Emma sighed contently as she leisurely turned the page of her book, her eyes immediately devouring the first sentence. If only her life could always be so peaceful. All she needed was the warm fire that kissed her skin, the leather worn book the fed her imagination, and the soft quilt to that wrapped so perfectly around her body it was as if they were made for each other.

Peace, however, was very hard to come by in this house.

"Emma! Emma! Emma!"

She squeezed her eyes shut and prayed to God above the door of the parlor wouldn't open. If she just stayed quiet then Ruby would think she was somewhere else, maybe outside or in town….

"Emma!"

The door flung open with such force that Emma's body jolted in surprise, her book falling right from her hands. It landed with a soft thud on the ground, closing as it did, making Emma loose what page she had been on. She sent her sister a glare as she bent down to pick it up. "What?"

The brunette gave her a face splitting grin. "Someone's moved into Netherfield Park!"

As if such news warranted her to be running around the house screaming. Emma was about to tell her so when Ruby continued on in a excited breath, "But not just someone. A very young, handsome, and rich someone."

Oh, so that was what the young girl bouncing on her feet. A man. While such things didn't really pick at Emma's fancy the same couldn't be said to the rest of her family. Well, maybe not so much her father who'd rather stayed locked up in a room with a good book just like herself. But for her other sisters and mother? It seemed eligible men and potential husbands were the only topics they could talk about.

Then there was the eldest Bennet sister, who wasn't so opposed to the idea as Emma was but not as vocal about it either like Ruby. Speaking of which….

"So I see she's found you." Snow chuckled softly as she swept into the room. "I had been hoping to see your look of indifference when Ruby gave you the wonderful news." She swept her long black hair over her shoulder and sat gracefully down next to Emma.

Following right behind her were their other sisters, Aurora and Abigail. Aurora, like Ruby, was glowing with excitement while Abigail looked possibly more uninterested then Emma. Wordlessly she went to the opposite divan and pulled out a small history book from the folds of her dress. She and Emma were the only ones to have inherited their mother's blonde locks (unfortunately which were nothing but grey now) but Emma's were much more luminous and prone to curls while Abigail's mane was long and straight with a more softer shade of yellow then her sister's. Snow's hair was the oddball in the family, the darkest black one could imagine that their father swore came from his own deceased mother. He, Ruby, and Aurora were more alike with their differing shades of brunette but like his wife had nothing but grey to presently show (in addition to a currently balding head). Ruby and Aurora usually always mirrored each other in styles as well and both of them now had their tresses pinned up in a bun made of numerous braids.

"Isn't it splendid?" Aurora giggled, clasping hands with Ruby. "I hear he makes 5,000 pounds!"

Emma had to concede that was quite a fortune but still kept tight lipped about it all. She was still waiting for the last member of the female population of the house to come and make her entrance. Until she did and Ruby and Aurora kept pattering on Emma went to go and find the page she had been on in her book.

"His name is David Bingley." Snow said conversationally. "Ariel told me this morning when she came to invite us to the dinner party her parents are throwing. Apparently Mr. Bingley and his sister will both be attending along with a friend they brought along."

"A friend!" Ruby cooed. "How about it Emma? Snow can have Mr. Bingley and you can have this mystery friend!"

Snow blushed at the statement and bowed her head. Being the oldest it was she who their mother constantly flung at potential suitors so undoubtedly the same will happen with this Mr. Bingley. While Snow never dared refuse their mother the whole business made her feel somewhat uncomfortable as it battled with her shy and modest nature.

Emma scoffed. "Despite how appealing that sounds I'm afraid I'll have to decline."

Ruby shrugged her shoulders. "Fine, that leaves him for me then."

Before anyone could admonish her their mother's voice traveled through the open doorway. "Oh how you grate on my nerves Mr. Bennet!" Then it sounded like a huff followed right after and the shuffling of feet.

Their father walked in a few seconds later, their mother hot on his heels. "You must go and introduce yourself and speak of the girls! 5,000 pounds a year Mr. Bennet! 5,000!" She was near red in the face, her eyes practically bulging against the spectacles of her glasses.

