Thanks for the response to the last chapter! Sorry about the delay between updates, I was just far too lazy.


Fitzwilliam Darcy examined himself in the mirror as his valet tied his cravat. Tonight he, Bingley, his sisters and Hurst would be attending a party in Lucas Lodge and he could honestly say he was not looking forward to it. He didn't enjoy social affairs and he especially would not enjoy this one. He was deeply embarrassed by his behaviour at the Red Lion, he was certain that Miss Elizabeth Bennet had heard his callous comment about her and would have no doubt informed her family of his cruel words earning him the censure of her entire family. From what he had gathered the Bennet's and Lucas' were quite close so they would no doubt be in attendance, most likely glaring at him from a corner.

Why did he have to say such things that would no doubt come back to haunt him?

His valet finished knotting his cravat to his satisfaction and after assurances from his master that he wasn't further needed he quickly departed. Darcy sighed as he rubbed his temples, he'd had a persistent headache for the last four days. Miss Bingley had been challenging company for sure. She would start her day's pursuit of him at breakfast asking the most mundane and in some cases just plain ridiculous questions 'What do you think of the scones Mr Darcy? Are they to your satisfaction?' or 'What do you think of the trees Mr Darcy, I must admit I find the trees in London to be a more pleasing green, don't you agree?'

After Breakfast she would then attempt to lure him to the sitting room to converse more. By the time he finally got shot of her it was nearing noon and his patience was usually waning considerably. He found by Tuesday morning that riding his horse for an hour or so was the best way to relieve some of the tension in his shoulders. This however would be quickly returned as Lunch was served and more ridiculous questions followed 'Did you enjoy your ride Mr Darcy, I observed you from the window and I do believe your horse looks quite upset, maybe he doesn't like Hertfordshire, should we return to London to please him?' At first he thought she was jesting but sadly he quickly discovered was not. He looked to her brother for assistance but found that was of little use as Charles was too busy laughing behind his napkin to be of any help.

The rest of the afternoon was wasted hiding in his room so by the time supper rolled around he was quite glad of the glass of wine placed in front of him or the brandy he had after. His constant irritation also meant it was incredibly difficult for him to read and respond to his correspondences. He had taken to writing them after dinner in the parlour, though he was a little merrier than he usually was. His dearest Georgiana had sent an express that arrived in the early morning of Wednesday, addressed to Bingley stating that she was worried about her brother's welfare and mental state. Apparently he had, in his inebriated state, written 'All is well apart from the large orange peacock that is staring at me. I think it wants to mate. Don't worry though I know self-defence, shall duel if necessary and return it to the zoo. Take care of Pemberley for me if I don't survive. P.S. It is still staring!' Bingley barged into his room before dawn, read the letter to him and then preceded to collapse on the floor laughing whilst Darcy stared coldly at him, the sharp effect of the multiple brandy's wreaking havoc on his head and stomach. He had written a grovelling apology to Georgiana in response, mortified that he had sent such a letter.

"Darcy are you ready?" Bingley called through the door. He had been irritatingly happy these last few days. Mrs Goulding had pampered him from the moment he stepped through the doorway of Netherfield, and Charles had bathed in her motherly affections. Tellingly though she hadn't extended this affection to Caroline or Louisa, if anything she had a blatant disregard for the two sisters. Caroline was similarly unimpressed by the housekeeper. Claiming that she was affronted by the housekeeper's attention and familiarity with her brother. Loudly claiming she was shocked by 'servants overstepping their boundaries' and declaring she found it quite disturbing.

"Come in if you must."

"Are you excited about tonight? I can scarcely contain myself." Bingley beamed as he clapped his hands behind his back.

"Is there anything you don't enjoy?" Darcy questioned warily, studying his friend closely.

"Well yes; I don't enjoy toothaches or visiting the physician. I almost got kicked in the head once by a horse, must admit didn't really enj…"

"I was being rhetorical and sarcastic." Darcy cut through Bingley's speech with a sigh.

"Oh"

"Do you think there will be very many people there?"

"There will a few families and us." Charles shrugged whilst looking through Darcy's books. "If we are to arrive at a respectable time then we should leave soon."

Darcy nodded slightly before opening the door and holding it open for his friend, when he realised Bingley was still rifling through his things and had no intention of stopping anytime soon he grabbed him by the back of the jacket and dragged him from the room.

"Oh! Darcy put me down. This is highly unnecessary." Bingley cried as he was marched down the corridor.


