Chapter 2: Proud or simply shy

''So this man…'' Sophia began.

''Mr Bingley.'' Kitty eagerly supplied.

''Yes, thank you Kitty, Mr Bingley. He is the new resident of Netherfield Park, whom is meant to attend the Meryton Ball.'' Sophia asked looking around at the three other girls who were sitting with her in the sitting room; Mary was off practicing her piano as usual.

''Oh yes, I can't wait to see him. He's sure to be handsome. And I may be the youngest but I am the tallest of my sisters.'' Lydia gloated with a grin, while falling back on the sofa for emphasis.

Rolling her eyes at the silly young girl she retorted with a grin.

''You may have the advantage of height Lydia, but I am doubtful that Mr Bingley will take a fancy for a girl that is still only fifteen.''

The girl blushed from indignation and was about to retort when Jane interjected with a warning look at Sophia, which she returned with an innocent look.

''Yes Lydia, I am sure Mr Bingley will ask you to dance.''

When Sophia had first found out that he had earned £5,000 a year, it had not seemed very impressive but she had to remind herself she was 203 years in the past and it was considered a considerable fortune for the time.

''I think it would matter little if he did possess pulchritude, his bountiful fortune would be enough to compensate if he did not.''

This analysis caused Jane's earlier reproachful look to disappear to be replaced with a smile, replying.

''Indeed I am sure you wouldn't mind if he were handsome.''

''No I would not mind in the slightest, alas though Jane I shall leave the wealthy Adonis's to you.'' She chuckled while tugging at a lock of her dark curly hair, continuing in a light joking tone-''for it would take a miracle to love this beast.''

''Honestly Sophia,'' Jane began with a chuckle-'' your hair isn't that bad. And it is not as if your hair obscures your face, which I might add is pleasing.''

Smiling at her friend she brushed off the comment. Jumping up from the seat she had previously occupied Sophia walked over to the door, while saying over her shoulder.

''Well, you will find me in your father's study. I think an afternoon reading shall suite me nicely.''

The few days running up to the Meryton Ball were havoc.

All the Bennet sisters had used every spare peace of material in the house to alter their dresses, in an attempt to impress the elusive Mr Bingley. Though Sophia doubted he was worth the trouble that everyone was going to, even Mrs Bennet had fought over a piece of ribbon with Mary!

Coming to her tethers end Sophia had volunteered to go to Meryton to buy some more ribbons, for a chance to escape for an afternoon of some peace and quiet.

She was currently standing at the front door accepting money from Mr Bennet. When she had first arrived in the past she had taken a liking to the Bennet Patron, as they had the same satire humour. Though he could be distant at times to his daughters, which she wasn't too fond of but they got along amicably anyhow.

She humbly accepted the few coins given to her. Offering him a small smile.

''Thank you Mr Bennet, I won't be too long. I just need to escape for the afternoon from all the noise.''

As if on cue, Kitty and Lydia's shouts could be heard, from somewhere within in the house.

''It is no trouble Sophia, I am just dejected, that I may not escape also.''

Chuckling at the statement she joked over her shoulder.

''Well Mr Bennet, I hope to see you in one piece when I get back.''

The weather was quite mild for being in the middle of October, though it had rained the night before, creating puddles along the road. To avoid getting her lilac dress dirty, Sophia hiked it up a couple of inches as she jumped over a rather large puddle, causing her rose locket to hit her clavicle.

As she got closer to Meryton the wind started to pick up, she had to resist the urge to untie her braid and let the wind blow her hair around as it would undoubtfully make her hair even more tatted.

Sophia finally arrived in Meryton she stood for a few short moments to admire the small town, it really is a charming little place. Though to people of this time period it most likely held little splendour in their eyes, as the old (…or new) saying went: beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Sometime later Sophia was exiting the ribbon shop with her basket; which she had brought with her from Longbourn, filled with new ribbons. She was heading back up the street when somebody shouted her name, turning around she was greeted with the sight of Charlotte speed walking towards her.

''Well hello stranger, fancy seeing you here. What brings you to Meryton?'' Sophia asked with a smile.