Their father took it all with stride, not being ruffled at all by his wife's onslaught. He took a seat next to Abigail and gave Mrs. Bennet a lazy smile. "My dear, your hair looks quite lovely today if I do say so myself."

Honestly, it didn't look any different from the usual updo she put it in but it was more than obvious he was blatantly trying to provoke her. "Mr. Bennet" She near growled, crossing her arms over her chest. "Do you wish to send me to an early grave?"

"Well, I wouldn't say wish is exactly the term I would use…"

"Mr. Bennet!"

Emma snickered behind the pages of her book. Snow poked at her side in warning but even her lips were quivering with amusement.

"I'll have you know I ran into the chap yesterday in town, making the proper introductions and what not." He said it so quickly and casually that one could have missed it had they not been paying attention. Mrs. Bennet, of course, was always paying attention.

"You do want to kill me!" She exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air. "Why didn't you tell me this yesterday?"

Mr. Bennet scratched at his beard and shrugged. "You hadn't asked."

"And did Snow tell you that Ariel's family invited them to their dinner party?" Aurora asked excitedly.

Their mother's infamous glare then swiveled to her oldest daughter. "No, she didn't! Does no one tell me anything anymore in this house?"

Emma and Abigail both rolled their eyes.

"No matter!" Mrs. Bennet pronounced. "Now we have to focus on you, my lovely Snow, and make sure you look positively radiant for your first meeting."

"Like fattening up a pig for slaughter." Emma murmured none too quietly.

Mrs. Bennet lightly slapped her on the shoulder. "Hush now Emma. And I'll have none of your usual inappropriateness. You're to be on your best behavior else you'll ruin your sister's future!"

"Her future!" Emma gasped mockingly. "Why Snow, did you know your whole future now lies on the shoulders of not only this Mr. Bingley but myself as well? How will I ever cope with such responsibility?"

"Emma," Snow chided.

"Don't listen to her my dear!" Mrs. Bennet interjected. She quickly bent down and dragged Snow up by her shoulders, ushering her out of the room with Ruby and Aurora on her heels. "Now come, let's go see what dress you'll wear! And we'll have to decide how to do your hair, the shoes…."

"Your mother, my dears, is quite indomitable." Mr. Bennet observed.

"Quite," Emma commented before her book once again dominated her attention, any thought to Mr. Bingley and dinner parties gone within moments.

Emma sipped absently at her drink, her eyes darting all over the large hall looking for a familiar face. Once she and her family had arrived at the Lucas household it seemed the crowd already present had swallowed them up, dividing and ushering them into different areas of the room. Emma had tried to stick with Snow but their mother had already put her claws in her and wasn't about to let go.

That is, not unless it was a Mr. Bingley that was trying to do the taking.

"Emma!"

She twirled around, her blonde curls bouncing on her shoulders, and smiled at her approaching friend. "Ariel!"

The two girls laughed as they embraced. "Thank goodness I was about to die of boredom!"

Ariel gave her a playful smirk. "Come now, isn't Ruby the Bennet sister prone to drama?"

Affectionately, Emma brushed a stray piece of hair from her friend's face. Ariel, though older then both she and Snow, was still single and almost dangerously close to becoming what they called a spinster. The most ridiculous term ever invented, if you asked Emma, since it was only created to publically attack a woman not married and with no potential prospects. Sexist, she would even call it. But, alas, she didn't run the world and could not break the rules already in place. At least in Ariel's case anyway. It wasn't as if she wasn't a beautiful woman, she had the most gorgeous smile around and a kind of bubbly and happy disposition that made anyone comfortable in her presence. Her hair was quite the thing to look at as it was a rustic mixture of auburn and brown that she loved to let loose and hated to put up for social conventions such as the one they were currently in. Still, her family wasn't the richest of folk and men were very hard to come by in these parts.

Emma force don a smile and tried not let these unnecessary thoughts cloud her mind. "It seems my whole family is swept up with this whole Mr. Bingley business. Even Snow. She hasn't talked much about it but she's been getting this far off look in her eyes lately. And she's been blushing much more as well."