"Look there is Charlotte." Jane smiled as Charlotte made her way towards them. Lizzy stepped forward to greet their friend before bestowing a kiss upon her cheek. Mrs Bennet greeted her enthusiastically, commenting on the loveliness of her dress. Mary managed a small smile before she began to search the room somewhat frantically for someone, stopping several times to glare at Kitty who was smoothing out her dress and telling her to stand a little straighter.

"Kitty if you do not leave me alone I shall not be held responsible for my actions." Mary hissed as Kitty straightened the tie of her dress, rolling her eyes in response.

"Mary I am attempting to help you look your best, that will not happen if you look like a messy donkey!" Kitty sighed, exasperated. Completely ignoring the five pairs of eyes that swivelled to look at her or her father who was laughing so hard he was leaning on Jane for support.

"Did… did you just compare me to a donkey?" Mary spluttered, her searching abandoned to stare at her sister in astonishment.

"Yes a donkey. You slouch and have bad posture. You should hold yourself like a stallion. Tall and proud." Kitty explained, looking rather proud of herself for her sense. Mr Bennet only laughed harder.

"I am glad to see you, Mother has been a dreadful fright these last few days. She is determined to make a good impression on the Netherfield crowd." Charlotte commented as she watched her Mother chat animatedly with Mrs Bennet, the calmest she had seen her recently.

"They have been here but a few days yet have made quite the impression." Jane mussed as Kitty and Mary excused themselves, Kitty gently dragging a red faced Mary toward the refreshment table where Reverend Barnes conveniently stood.

"Whether it be good or bad though is questionable." Elizabeth stated as Charlotte gazed at her quizzically, which she pointedly ignored.

"Charlotte where is your father?" Mr Bennet enquired, his face still slightly red from laughing.

"I believe he was giving Mr Philips as tour of his study, he had it recently renovated and is quite pleased with the outcome." Charlotte answered as Mr Bennet excused himself.

"Did you enjoy the assembly?" Jane questioned as the music began and Reverend Barnes led Mary to the area reserved for dancing, Lizzy and Jane shared a small significant look and Kitty stood by herself at the refreshment table bouncing happily on the balls of her feet looking rather odd watching them.

"As much as to be expected. There were not many partners there and even fewer suitable choices. I believe at my age I am tiring of such frivolity."

"Your age? Charlotte you cannot be serious! You are but seven and twenty." Elizabeth laughed but quickly stopped when she saw the sadness in Charlotte's eyes, she knew her friend worried about her chance in finding a suitor, often remarking on how she would spend the rest of her days at Lucas Lodge.

"You must not think such things Charlotte, yes you may be a little older than some ladies when they marry but would you rather wait for an honourable man whose company you enjoy rather than marry the first man who glances at you and spend the rest of your life repenting for poor choices?" Jane questioned wisely, Charlotte looked somewhat taken aback whilst Elizabeth smiled at her sister and friend, marvelling when Jane became so wise.

"When is Mr Bingley and his party to arrive?" Kitty questioned as she walked up, her eyes occasionally shifting towards Mary.

"Soon I should think, he promised father he would arrive shortly after eight." Charlotte remarked as Kitty perked slightly before glancing at the clock.

At 8:09 the Bingley party arrived much to Kitty's satisfaction. She nudged Mary in her side causing her to squeak and Reverend Barnes to enquire after her well-being, Mary blushing violently whilst glaring at Kitty much to Elizabeth and Jane's amusement.

The group watched as Sir William Lucas happily greeted the newcomers. Mr Bingley smiled warmly whilst his friend and sisters stared blankly at the man before nodding slightly in acknowledgment.

"What a cheery bunch" Elizabeth muttered sarcastically whilst evaluating the group. Mr Bingley was smiling brightly and nodding to everyone, his sisters were looking around Charlotte's home whilst sneering slightly, and Elizabeth was momentarily infuriated by their blatant rudeness. Mr Darcy was standing tensely behind his friend looking around the crowd, his eyes locked briefly with hers before he looked away abruptly, Elizabeth found herself frowning due to his arrogance and lack of manners.


Darcy resisted the urge to tug at his collar as he surveyed those in Lucas Lodge. Bingley had already walked off, Hurst wandered towards the piles of food. Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst hadn't moved an inch and were standing in front of him whispering to each other.

He watched as Bingley made his way towards the Bennet sisters, greet them happily before holding his arm out towards Miss Catherine and taking her to dance, he managed to suppress rolling his eyes. Could Bingley be any more obvious?