Smiling Charlotte laced their arms together.

''It has been a while since I last seen you. I was just off buying some shoes for the ball tomorrow night. What business were you attending to?''

Raising an eyebrow at her companion she raised her arm in indication of the basket.

''I came to purchase some more ribbons, as my cousins have used up all the material in the house for their dresses and all to impress Mr Bingley, no less. I swear he better be worth all the fuss, they're turning my head with their antics.''

This caused Charlotte to send her a fake pitying look, which Sophia just rolled her eyes to and giving her a small playful shove. Chuckling Charlotte said,

''I assure you Mr Bingley is a very amiable gentleman, and worth all the fretting your cousins are doing.''

Turning an inquisitive stare at her friend, silently telling her to elaborate. Complying Charlotte explained.

''Mr Bingley and his sister Miss Bingley came to dinner last week. Mr Bingley is very amiable, always something nice to say and he is really quite handsome.''

Grinning Sophia interjected,

''That's a comfort than to know he's nice and holds a significant level of physical appeal also. Anyway what was his sister like, please do divulge?''

''Miss Bingley was smiling and participating in conversation but there was something in her eyes that I just did not like. It was as though she was looking down upon us, but I commend her it was subtlety done. Though there was a companion of Mr Bingley's that could not attend as he had to attend to business of some kind, he was called Mr Darcy; if I remember correctly. Apparently he has a fortune twice the size of that of Mr Bingley's. Though I was lead to believe that he is to attend the Meryton Ball tomorrow evening.''

Processing what Charlotte had just told her she replied.

''Mr Bingley sounds quite charming, though I don't like the sound of his sister seems to be too insidious for my tastes-'' breaking off to chuckle with Charlotte she continued on when they had sobered –''Though Darcy seems intriguing, I suppose I shall have to pass my judgement of the man then tomorrow.''

Sophia eventually had to part ways with Charlotte to return to Longbourn with the basket of ribbons. Thinking along the way what she would think of the three strangers.

Sophia sat in front of her vanity's mirror checking over her appearance making a few minor alerations.

Her tall frame was in an elegant dress; which was of a deep red with gold trimming; it suited her pale skin and accentuated her dark unruly curls and sparkling hazel eyes. Jane had tried to pin her hair back into an intricate twist, though tendrils had come loose and were framing her face. She had no accoutrements on bar her rose locket, that was beneath her beaded bodice, resting against her sternum.

As she was making some final changes the bedrooms door opened up to emit her blonde friend.

While Sophia was completely dark in appearance, Jane was the antithesis.

The beautiful woman wore an elegant peach gown, which complimented her pale skin tone and her silky golden locks were arranged into an elegant twist at the back of her head. The light colouring of her garments made her, have a near ethereal quality to herself.

Smiling at her friend through the mirror Sophia annunciated,

''You look radiant Jane.''

Blushing at the compliment she timidly replied,

''Thank you Sophia, you look nice, as well.''

Sophia never understood why Jane never believed anybody when they complimented her, even from the futures standard Jane would be classified as very attractive. But she had to admit that she wouldn't like her as much if she were conceited.

Turning to smile at her friend again she stated conversationally.

''Well, Mrs Bennet will be wanting to leave soon.''

Standing up from her seat Sophia grabbed her black cloak from her bed and fastened it around herself. And exited the room after Jane.

The dance finally came to an end and the dancers moved to the side of the room to rest till the next started, Jane and Charlotte emerged from the crowd rather flushed and out of breath as they spied Sophia on a large seat at the far side of the hall the two women walked over to their mutual friend. Finally noticing her two friends Sophia smiled at the two and remarked when they got closer.

''That seemed to be quite enjoyable.''

Charlotte plumped down beside Sophia without much grace, though Jane sat down more elegantly to her left. Jane was the first to reply.

''It was very pleasant, a little fast but very enjoyable. Oh Sophia you must join in on at least one of the dances you will regret it if you do not.''

Charlotte nodded her head and added,

''Jane is right, if you just sit around all night you won't find it half as enjoyable as you would if you partook in a few dances.''

