A Touch of Night by Sarah A. Hoyt Page B

only mean one thing.
    Darcy rushed out onto the terrace. He could feel the pull of the waxing moon, stronger and stronger as he jumped over the balustrade and strode into the shelter of the trees. There was nothing for it but to give in to his innate urges and let his animal instincts take over. He would find Bingley more quickly in dragon form than human. He pulled at his cravat frantically. His body was being overtaken more quickly than usual. His hands roughened, claws appeared, and as he ripped at his clothing his skin emerged, glistening gold and green, toughening to scales. He stretched his arms and wings furled open. His body arose in one sinuous motion and he spiraled up out of the trees into the cold night air. Dragon on the prowl.

    * * * *

    Elizabeth watched Mr. Darcy leave the ballroom through the curtains that led to the terrace, then she went in search of Jane. Her sister was sitting by a potted palm, a tremulous smile upon her face.
    "Alone?" teased Elizabeth. "I thought I would find you with your Mr. Bingley."
    "He is not my Mr. Bingley," said Jane.
    Elizabeth could feel tension in her sister's voice. "What is it, my love? I ought not have left you alone tonight. Is the urge so very strong?" She inwardly cursed Mr. Darcy for asking her to dance and causing her to neglect her sister.
    "Yes -- the tug of the moon is constant tonight, but do not worry, I will not succumb." A tear slipped slowly down her cheek. She reached up to wipe it away and sighed. "That is not what troubles me."
    Elizabeth took her hands and gazed into her eyes. "Tell me."
    "I have been foolish," said Jane. "I thought that I could apply the same strength I apply to my were urges to my heart. I thought I could shield it just as well, but I was wrong."
    "You have fallen in love with Mr. Bingley?"
    Jane nodded. "But it cannot be," she whispered. "He is too open hearted a gentleman to lead astray. I cannot give him my heart or my hand. This must end."
    "But Jane," said Elizabeth. Her thoughts were running wild. No matter what Wickham had inferred about Mr. Darcy and his . . . unnatural preferences for his own sex, she had absolved Bingley of like predilections in her own mind. He exhibited an obvious interest in Jane that countered such indecent ideas. That Darcy was intent upon taking advantage of their friendship there could be no doubt. She was hopeful that he had not yet gone beyond the bounds of propriety. Because if there ever was a gentleman that Elizabeth believed could love and protect Jane as she deserved, Mr. Bingley was it. "Jane -- do not you think the decision is also his to make?"
    "I could not wish this upon him!" Jane motioned with her hands towards her bosom, but Elizabeth knew what she was referring to. That thing inside her breast that distinguished her from the rest of her family and most of the world. That animal that lurked within. A sweet and gentle dog, as loving as Jane herself in her human form. Not another entity, but an extension of Jane. Something to be nourished and nurtured, not despised and hunted.
    "If he loves you, he will love all of you," said Elizabeth, hoping that what she believed was indeed true.
    "If he indeed loves me, then all the more reason to spare him. I have made up my mind."
    And as Elizabeth sat there she could only marvel at her sister's strength, presence of mind, and good sense. It was up to Mr. Bingley to break through those barriers, and only time would prove whether he was the man to do it. She had to acknowledge that she wanted to believe in their love because she wanted Jane to live a normal, happy, fulfilled life, not one of sacrifice and sorrow.
    "Elizabeth," said Jane. "You do not look well yourself."
    "I have a headache," Elizabeth admitted. And upon saying so she realised that it was true. She'd had too much to think on and her head was pounding most furiously.
    "And I have been selfishly piling my troubles upon you as usual."
    "No Jane. Selfishness is not in your nature."
    "Is