"Emma Bennet you stop spreading lies about me!" The lady in question seemingly appeared out of thin air, an almost threatening look on her face but the general softness of her features didn't really allow it. "I haven't given this Mr. Bingley a seconds thought."

Emma raised an eyebrow at her. "Oh really? Then you don't care that he's coming over here with mother right now?"

"What?" Snow gasped and twirled around, her hands instinctively flying to her hair to push back a stray lock. "Where?"

Emma and Ariel fell into a fit of giggles.

"Oh Snow!" Ariel breathed in between laughs. "You're just too easy sometimes!"

The brunette huffed and crossed her arms. "It's not my fault I have a trusting nature."

"No, dear sister, it's not!" Emma smiled. She wrapped her arms around Snow, giving her a warm but quick hug. "But that's why we love you."

"And why this Mr. Bingly surely will as well." Ariel piped in.

The laughter and merriment in the room suddenly died down into a hushed whisper with no warning at all.

The girls immediately sobered and looked to where the rest of the crowd was already transfixed, spotting three foreign figures at the back of the room. They weren't that close but Emma could see them all very distinctly, their courtly fashion too obvious and dissimilar to ignore.

Emma's eyes first landed on the woman, a pale beauty with such dark ravenous hair that she could have given Snow a run for her money. Her lips were painted with blood red makeup, so vivacious that it was flirting dangerously on the lines of inappropriate. It wasn't so much the color of the lips that Emma noticed but the firm line they were tightening into. This Miss Bingley (for whole else could she be?) was apparently not at all happy to be here and wasn't bothering trying to hide it. While everyone else was entranced with her slimming silk dress made of eggshell white material and the sparkling diamonds that graced her neck and ears, Emma couldn't help but focus on how downright miserable she looked. Miserable and stately, that is. She might not have looked happy but she was looking good doing it.

Then there were the two men next to her, presumably one being the famous Mr. Bingley. She had to assume it was the one with the darker, black hair since Miss Bingley had similar locks. Emma, amidst her general indifference to the male sex, couldn't help but stare a little longer than necessary at this stranger. His hair was completely darkened and mussed up, not the usual comb through you would see on most gentlemen. There was also an unusual show scruff on his lean face, odd for someone of his age but Emma couldn't help but think it suited him. And despite how far away she was from the trio Emma could make out clearly his vibrant blue eyes, so bright and translucent that it reminded her of a perfect day in spring. Despite these handsome features he, like Regina, had a look of utter disdain on his face. Again, miserable and stately. It must be a necessary attribute with these kinds of people.

"Ariel, who is that?" Emma heard herself say. "The one with dark hair."

"Oh, that's Mr. Darcy," Ariel whispered in her ear. "He makes twice as much as Mr. Bingley and is his most closest friend. He's staying with them at Netherfield for the foreseeable future."

The pieces of information held little importance for her but she nonetheless kept them in the back of her head. "He looks miserable."

"Emma" Snow chided. "Someone could hear you."

"And?" Emma challenged. "Let them, I'd like to see what they say."

"Emma," Ariel warned. "They're coming this way."

She returned her gaze to see that the trio was indeed making their way across the room, the crowd of people silently separating like Moses and sea to let them pass. Emma took the time before they would walk pass she and the girls to assess the last person in the group, finally, Mr. Bingley. While Mr. Darcy looked like a prince of darkness his friend perfectly embodied that of the light. And finally, a smile! Emma had to look twice to make sure she wasn't imagining things but there was indeed a pleasant smile on the man's face, making his already handsome features look all the more defined. As opposed to his friend's vibrant blue eyes his were much more calm and soft, even a shade darker, and his blonde hair akin to strands of fresh hay that was combed neatly into place.

When the three slowly passed the girls automatically made small bows, as was the proper etiquette, Emma glancing briefly up as she did. It so happened in that exact moment Mr. Darcy happened to look in her direction, not for any particular reason but to take in his newfound surroundings. Their eyes met, as if it had been planned that way, and stayed attached to each other for a mere two seconds that felt like two hours. Emma's mouth opened in slight surprise, his eyes on her having an effect on her body that she couldn't properly explain. But then he looked away and the moment was over before Emma could properly examine it. Just as well she thought to herself, Its not as if anything will come of it.

