A/N- This is dedicated to a guest Raina who has been reviewing to another story. Enjoy Raina!

It was a beautifully sunny morning, but Fitzwilliam Darcy's mood was anything but sunny. His constant nightmares about what Wickham had nearly done to Georgiana were not permitting him to sleep a wink, and his decision to accompany Bingley to Netherfield had not in any way helped. Bingley knew what had happened, of course, but his sister didn't, thanks to Darcy's special request that she not be told. He did not trust Caroline Bingley, and he was certain that her false sympathies were more than he could bear just then.

To say nothing of tomorrow's assembly! Fitzwilliam clutched his hair in frustration as he recalled that the next evening would be sacrificed in persuading the local families that he was too disagreeable to be given a thought, and that he might be forced to converse a good deal with Ms Bingley. To top it all off, Georgiana had not once written to him in these two weeks. Perhaps she felt that her brother was too angry at her? Fitzwilliam suddenly wished he hadn't gone away and left her alone at Pemberley. He resolved to return very soon, and in the meantime write to her.

Charles Bingley, on the other hand, was in an exceptionally uplifted frame of mind. He enjoyed meeting new acquaintances immensely, and especially enjoyed the company of beautiful young ladies, who just might be sensible enough so as to not unexpectedly fall in love with him because they spent quarter of an hour conversing together. He had wanted to explore his surroundings and had only just gotten Darcy to agree to a ride through the countryside, by subtly reminding him of Miss Bingley who was awaiting the opportunity to spend as much time alone as possible with him. The technique seemed to have worked perfectly, as Darcy was currently mounting his steed with much enthusiasm.

They were riding blissfully, for both men rode very well, when Darcy chose to, rather oddly for him, talk.

'Bingley, perhaps I ought to return to Pemberley soon.'

'Why, we have only just arrived! Caroline is not quit so unbearable as that, is she?'

'She by herself would be bad enough, but this is not about your sister, its about mine.'

'Darcy, I know you are worried that she will blame herself, and I dare say she might but I believe she needs time. Don't forget, she believed herself to be in love, and is probably feeling melancholy. I doubt wondering whether or not you are angry at her will help, and that is precisely what your presence will serve to do.'

'But I told her I don't blame her...'

'Your sister might have heard your assurances, but I think she will not believe them just yet. Give her some time to heal over her first wound- Betrayal, before you try to assure her. She is too much like you, and I should imagine she will need a good deal of persuasion.'

'Perhaps you are right, Bingley...', began Mr Darcy, but he never finished for his eyes landed on a few young girls who appeared to be talking merrily. He began to dismount, and Bingley did the same. The ladies curtsied, and Darcy noted there were five of them. The gentlemen bowed as they introduced themselves.

'Fitzwilliam Darcy.'

'Charles Bingley.'

Darcy observed that the girls seemed to be most astonished on hearing his friend's name. Perhaps they had heard of his arrival in Netherfield, like women always seem to, in an unquestionably remarkable manner.

'I am Lydia Bennet.', said one of the pretty girls.

'I am Catherine Bennet.', said another one.

'Mary Bennet.', said yet another girl.

'Elizabeth Bennet', said a good looking girl, and as she met his eyes, Darcy nearly gasped. Her eyes were so striking, and she so pretty! It was unbelievable. Darcy could not keep his eyes off her. She, for her part was equally smitten by him. He looked so very handsome! Elizabeth had never seen someone look half as well, and could not help staring. It was her sister's voice that brought her back to reality, for she had been fantasizing about whether or not he was married.

'I am Jane Bennet. My sisters and I are most pleased to make your acquaintance.'

'The pleasure is all ours.', said Bingley, causing her to blush prettily. For the first time, Darcy realized that Jane was the most beautiful of them all. This did not change his admiration for Elizabeth, indeed, he was eager to be acquainted with her. Those eyes, Darcy knew, were enough to drive away all his nightmares and make Miss Bingley's society endurable. Perhaps he had better stay, like Bingley advised.

As they parted ways, Darcy gave Elizabeth one last curious look, which he found returned. The gentlemen mounted their houses again and continued the ride. They could hear the peals of laughter from the group they had left behind. As they reached out of earshot, Bingley gave his friend a wide crazy grin.

'Darcy! I have never seen so much beauty ever before. Why, Miss Bennet is loveliness itself! And her sweet voice! Darcy, you may very well have to congratulate me very soon, if she would have me.'

'Bingley, you know nothing of her connection, or her dowry, and you most certainly don't know her well enough to think of matrimony just yet.'

'Perhaps not, but my first impression has been a delightful one, and you forget that I visited Mr Bennet only last week. From what of the local gossip I have gathered, she has a small dowry, and not too good connections, but I am not highly placed in society, so no one gives my actions much consideration.'

'Miss Bingley should be heartbroken if you marry beneath yourself. I know she desires you to marry an heiress, so that she can catch hold of an unfortunate rich fellow and marry him.'

'What Caroline feels is immaterial. I shall marry who I please, and even if she has no dowry, Miss Bennet would be a desirable choice for me if we should both come to love one another.'

'Well said!'

'But of course, you will not be present to witness the event, will you? Are you still determined to rush to Pemberley, and to Miss Darcy.'

'I think I just might hang around to see the outcome of your little romance.'

Bingley gave his friend a searching look, but Darcy merely rode on, not meeting his eyes. Sometimes Bingley could be too good at reading his mind.

A/N- Well? How do you like that Raina? And the others too, of course. I think this just might develop into a proper story if the reviewers ask for it. Come on, review! It means more to me than you'd imagine!