(A/N) I just want to thank everybody who read and left a review. I got so happy with all the views and hits that I had to keep writing. I also want to thank my psycho best friend otherwise known as my beta for helping me with my story.

Previously on A story full of what ifs (if you can't tell I used to watch soap operas lol): Elizabeth had the good grace to blush at realizing her comment had been overheard. Even though she wasn't sure she wanted to dance with Mr. Bingley's proud and disagreeable friend, she would, so she could apologize and help Jane with Mr. Bingley. "I would be happy to dance with you Mr. Darcy and I am sure whatever part of Derbyshire you wish to tell me about will be interesting, as I have never been there and should have no opinion about its merits or inhabitants," answered Elizabeth. She looked up at him through her lashes hoping that he would hear the apology in her voice.

Darcy heard it; he just chose to ignore it.


Chapter 2- The aftermath- What if they dance and Darcy isn't a douche

There was something about this girl's eyes. They sparkled mischievously like she had a secret that she wouldn't tell you just because it would infuriate you. But they also had a way of making you want to join in on the fun. Darcy fully intended to join in on the mischievous game even if Ms. Elizabeth didn't know she was playing.

As the music started Darcy said to Elizabeth "I believe this is our song, shall we"

"Of course Mr. Darcy." Darcy took her hand and felt as if he had been struck by lightning. They both dropped hands and just looked at each other strangely, trying to determine what just happened. Shrugging it off and trying to make a joke Lizzie said, "I believe you just shocked me Mr. Darcy."

"On the contrary Ms. Bennet, since you can have no proof that it started with me the fault could also be yours."

"Yes but since you reached for my hand let's say you did it."

"Yes but since you took my offered hand let's say I didn't do it."

"Very well then Mr. Darcy let us agree to disagree or we will miss our dance altogether." Elizabeth was more than surprised at their light banter. She thought he was disagreeable because all he did was scowl at anyone who came within five feet of him. Maybe she could be wrong? No, she saw how Sir William tried to talk to him and all he did was stare and make the smallest remarks. He only made conversation when he was directly addressed.

Once more Darcy reached for her hand but instead of the lightning they felt the first time it was more of a constant tingling that spread throughout both of their bodies.

Slowly walking to the floor Elizabeth heard the murmurings of her neighbors but Darcy was completely unaware of the commotion he had caused. Elizabeth was trying to come up with a way to silence her mother as soon as she could get off the dance floor while Darcy was thinking, what the bloody hell was I thinking trying to flirt with her! I don't know the first thing about flirting. Oh this is going to be a disaster! Calm yourself man! You are a Darcy and you can handle anything including an impertinent girl from a backwater village. But what the hell am I going to say to her!

While Darcy continued his mental battle Elizabeth was completely unaware of his struggle. As they lined up to begin the dance she looked up at him only to see that he had one of the most severe looks she had ever come across. Surely that cannot be because of the insult earlier. Then again, I would not be surprised, he only agreed to dance with me because his friend made him and he clearly knows how to hold a grudge.

As the first strains of music began to play Darcy and Elizabeth circled and examined each other like animals in a zoo. Both were fascinated but unsure if that fascination was positive or negative. Surprising even himself, Darcy was first to break the silence. He figured now was as good a time as any to take the plunge. "So do you often judge people upon first glance?" I can't believe I just said that. Somebody shoot me.

Shocked, Elizabeth just gaped at him not knowing how to answer such a blunt question. "No actually I don't and I don't think I was judging you so much as it was the impression you gave me."

"Ahh." Darcy said no more fearing that he would look like an even bigger cad if he kept talking.

"So that's all you have to say?"

"Well what else would you have me say?"

"I am not sure but something more than 'ahh' would be sufficient."

As the dance brought them face to face Darcy got a good look into her eyes and loved that they practically sparkled when she was angry. Seeing this gave him the courage to try his mischievous endeavor one more time, if only to see that fiery look in her eyes for a little longer. I am sure I can stumble over myself sufficiently enough to keep her looking like that.

"So since you have been 'observing' me, as you call it, tell me what have you noticed about me." Yes, well done Darcy!

"Mr. Darcy, I seriously doubt you want to hear my opinion." Elizabeth really hoped he didn't push the topic because she did not want to insult Mr. Bingley's friend and ruin whatever chance Jane had with him.

"On the contrary Ms. Bennet, I think you would give an absolute honest account of what you think of me and that is what I desire." Darcy put just a tad too much emphasis on that last word and Elizabeth looked up with sharp eyes trying to tell if he meant anything improper. Hiding behind "The Mask," as Georgiana calls it, Darcy hoped she didn't catch his slip. There was no way he could be attracted to this girl.

