Hi guys- here we go :) Another long wait- I know- but I'm finding time to be a rare commodity just now! My garden overflows and I have Jams, pickles, freezing and preserves aplenty to soak up every free moment I can spare. Add to that my so called 'lazy' baby just found his legs with a bang! Now he is into everything and no cot, gate, nor high-chair can hold him down! My 2yr old has made 3 visits to ED this month alone for his shenanigans- I do not think the 1yr old will be much better!

Anyway- I had hoped to cover much of the ball here, but after much thought, decided this way was cleaner. The ball involves so much it could become the never ending chapter! Sorry to those who liked the green gown in the 2005 film, but I hated it! Thus my abuse of it in this chapter. The dark green made Elizabeth look gaunt and drawn to me.

Thank-you for your reviews-please keep them coming- good bad or otherwise its great to know how the readers feel. Thank-you!

Hopefully the next chapter won't take so long! Just one thing I'd like address first however- there are allot of reviewers concerned this will be a sad story with a sad ending, but that is not entirely true. I admit that my own low spirit has infused the chapters so far, thus why it is getting slower to update, as I want to pull away from that, however I assure you all this story has plenty of ups and downs to come. I am giving each character their own personal trials and tragedies, because it is usually the low points in our life and how we deal with them that makes us grow up. There is a point in most lives where hardships demand that we abandon our childish innocence and take responsibility. It is that point where we get a chance to prove our metal. Some hide away in immaturity, others allow themselves to become bitter, but most of us find an inner strength we never knew we could possess, and in looking back can identify that as the day we grew up. And usually all it takes is making a decision that is bigger than ourselves alone. Such turning points can come several times in a lifetime, and this story will see several key characters find theirs. But ultimately- these turning points make us better people. Especially for our Darcy and Elizabeth, they will see everything they think they know challenged, but will emerge stronger for it. We are still fairly early in the story- so please- bear with me! Remember that especially Darcy is younger in this story, and has not yet found the security within himself the original had, thus why he is more easily manipulated. (Hope that made sense!)

Chapter 11

The weeks leading up to the Meryton Assembly were a pleasant blur of activity for all those involved.

The Assembly was a community gathering, held toward the beginning of each summer, to celebrate the working relationship held between the local classes. It was a much loved and anticipated tradition in the small town, where the barriers between the social classes were all but irradicated. Prominent families and individuals from every class associated for one night as equals.

If only for one night, a farmhand could dance with a gentleman's daughter, with no slight on either side.

It was a concept that Darcy had had great difficulty in accepting. He had been raised to place great value on the etiquette of social structure, and saw the -albeit temporary- dissolution of that structure as a threat to social harmony.

But, as Mr Bennet had pointed out, he had been raised among a vastly different society. The advantages of a large and wealthy estate are manifold, not least of all- its large household. In the event of an unexpectedly severe winter, any disasters can be largely, if not completely, handled by the estates own staff.

In a less affluent community however, made up of smaller, less wealthy estates, the very opposite was the case. When a gentleman's culvert collapsed mid-winter, threatening to flood field after field, it was the local farmers and tenant's he relied upon for assistance. When a farmers wintering barn blew over in a blizzard, it was not uncommon to see Gentlefolk and common, both working side-by-side to save the stock and salvage what remains.

After all, the misfortune of one member of the community, be he great or small, often affected the entire community, sometimes even resulting in calamity for another. There existed, therefore, an unspoken co-dependence that cared little for neither rank nor wealth.

In most communities, even in Meryton in years gone by, this interdependency would pass by unacknowledged, ignored lest it offend the pride of either party.

And so it would have been in Meryton also, but for the dismal tragedy that almost befell a certain Mr Marshall of Netherfield. When his daughter of only 3 years was lost in a snow-storm one winter, it was only on account of the combined efforts of every able-bodied man in town that she was recovered alive.

That following Spring, Mr Mashall hosted the first Meryton Community Assembly, where every man woman and child were invited as equals to celebrate the close-knit community that transcended the distinctions between the classes in times of need.