An hour later Darcy stood alone by the side of the room praying that this evening would soon come to a swift end. He had briefly conversed with some of his fellow gentleman and complimented Mrs Lucas on her hosting but apart from that he stood silently. Though his eyes often drifted to the form of Miss Elizabeth, he wouldn't admit so.

He privately acknowledged that despite his previous statement Miss Elizabeth was actually quite pretty. She was no great beauty like her elder sister but then few were. She laughed quite a lot, not a silly giggle or a high pitched chortle but a genuine heartfelt laugh that made those around her laugh louder. She seemed quite intelligent, though he couldn't be sure without conversing with her himself, the thought made him feel quite odd so he quickly dismissed it.

Her eyes were quite fine. They seemed to glint when she laughed or was particularly passionate about a subject, not that he was watching her closely enough to notice. She also seemed caring towards her sisters and parents, her gaze often settling on them as she scrutinized them to see if they were content or needed anything. Darcy approved greatly of this, her love of her family and theirs of her was refreshing to see, one caring so openly without fear of scorn.

Yes, Darcy decided there was just something about Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Something that drew his attention like never before.


"Elizabeth why is Mr Darcy staring at you?" Mary wondered aloud as she glared at the man in question.

"I haven't the slightest notion Mary, stop glaring at him." Elizabeth chastised. She might not particularly like the gentlemen but she didn't want Mary to insult him on her behalf.

"Elizabeth you are my sister and he insulted you. Therefore I shall despise him for eternity…unless he apologises but even then I will probably still despise him for a certain period of time."

"How long?" Elizabeth asked curiously.

"No apology? Eternity. With apology? Three to six weeks." Mary shrugged as if it was the most natural thing ever.

"Three to Six?"

"Yes and I would refuse to dance with him!" Mary nodded decidedly.

"Remind me to never upset you." Elizabeth stated to which Mary casually shrugged.

"Kitty seems quite enamoured with Mr Bingley." Mary observed as she watched her younger sister converse with him, he had scarcely left her company all night.

"And he with her."

"I hope he has honourable intentions."

"You think he does not?" Elizabeth asked shocked, though she had only met him twice she thought him very agreeable... unlike his friend.

"Oh he is quite pleasant and charming but he comes from a different world than us Lizzy. He has experienced things we haven't had the privilege to. Whilst I like him I do so hope he is not toying with Kitty for I would not stand to see her heart hurt."

"I believe he is quite pleasant yes but he is most likely used to heiresses fawning over him and him them. We must be sensible Lizzy, we have nothing but our charms to recommend us and that will rule us out by many men." Mary explained as Elizabeth winced at Mary's brutal truth.

"You think he is toying with her then?" Elizabeth surmised.

"No."

"No?"

"No, for I will not let him. If I perceive him intentions to be honourable then I shall step back and allow him to entertain and hopefully court her."

"And if they are not honourable?" Elizabeth questioned, somewhat afraid by the answer.

"Then I will personally make him regret ever stepping foot in Hertfordshire." Mary stated calmly, unnerving Elizabeth further for if there was one person who could manage such a thing it was Mary Bennet.

"Miss Mary would you do me the honour of dancing the next set with me?" Reverend Barnes asked as he appeared out of nowhere making Elizabeth jump, Mary however simply smiled gently before taking his hand.

Dancing twice with the same gentleman in less than three hours? Mary would certainly have tongues wagging. Mrs Bennet was watching them curiously before her eyes widened in realization, Jane laid a gentle hand on her mother's shoulder and whispered something in her ear. Mrs Bennet nodded animatedly before smiling and watching Mary and the Reverend dance.

Elizabeth moved to join her Mother and Jane but was stopped by Sir William Lucas, who had been conversing with Mr Darcy. "My dear Miss Eliza, why are not you dancing? Mr. Darcy, you must allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner. You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure, when so much beauty is before you."

"Indeed, Sir, I have not the least intention of dancing. I entreat you not to suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner." Elizabeth stated, wondering how she had gotten herself in such a situation.

"Miss Elizabeth I would be honoured if you would share this dance with me."

"You excel so much in the dance, Miss Eliza, that it is cruel to deny me the happiness of seeing you; and though this gentleman dislikes the amusement in general, he can have no objection, I am sure, to oblige us for one half hour."

"Mr Darcy is all politeness" said Elizabeth, smiling.

"He is indeed but considering the inducement, my dear Miss Eliza, we cannot wonder at his complaisance; for who would object to such a partner?"

"Sir William, I truly do not wish to dance." Elizabeth said firmly.

