A/N- As per the popular choice, I have decided to keep this story relatively angst free. But don't worry, we will still have plenty of fun. After all, we need to consider other characters also, and I think that a new love story will be introduced in one or two chapters. Can anyone guess whose turn it is to fall in love? If you guess right I'll do a one shot of your choice. So review!

The next day was more agreeably spent since the gentlemen were also present. Mr Bingley was delighted to spend time with his Jane, with whom he seemed to be in love with, a fact that Lizzy noted with pleasure. Mr Hurst proposed a game of cards, and Anne and Louisa agreed immediately. Elizabeth, Georgiana, William and Caroline, however, were disinclined to do so. Ms Bingley desired to talk to Mr Darcy, but all her attempts at a conversation were promptly quenched by him. At last, Mr Darcy said he would like to read, and thus she was obliged to converse with his sister instead.

'Ms Darcy, you look quite pale. Are you all right?'

'Oh yes, Ms Bingley, I am quite fine.'

'Would you not call me Caroline, my dear?'

'I feel that would be showing too much familiarity.'

'Oh no! Have we not known each other all these years?'

'We have, but I do not believe we are too intimate.'

'I flattered myself we were, but I would not dream of forcing you to do anything you did not wish to.'

'Thank you, I hope I haven't offended you?'

'Not at all.'

'Ms Bingley',said Elizabeth, 'is quite right in suggesting a walk. Can we not persuade you to accept? Some fresh air would do us all much good.'

Mr Darcy looked up from his book. He had long desired to talk to Elizabeth but had felt a sudden bashfulness come over him, due to which he was unable to converse much with her. He now decided to enter the conversation, supporting her point.

'I thank you all for your concern, but I would not dream of abandoning this rather fascinating volume. But you need not stay here on my account, and I urge you all to take a walk.'

'If you are certain...'

Ms Bingley tried to appear reluctant to leave her behind.

'I am.'

Georgiana gave her brother a look that plainly said that she wished to be free of a certain woman who persisted in annoying her with her ceaseless chattering. Mr Darcy seemed to understand for presently he said,

'We had better have one any way, Ms Bingley. You will join us, won't you Ms Elizabeth?'

Elizabeth had also seen the look, and she chuckled to herself. She had considered Ms Bingley to be an ordinary, if a bit unsubtle and unpleasant, woman. However, this morning seemed to put things in a new light. If sweet natured Georgiana was troubled by this woman, then she must be extremely annoying. Elizabeth felt obliged to accept Mr Darcy's invitation, if only to ensure that he wasn't troubled too much by his companion.

'I would be delighted to, Mr Darcy. I adore walking.'

So the party set forth, and Lizzy took the opportunity to talk to Mr Darcy.

'You have a most kind mother Mr Darcy.'

'I agree. She is the life of the family. I don't know what we would do without her, and am not anxious to find out.'

'I hope you don't have to. Whatever put that thought in your mind, sir?'

'I am sorry if I was rude, Ms Elizabeth. Years ago when I was fourteen and Georgiana four, our mother was quite ill. In fact, all doctors said that she wouldn't live long. Each time I saw her, I prayed it wouldn't be the last, but it was such a long ailment that I feared the worst. It was quite a miracle that she lived through it, and till date, I am rather fearful of losing her.'

While he spoke, his tone had become quite serious, and Elizabeth could feel his strong feelings.

'I am sorry if I reminded you of an unpleasant experience, sir. That was not my intention.'

'Oh no! I am sorry for getting carried away.'

Both could feel a strong attraction at that moment, when Ms Bingley chose to ruin the moment by breaking into the conversation.

'Why, I never knew that! It is quite surprising that in all these years we have been acquainted, I never knew.'

'I am not familiar enough with all my acquaintances to tell them about the most intimate of experiences.'

Ms Bingley was much offended, but managed to hide it and merely said,

'Should we not head back?' It is quite hot out here.'

The other two consented cordially, but they were both quite annoyed with her.

When back inside the house, Ms Bingley chose to open the pianoforte and suggest some music.

'Ms Darcy, will you not play for us?'

'I believe I made it quite clear that I wished to read this book, Ms Bingley.'

'Of course, but you play so charmingly. Surely you could not refuse to entertain us for a while?'

'Please, Georgiana. I have heard so much praise of your playing that I am rather pining to hear it.'

Before she could respond, however, Ms Bingley cried,

'Ms Eliza! What do you mean by referring to Ms Darcy by her Christian name?'

'I have given her leave to do so.', said Georgiana coldly and then continued to say,

'If you wish to hear me, I will be pleased to oblige, Lizzy.'

So, she played wonderfully and was a delight to hear. Caroline, however, was in no mood to appreciate music, for she was quite exasperated. After Georgiana was done playing, everybody requested Lizzy to play for them, and rather reluctantly she agreed. She played well, though by no means as fine as her predecessor. By now Caroline was too annoyed to do anything other than pick up a book herself,and amuse herself that way. So, William and Lizzy were able to have a rather pleasing discussion on Shakespeare, which left each nearly in love with the other.