"Girls! There you are! Come, come, we have to go say hello!" Mrs. Bennet was rushing over to them and then pushing them all along before anyone could protest. Not that they could tell the woman no even if they wanted to. It wasn't as if this particular greeting could be prolonged either, now that the three were residents here they were bound to run into each other sooner or later.

"Oh there's your father. Mr. Bennet come here!" She hooked her husband's arm with her own and began to drag him along as well, the small group even managing to catch Abigail before they finally made it over to the three new members of society.

Standing next to them was Ariel's father, Mr. Lucas, who smiled warmly when they approached. "Ah, Mr. Bingley, here is my daughter whom you've already met. And may I introduce the Bennets."

Mr. Bingley smiled politely at them all, giving a bow of his head just as Mr. Bennet did the same. The girls all gave their own curtsies before Mrs. Bennet pushed to the front, her commandeering nature promptly taking control of the situation.

"Such a pleasure to meet you Mr. Bingley. I was so happy to hear that Netherfield Park had finally been rented out. It's such a beautiful estate to be locked up and forgotten about as it has lately been. So close to our own as well, only a short ride away I'll have you know!"

"Happy to hear." Mr. Bingly smiled warmly. "I want to be friends with all of my neighbors and make the stay here much more pleasant. I'm rather hoping to enjoy country life."

"Oh and you will!" Mrs. Bennet assured. "My daughters here positively love it. Two of them are on the dance floor I'm afraid but this is Abigail and Emma and here is my oldest, Snow." She flourished her hands most enticingly at Snow, presenting her as if she was a trophy on display. "She's lovely is she not? My prized treasure my darling Snow is, it amazes me she's still single."

Emma could only guess the type of blush that was bounding up her sister's cheeks before she saw it. Completely unfair of their mother to do, especially in front of so many people, so Emma took it upon herself to try and save her. "Mother I believe Mrs. Lucas was looking for you before, she wanted to talk to you about something right away."

While it was a blatant lie Emma was sure the only people who saw right through it were her father, Snow, and Ariel, all of whom would dare never call her out on it. Abigail had already wandered off at this point, her greeting already given and received. Mrs. Bennet, however, wasn't sure if it was the truth or not and glanced wearily between Emma and Mr. Bingley. "Oh, well, I'm sure it can't be so important that it can't wait a few more moments-"

"Actually," Ariel said apologetically, "I fear she was rather adamant to see you."

Now there was no way she could possibly refuse. Mrs. Lucas was the host tonight after all and it would be very improper to show such act of disrespect. Mrs. Bennet's smile melted completely off her face and before she could utter a word Mr. Bennet had her by the arm and gently steered her away. "Come my dear, let's go see what the lady of the house requires."

"I best follow them, who knows what party "disaster" has happened now. If you'll excuse me." Mr. Lucas bowed his head down and left after the Bennets, leaving the younger crowd to themselves.

However, with the air of awkwardness that suddenly weighed down on the group Emma wasn't sure if she had done something good or bad thing by sending her mother away. At least with her there was someone to fill in these quiet holes.

Snow, the poor thing, was starring blatantly down at the floor, the blush her mother had caused still shining slightly under her pale skin. Emma frowned and decided if anyone was going to save this situation, it would have to be her.

"I hear the library at Netherfield is wonderful Mr. Bingley." She began with a polite smile.

His eyes, which she had only just noticed had been glued on her sister's bashful form, moved to regard her. "Oh yes, very large and well occupied. Do you read Miss Bennet?"

Emma nodded her head. "Yes, as much as I can. Though I'm sure my mother wishes I occupied my time with other activities, I'd rather much have a good book in my hands then a pin and needle."

While most men, or anyone for that matter, would frown slightly at such an odd and rebellious statement it caused Mr. Bingley to laugh good naturedly. "Well I can't fault you on that. Were actually in the same boat as I'm terrible with a pin and needle as well. Shames my mother even more worse."

