Author note: I originally intended this to be a rather long one-shot detailing my version of how Elizabeth met Darcy, but after twelve pages and being nowhere near to the extent that I'm happy with I have decided to turn this into multi-chapter fiction. I guess it goes without saying that it is Alternate Universe, and the style of writing is that it isn't very detailed or consistent, but that is the way I hope to present this story. Please do send reviews this way telling me what you think, it is very much appreciated.
An Eventful Evening
October 2008
The first time Lizzie Bennet hears the name William Darcy, it was long before she met him in the flesh. In fact it would take nearly half a decade before she found herself face to face with the so called William Darcy of Pemberly Grammar Highschool, but now, on a cold day in December she listens with exasperation while her two younger sisters regale her with heroic tales of William Darcy, Head boy of the school, academic extraordinaire, and specimen of male perfection who had so kindly taken them around.
"Oh he is absolutely amazing," Lydia gushes with excitement, while Kitty giggles hysterically and Jane listens demurely. Mary as usual isn't even present, hearing the accomplishments of others did little to intrigue her, but Elizabeth on the other hand tries to form the image of this so called William Darcy in her mind.
"Oh he was quite the gentlemen," murmurs Mrs Bennet, "really such a lovely boy, I do hope Lydia passes those examinations." It is without a doubt that out of all her daughters Lydia held a soft spot in her mother's heart, which was largely because of Lydia's vivacious nature that reminded Mrs Bennet of her fading youth more than anything else.
"I'm sure Kitty can pass as well," adds Jane, and Lizzie smiles at her elder sister. Ever the sweet tempered one, Jane hardly spoke ill of others, although Lizzie is sure that even if never expressed vocally by the members of her family neither Kitty nor Lydia could ever get accepted into Pemberly Grammar. They simply did not have the wits or ambition to do so. In fact, Lizzie is certain that their interest in Pemberly is restricted solely upon the male population, rather than what the institution could offer them in terms of education.
"Well he certainly is something," Mr Bennet finally voices, feeling that it is time that he make a contribution of his own. The girls and his wife immediately turn their attention towards him; he pauses for anticipation while drinking in their curious stares.
"What do you mean papa?" Lizzie finally asks impatiently, speaking up for the first time that evening, while trying to keep her voice void from excitement, her father hardly expressed his opinions about anyone. This could mean only one thing; William Darcy must have made quite an impression tonight.
"Well it goes without saying that young Mr Darcy comes from a good family, that much is apparent from his nice manners and polite façade. I say façade because I sensed something rather distant in his eyes. I can't quite put my finger on it, but no matter, that certainly didn't detract the limelight from his numerous achievements. It seems that he is someone that many are in awe of."
"And what about you papa, did the great Mr Darcy manage to charm you as well?" says Lizzie cheekily, while Mr Bennet merely chuckles.
"Oh you know me Lizzie, I'm not the type to be impressed so easily, but your mother on the other hand is wishing that she is seventeen again."
Laughter ensues in the Bennet household, while Mrs Bennet roars in fury.
"Mr Bennet how dare you! Why do you say such things, do you have no consideration for my nerves!" And the drama unfolds, while Lizzie retreats back to her novel, but a part of her feels strangely elated. Although she is not quite sure why, so she hastily pushes all thoughts of Darcy out of her mind.
Some things are just best left unknown