Chapter Eleven

Mr. Darcy caught me as I bounced off of him, making sure that I didn’t fall. He wore his trademark dark suit that fit him to perfection. His face was freshly shaven, and he smelled amazing because of course, he did. Memories of our dance and the passionate dreams that followed surged through me despite my best efforts to forget them.

“Oh, hello,” I said once I regained my balance. I wasn't sure how to talk to him now that I knew the truth. I wanted to slap him again, but I knew that wasn't appropriate. I needed to pretend to be civil. For the sake of Charles and his opening, at the very least.

"Elizabeth," he greeted me. The way his accent curled on my name made me sound far fancier than I actually was. "Would you like to look around the hotel with me? I was hoping you would join me for a drink as we looked it over."

"Sure," I replied without thinking. My smile was brittle as I realized I just agreed to spend time with him. I didn't want to get a drink or anything else with him, but i