***The first line is taken from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and is not my line.

Thank you for reading my story. I hope you enjoy. Please R&R!

CHAPTER 1

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife,***

For Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy it was not that was he necessarily wanted a wife, but society wanted him to have a wife. Or rather, expected him to have one. Thus, he was both on guard from and on the hunt for a lady to fill that necessary and immense office. However, he did not want a wife, not yet,

But society expected it.

Demanded it.

Darcy knew he would have to find a wife despite his own reservations towards the task.

Yet as importunate as the task was, Mr. Darcy found himself sitting in a carriage, with his best friend, Charles Bingley, headed towards the country. At least in the country Darcy could put behind him the entire wife business for a few months.

The country, Darcy knew, was no place to find a wife.

Bingley, however, seemed less convinced of the fact. Darcy would have to keep an eye on him. And so he resigned himself to the idea of spending a few months in the country; he felt duty bound to watch out for any young ladies who would try to snatch Bingley up.

"Good grief, man," Bingley cried out, interrupting Darcy's thoughts. Darcy looked up at his friend. Bingley was smiling at him in a particular amused expression that he reserved for Darcy and his "moods," or so Bingley called them.

"What in heaven's name are you brooding about now? You look as though you are going to a funeral," Bingley continued.

Darcy supposed that matrimony was a kind of death, but he kept his musings to himself.

"Is the prospect of spending a few months in the country with me truly that dismal to you?"

Darcy gave his friend small smile and shook his head slightly.

"Heaven knows you're not the cheeriest person, but you seem especially quiet today. You've barely spoken two words and we have been in the carriage a good three hours since our last stop," Bingley said.

"I assure you, sir, I am content," Darcy replied.

"Fine, I'll believe you this time," Bingley said, smiling and folding his arms in a relaxed manner against his chest, "Though I think I can guess what you were thinking about."

"Really?"

"Yes, you were thinking about Ms. Wycliff."

Darcy said nothing. But he was unsettled that Bingley mentioned her. Out of all of the eligible ladies Darcy had met recently Ms. Wycliff seemed the most suitable as a wife. She came from a good family, high society, was rich, well mannered, and frankly quite beautiful.

In all accounts the woman seemed perfect. Society would definitely approve.

Yes, perfect in every way except they had no real affection towards each other.

In his interactions with Ms. Wycliff despite her beauty and charm, had lead him to feel nothing but respect towards her. He knew that Ms. Wycliff felt the same.

"Charles, you know better than anyone that I have no romantic interest towards Ms. Wycliff," Darcy said.

"Fine, then. You were thinking about the ball tomorrow. It's the prospect of dancing that is deepening your usual scowl."

Darcy did, indeed, feel his scowl deepen at the mention of the ball. In all his thoughts of matrimony, it had completely slipped his mind. How did he let Bingley convince him to attend an idiotic country ball?

Bingley laughed at Darcy's new face.

"Come, come, man. It won't be that bad. You may even try to dance a little."

"No."

"Not even with Caroline?"

"Especially not with Caroline."

Bingley let out another hearty laugh.

"She'll be sorry to hear it. I do wish you would reconsider about Caroline. I'd love to have you as a brother."

"And I you," Darcy said. But they both knew that there was no possible chance with Caroline Bingley. As beautiful as she was, as well mannered as she was, Caroline Bingley lacked the genuity that Darcy sought in a partner. He was grateful that Bingley understood that.

"Even I wouldn't want to be married to Caroline," Bingley added, smiling, "I love the girl but she can be quite intense. I'm glad Louisa persuaded her to travel with them the day before."

Darcy gave Bingley a half side smile. He too was grateful not to have to put up with Caroline's fawning for the entire ride from London to Netherfield, and he could show it. Charles Bingley was one of the few people Darcy could truly be himself with. It was his openness and genuine kindness that made Darcy feel that way.

"Well at least try to keep an open mind, Darcy," Bingley said closing his eyes and relaxing into his seat even more, "you may find a lady of whom you approve."

Darcy turned his face towards the window and looked out at the green pastures passing by.

He was certain he would not find a lady of his approval, even with an open mind.

Especially not in the country.

And perhaps not anywhere.