Pride and Prejudice: The Takahashi Way

By: Sandreline

Hello everyone! I cannot believe that I am almost at a thousand reads! Thank you all so much for your support and kind reviews. I hope that you all enjoy the next chapter!

Chapter 4: To Dance and Dine

The Netherfield Manor was bustling with guests. Each woman was glad in splendid white gowns, most with feathers in their hair as was the recent trend. Kagome was distracted, both in her attempts to avoid Mr. Taisho as well as to speak with Naraku. For all the matter that the military man gave her the creeps, he was still good company, as opposed to other gentlemen. Each room of the manner was filled with a different activity: some held guests playing cards, another held one of the most spectacular buffets that she had ever seen, and another was the ballroom. The couples lining the astounding room were swirling in well-favored dances as an orchestra performance took place at the end of the room.

While looking around, Kagome did have enough sense to give a curtsy in greeting to their hosts, Mr. and Miss Bingley. InuYasha's sole attention was on Kikyo, whose eyes were lowered demurely in shyness as she blushed. "You're here," InuYasha spoke. "I am so pleased."

"As am I." Kikyo responded in kind.

InuYasha's eyes turned to her next. "How are you, Kagome?"

Startled from her observations, she looked to her friend. "Hmm?"

"Are you looking for someone?" InuYasha asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No," Kagome spoke with a smile. "I am merely admiring the general splendor."

"It is lovely." Kikyo added her own praise. Both gave another curtsy as they moved along, not wishing to hold up the line. Mrs. Higurashi was heard speaking to her father in law as they walked. "...still, Kikyo has always done what is best for her family."

Not wishing to hear her mother's matchmaking schemes, Kagome broke away from her family and began to search the rooms. For a moment, she felt a familiar presence at her back, but ignored it as she spotted Sango. Her best friend smiled as they exchanged a hug. "Have you seen Mr. Wickham?" Kagome asked.

"No," Sango answered, looking around the room herself. "Perhaps he is in the next room?"

The two friends linked arms as they walked through the crowd to explore their surroundings. The music from the orchestra was of a lively beat, and Kagome found herself wishing to be on the dance floor. It was at this moment that Kikyo made her re-appearance. "He's not here." Kikyo whispered to her younger sister. "He's been detained?"

"What do you mean?" Kagome asked as Kikyo led both young women away.

She was about to respond when they were suddenly confronted by Mr. Houshi. All three of them had wide eyes as they stopped to give a small curtsy. "Mr. Houshi, what a surprise." Kagome began.

"I was wondering if I might have the pleasure of the next dance?" Miroku asked her with a small bow of his head.

"Oh," Kagome began nervously. "I did not think that you danced, Mr. Houshi."

"I find that it is an agreeable action to those that belong to the clergy." Miroku replied. Kagome gave the most sincere smile that she could afford as he continued, clearly wishing to not be in his presence at the moment. "In fact, several woman - her Ladyship de Bough included, have complimented me on my lightness of foot."

So it was how Kagome found herself standing beside her sister, whom was dancing with very pleased InuYasha. As they began the dance, Miroku thought it prudent to continue to try to sway her to his favor. "While it is not my first pleasure, it does allow a person to lavish their partner with lavish affections, which is my intention for the evening."

Kagome spared her sister a pleading glance as she followed the proper steps for the dance. Kagome was relieve when it came part for the girls to dance together for the next steps, and Kikyo used the time well. "It would seem that Mr. Wickham has business in town, though it was apparent that he would have preferred to be here if not for the presence of a certain gentlemen."

The dancing partners changed, and as she moved to the dance, Kagome was able to spot Mr. Taisho. The tall man had found himself a station along the wall a bit away from other company, and was keenly observing them. It was not known to the identity of that particular gentlemen that Mr. Wickham wished to avoid. Miroku was once again her partner, and his conversation carried on where it left off. "it is my intention, if I may be so bold," The clergyman spoke determinedly, "that I remain close to you through the evening."

Kagome's bubble of hope at having a good time at the ball burst.

She couldn't have been more thrilled when the dance ended and she was quickly whisked away from her cousinly suitor by Sango. Kikyo had remained by InuYasha's side, since he had asked for another dance. Sango and her were laughing at the continuous failed attempts of Mr. Houshi, when their paths were interrupted by Mr. Taisho.

His tall frame blocked their path as he held his hand before him. Her blue eyes were locked with his gold ones as the noise around them seemed to lessen. "May I have the next dance?" He asked simply.

"You may." Kagome responded.

Her answer seemed to please the Lord before he moved to enter the ballroom. Kagome grabbed Sango's hand and led her to the hallway, pulling her to the side away from eavesdropping. "Did I just agree to dance with Mr. Taisho?" She asked her friend in disbelief.

Sango had a very amused smile stretching her lips. "You did."

"Well that is most unfortunate, seeing as how I have agreed to hate him for the rest of eternity." Kagome laughed.

"I think that you will find him very agreeable." Sango coaxed with a warm smile. "He seems to be intrigued by you, in a way."

"Heaven forbid!" Kagome laughed, and both girls stepped out.