Darcy could not deny the concept was enchanting, but still, it flew in the face of what he considered to represent propriety. At Pemberly, every year they would hold a fete for the staff and community, but although the gentlefolk made an appearance, they remained apart, and retired early, well in advance of any rowdy behaviour. A benevolent gesture intended to promote appreciation, not a combined event to suggest equality.

The topic was debated at length between William and Mr Bennet, over numerous successive evenings, and although neither conceded entirely to the others point of view, each did acknowledge the merit in the others perspective. Indeed, Darcy even came away reconsidering the value of remaining largely cool and aloof from the community at large.

As it was a community gathering, it was traditionally hosted by the premier family in the county, which duty, in the removal of the Marshall family, fell to the Lucas's.

Of course, with the loving rivalry that existed between Mrs Bennet and Lady Lucas, it was generally agreed between Sir Lucas and Mr Bennet that a division of responsibilities was in order, which was also convenient on account of both households having only a small contingent of servants.

There was a constant back and forth therefore, between Lucas Lodge and Longbourn over the ensuing weeks, as the ladies threw themselves devotedly into such tasks as decorations and menus, and the staff of the two households worked hard to pull the event together.

William found himself enjoying the challenge set before him as his workload increased sizably. With the household staff often engaged with additional duties due to the preparations, it became difficult to juggle the various activities whilst not allowing the estates affairs to slide. Yet despite this fact, William was pleased to note that the estates productivity continued to increase, albeit less markedly than usual.

William and Elizabeth had taken to sharing, at least in part, their morning walks together, and if there was any awkwardness as a result of the revelations made during their late night discussion, neither mentioned it.

There was little time in Williams schedule at present to allow for much socialization, so these morning walks became something he found himself looking forward to as soon as he awoke. The topics of discussion varied greatly, and he learned as much of Elizabeth's childhood as he did of gardening and local history.

In fact, the more time he spent in her company, the more he came to admire her wide array of interests along with her proficiency in them.

In general, women of Darcy's acquaintance were shallow and vapid creatures, who could scarce carry a discussion in literature, much less engage in a debate over the merits of one great author over another.

Yet, as Elizabeth relaxed into Williams company, he found she was not one to agree with his own opinion merely in the interests of being genial, but rather would argue her point with such fire and passion, he often found himself doubting the strength of his own convictions.

Whilst Miss Elizabeth held a certain innocence about her, borne of youth and lack of worldly experience, she also possessed a surprising degree of maturity, and discernment regarding the human character, that he could only put down to the combination of her varied reading material and the influence of her father. Indeed, her character strongly reflected the doting nature of Mr Bennet's influence on his favourite child.

It was during one such morning walk, that William made the acquaintance of Miss Charlotte Lucas. Miss Elizabeth was regaling him with a tale from her childhood, involving a pond, a tree, a wedding, and a very wet dress, when they encountered a somewhat unremarkable although pleasant looking woman walking towards them.

Elizabeth's face at once lit up as she called out to her friend.

"Charlotte! Whatever are you doing here so early?!"

"Elizabeth, it is so very good to see you also." The young lady laughed brightly. "I thought I might be so fortunate as to encounter you out here at such an hour, and as there is so very much to do today, what with the assembly being only tomorrow, I longed for the company."

"Well, it is always good to see you Charlotte! May I introduce Mr Smith, Fathers new steward. You will recall I told you about him? Mr Smith, might I introduce Miss Lucas, of Lucas Lodge, my dearest friend."

William and Charlotte smiled at each other as they made the appropriate acknowledgments, before William broke into a mischievous grin.

"It is such a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Lucas, I must confess I feel as though I know you already! In fact, just at this very moment as you happened upon us, Miss Elizabeth was sharing with me a tale from your shared history."

Charlotte looked suspiciously at her friend, whilst Elizabeth tried futilely to mask a giggle behind her hand.

"I believe you found yourself somewhat saturated whilst at the service of a friend?" William smiled as her face showed recognition of the suggested events by scowling lightheartedly at her friend.

