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Welcome back to

Golden Cage

Alright we set a speed record for review time- raises her favorite teacup in salute-

You guys are amazing thank you so much for the support and the love! Every comment encourages me to press on.

As promised this chapter is dedicated to Oddybobo who granted this story its 20th review!

I own nothing you might recognize except the points where the plot changes

Now with the formalities concluded I bring you

Chapter A Devil or A Darcy?

Skydancinghobbit

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"He likes to have his own way very well,But so we all do. It is only that he has better means of having it than many others, because he is rich, and many others are poor"

Never in her life before had Elizabeth been so tempted to do or say something unkind to another living creature! As he uttered the temper ridden request she was well aware of the eyes that observed them narrowly, though in truth they. almost captivating the entire room as all waited for her reply. Presuming it would be the greater punishment to him to accept his offer she did just that, with a smile so wretchedly sweet it would have rivaled any to be found in the Ton that season.

"Why thank you Mr. Darcy I shall with great pleasure"

Fuming with indignation and shame to have been forced to do any such thing she parted from him happy at least that the current set was not yet half over as she went to the refreshment table in hopes of rallying her good spirits, or in the very least curbing her temper before her illustrious partner returned.

"He pays you a great compliment in singling you out Lizzy, only think of what you are doing before you act, least it come to nothing but a bitter memory and prove no real advantage to yourself or anyone else"

The sage advice came quietly to her ear from Charlotte as he kindly handed her a cup, sensible the words might have been but she could scarcely still her own hands as they trembled holding the weak punch and lifted it to her lips. The fruity flavor doing little to sooth the sting of his affront or his manner as he moved to the other wall where he began a low conversation with Bingley sister. The lady had been looking about the room with an expression of haughty superiority.

"You judge wrongly Charlotte, unfeeling proud man only asked me when goaded to it by his friend, do not mistake a moment of injured pride to be equal to the blessing of good manners!"

She was unable to continue her outlet of feeling as at that moment the set ended and the applause of the dancers reached her ears. Drawing a breath she forced such musings aside as he approached to claim her. Wrestling inside herself against the forums of society that forced a young lady to display one emotion when truly feeling another. She settled on a quiet smile, more for the advantage to those that watched then for her partners pleasure as they took their place.

The strings struck up a familiar air and she exhaled relived to find it no trial in the dance at least, her feet moving through the familiar steps with ease. Taking comfort in that alone she was resolved to say nothing least both be punished to speak in a room where every word was sure to be analyzed by their fellow dancers. Thus in consequence her silence seemed to effect her partner and he spoke so gravely she was forced to smile in earnest before she could form a reply. She had heard more cheerful speak in a funeral service then he gave at a ball.

"Are you well Miss Elizabeth?"

"Tolerably so, thank you Sir for your inquiry, it is not often I hear such in a ballroom."

Archly said, she would have swore the corner of his mouth tilted a hair toward a smile before returning to the mask of good manners and he tried again to end their silence,making more of an effort then she could have believed possible in the ceremony of making polite conversation to a stranger newly met in a ball room.

"You often speak while dancing then?"

"Oh yes, then one has the advantage of saying as little as possible to one's partner"

Said with less heat and more humor her words seemed to produce an affect on him though not the one she had intended, so startled was his expression, she could well believe herself to be the only creature to trifle with such dignified manners in the entire course of his life. Her temper fled at such a conjecture to have such a distinction was enough for her. They continued the length of the room and closed the dance in silence. A solemn bow was her only reward as she was returned to her family.

"Oh Lizzy, what an honor! Mr. Darcy I declare no one else shall do better tonight mark my words!"

Her mothers raptures where spoken in a delighted murmur, happily low enough that only those standing nearest to them heard anything at all. A small blessing but still she blushed in mortification as she met Jane's smiling face as she joined them, oh how she longed to be at home again! The quiet street of London with familiar faces and shops. Not a world away with a room full of people and a gentlemen fit to vex her!

The Bingley party soon departed with the good wishes of the room. Scarcely had the door closed behind them when the conversation began

"Mr, Bingley is everything good and proper in a young man!"

"He inherited his money, his father meant to purchase an estate but did not live to do it"

"What of his friend, I declare he paid no attention to anyone beyond Miss Elizabeth"

"Smart match if she can catch him!"

Happily her father declared his wish to return home shortly after and Elizabeth gladly obeyed, her eyes glittering with unshed tears as her father handed her into the carriage. At least those in London had the good manners to wait until both parties left to begin speaking ill of them. Unused to such treatment she lamented her coming to the ball in the first place, better to have stayed at home then to be made sport of by all her neighbors!. Jane quietly pressed her hand all the way home giving what support she could in so confined a space,happy for the elders their younger sisters made sure there was no lack of conversation.

Kitty had began the evening well. Having danced with a Mr. Brandley a wealthy shop keeper in the village who seemed to possess every advantage of his station, lively wit good conversation and opinions that were most correct. Mary had even taken a turn. Mr. Amsley was not so lively as her sisters partner but his good sense and learning recommended him highly to her. In training to be a parson he suited her quiet nature and bookish ways. All her mother could speak of was the happiness of having two daughter so distinguished by their neighbors and the pleasure it would give her to seem them so well married In time.

It was ecstasy to escape her siblings for awhile when they reached home. Never before had Elizabeth been sensible of the pleasure of having her own room but as the door closed behind her she learned against it before the tears brought by vexation fell down her cheeks. With such a mother and sister so bent of marrying her to the first wealthy man they met was there any room at all in their schemes for love?

So ends Chapter 4,-dodges thrown slippers-

Not a very promising first meeting was it? Poor Lizzy, though little does she know she'll see the vexing Mr. Darcy soon enough.

Whomever grants this story its 30th review shall have Chapter 5's dedication

Stay tuned therefore for Chapter 5. An invitation most pressing

Skydancinghobbit

P.S. Please take a moment to look over my other stories they need love too you know