It was a few moments later when Kagome found herself standing before the strapping Lord. The two lines of partners each gave a bow or curtsy as the music began to play. For several steps, the pair remained silent. However, Kagome was never one to stay silent for long and soon began conversing. "I do love a sarabande."

"Indeed," the man spoke in his usual monotone voice. "Its most invigorating."

As they parted, they remained silent so as not to make the dance unenjoyable for those around them. When the dance brought them back to hand-in-hand, Kagome continued once more. "It is your turn to say something, Mr. Taisho," the ebony haired woman spoke as her blue eyes twinkled mischievously. "I talked about the dance, now you ought to remark about the room, or the number of couples dancing."

"I am happy to oblige," Sesshomaru spoke. His voice and face was still as passive as ever. "Please advise me to which you would prefer to hear."

Kagome gave a playful smile as she spun. "That reply shall do for now." She told him. "I may later comment that private balls are much more enjoyable than public assemblies, but for now we may be silent."

Sesshomaru's golden eyes bore into hers. "Do you talk as a rule while dancing?" He inquired.

She held in her laughter, though it was obvious to Sesshomaru through those sapphire eyes that she was, indeed, laughing - though if at him he was still unsure. "Perhaps, seeing as how both of us are of an unsociable disposition, that a little lubrication to avoid embarrassment might be advantageous."

"I see no sticking resemblance of your character in this, so how near to my own I cannot say." He spun her out before pulling her gently back in. "Tell me," he continued, "Do you and your sisters often walk to town?"

Kagome was kept from answering by the steps of the dance separating them for a few measures of music. As the partners change, Kagome ignores the smiling old man who twirls her around, and instead keeps her eyes on Mr. Taisho. Sesshomaru, having become temporarily partnered with Yura, keeps his gaze upon her own. However, when she was once more at his side, she gave him her answer. "Yes, we do. It is a great opportunity to meet new people." Before she continued, she added a deliberate coat of honey to her voice. "In fact, when we ran into you earlier, we had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Mr. Wickham."

"I will admit that Mr. Wickham is blessed in his ability to make friends; whether he is able to retain them is less certain."

Kagome was surprised as Sesshomaru' ability to maintain a completely un-caring facade. His tone had not changed at all to her barb. "He had been very unlucky as to loose your own friendship. I recall you saying that once such is lost, is it lost for good." With a pointed look, she continued. "Tell me, Mr. Taisho: is this why you are so cautious as to how such relations are created?"

Sesshomaru ceased the dance, causing both of them the stand still in the room as the other couples continued to dance around them. His voice became just a tad deeper as he spoke to her, their bodies very close together. "I am," He spoke. "What is the purpose of these questions?"

Kagome looked up at him defiantly. "To make out your character."

"And what have you discovered?" Sesshomaru replied, his blood boiling at her own heated gaze.

"Very little." She replied, neither aware of just how intimate their position was.

Instead of continuing in conversation, they dance in silence for the rest of the orchestra's performance. However, they no longer danced in a ballroom full of honored guests. It was merely the two of them, searching gazes locked on the other as they spun in circles around each other. For another minute, it was just Mr. Taisho and Miss Higurashi as they refused to part they eyes, only coming back to reality when the music ended and they were forced to bow to one another. Slowly, Kagome moved to retreat from the silver-haired man. She was in need of some air.

As she got to the entranceway of the ballroom, Miroku made an appearance. "Was that Mr. Taisho of Pemberly?" He asked.

"It was." Kagome responded.

"I must make myself known to him," the clergy man spoke in a rush. "He is the nephew of my esteemed Lady Kaguya."

Before Kagome could stop him, he had left to approach the taller man who had joined InuYasha. "Mr, Houshi," Kagome whispered loudly in hopes of bringing him back, "You shouldn't, he would think it a huge impertinence!"

"Such interesting relative you have, Miss Higurashi." Spoke a cool voice from beside her as Miroku was oblivious to her warning.

Turning her gaze from the man making a fool of himself before Mr. Taisho, Kagome age a curtsy of greeting to Tsubaki. Miss Bingley returned it in kind, before Kagome took her leave. She was saved by the return of Sango, and the two of them returned to a favored pastime of observing those around them.

"It would seem that my family is having a competition to see who can best make a fool of themselves." Kagome said in fear of the thoughts being spoken of her family. While they al had their faults, she still did love them deeply.

"At least Mr. Bingley has not noticed." Sango commented as her eyes landed on the pair of lovebirds whom where once more on the dance floor.

Kagome smiled softly at her beloved sister. "Yes, I think he likes her very much."

"But does she like him the same?" Sango asked as she watched the clearly besotted InuYasha with her friend. "There are few of us who are truly secure enough to be in love without the proper encouragement." She told the younger woman. "InuYasha likes her enormously, but he may not be inclined to court her further if she does not give him the proper encouragement."

"You are as aware as I am, that Kikyo can be shy to those that she is not close with." Kagome defended her sister. "He would be a fool not to see her regard and pursue it."