"Yes, well, it was I daresay, a much more amusing anecdote when told from the perspective of the girl in the tree rather than her friend who wound up in the pond, and at the Vicar's wedding no less! Although, the look on your poor mothers face, Elizabeth!"

The two ladies gave way to giggling for some time before Miss Lucas addressed William once more.

"I must confess, I feel as though I am already acquainted with you also Mr Smith, so much do I hear from my own dear father with regard to the improvement's you have already instituted at Longbourn. My father is much in your awe Sir, and endeavors to inspire such diligence in my brother, Mr Lucas, also."

"I am flattered your father approves of my efforts Miss." William replied, shifting awkwardly at such praise.

"No need to be quite so flattered I fear Sir, my father is as fond of his Brandy as Mr Bennet is of his Library. But how are you enjoying your stay in Hertfordshire? I understand you are related to Mrs Bennet."

"I am enjoying my stay greatly Miss Lucas, it is a pleasant change in both scenery and society." William replied, ignoring her later comment.

"I assume you did not have five younger sisters at home then Mr Smith?" Charlotte laughed.

"No indeed, I do not believe there is much that can prepare you for that pleasure!" William Laughed.

"So will you be attending the Assembly tomorrow Mr Smith?" Charlotte enquired, already seeing why the Bennets had become so very fond of this young man.

"I am afraid not Miss Lucas, there is much work to be done here and with the additional duties of late, I am afraid I have fallen a little behind"

"Surely Papa would not begrudge you one night, Sir, especially not after your hard work this past week!" Miss Elizabeth interjected heatedly.

"No, of course not. But as you know, Miss Elizabeth, I am not inclined toward mixed company in any case, so feel that my time can be better used here."

"Do you dance then, Mr Smith?" Inquired Charlotte.

"Not if I can avoid it, no." William replied without explanation, and Elizabeth's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"Then perhaps you are well not to be attendance after all, otherwise you should find yourself obligated to dance at least one set with each of the five Bennet sisters alone." Miss Lucas smiled "Still, you will miss out on the entertainment, that is a pity, I dare say it shall be quite the spectacle!"

Williams brows knit together in confusion, "Spectacle, Miss?"

But before he could receive an answer, Miss Elizabeth's hand had flown to her mouth as she cried in delight, eyes glittering with mischief, "You've met them! When? What are they like? Is he dreadfully pompous? Oh! And what of his sisters? Oh come Charlotte! You must tell me! You will not leave me in suspense!"

"I would not dream of it Elizabeth," laughed Charlotte with a demure smile, "But first you would have to let me speak!"

"Yes, of course, sorry. Only you know how there has been no other topic for weeks on end!" Replied Miss Elizabeth, looking suitably chastened.

By now, of course, William had realized exactly who, and what, they were referring to. Bingley, and the scramble to secure his affections. William masked his inner groan, and chose instead to focus on Miss Elizabeth's excitement at new acquaintance's.

"Indeed, Lizzy, and I dare say it is set only to get worse. Papa say's he has five thousand a year! Although his father was a merchant, they are now firmly out of trade, and he seems utterly set on purchasing an Estate in the country as his father had intended before he passed away. He is a very amiable fellow, Lizzy, not pompous at all!"

"And his Sisters? What of them?" Enquired Lizzy.

Charlotte's face drew pensive for a moment, as though unsure how to phrase her next comments.

"I am not entirely sure what to make of them, to be honest Lizzy. I think you had best form your own opinion. I can say that my new sister-in-law seems to like them very much, especially the younger, Miss Caroline Bingley. The elder sister, Mrs Louisa Hurst, is as you know married, and they reside normally in London. I understand that they do not intend to stay long in the country."

"They do not like the country then?" Asked Elizabeth, as though she could hardly imagine anybody preferring the town.

"No, neither of the sisters are very fond of the country lifestyle, they prefer the plentiful diversions available in town I believe."

"Oh, i see. But Mr Bingley seeks a quiet country life. How extraordinary for his character to be so far removed from his sisters!" Elizabeth observed, bending to pluck some wildflowers, and gathering them into a posey.