"Very well Mr. Darcy, but you asked for it. Would you like the short or long version, sir?"

"I think I will take the short version and then ask questions from there, that is if you don't mind, of course?"

"Of course not, but before I offer you my opinion let me apologize for my earlier comment. It was rude and you did not deserve it. I am very sorry, please except my apology."

"I accept, now you are stalling, Ms. Bennet." Elizabeth tried to laugh at his joke to soften the blow of her next words because she knew they would not be received well.

"Well, I am sorry to have to tell you this, Mr. Darcy, but to put it plainly I think you are rude, disagreeable and rather proud." That sounded a lot worse out loud than it did in my head. Elizabeth internally winced at the drastic change in his countenance.

Darcy could not believe his ears. Did she not just apologize for insulting him but then she turned right around and did it again. Just as he was about to ask her to explain herself the music stopped and he was left looking at her in insulted astonishment.

He decided he had no intentions of escorting her back to her family without having his questions answered. Darcy unintentionally let "The Mask" slip into place before he offered her his arm and walked in the direction of the refreshments table. In a low voice so no one else could hear he said, "Ms. Bennet you have just apologized for saying comments that I do not deserve and yet you have just leveled three new charges against me. I'm sorry but I have to say that you are extremely inconstant."

Elizabeth stiffened at his comment and could feel her indignation rise. "Actually Mr. Darcy, you fail to see the distinction. When I insulted you after you first walked into the assembly I had absolutely no reference of your behavior, so I should not have said that you are a miserable person. But since that time I have been able to watch you and your interactions with my neighbors. Sir, all of your actions have been haughty and you make it seem that you are looking down on everyone because of their circumstances. "

"I have done no such thing," said an angry Darcy.

"Oh really, so when Sir William was talking to you were you even listening or were you pretending to listen? Also, when my sisters were introduced did you even take account of their names, or when. . ."

"That is enough I understand your point but it is you who fails in understanding."

"And what exactly do I fail to understand sir?"

"You fail to understand human feeling. How would you feel if you walked into a room and everybody stopped dancing? The musicians stopped playing and everybody just gawked at you like an act in the circus that came to town? Or how would you be able to remember an entire neighborhood of names in one night when you are introduced to every single person within a twenty miles radius? Most importantly, how would you feel if all of this interest was only because of how much money you have? Do not deny that my wealth has preceded me, I have already heard many people talk of it, you and your friend included. I may seem miserable but I have my reasons. It would benefit you to remember that a person's worth is not judged by how easy they are in strange company." Darcy stared at Elizabeth almost challenging her to contradict him.

"Pardon me, I have kept you away from your family for long enough." Darcy silently escorted a contrite and shocked Elizabeth back to her family and silently retreated into a corner to continue watching the dance.

Seeing her sister's distress Jane tried to move her away from their mother's ranting about rich husbands and fine carriages. Steering her to the corner where Mary was reading, Jane sat Elizabeth down so she could learn what happened that upset her sister so much.

"Lizzy are you alright?" asked Mary.

"Yes Mary I am fine, Jane is just overly worried."

"Do not lie to me Lizzy. I saw your face when Mr. Darcy escorted you back to us. You looked like you heard our cat died." said Jane

"No really I am fine, but let me ask you a question. Do you two think that I jump to conclusions?"

Both Mary and Jane looked at each other as if to say 'I'm not telling her.'

"I know that look! But that can't be true I have always been right about people and their intentions."

Mary didn't want to tell her sister the truth but she felt that she must. "Lizzy you normally do have excellent judgment when it comes to people but there have been times where you jump to conclusions as well."

"Like when? Give me an example?" said an affronted Elizabeth.

"Remember that time last year when you believed that Charlotte's brother lit Ivy's tail on fire but it was really Lydia" said Mary.

"Or that time when you thought Kitty stole your bonnet but it was actually Ivy?" said Jane.

"Oh and that time you thought Lydia. . ." Mary started but was interrupted by Lizzy.

"Alright alright you have made your point. So I do jump to conclusions sometimes, but I try not to. I would think that I figure it out and try to make amends."

Again Mary and Jane exchanged that look.

"What have I done now?" Elizabeth practically whined.

"Well once you know for a fact that you are wrong you are quick to make amends," Jane tried to say without making a face. But she was unsuccessful.

"What was that face for, what aren't you telling me?"

"Well it just takes a while for you to actually believe you are wrong." Mary tried to soften the blow by rubbing her sister's arm but by the storm clouds gathering in Elizabeth's eyes she could tell it wasn't working.