Now Emma was laughing which was quite a feat for a man she didn't know to cause. But it wasn't she who was interested in Mr. Bingley nor he in her if they way his eyes kept darting over to Snow was any indicator. "My sister, though," Emma informed while placing her handle lightly on Snow's arm, "Is absolutely magnificent at sewing. Puts a seamstress to shame."

Snow's head snapped up. Thankfully, blush free. "Oh, no, I'm not that good."

"She's also very modest if you haven't guessed it."

"Emma-"

"Emma?" Mr. Bingley echoed. "I have an aunt named Emma, it's such a lovely name."

Another genuine response made, Emma noted with approval. It seemed this Mr. Bingley was an honest to God good man, which was more than could be said for his more than cold sister and friend who had still yet to say a word. Emma spared Mr. Darcy a quick look, out of simple curiosity, and was surprised to see he was actually looking straight at her. She quickly masked her face though and pretended she didn't notice at all. "Please then," She said turning back to Mr. Bingley. "call me Emma. I like it much more then Miss Bennet, especially considering there is three more of us."

"Then please, call me David. I rather would do without the formalities as well."

It was in that moment Miss Bingley finally decided to speak but not to add to the conversation or to give any sort of pleasantry but to express her disapproval of her brother's actions. "David, that's highly improper." Her tone was clipped and she obviously expected not to be argued with.

"Oh Regina," David waved her off with little care. "They're our neighbors. I want us to be on friendly terms." His eyes then looked to Snow, visibly softening as they did. "And you Miss Bennet? May I have the honor of calling you Snow?"

Emma applauded internally as her sister gave him a charming smile and nodded her head. "Of course. Like you said, we are neighbors after all."

Regina scoffed loudly and Emma had to restrain herself from doing something very improper.

David, oblivious to the others, beamed widely. "Marvelous. Now, let's rejoin the party eh? I'd rather much get to know any other possible neighbors. But I'm afraid I would need a guide, there are a fair amount of people here."

It would have been natural for Ariel to have volunteered herself, as it was her house and party, but even she was privy to what was going and was a good enough friend to help it move along. "Snow knows practically everyone here, she'd be perfect for the job."

"Would you be so kind m'lady?" David inquired like quite the gentleman, even extending his arm to her.

In turn Snow acted like the perfect lady, batting her eyes and accepting his offer with grace and poise. "It would be my honor."

As Emma watched them go off into the crowd, looking like quite the couple, she couldn't help but feel like her mother a little with all this match making. And that was thought that truly scared her. "I need to go find my father." Ariel informed her as she walked past her, waving briefly as she went. "Find me later."

Emma nodded absently, her eyes still trained on her sister and David. And while it seemed they were about to mingle and meet the other party goers, as intended, a new song started up causing the plan to change. Emma watched with amusement as David broke their embrace to bow and offer Snow his hand, an obvious invitation to join in a dance. Apparently he wasn't so concerned of getting to know his other neighbors.

Realizing she wasn't exactly alone, Emma glanced to her side to see Mr. Darcy still present, his eyes also looking out onto the dance floor. Miss Bingley was nowhere in sight. Just like that another insufferable silence seemed to befall her and Emma, in an attempt to banish it, decided to make small talk with this cold man no matter how much she'd rather do the exact opposite. "Are you looking forward to staying in the country Mr. Darcy?"

He glanced briefly at her, his blue eyes once again sending a jolt through her body, before turning back to watch the dancers. "Not particularly. I prefer city life but David was adamant on me coming along."

"Oh," Emma said lamely, not particularly liking the tone he answered in. It was dispassionate and even a bit mocking. She was, after all, a country girl. Still, she tried to be friendly to the man. "Well then I suppose you're not too worried about meeting neighbors then are you?"

"Not at all." Was his clipped answer.

And it was that final statement that finally won over Emma to abandon any camaraderie with this man and walk away. She gave a curt "Excuse me", not caring at all if it came off any bit impolite. He had acted in kind to her after all. And who cared at all about Mr. Darcy anyway, it wasn't as if Emma was looking for a husband. And if she was, it would certainly not have been him.