"Indeed, other than their looks, in which they can scarce be mistaken, they appear to have very little in common! Even their manner is so very dissimilar!"

"Well, he shall meet his match tomorrow I think! I do not think I can recall the last time the Mama's had such an eligible bachelor to throw their daughters at! Though I do wish our Mama would back off just a little, for Janes sake."

"How is Jane coping Lizzy? She seems to be the very picture of a dutiful daughter, but sometimes I worry that she is being just a little too acquiescent."

Charlottes voice was laced with the concern that had been bothering Elizabeth also for some time, and William was interested to see how she responded.

He had known for some weeks now, that her sisters quiet acceptance of their mothers scheming had been worrying Miss Elizabeth sorely, but since their discussion about duty and marriage in Mr Bennets Study, the topic had been mutually off limits, with neither desirous of broaching the subject.

After fretting for several minutes over how to reply, and her flowers receiving the brunt of her fidgeting fingers, Elizabeth threw the mangled posey to the ground, and let out a deep sigh.

"I cannot say to be sure! She is not fully recovered from being jilted yet, that I know. Yet she claims not to be affected anymore by his loss. She has said that she does not know that they were ever truly in love at all, but that it only hurts so on account of his being her first love.

I do know that she suffers terribly from the shame of it all. The poetry he wrote her has disappeared from beneath her pillow, and I do believe she is mending, but she has lost her dreams of love and happiness. She seems content,... No, not content,... Resolved, rather, to accept whomsoever Mother says she must wed. She will play along in pursuit of this Bingley fellow just as Mama desires, for all our sakes, but she holds no expectation of overly liking him, much less loving him, which as you know Charlotte, just is not our Jane!"

Charlotte listened to all this quietly, before nodding quietly and responding with no less concern than before evident in her face and voice.

"No indeed, Lizzy. While Jane has never suffered from your extreme idealism, neither does she share my pragmaticism. She scarcely hopes to fall desperately in love once for all time, but neither could she countenance a marriage of pure convenience either. She has always believed that where there is friendship and respect, love shall follow."

"Exactly, and Jane is so easily pleased, she could quite readily love based on a mere few happy traits alone, and be forevermore happy in the doing! But now,... Well she hasn't shown one ounce of interest in any direction. She simply asks how Mama should prefer she wears her hair!"

Darcy was indeed troubled by this. Bingley was his very dearest of friends, and the thought of his becoming infatuated with the eldest Miss Bennet was one that had been occupying his thoughts allot lately. Miss Jane Bennet was beautiful, well-mannered, even-tempered, sweet and intelligent. She was modest, sincere, and displayed a good sense of decorum. Indeed, Bingley could scarce hope to find such a woman so well suited to him from among the ton.

...At first, Darcy's upper-class sensibilities had told him it was a bad match. The ladies personal attributes aside, she had little dowry, and her family would certainly not raise Bingley's social status. But then he had put his families voices behind him, and realized that if- as he suspected might happen- Bingley fell for Miss Bennet, and she for him, they would find in each other a match in personality that was rare to behold, and in turn, might discover a happiness that very few are ever blessed to find.

But Darcy would not, even for the Bennets, whom he had come to love dearly, stand by and watch his friend become ensnared for his fortune alone. No, Darcy prided himself on his unwavering loyalty to his family and friends, and he would not see his dear friend trapped in a marriage of convenience. No, or even unequal affection.

Darcy respected Miss Jane Bennet deeply, had even come to love her in a way as one would a sister, or perhaps the distant cousin he posed as. But such an attitude as that being ascribed to her by her own sister, who knew her far better than any, neither seemed in keeping with her person, nor could be permitted to cause pain to his very dearest of friends.

Darcy resolved to keep a close eye on events, and, if necessary, be prepared to intervene. It would certainly not be the first time he would have to separate Bingley from a woman whose greatest interest was in his pocketbook and not himself, though it would be the first time he would cause damage to one he cared for in the so-doing.

It was at this point, however, that Miss Lucas next words, intended to lighten the mood, caused him such surprise that he almost tripped over a fallen tree branch, by suggesting a thought that although obvious, had not even occurred to him.