Scoffing Sophia simply said,

''I can assure you I'll dance sometime this evening but so far I haven't liked any of the gentlemen that have asked me to dance and I find it quite enjoyable sitting here watching people.''

Jane inquired,

''What was the matter with them?''

Charlotte developed a small secretive smile as though she already knew the answer that Sophia would come up with.

''Nothing major, they just were too dim-witted for my tastes.''

Charlotte and Sophia shared a glance and silently chuckled though Jane seemed to not be too impressed by her friend's statement. Seeing the look that Jane was sending her Sophia coughed and awkwardly tried to divert the conversation.

''Well, I suppose Mr Bingley hasn't gotten here yet then.''

Jane's features softened, though Charlotte was the first to speak.

''No, there are no signs of Mr Bingley and his party yet.''

For the next three dances; Sophia dancing in two of them, though she spent most of her time conversing with Jane and Charlotte and waiting for the arrival for the elusive Bingley.

''I honestly swear I believe that my feet have never been more sore than they are at this very moment. At this rate I may just walk bare foot for the rest of the evening it goes without being said, that I shan't be accepting one more dance for the remainder of the evening.''

Charlotte and Jane exchanged looks at the bushy haired woman's statement and broke out into silent laughter, hearing her companions deriving mirth from her less than enviable position, she just sent them both a withering look.

Jane being the first to regain her composure; though still a small smile remained on her face, a vestige to her past mirth.

''At least you partook in a few dances, though, it is just unfortunate they were not the most skilled.''

''It is not the fact alone of their egregious dancing that had me irked, I could endure their lack of skills if they could compensate with more stimulating conversation. As it were, they only talked about their livelihood, do not get me wrong, I admire their enthusiasm about their work.''

Charlotte just smiled and looked at Sophia through pale eyes.

''Perhaps, with some luck you will get a more skilled dance partner. Of course, with more stimulating conversation to offer also.''

''One can only wish and hope. With the berks I have encountered this night, I am not holding my breath.''

With a small shake of her head Jane simply added.

''Sophia, someday you will meet someone that will change that.''

With a derisive lift of her brow Sophia replied.

''I highly doubt, that shall ever transpire.''

Just when the hall was beginning to think that the group of elite were not arriving the doors at the top of the hall opened. Causing the previous dance in the middle of the room to stop and the people to part like the red sea, this grabbed Sophia's attention and turning her gaze; like many of the other room's occupants, to the top of the hall she saw three people standing quite awkwardly at the top. They were too far for her to make them out clearly though Sir Lucas walked over to the group of three and escorted them down.

As they got closer Sophia saw that the party were made of two men, one of medium height with a pleasant look on his face and a mop of ginger hair; she was unable but to make a connection between the man and Ronald Weasley surprisingly. This must be Mr Bingley.

The other man was tall, saturnine and...handsome, Sophia noted. Though instead of walking with a saunter or arrogant gait, he walked straight backed and kept his haughty and sharp gaze forward, not even glancing at the other people in the hall as he passed them. It was clearly evident that this man was from a noble background and was most likely used to getting what he wanted. So this is Mr Darcy, I see.

The woman was without any reproach, a top level snob, the very way she carried herself and looked at everyone radiated condescension. Her gaze was always kept above the level of everyone's head and her face was pinched in distaste. Her hair was ginger but lighter than Mr Bingley's and her elegant figure was covered with expensive silks.

Sophia screwed her nose up at the woman, definitely Miss Bingley.

As the trio walked down the centre of the room, the people bowed in a mark of respect and when they came in front of her Sophia curtsied herself. Though when she rose up, she raised an eyebrow, when she noted that Mr Darcy snapped his head around as well, thinking he had been looking at Jane. She simply smirked and shook her head. Men, they really are all the same.

''Well, I must say they look like a ball of sunshine.''

Nodding her head Charlotte replied, ''Oh definitely, though Mr Bingley seemed pleasant.''

Before the two could say any more on the matter Mrs Bennet rushed in and grabbed Jane by the arm exclaiming,

''Hurry Jane, Sir Lucas is introducing us to Mr Bingley and his companions.''