"Three dances" Ariel whispered excitedly to Emma. "They've shared three dances."

Emma giggled and looked out from their hiding spot to see Snow and David bow to each other on the dance floor as the current song ended. "Uh uh, make that four."

"Four!" Ariel exclaimed. "So should we be expecting a wedding next month then?"

Emma slapped her good naturedly on the arm. "Oh Ariel, you sound as bad as my mother."

"Well you can't deny he isn't actually being subtle about where his affections lie."

"Affections!" Emma said incredulously. "They just met each other tonight! I'd rather call it attractions rather than affections."

Ariel rolled her eyes. "Either way it's obvious he fancies Snow."

"Who wouldn't?" Emma said almost wistfully. "She's beautiful and has the biggest heart. Any man would be lucky to have her."

"Well hopefully our Mr. Bingley will." Ariel's eyes widened fractionally as she noticed the man in question walking close to their alcove, where only curtains and wooden benches hid them. Next to him was Mr. Darcy, looking grim as usual. "Hush! Look!"

"Isn't it so alive here?" David asked with enthusiasm, nearly bouncing on his feet as he did. "So much better then stuffy, stoic town life."

Mr. Darcy rolled his eyes. "I swear, you're like a babe who gets easily charmed by a bauble. They're just country folk David."

"Oh come on Killian, they're not all that bad."

Killian. Emma thought to herself. So mister-I-hate-the-country was called Killian Darcy. Not that she really cared.

And for the first time all night, a real smile graced Mr. Darcy's face. Emma had to admit, it made him look much more handsome then his usual scowl. Again, not that she really cared. "Perhaps I haven't had the same company you've had all night, I will give you that."

A light blush bounced up David's face and he cutely ducked his head. "She's quite beautiful is she not?"

"The greatest beauty here David, I give you my word."

"And what about you?" David inquired, slapping him on the back. "You're acting as near miserable as Regina and that's saying something. Has no lady caught your eye and enticed you into a dance?"

Mr. Darcy scoffed. "Unlikely."

"Oh come on, I've seen plenty fresh faces here. What about Snow's sister, Emma? She was quite refreshing."

Emma tried not to look too interested as her name entered the conversation but she couldn't help but try and listen a little harder.

"Refreshing," Mr. Darcy repeated, his eyebrows rising as he did. "I suppose that's one way to put it." Emma bristled immediately and she felt silly that she had actually been curious to hear Mr. Darcy's response. Of course it wouldn't be anything along the lines of kind considering who it was coming from. Unfortunately, he wasn't done. "She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me. I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me."

Then the conversation was over, Mr. Darcy walking away after his proclamation and leaving an exasperated looking David to go and find Snow.

Emma hadn't realized her hand had clenched into a fist until Ariel placed hers gently on it. "Don't listen to him." She soothed. "I think it'd be worse if he actually did like you."

Emma merely smiled.

It had been the plan to stay away from Mr. Darcy as much as possible but somehow Emma found herself standing right across from him in a small circle consisting of Snow, David, and her mother.

She had been looking for her father when Snow all but dragged her over to go and try to save David who was currently be accosted by their mother. Then Mr. Darcy had simply just strolled over, apparently trying to split his time between being morbidly alone and standing by his best friend's side.

"Miss Lucas is quite the dancer." David commented kindly, having just been sharing a dance with the young lady of the house.

Emma smiled. "Oh I adore her."

"Yes, she is quite agreeable. Shame she isn't more pretty." Mrs. Bennet commented casually, wiping the pleasant smiles from all their faces. Except Mr. Darcy who of course he hadn't been smiling to begin with.

"Mother" Snow admonished but was promptly waved off.

"Well not as pretty then." She amended, tipping her glass slightly to take a long pull from it. "She was quite a sight when she was younger but I'm afraid she is getting older just like the rest of us. My Snow here, though, is at the prime of her age is she not?"

"Mother" Snow said again, this time more forcefully.

"Age," Emma interjected with a curt laugh. "Complete nonsense. I believe it doesn't have any effect on a woman besides the obvious. Ariel looks just as she did when she had been our age, maybe even better."