"So Lizzy, have you decided what you shall be wearing to the assembly? After all, just because Jane is your mothers choice of bride for Mr Bingley does not mean he shall fall for her as ordered, perhaps his tastes are more in line with willful brunettes than placid blondes!"

Williams head jerked up suddenly, his eyes wide with surprise, before he could swiftly regain his composure. The idea ought to have occurred to him sooner, that each of the Bennet girls would naturally consider the new gentleman a potential suitor, even Miss Elizabeth, and would therefore naturally attempt to attract his attention.

William found himself astonished he had not thought of this sooner, and wondered at his own reaction to the information. He quickly assessed his feelings toward the woman beside him, and despite the fact that they had become quite close in some respects over the past several weeks, he could not find any reason to consider himself emotionally attached to her.

He admitted to himself that he admired her, her passionate and independent spirit, her intelligence and ready wit, her intense loyalty toward those she loved. Every day he met a new aspect of her personality that he admired.

He could also admit that he found her unexpectedly attractive. Miss Elizabeth's form was not what he would normally class a great beauty, with dark hair and brown eyes rather than the classical blonde locks and blue eyes, and a figure that was slight and almost angular, as yet lacking her sisters womanly curves. Yet despite this, for some reason he could not quite define, he had come to consider her one of, if not the, most handsome woman of all his acquaintance. Indeed, it had long since ceased to shock him, that when she turned her brilliant smile upon him, her eyes glittering with unadulterated mirth, she could render him utterly senseless!

But still, for all that he admired her, he was under no delusions of love. It was only natural, really, whilst his mind and heart fought and railed against his unappealing future marriage, that something within him would reach out for some sort of genuine human connection. To mistake his hearts cry of help for love, would be the the most insensible of mistakes that only a foolish man could make, and Fitzwilliam Darcy did not consider himself a fool.

Despite this however, he could not help but acknowledge that it disturbed him a great deal to think of the- albeit unlikely- chance that Bingley's interest could sway toward Miss Elizabeth instead of Miss Jane Bennet. He caught himself as he almost scowled at the idea of the man bumbling after her in his besotted ardor.

A man like Bingley could never make such a woman happy, he would completely miss her wit, and she would come to despise him as she had to limit herself in a multitude of small but suffocating ways.

No, when Miss Elizabeth found a husband, he would need to be well educated and open to debate and hearty repartee. The sort of man who enjoyed intelligent, meaningful conversation. Someone who enjoyed early mornings, good books, and long quiet walks in the country. Someone who had a healthy respect for propriety, but who could see the larger picture beyond society and its ridiculous expectations. Someone who could utterly adore her whilst at the same time maintaining a strong sense of himself beside her. A partner. An equal.

Bingley on the other hand, needed the exact opposite. A woman of beauty, but simplicity. A woman with a sweet, gentle, agreeable nature, who would not despise his silliness, but love him all the more for it. Someone who could quietly support him to be the best he could be, without ever overshadowing him, or managing him. Someone who would allow him to keep his simplistic view of the world, share his optimism, and treasure his naivety, whilst simultaneously keeping a level enough head to perceive the dangers of this world where he did not. A woman that could help him grow into the great man he one day would become, without forcing him to loose the those basic things that made him him. A woman exactly like Miss Jane Bennet.

It struck William rather suddenly, that he was quite possibly as much so, if not more so, protective of Miss Elizabeth Bennet as he was of Charles Bingley. A friendship forged over a few short weeks with a woman who knew scarcely anything of his true self, meant almost as much to him as that of a man who had known him more intimately than almost any other since adolescence.

Regaining his composure, William returned a neutral look to his face, and forced his disquieting thoughts to the back of his mind, though not before Charlotte observed the play of emotions across his face, and wondered at their meaning.

