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

improved, but perhaps she should be allowed to remain here to recuperate a few days longer.”
    Mr. Bennet thanked them both for their benevolence but assured them that Mrs. Bennet was all eagerness to care for her daughter. “It is a comfort to know she has an affectionate mother to attend her.”
    Lydia’s eye roll went undetected.
    After tea was served and some polite conversation had been exchanged, Lydia boldly reminded Mr. Bingley of the promise he had made at Lucas Lodge to give a ball at Netherfield as soon as he was settled.
    “It would be a great scandal if you do not keep your word,” she admonished.
    “I am perfectly ready to keep my pledge,” stated Mr. Bingley, and it was agreed that as soon as Miss Bennet was fully recovered, Lydia should name the date.
    Their visit was soon coming to an end, and as Miss Bingley and Lydia helped Jane recover her possessions from the bedroom upstairs, Mr. Bennet looked over at Mr. Darcy. It was now or never; he must decide.
    “I wonder if I might take a few moments of your time, Mr. Darcy. There is a matter I would like to discuss with you in private.”
    Darcy was unable to conceal his look of surprise at such a request. “Certainly, Mr. Bennet; I am at your disposal, sir.”
    Bingley gave a perplexed look to his friend but graciously made his excuses. “I will go see to your carriage, Mr. Bennet. Please feel free to use my study.”
    As the two gentlemen entered the room, Mr. Bennet’s unease was apparent.
    “I find myself in a very unusual circumstance, Mr. Darcy, as I have a most peculiar request to make of you.”
    Darcy looked curiously at the gentleman and gave a short nod of his head as he gestured towards the chair across from the desk. Mr. Bennet looked at it briefly as if considering it.
    “It is in regard to one of my daughters.”
    Darcy took the seat behind the desk and waited for Mr. Bennet to continue. He was feeling uncomfortable as he was not one to grant favours to passing acquaintances, especially favours that involved a daughter. But the gentleman certainly had his full attention.
    Mr. Bennet decided against the chair and moved towards the window. He looked out at the view and was silent for a moment as he mentally gathered his thoughts. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft and reflective.
    “My second eldest daughter, Elizabeth, was always a confident and spirited girl; perhaps, at times, a little too spirited, but it was a trait she wore well.”
    Upon hearing the name Elizabeth, Darcy’s interest intensified.
    “She was always very out-going and loved . . . well she loved just about everything: walking, riding, visiting her friends and dancing, especially dancing. All that changed about five years ago. She was involved in a rather serious carriage accident. Her right leg was badly mangled, and she has suffered through two operations and years of painful treatments. She endured all of this because she believed that one day she would be able to walk normally again. But about a year ago, Dr. Graham informed her that he and his team of physicians had done everything possible and that she would always walk with a limp.”
    “I’m afraid I do not dance, Mr. Darcy.” Her words suddenly flooded back to him.
    He stared at Mr. Bennet’s profile at the window. He had stopped to compose himself, and Darcy could see the emotion on his face.
    “I, of course, think she is perfect,” he continued, his voice raspy. “But Elizabeth believes she is now somehow unworthy of any gentleman’s attentions. She keeps to herself most of the time, reading or embroidering—any activity that allows her to stay inside the house and by herself. She attended the Meryton Assembly only at my insistence. I have given her my word that I will not force her into another social situation.”
    Darcy thought of Georgiana and how her confidence had been shattered because of the events that had taken place at Ramsgate last summer. He knew exactly how Mr. Bennet felt: to