Mrs. Bennet narrowed her eyes but Snow quickly jumped in before either of the two started straight out fighting in front of everyone. "I'm afraid our little corner of the world has more young women then they do men, unfortunately making many single for the rest of their lives."

"Very unfortunate" David agreed with a nod.

"Indeed," Mrs. Bennet pushed herself right back into the conversation. "You would think, though, men would take more care in such a opportunity. Why, my Snow here was once courted by this lovely man from town but I'm afraid it hadn't worked out do to his own faults."

"Such as?" David asked.

"Poetry" Emma supplied, not really trusting what her mother would say. "It ended anything between them before it could even properly begin."

Snow nodded. "I'm afraid so. He had been quite nice though."

"And why did poetry make him unfavorable?" Mr. Darcy asked suddenly, surprising them all. "Is that not how most people would express their affection toward another?"

"Perhaps," Emma said slowly, already preparing in her mind what she wanted to say. "But if there is no genuine affection behind it, I fear they're just pretty painted words on a page. Cold and meaningless."

"So it wasn't the poetry you weren't so opposed to but his lack of conviction toward your sister?"

"Oh I would say both for I saw some of those parchments and I assure you, they were not wooing any woman anytime soon."

"Quite high and mighty there aren't you m'lady?"

"Killian!" David snapped just as Emma and Snow's eyes widened in surprise. Now that was definitely not something a gentleman would not say to a lady. Especially in front of said lady's mother. Mrs. Bennet, however, seemed to be down more glasses of wine then anyone suspected since she merely laughed at his comment and barely gave it a seconds thought.

Emma opened her mouth to deliver her own retort, and oh did she had one, but then Snow was lightly grabbing her elbow and giving her a pleading look. The message was quite clear. Ruin things with Darcy and things could possibly be ruined for her and Bingley. Emma glowered, caught between her pride and her love for her sister. Of course, the latter one out. But she wasn't going to let it go that easily.

"I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, sir, since you didn't have the chance to read them yourself."

"How kind of you," Mr. Darcy shot her a very cocky grin. "What form of affection would you then deem appropriate since you have such…knowledge in the matter."

Snow was still tugging at her, becoming more persistent as the conversation grew more dangerous. But there was no way Emma was backing down now.

"Dancing." She answered with a smug grin of her own. "Even if one's partner is less then handsome."

Confusion then realization flashed across his features and finally, and most surprisingly of all, amusement. He opened his mouth to say something else but honestly, Emma really wasn't interested. "If you'll excuse me." She said to the group before making a swift departure, feeling quite good about herself as she did.

While Emma would have loved more than anything to go home at this point in the night, her family was more than content to stay where they were. Her father would have perhaps been on her side but he was unfortunately at the mercy of his wife.

Ruby and Aurora were still dancing the night away and Emma couldn't possibly understand how their feet hadn't fallen off at this point. Abigail was missing but she could guess her little sister had found her way to the parlor room and was making good use of the piano forte there. Snow was still with David but now his sister Regina was present too, engaging in whatever conversation they were in. Emma was in no mood to talk with yet another morbid soul so she bypassed them and made her to the back door where a small garden awaited outside. She just needed a little quiet time and moment of peace for her near aching head.

There was a fresh breeze outside which helped cool down her flaming skin and a natural silence that instantly calmed her nerves. Nerves. Emma chuckled softly to herself. There she was sounding like her mother again. She feared how much more alike they'd become once she got older.

Emma titled her head up toward the sky and admired the blanket of stars spread across it. She let her mind focus on them and tried to clear it of the number of thoughts that had been racing through it all night. The breeze blew again and now that she had cooled down enough Emma could feel how cold it actually was.

Her body trembled, the stars becoming less enticing as the cold grew more threatening. And just as she was going to abandon the little excursion and make her way back into the house, a heavy fabric of warmth fell down onto her shoulders.

A silent gasp escaped her lips as she twirled around and was met with none other but the smug face of Mr. Darcy.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you. I just thought I could provide some assistance."