"Me! Good gracious no!" Miss Elizabeth laughed in reply, bringing William back to the present somewhat effectively. "Even if I had some sort interest in throwing myself at the poor man for no better reason than his fortune alone, and joining his sea of simpering, mindless admirers, than I would know better than to get in Mama's way so! No, I am under strict instruction to ensure my attire deflects attention away from myself and towards Jane, which I am more than happy to comply with! So I intend to wear the green gown Aunt Phillips gave me last year. That should do the job quite adequately!" Miss Elizabeth looked for all intents as though she could not be more delighted by this turn of events, and William soon found out why as Miss Lucas gasped in horror.

"The green! You can't! That dress is horrid on you! Even your mother cannot abide it! Surely the mid-blue muslin would suffice, Lizzy! You may not be desirous of Mr Bingley's hand, but there are many other local men at the ball, in that gown you shall scarce be asked to dance!"

Miss Elizabeth's tinkling laughter rang through the valley,

"Charlotte! It is not that terrible! A little dark and dowdy I'll admit, but if a man will not ask me to dance simply on account of my dress not being lovely enough, than I'm sure I wouldn't dance with him for anything! Besides, if that truly were to be the case than surely I would be within my rights to inform Uncle Phillips he must stand up every dance with me to make up for it, and you know he is always a most amusing partner."

Miss Lucas seemed ill amused by her friends antics, but let the subject drop none-the-less.

"Actually, Lizzy, there was a certain issue I had hoped to discuss with you before the assembly tomorrow, and seeing as how we are nearing Longbourn already, I think I should just come out with it, as I was really hoping you might be of assistance tomorrow."

Sensing the serious tone to her friends voice, Lizzy slowed her steps, and turned to her friend, Mr Smith all but forgotten, and left awkwardly wondering wether he ought not just continue on and allow them their privacy.

"Of course Charlotte, you know I would give you any assistance you require. What is it?"

"Lizzy, the assistance I request is not on my behalf, but that of another. Do you recall Miss Brummel?"

"Yes, of course, Mr Brummel's Daughter, quite shy but very sweet."

"Yes, the very same. She is very sweet, Lizzy, and indeed excessively shy. She is shy on account of her dreadful stutter, you know. With her stutter and her being so very plain, it has not been easy for her to form relationships with others. No Lizzy, don't look at me like that, I do not say it to be unkind, but rather to help you understand. You see, Miss Brummel has married, quietly just this past week. She is Mrs Tobias Warren now."

"Farmer Warren! She married Farmer Warren! But she can't have!" Elizabeth gasped in surprise.

"Why can she not have Lizzy?" Returned Charlotte, her features set in determination. "He is a perfectly good man, and you know he can provide for her adequately enough. His only fault is that of being common, which is hardly something he can control is it?"

"That is hardly a fault, it is only that she is a gentlewoman, she is related- if rather a little distantly- to royalty. Her father will be absolutely livid, and with Mr Warren being already so old, it seems a highly unusual love match. The entire community will shun her! She will be neither gentry nor commoner!"

"That is exactly why I have asked for your help Lizzy. It is not a love match, but rather an arrangement that suits the needs of all. Mr Warren has three small children from his last marriage, and cannot care for them himself. Mr Brummel, for all that he has good connections, has little fortune to speak of, and Miss Brummel had little to offer a potential suitor. She was plain, with little dowry, she has a speech impediment, and is now past her best child-bearing years. As Mr Warrens wife, she has a stable future, a kind husband, children she can consider her own, a home of her own and her independence.

She is very happy with her choice, and her father has given his consent. But society, even in such a small town, or perhaps especially because we are such a small town, will not accept her choice. Not without help.

Lizzy, you are well respected about town. You are known for your common sense and loved for being level-headed. People respect you. If you stand by her, publicly, they will follow your lead."

Elizabeth stood quietly for a moment processing what she had just been told. The marriage would be a local scandal, but it was neither wrong nor immoral. The gossips would talk, either way, nobody could save the poor woman that.

But then had those same gossips not talked for months now about Jane? Their gossip and lies had torn at the very fabric of Janes precious character, and threatened to destroy her innocence. But Jane had family and friends aplenty to help support her. How would she have coped had that support not been there? Miss Brummel- or Mrs Warren rather- was already of a much more delicate disposition, and could so easily be torn to shreds by those malicious women.