"Do you not like dancing?" Mr Darcy enquired.

"It is tolerable I suppose but not exciting enough to tempt me, now if you will excuse me." Mr Darcy blanched and with that Elizabeth departed, with great satisfaction that she had caused the uppity gentleman some discomfort.

Sir William wondered off muttering 'Capital, Capital' leaving Darcy to his private musings.

"I can guess the subject of your reverie." Miss Bingley accosted him mere moments later, a little too close for his comfort.

"I should imagine not."

"You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this manner in such society; and indeed I am quite of your opinion. I was never more annoyed! The insipidity and yet the noise; the nothingness and yet the self-importance of all these people! What would I give to hear your strictures on them!"

"Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."

Miss Bingley immediately fixed her eyes on his face, and waited for him to tell her what lady had the credit of inspiring such reflections. Though she was quite certain she knew of the Lady with whom he was speaking. She mentally congratulated herself.

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet!" repeated Miss Bingley, her face playful but an odd quality to her tone. "I am all astonishment. How long has she been such a favourite? And pray when am I to wish you joy?"

"A Lady's imagination is a very rapid thing Miss Bingley, I am simply admiring such beauty. There shall be no wishing of joy." Mr Darcy commented as Miss Bingley listened intently. She smiled sweetly at him before excusing herself to find her sister.

Darcy stood there for a few moments more; Miss Elizabeth Bennet had refused to dance with him. A country Lady with probably no dowry to speak of refused to dance with him; Fitzwilliam Darcy Master of Pemberley, Nephew of an Earl and one of the most coveted Gentleman of the Ton. He almost laughed at the ridiculousness of it all. He moved towards the fireplace and watched her speak to her sister and mother before she moved towards her friend.

"Miss Elizabeth." He found himself calling without thinking what he was doing.

"Yes Mr Darcy?" Miss Elizabeth answered. The first thing that struck him was that her eyes were even finer than he had previously thought. They were not quite brown, with flecks of green and gold and hints of mischief and good humour in them, though that seemed to lessen slightly when they focused on him. The second thing that struck him was that he had absolutely no idea why he called her.

"May I speak with you for a moment?"

"I believe you already are." Miss Elizabeth commented archly.

"I wish to apologise." This must have caught her off guard as her fine eyes widened briefly in shock before she schooled her features into vague curiosity. She tilted her head slightly whilst staring at him closely and then nodded abruptly moving towards a more secluded space to grant them more privacy.

"May I enquire as to what you wish to apologise for?" Miss Elizabeth questioned as they stopped walking.

"For the remark I made about you at the assembly."

"And what remark was that?" Miss Elizabeth wondered though she knew full well, she was enjoying seeing the gentleman squirm.

"When Bingley demanded I dance, I refused and said something along the lines of 'tolerable I suppose…"

"'But not handsome enough to tempt me?' That remark Mr Darcy?"

"Yes, that would be the remark I am referring to." Mr Darcy agreed gravely, his cheeks infused with pink.

"Why do you wish to apologise for it, do you regret me over hearing it?"

"No I wish to apologise ever saying it. I should never have said such an ungentlemanly thing. Even if it were true I still should not have said it. I apologise for any offense caused and if you were hurt by my comment I apologise once again. I hope you accept it."

Elizabeth looked quite taken aback by his speech and stared at him for a few moments before she took a deep breath "I must admit my surprise Mr Darcy, I accept your apology and thank you for giving it."

"You are very gracious ma'am."

They then stood in awkward silence for a few moments before Mr Darcy spoke again, not daring to glance at Miss Elizabeth.

"I am glad you have accepted my apology, it has been on my mind since I uttered it."

"I understand Mr Darcy that there is times when our tempers get the best of us and we say things that we do not entirely mean."

"Entirely mean? Miss Bennet I can assure you that I find nothing about you just tolerable." Mr Darcy stated absent-mindedly before catching what he had just said and clearing his throat loudly. Elizabeth in response blushed and looked towards her sisters to distract her mind and hopefully calm her heartbeat.

"Thank you Mr Darcy, I believe I should go back to my family now." Miss Elizabeth smiled at the gentleman.

"Of course I have kept you for far too long as it is. Thank you for your time Miss Elizabeth." Mr Darcy bowed as Miss Elizabeth curtsied and turned to leave before turning around abruptly on her heal.

"Oh and Mr Darcy?"

"Yes Miss Elizabeth?"

"If you value your head I would avoid my sister Mary" Miss Elizabeth laughed leaving a rather confused Mr Darcy behind.


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