Rolling her eyes at the woman, Sophia followed the woman to accompany Jane; though not without grabbing Charlotte's arm and dragging her friend along with her.

Saying in the process.

''You shall be coming too.''

As the four women arrived, were all the rest of the Bennet family had gathered. Sophia stood beside Jane, with Charlotte just behind them. Whispering to Jane,

''Don't worry, I wouldn't have let you be left alone with your mother.''

Jane shyly smiled.

All the Bennets had gathered excepting Kitty and Lydia; as they were still in the middle of dancing, though if it weren't impolite to interrupt a dance to extract people from it, Sophia was convinced Mrs Bennet would have done so.

Sir Lucas stepped forward and addressed the group gathered.

''May I present, my daughter Charlotte; as you already know. Miss Jane Bennet, Mrs Bennet, Mr Bennet, Miss Mary Bennet and their cousin Miss Sophia Prescott.''

Each individual bowed as their names had been called, with Sir Lucas continuing.

''May I present, Mr Bingley.''

Mr Bingley smiled brightly at the group; though Sophia noticed his gaze had lingered longest on Jane.

''It is a pleasure to have made your acquaintance.''

''Miss Bingley.''

The snobby woman simply inclined her head and replied,

''It's a pleasure.''

Scrunching her nose up again in distaste Sophia, refrained from sneering at the woman. Though finally her gaze landed on Mr Darcy, he seemed aloof, on closer regards and he seemed incapable to even look at the congregated group, instead, opting for looking a few centimetres above their heads.

''And finally, Mr Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire.''

Mr Darcy simply regarded them laconically.

Finally the introductions were over and Sophia gladly escaped from the group, along with Jane and Charlotte.

The next few dances, Sophia sat and watched; of which Mr Bingley and Jane danced two of. It was clear to any on looker that the two had a great chemistry between them, though it was most likely made even more conspicuous, with the way Mr Bingley regarded her. In a way that could be compared with how a person would handle a new present with: caution, adoration and simple awe.

Mr Darcy, peculiarly, danced none. Instead preferring to stand around, miserable looking regarding the room around him.

This had quite a negative effect on most of the female populous in the room. As the once coquettish, hopeful and admiring gazes. Along with the endless tittering over his vast fortune and his physical appeal, among the quidnuncs. Could not redeem, from his apparent arrogance, aloofness and haughtyness. Sophia agreed with most of their opinions about the man. Though she reserved her judgement of the man, as she did not know him.

Miss Bingley, seemed to care little for his lack of interest in the female populous, or anyone for that fact. As she hung off the man like a dotting pup. Though Sophia formulated that, having such a snob for company, could make anybody rather miserable.

A feeling of loneliness, overtook her. Turning her searching gaze round the room, she noticed Charlotte at the opposite end, conversing with her sister; Maria. On her way over she walked past Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy in conversation, interested to hear what they were talking about Sophia, slowed her pace and discreetly listened into the exchange.

Bingley's sweet lilt was the first thing to reach her ears.

''Come now Darcy. I can't have you sitting round here looking so miserable, you must dance. Especially with so many ladies needing partners, a few being uncommonly pretty.''

Smiling at the optimistic man's words of encouragement she continued to listen.

With Mr Darcy replying in a haughty baritone; which involuntarily sent shivers up her spine.

''I am in no mood to dance with ladies slighted by other men and you, Charles, are dancing with the only handsome woman in the room. Your sister is otherwise engaged and it would be a punishment for me, to stand up and dance with any other woman.''

Mr Bingley continued in an almost wistful voice.

''Oh yes. She is the most beautiful creature I have ever encountered-'' though his voice became rather serious as he continued-'' But Darcy, there are plenty of attractive women in the hall. In fact, in here are some of the prettiest girls, I have ever met. One especially I think that you would be very hard pressed to refuse, Miss Sophia Prescott; Miss Jane's own cousin. See seemed to me to be agreeable and tall; more so than I.''

Smiling at the man's comment Sophia continued to listen. It seems he's already in love with Jane.

Mr Darcy imperceptibly stiffened, though since their backs were to her she could not see the expression on the man's face.

