A/N: I hope you like this chapter, please review.

Bingley Manor- London

Charles Bingley entered the house in a sprint. His smile lit his face showing all his pearly whites. His face glowed, and his hair was saturated in sweat. On ascending the stairs he nearly crashed into his sister who was at the same time descending.

"Good heavens, Charles! What on Earth has come over you?" Caroline Bingley said, affronted.

Charles only beamed brighter, if that was at all possible. And taking his sisters shoulders he said.

"Sister, I have just let out Netherfield Park!"

Caroline was completely taken aback. Netherfield Park? The abandoned country house? What had her brother been thinking? Another one of his wild hairs, no doubt. Her brother loved the country for its game and wilderness. Whereas all that the country meant to Caroline was, inadequate social gatherings and boredom. When she had been cut off from her preferred recreation of the outdoors, Caroline had found that the only way to keep herself from falling into utter boredom was to constantly gossip and communicate with other people. And she pursued this interest most diligently. Books were dull and time consuming, painting and piano playing- a chore. So all the country meant to her was more books and piano and less people, moreover, the people that were available for interviews were always entirely unacceptable. She was a lady, and as such, she must associate with other ladies, not ignorant country women. Wasn't it Mr. Darcy who always said if people are to socialize at all, they should at least do it with people of there own caliber. And now of course, Charles was going to want her to accompany him to Netherfield and host balls and functions. Well nothing could persuade her, Charles got himself into this situation and he would just have to lead it on his own.

"You rented Netherfield? The country abode in Hertforshire?" Caroline asked faying ignorance.

"Yes!" Charles beamed delighted, " And nothing would make me happier if you would join me in the country, Caroline, would you?"

"Charles, What possessed you to be so spontaneous? Haven't you had your fill of the country by now? I dare say you've been gone for a whole fortnight." But regardless of what she said, Charles only laughed and began to lead his sister down the stairs.

"My dear sister, how could anyone possibly have their fill of the country? I find it very pleasing. And I am surprised that you feel that way, of all people, you who used to play outdoors more than I" They were in the drawing room now and both sat on a divan.

"Well, I grew up Charles, and I hardly find the country pleasing, the social entertainment is dull, and the atmosphere is likewise." Caroline said attempting to alter her brothers mind.

"Oh but it won't be dull Caroline, Darcy's coming too! And the two of you together can surely enjoy each others company, if nothing else, you always did get along so well. And I don't know what I shall do without you, you can throw all the balls you like, and the library is extensive."

"You know I don't like to read Charles." But Caroline's mind was already changed. Darcy was going. Darcy would be there. Darcy who detested parties, and detested the country and its people, which of course meant that he would be spending every moment with her at every social event. He would leach himself to her, and talk with no one else. He would dance with no one else. He would be completely hers. A rare smile lit Caroline's face.

"However, I couldn't possibly disappoint you Charles, and if you promise that you will condone to endless balls, then I shall I go." Charles face lit up again and he embraced his sister.

"I am so happy, and yes of course, you have my word, as many balls as you like."And so it came to pass that Caroline Bingley ventured to the country.

Approximately a week after their arrival at Netherfield, Charles had already promised a ball to the inhabitants of Hertfordshire. He had been gone almost every day to meet with the many residents of the town. This wouldn't have bothered Caroline if it did not also take Darcy out of custody. With Charles gone, Darcy spent all most every day out on the grounds shooting game, or locked away in the library where talking to him was a waste of breath. So all that Caroline could do was wait longingly for the first ball, where she might at least hold conversation with Mr. Darcy, at last.

The day of the ball finally arrived and Caroline was amused to find how many rumours had circulated about them before it. Still she was completely unimpressed with the society and strove to be Darcy's constant companion. He danced every dance with her, just as she had hoped, and he talked only with her and her brother. Not that her brother was available much for conversation, for he was completely consumed with the eldest Bennet girl, who was by far the handsomest girl in the room. Caroline hoped that he remembered himself later, and this infatuation would pass, but for right then, she couldn't have been happier that her brother was occupied and had left her to contend to Mr. Darcy.

"So Darcy, what do you think of this country affair? It is quite different from home, is it not?"

"Yes." came the reply, as Darcy and herself held their usual post by the back wall.

Caroline smiled lightly, and reeled her mind for something else to consume Darcy in conversation with.

"Charles certainly seems to be enjoying himself." Caroline said of her jubilant brother. Who was dancing his seventh dance with Miss. Bennet.

"Yes, indeed, with the only moderately attractive woman present." This came like a stab to Caroline's heart. Once again she was not pretty enough for Darcy. She lightly touched the feathers she had put in her fiery hair, nothing would ever please him. But then hurt turned to hate as her eyes sought out Miss Bennet, a common country girl more attractive than her. She watched as the blonde, laughing, happy creature danced her brother around the floor. Her eyes scanned her clothes, they were atrociously simple garments, with no style about them at all. Then she looked at the other Bennet girls who were all acclaimed for their beauty. The youngest, Caroline noted, was as silly as a girl could possibly be, giggling her way around the floor. The next youngest was no better. Then there was one girl who was possibly the plainest of all and danced with no one. And then there was a handsome brunette girl, who was surely the second oldest. She lacked the beauty of her elder sister, but seemed to have a bit more intellect about her. Fear immediately entered Caroline's heart: intellect, Darcy's stronghold. Surely he would not fall victim to these giggling country women as well, would he? She looked up at Darcy, only to find her worst fear, he was looking at the brunette with a most curious expression.

"The second Miss Bennet, I daresay, is also of considerable beauty." Caroline smoothed the words over slyly. "Do you not think so, Darcy."

But Darcy choose not to answer, and instead walked off to find Caroline's brother. Caroline looked back at the brunette, and watched her for almost the remainder of the evening. What could it possibly be that made such a simple girl, with so little prospects, so happy?