The remainder of the dance was entirely conducted without further attempts at speech, the Comte being content to smile his communication, as Georgiana struggled to control the blush that threatened to expose her discomfort to the whole of the room. The Comte’s obvious reluctance to relinquish his hold upon her hand as they quitted the floor could not pass unnoticed by the company, and young ladies across the room were soon appealing to their mothers and friends for sympathy. The Comte was entirely unaware of the horror he had created, for, to be sure, he had never looked at one of them more than another that evening, or any other. The Comte escorted Georgiana back to her brother, and, after respectfully bowing once more, he asked if he might have the pleasure of Mrs. Darcy’s company, a request to which Darcy readily acquiesced. Elizabeth was led on out onto the floor, casting Georgiana a look of amused delight as she passed by, and causing her sister’s blushes to reappear in force. The remainder of the ball passed without further incident; the Comte was unable to enjoy the pleasure of dancing with Georgiana again, and, at any rate, she was engaged for every dance before supper. He was prevented from sitting by her at dinner, doubtless through the machinations of the duennas of the Comte’s various admirers. It was only as the Darcys made ready to depart, that the Comte was able to address them once more,

“I cannot in good faith attempt to persuade you to remain here any longer, for the ball will continue long past the hour when all people of sense have retired. It is also to be recommended that one leave early, for I can vouch with no little experience that the close of a ball is never as pleasant as its commencement. But, Mr. Darcy, we have had little time to talk, and there is much I wish to discuss regarding our respective occupations. Are you entirely engaged this next week?” Having quickly ascertained that they were by chance both to dine at the evening party of a mutual acquaintance the following night, the Comte was satisfied to leave them, but only after one long look at Georgiana, and, after making a low bow, kissing her proffered hand rather longer than expected.

Georgiana spoke little on the drive home, and would not be quizzed on her opinion of the Comte beyond an affirmation that he possessed “pleasing manners” and was “an attentive and accomplished dancer.” The conversation between Elizabeth and her husband upon retiring to their own chambers was altogether more conclusive.