''Charles, you may be rather mistaken but I shall humour you. Though if the woman I think you are referring to, is the one that I am currently thinking of, I must confess to finding her nothing more than slightly appealing. For starters, her hair was barely contained, it looked simply half wild and unkept.''

Taken aback by the man's blatant rudeness, Sophia gave a heated glare to his back though knew it would have little effect. Turning round, she headed over to Charlotte, hoping her friend would lighten her mood. Well, I dare say that I didn't ask for your approbation, sir.

Sometime later Sophia was standing in a group with Jane, Mrs Bennet, Mr Bingley, Miss Bingley and Mr Darcy (much to her chagrin). Mrs Bennet, of course, was doing most of the talking.

''Miss Lucas is a very amusing woman.'' Mr Bingley said good naturedly.

''Oh yes, I've only known her a short time but I've become very fond of her.'' Sophia agreed with a warm smile.

''It is a pity she isn't more handsome though.'' Mrs Bennet insipidly stated, while waving her fan.

Turning her cold gaze on the woman Sophia said coolly, ''Mrs Bennet I hardly think that is necessary to observe.''

True Charlotte was not overly good looking but she was by far not the ugliest girl Sophia had ever encountered. And she had a luminous personality.

Mrs Bennet, unsurprisingly, ignored her comment and continued on digging a bigger hole for herself.

''Of course, it is our Jane, who is considered to be the beauty of the county.''

At this declaration, Jane started blushing and attempted to stop her mother, though when Mrs Bennet, gets started she seldom stops.

''When she was only fifteen, there was a gentlemen so much in love with her, that I was sure he would have made her an offer. However, he did not but he did write her some very pretty verses.''

Sensing Jane's discomfort Sophia gently, placed a hand on Mrs Bennets arm saying.

''And that put an end to it.'' Chuckling she continued- ''I wonder who ever heard of poetry driving away love, rather ironic I find.''

The diversion worked. Jane sent her a grateful look and it induced Mr Bingley into laughter. However, Sophia was startled when a deep voiced observed.

''I was under the impression that poetry was the food of love, Miss Prescott.''

Hazel met blue. Momentarily shocked Sophia quickly replied,

''Yes, of a true deep love it may but if it is only a vague inclination that is easily swayed, then it shall, undoubtedly, thwart any previous warm sentiments. It could be argued, that if the feelings were premature and tender, that poetry could fan the flames, providing, the verses were of a certain standard. Realistically, few of us are acclaimed poets.''

Maintaining eye contact with Mr Darcy, Sophia noticed that his eyes were attempting to dissimulate some emotion or thought. Maybe there is more to you than meets the eye, Darcy.

''What would you suggest, to encourage affection, then?'' This inquisition caused his eyes to enlarge marginally, as though, he were surprised by his own asking.

Smiling charmingly at the man, Sophia clasped her hands, intending to get her own back at the man.

''Well there are great many things that encourage affection. I find, myself, that a common interest and faith that affections could develop between two individuals, should undoubtedly encourage affection. Even if the recipient is nothing more than, slightly, tempting.''

This rejoinder caused Darcy's eyes to widen even further and a slight embarrassed blush to fix itself on his cheeks. With a satisfied smile, happy that she had proven her point. Sophia slightly curtsied and exited the group to go in search of Charlotte.

Finally extracting the last of the pins from her hair, Sophia set them down on her night stand. The night had been quite enjoyable but the comment that Darcy had made about her appearance still stung more than she would want it to. Looking at herself in the mirror she assessed her face, while self-consciously placing a hand on her hair.

I know I'm far from beautiful. Having unruly hair is just something I've always had and I've never cared nor did I have the time to fret about such superficial things as that.

Looking down at the brass locket she smiled wistfully thinking about the chance of returning back to 2014.

If only I could go back to being a student in the 21st century, nobody expected you to be all pampered and looking beautiful. And women were allowed to act as they so choose, they probably haven't even heard of feminism here.

Extinguishing her candle beside her bed Sophia lay her head on her pillow and surrendered to the bliss of slumber. All the while dreaming of when she could return back to her beloved life as a student.