Indeed, it took very little thought in the end. Elizabeth was not sure she had the sway over local society that Charlotte implied, but she knew that whatever sway she did possess, she would happily utilize it in Miss Brummel's behalf.

"Of course, Charlotte. You know I could never spurn her for such a thing! I do not think my support will have as much importance as you say, but if all we achieve is making her enjoy her evening that little bit more than you know you can count on me."

Charlotte looked much more relieved than Elizabeth would have expected by her response, but she brushed it off, assuming that Charlotte and the new Mrs Warren must be much closer than she had at first thought.

"Thank-you Lizzy, you cannot know what this means to me! I know you will not approve, but,... Thank-you Lizzy!"

Lizzy laughed merrily, adding,

"Well it is just as well I lent my blue gown to kitty, after all, I shall not need it as nobody will want to dance with me in any case!"

"Perhaps you shall have to be coerced to attend, Mr Smith after all. Otherwise Lizzy may have to forfeit dancing for the evening altogether!"

William merely smiled quietly, as Miss Lucas bade Miss Elizabeth farewell, and began walking once more in the direction of Lucas Lodge.

William and Elizabeth walked in silence for a short while, before Miss Elizabeth at last enquired just as they returned into the Longbourn gardens,

"Tell me Mr Smith, why do you not enjoy dancing?"

"It is not dancing itself I find disagreeable. But rather the company of those with whom I am not well acquainted. I only have close acquaintance with a small handful of ladies, most of whom I am related to. Dancing with new, unattached ladies I find uncomfortable, made worse by the gossip and speculation that accompanies such an occupation."

"So were you to be a member of the Netherfield party, you would not ask me to dance then?" She asked playfully, and William knew she was asking for a small insight into his true character.

"Miss Elizabeth, were I to attend the assembly as I stand before you today, I should like to think that I would ask you and your sisters to dance as many sets with me as could be considered seemly. But I am ashamed to confess that were I to attend as the man I was born as,... Well,... Miss Elizabeth, I am not blessed with the happy manners that some of my associates are.

I would consider it more likely that I would attempt to hide. A difficult task in a room full of people admittedly, so I would retreat into myself until I felt less uncomfortable. In such an attitude I have been described in such terms as sulking, miserable, and disagreeable. As such an outlook limits the number of insincere acquaintance's I am forced to endure I have never seen the need to alter peoples perception of my character. Those who know me intimately know that such characteristics are not consistent with my true character."

"Well if that is how you behaved when I first met you, I daresay I would not desire to repeat the experience! But surely, such a manner cannot help you to gain new friendships, after all, you would have never have come to know our family under such circumstances, and yet you seem to tolerate us well enough!" Elizabeth countered.

"Indeed, I admit that it has before occurred to me that but for our unusual circumstances I would be very unlikely to enjoy the pleasure of your families intimacy. Perhaps when I inevitably return to my own society I shall have found adequate reason to alter my behaviour.": William replied sincerely.

Elizabeth glanced up at him in surprise.

"Can we truly have made such an impression on you Mr Smith, in so very short a time?"

"You cannot possibly know the effect you have had upon me, Miss Elizabeth." William replied, his eye's burning with an intensity that made Lizzy's cheeks flush, "Your entire family." He finished belatedly, realizing too late that his words had betrayed something he himself dared not consider.

Elizabeth sensed his embarrassment and redirected the conversation.

"None-the-less, I was counting on you to partner me for at least one set Mr Smith, and I shall not forgive this slight easily!" She teased.

William smiled, glad for the return to safer territory. "Well then, Miss Elizabeth, i must request you leave the last set open for me, that I might fulfill my obligation if only in spirit not person. Then, if ever I happen to encounter you in a ballroom once more, you may hold me to my owing set then."

"I shall not forget Mr Smith! Though I may be eighty years of age, and you scarcely able to stand, should I happen to spy you across the room I shall force you to repay your debt!"

They laughed heartily together, before entering the house and going their separate ways to prepare for the morning meal.