"Since when?" retorted Elizabeth.

Once again Mary and Jane exchanged a look as if to say 'I went last time it's your turn.'

"Well, since always" Jane said hoping she wouldn't be angry.

"What?"

"Well remember that time when . . ."

"Ok ok let's not start that again, you have sufficiently made your point. Ok, I need to ask you both your opinion about something and I need you to truthfully tell me if I was wrong and if I should apologize." Then Elizabeth told them everything that had happened with Darcy beginning with her insult when he arrived then their conversation during the dance and finally the speech he gave her before bringing her back to her family. Both of her sisters just sat there staring like they had never seen her before.

"Oh Lizzy how could you say such hurtful things to him?" Asked Jane.

"You barely know him, Lizzy. Actually you don't know him at all. What were you thinking?" scolded Mary.

"He asked for my opinion and I gave it to him." Elizabeth weakly tried to defend herself but she knew from the looks on her sisters faces that there was no getting out of this.

"But Lizzy surely you could have found a better way to tell him." As always, kind-hearted Jane wanted to spare someone's feelings.

"Ok I get it. I was wrong but what should I do now?"

"I would apologize to him Lizzy, he deserves it." Mary advised her sister.

Elizabeth knew her sisters were right but that didn't mean she had to like it. But he just reeks of douche. She knew that was a lie since she had been close enough to know that he smelled amazing but it made her feel better. Elizabeth also knew whining in her head wouldn't help so she stood up, squared her shoulders and tried to swallow her pride. I can't believe I am doing this. The gossips are going to be talking about this for weeks. As Elizabeth made a beeline for Darcy he suddenly turned as if he could feel her eyes on him and stared right at her. Panicking, Elizabeth quickly made an about face and hightailed it back to the corner where Mary and Jane were watching.

"I can't do it" said Elizabeth as she made it back to the safety of their corner.

"But you must Lizzy" said Jane.

"I know but we need a better plan than me just walking up to him."

"Ok how about we all go and talk to Miss. Bingley and hopefully you can try to apologize to him while Mary and I distract her" suggested Jane. Lizzy really had no wish to be in the company of Miss Bingley but saw no other option and agreed with the plan. After securing Elizabeth's consent, Jane, Mary and Elizabeth were soon in front of Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley. Thankfully Jane had actually thought of something to say on the way across the room or they would have looked seriously stupid.

"There you are Miss Bingley. I wanted to introduce my other sister to you. Mary, this is Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley, my sister Miss Mary Bennet." As the three ladies started talking Elizabeth tried to catch Mr. Darcy's eye but it seemed he was going out of his way to keep his eyes above her head. Which wasn't hard for him to do with his great height.

"Mr. Darcy."

"Yes Miss. Bennet?" Oh are you back to tell me I kick puppies and throw kittens?

"Are you trying to avoid speaking with me, sir because I have been standing directly in front of you for two full minutes and you have yet to spare me a glance."

"On the contrary Miss Bennet I have been fascinated by the dancing" Darcy winced at the blatant lie, but it was better than talking to her and being insulted again.

"Well Mr. Darcy I know this may be hard to believe but I would like to apologize again."

"Oh really?" Darcy finally took the time to look down at her and he saw her gaze was trained on the floor

"Yes, I have talked to my sisters and they have made me realize that everything you said to me was correct. Yes, you could have shown better manners but I also do not know you well enough to judge your interactions with others. I am truly sorry for what I said and I would be happy if you would forgive me. "

Darcy stared at her until she finally looked him in the eye. When she did he saw true remorse and more than that he saw shame. "Of course, I will forgive you Miss Bennet," he said softly.

Elizabeth gave a small smile and said "thank you Mr. Darcy" but just as she was about to turn to her sisters his voice stopped her.

"Miss Bennet my pardon is granted, but it is conditional."

Elizabeth arched one brow and said "And what conditions do you plan to propose?"

"You must promise me that you will take more time to get to know people and not judge them by first impressions."

Elizabeth's smile widened as she said "I cannot promise you that sir but I can promise to try my hardest."

"That is all anybody can ask Miss Bennet" for the first time that night Darcy allowed a small smile and Elizabeth could not help noticing how attractive it made him look.

(A/N) I want to know if any true Jane Austen fans caught the hidden reference. (The reference is not Ivy. Ivy is their cat and I decided to name it after me lol)

Coming up next: Chapter 3- Too much information- What if he commented on more than her fine eyes

(Wink wink, hint hint, nudge nudge, cough cough) don't worry it's not going to be anything too explicit