzled. “The third dance?”
Darcy took it as agreement. “The third dance it is—thank you, Miss Beth. Gaby, shall we?”
Consternation gripped the girl, for she had violated her vow of ignoring Will Darcy within fifteen minutes of the start of the dance. “Hateful man!” she hissed to herself.
“Pardon me?” asked Billy Collins, who had at that moment appeared at her side.
“Oh! Mr. Collins, what can I do for you?” she said automatically. By the time her brain caught up with her mouth it was too late, and Beth took her place for the Grand March with Mr. Collins. The only good thing about it was she finished the dance without injury to her toes.
Another gentleman claimed the second dance, a Virginia reel, which was a favorite of Beth’s. Her joy increased as she saw that Reverend Tilney was still dancing with Mary, and that neither looked to be in any hurry to find other partners. Beth was giggling about the state of Mary’s affairs with Charlotte Lucas when they were approached by Darcy and Fitzwilliam.
“Our dance, I believe, Miss Beth.” His voice held an edge of humor in it, which Beth could not account for, but she could not refuse or turn to Charlotte for assistance. Her friend was already heading to the floor on Fitz’s arm, unmindful of the glare from Sheriff Lucas. Beth sighed and offered her hand to Darcy. It was only as they took their places that she realized the depths of Gaby’s treachery.
“The Viennese Waltz,” Zimmerman called out.
Beth blushed as Darcy took her hand. “I believe I know the steps, Mr. Darcy,” she said.
Darcy grinned, an unsettling sight to Beth. “I don’t doubt it. I remember our last dance very well.”
The music started, and they began to move with the others. Beth tried not to notice, but her body tingled at his touch. She could sense the strength of Darcy’s arms and the warmth of his body as he held her, smelled his cologne as they swirled around the dance floor, and was mesmerized by his good looks as their eyes met. His masculinity flooded her senses. She felt beautiful, as though she were floating in the sky, the music and the man utterly intoxicating her. Feeling lightheaded, she closed her eyes, part of her wishing it were over, another part hoping the dance would never end.
“Miss Beth?”
The spell broken, she looked up into Darcy’s face.
“The dance is done,” he said. “Are you all right?”
“Um… I feel a little faint. Perhaps I need to sit down.”
“Of course. Just this way.” With the utmost gentleness, Darcy guided Beth to a chair. After she was seated, he offered to bring her something to drink.
“Oh, no. Rest is all I need. I feel better already.”
“It is a bit warm. You shouldn’t overdo.”
Beth couldn’t decide if he was being polite or overbearing. She settled on the former. “It is a little warm. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Darcy smiled. “I’ll just keep you company until your next dance partner arrives.”
“That would be me,” said a voice behind him. “Thank you for taking care of Miss Beth.”
Darcy lost all expression at the sound of Whitehead’s voice. He turned slowly. “Miss Bennet is tired. She may wish to rest for a while, Whitehead.”
“Oh, no!” the lady cried. “I’m fine. George, give me your hand.