"We are all fools in love," Sango stated sagely. "He does not know her character as we do. She must do something to help encourage him..."

The ball was in full effect at this hour. Mrs. Higurashi was happily enjoying herself as she wandered around to her friends, sharing in the latest gossip as if it were good fashion. Kanna was sitting shyly in the corner of the room, content in the fact that she was not being bothered. Yura and Kagura had clearly sampled some wine, for both had rosy cheeks and were giggling in a most annoying fashion over no matter at all as they walked through the manor. Mrs. Higurashi's happy invitation to InuYasha for a meal was heard loudly over the talk of the others. "Oh, wonderful!" She told him. "It shall be three courses at least." Kagome had broken apart from Sango, who Miroku had offered a dance in an attempt to gain Kagome's favor. She successfully slipped outside and leaned against a cool wall far from prying eyes. A look of sadness crossed her features at the thought of her family. She loved them, truly she did; but in light of polite society, they were too unruly. She just wished for the day when true love would arrive and whisk her away from such madness...

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They had remained at Netherfield until the early hours of the morning. The entire family slept in, opting for lunch instead of breakfast. Mrs. Higurashi was very hung over as she dropped a raw egg into her milk. Kagura and Yura were equally disturbed, as Kikyo and Kagome remained as they normally would.

No one had heard Mr. Houshi come down the stairs, nor enter the room. They had continued on with their meal until he finally spoke from beside the head of the table. "I hope it would not trouble you, but I was hoping to solicit an audience with Miss Kagome," He spoke. After a moments hesitation, he added, "In private."

Kagome looked up startled at Kikyo, and then her grandfather. Her mother had already risen from her seat. "Very well, Mr. Houshi." She told the younger man. "Come along, everyone. Let us grant your sister her privacy."

"Wait, I beg you!" Kagome began. "Whatever Mr. Houshi has to say, can be said in the presence of you all!"

Mrs. Higurashi would have none of it. "Nonsense, I desire you to stay right here. Come along." Mrs. Higurashi continued to usher out her younger daughters.

Kagome shook her head, her eyes wide in fright. She grabbed onto Kikyo's hand, but a moment later and her mother was forcing Kikyo from her seat. "Father," Mrs. Higurashi stated. "Come along."

She turned desperate blue eyes to her grandfather. His sympathetic eyes landed on her own, and she mouthed the words, "Papa, stay." He looked most saddened as he turned, but did as he was asked and left his favored grandchild alone with their cousin.

Kagome felt her heart racing a mile a minute. She knew what the subject of this audience was to be, and she wanted none of it. She moved to rise and leave herself, but was thwarted her escape as Miroku moved to stand beside her. She remained in her seat, her attention focused completely forward at not at all directed towards the man who was poorly portraying his confidence in the matter.

"Miss Kagome," Miroku began as he offered her a single, frail looking flower. At her refused to accept, he placed it on the table before her. "I am sure that my intentions are known to you." He carried on. "Almost as soon as I entered this house, I singled you out as the companion of my future." Kagome turned to him with wide eyes. "Before I am to run away with my feelings, perhaps I should give my reasonings to such a union. Firstly, it is the duty of a clergyman to set the example of marriage in his parish. Secondly, I am sure that it will add happiness to my life and thirdly, because it is by the urging of my patroness, the Lady Kaguya, that I take a wife."

Whispers were hear minutely through the door, but Miroku acted as though he had not heard them. "My object for coming here was to choose such a one from Mr. Higurashi's granddaughters, for as you know I am to inherit the estate and such an alliance will surely help your family."

Miroku sank down to one knee as Kagome rose to hers. "Nothing now remains except for to assure you in the most animated of languages the violence of my affections..."

"Mr. Houshi," Kagome attempted to interrupt.

"...and that no reproach of the subject shall cross my lips once we are married." He continued on.

"You are too hasty, sir, for I have no given you an answer." Kagome tried to gently tell him.

"I must also add that Lady Kaguya will be most pleased once I inform her of your modesty and charm and other amiable qualities." Miroku seemed to think he was easing her fears, but he only furthered frightened her.

"I am honored by your proposal sir, but I regret I must decline it." Kagome spoke hastily.

He seemed to be slightly taken aback, before coming to a realization. "I know that ladies have their ways of trying to not seem so eager..."

At this Kagome's patience had run thin. "Mr. Houshi, I am perfectly serious. You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last person in the world to make you happy." She told him in a stern voice.

"I flatter myself, cousin, that your refusal is a natural delicacy. You must also take into account that another proposal of this sort is may never be made to you..."

Kagome's anger was now at full force. "Mr. Houshi..."

He once more carried on as is she had not interrupted him. "So I must conclude that you simply deem to deepen my attraction by suspense, as is the custom of young women."

She snapped. In a stern voice, it took all of her energy to try to remain polite. "Sir, I am not the type of female to torment a respectable man. Please understand that I cannot accept you." Kagome did not even see the door open and allow her mother entrance before she had stormed out the door.

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I hope I managed to capture the emotions of these two very important events well enough. I am so thankful for the praise of other P and P fans - thank you all so much!

~Sandreline