Her fingertips touched the tips of the blanket of warmth and she realized it was his coat. Hastily she ripped it off her and held it out to him. "It wasn't needed."

He quirked an eyebrow but didn't make any further movement. "Quite prickly aren't we?"

"And you're quite free with your tongue."

"My tongue is free to do quite a number of things since you've brought it up the matter."

Snow had always been the blusher. Emma didn't even think she was capable of it. But as she stood there with his coat in her hands, his eyes boring into hers, and those words coming out of his mouth she erupted like a volcano. It was so bad that she was sure not even the darkness of the night could hide it.

Emma gaped like a stupid fish, her cheeks pounding there was so much blood in them, and her mind-damn it all-had gone completely blank. It was only when the smug, rude man dared put a smirk on his face that she snapped back into life. She snapped her mouth shut and flung his coat at him, feeling slightly better when he fumbled with it.

"You are no gentlemen!"

"Am I to understand you don't hold honesty in high regard as well?"

"There's a difference between honesty and inappropriateness."

"For the short time I've known you, I didn't think there was a line drawn between the two."

And damn it all, her blood burned anew. Because he was right, she was known quite well for her liberal way of acting. But she had never done or said anything so-so appalling! She didn't bother speaking anymore and figured leaving was the safest option so she did. But just as she brushed past him, the door just within arm's reach, Mr. Darcy's large and much warmer hand grasped her by wrist.

Emma was about to sling at him a flurry of curses when he beat her to it, saying something she hadn't excepted in a million years. "I'm sorry. Truly I am."

And damn it all he was telling the truth. Emma could tell.

"And not just for that, though I do admit I enjoyed the lovely bush on your cheeks." Mr. Darcy's eye lit up in mischievousness. "But also for what you overhead before with David-"

"It doesn't matter what I overheard. Now if you please, Mr. Darcy, let me go."

"Killian," He amended. "My name is Killian."

"I'd rather much call you Mr. Darcy since I use only first names with people I am amiable with."

Mr. Darcy tilted his head to the side. "I'm guessing you won't allow me to call you Emma as well then?"

How dare he even ask? With a final tug, Emma managed to get her wrist free of him. "No, I won't."

"Well then, Miss Bennet," The condescending tone that laced his words was unmistakable, "I'll bother you no further."

Emma hadn't meant to look in his eyes, truly she hadn't, but they went there almost on their own when she simply should have headed for the door. And just like all the times before her body burst with some unexplainable emotion, so foreign and near frightful, but unlike before this time she couldn't bear to look away. She was angry with this Mr. Darcy and wished to be nowhere near his presence and yet she felt as if she was drowning in his blue eyes. It was like they were the sea and she unable to swim. It confused and frustrated her, made her feel painfully out of control and if there was one thing she prided herself in it was that she was always in control.

She had to get away from this man. Emma broke her gaze, even if a small part of hurt to do it, and turned her back on this insufferable Mr. Darcy. "Be sure not to."

Just as the door was about to shut behind her Emma could have sworn she heard him whisper softly, "As you wish."

Hello everyone! Okay, I'm very nervous for this one and really-really hope you like it. Like really. I wanted to do justice to both Pride and Prejudice as well as Once Upon a Time and hope I haven't botched it in the process. I'd also like to say that this story is loosely based off Pride and Prejudice, so it will follow it in some aspects and differ from it from others. This is then my own unique creation. AU all the way you could say.

And I do acknowledge that Killian may have acted totally improper for a Victorian gentleman or even the typical Mr. Darcy but I'm kinda putting a twist to his character, giving him more of a flirtatious and cocky edge. Because come on guys, it's Hook, he isn't going to not flirt with Emma! So I guess you could say this isn't strictly 17th century rules we have going on here (like them referring each other by their first names)!

Also, I tried to drop hints but if you didn't catch them Mrs. Bennet is Granny and Mr. Bennet is Geppetto. More characters are going to make future appearances too, like Belle and Rumple, so stay tuned!

Pretty please review as I am very nervous over this and would appreciate any amount of feedback!

As always I own neither of the stories or characters. Hope you liked it!