...how memory works! I remember this subject coming up before at the L&T board, but didn't remember at all that 3 or 4 was enough to dance a reel! ;-) So, it seems Darcy actually *was* asking Elizabeth to dance, except that he would have needed at least two other people (including one lady) to agree to the idea, since I doubt either Mr. Bingley or Mr. Hurst played the piano! I suppose Miss Bingley would not have objected to the chance of dancing with Mr. Darcy, even if she had her suspicions about who he really wanted to dance with, and if she wanted to dance, I'm sure her sister would agree to play for her.