Fitzwilliam Darcy paced the empty library at Netherfield Hall. He was exceedingly relieved to have some time to his own thoughts. Caroline Bingley followed him wherever he went, teasing him about fine eyes and relatives in Cheapside, ever since he mentioned his appreciation of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
And ought he not to be chastised for these thoughts? Certainly not by Miss Bingley, whose rank was below Elizabeth's, but by himself? Miss Elizabeth's connections were not what he should want in a family; in fact, they were so lacking he cringed to think of it. Regardless, he could not stop thinking of her.
He was surrounded by young women who were interested in his status and his fortune. He was hardly yet a man when he had learned how to disengage from such women, who only cared for what he owned and not a bit for what he thought or believed. When he first laid eyes on Miss Elizabeth, he assumed she would fall into this category; who would expect a higher class of woman to be found at a country dance?
Then her fine humor and intelligence made themselves known, and Darcy began to find beauty in places where he before had only noticed flaws. He craved the sound of her laughter, and wished to be the one who inspired her smile. Almost before he knew what happened, he had strong feelings for the young woman.
But oh, her family! Her utterly ridiculous family! Mrs. Bennet was loud, crude, and overstepped herself almost continually. The youngest girls were silly fools. Mary was far too severe, and carried herself as if she was morally superior to all those around her. And their father allowed all this! Mr. Bennet was not excused from fault, as he had clearly not attempted to stem these coarse behaviors.
The best thing to do would be to forget Elizabeth Bennet. But how could that be accomplished, when he saw her so frequently? He needed to go back to town. That would resolve this issue. The distance would make it easier for him to forget his attraction to her. He told Bingley he would be present for the upcoming ball, but after that Darcy needed to make his excuses and escape to the safety of his London home.
That presented another issue, however. Bingley was extremely fond of Miss Jane Bennet. How could Darcy think only to save himself, and not his friend, as well? He began to consider how he it was possible to extricate Bingley from the situation as well. Ought he to manufacture a scenario which required both of them to leave for London? Perhaps Bingley's attachment to Miss Bennet would fade with the distance, just as Darcy hoped his attachment to Miss Elizabeth would.
He mulled this thought over in his mind, before dismissing it. He would give Bingley the opportunity to leave with him, but he could not bring himself to speak out against Miss Jane Bennet, who seemed to him to be a fine girl, if a bit lacking in spirit.
Miss Elizabeth did not lack in spirit; in fact, she had it in excess. That fire was one of the qualities which enchanted Darcy. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He could not marry Miss Elizabeth, and so he must leave Netherfield until his emotions were under control. It was the only rational thing to do.