Previously: The Haye Park ball has begun. Darcy decides he is going to woo Elizabeth.

"Under normal circumstances I'd say I told you so. But, as I have told so with such vehemence and frequency already the phrase has lost all meaning. Therefore, I will be replacing it with the phrase, I have informed you thusly."

-Sheldon Cooper

Elizabeth was making observations about the number of couples in the room when she espied Charlotte dancing next to her and smiled at her in acknowledgement. Charlotte smiled back and then returned to her conversation with her partner, laughing at something he said. Mr. Hastings was replying to Elizabeth's comment when he was struck by the dance partner of the man standing next to him. His distraction caused him to step on Elizabeth, who had to stifle a yelp of pain. He apologized profusely, but kept glancing at Charlotte from lowered eyes. Charlotte was oblivious to the attention Mr. Hastings was paying her, but Elizabeth was not so blind. Elizabeth noticed his lack of attention and, quickly finding the source, effortlessly forgave him. Hastings forced himself to stop staring and instead looked at the crowd of people watching the dance.

Hastings smiled as he noticed Darcy scowling in their direction, or more specifically, at him. Hastings looked at Elizabeth, and with a mischievous glint in his eye, asked, "Miss Bennet, would you care to know who your next dance partner is ?"

Elizabeth's arched one eyebrow. "I find it hard to believe you would have such information considering nobody has yet secured my hand for the second set. Do you usually amuse yourself with trivial predictions or am I a special case?"

"A look can convey a thought more accurately than words."

Elizabeth's confusion only grew at this statement.

"Let us just say that I can read some people better than others. I'll even make a bet on it."

Elizabeth's chin lifted and her expression grew thoughtful at the obvious challenge.

"I'm not a gambler Mr. Hastings, but I do love proving people wrong, especially when they're so certain. What is the wager, sir?"

"If I win, you have to introduce me to your friend," Hastings said, with a subtle nod in Charlotte's direction.

"How did you avoid meeting her? I would have assumed as host you would be familiar with everyone in this room."

Hastings looked sheepish as he replied. "I may have left Claire alone to welcome people when making last minute preparations."

Elizabeth nodded, already having decided that she would have introduced Charlotte nonetheless. "And if I win?"

"You choose."

"If I win, you have to ask my friend to dance. Twice."

Hastings smiled widely. "So either way, I win."

Elizabeth smiled innocently and replied, "Who says she will accept?"

"I do not believe you are cruel enough to inflict upon me the pain of rejection. No, I'm positive that you are confident she will accept."

Elizabeth sighed and with a teasing tone said, "To be easily seen through is a disgrace indeed. Nevertheless, our objectives are the same, so I am not too displeased. So who will be my next dance partner, Mr. Hastings?"

Hastings replied as if it was the most apparent answer. "Why Mr. Darcy, of course."

Elizabeth laughed loudly at his statement. "It's as if you're purposely trying to lose! Maybe I won't have to introduce you to Charlotte after all."

"You have to hold up your end of the bargain, Miss Bennet. How am I suppose to ask her to dance without a proper introduction?"

"I never said which friend, Mr. Hastings. Surely you do not find me so disagreeable that you believe I only have one friend?"

Mr. Hastings, hearing the last notes of the dance, spoke with an assurance which made Elizabeth suspicious. "We'll just have to see who wins."

Sure enough, they had barely made their way to the edge of the dancing area when Elizabeth was instantly addressed by Mr. Darcy for the application of her hand for the second set.

Elizabeth accepted out of shock, while Hastings stood next to her with a smug smile plastered across his countenance. Mr. Darcy walked away to join Bingley, rejoicing in his success.

"I informed you thusly. Now I believe you have an introduction to make."

Elizabeth silently led Hastings to where Charlotte was standing with Mary and introduced them. Hastings asked Charlotte for her hand in the second set, which Charlotte accepted.

The dancing recommenced and Hastings and Darcy led their respective partners to the dancing area. Hastings chatted amicably with Charlotte while Darcy attempted to start a conversation with Elizabeth.

How do you woo a woman? I've never had to flirt before... I should talk about my large estate or my ten thousand a year. No! I have to be charismatic, not a braggart. Hastings and Bingley would talk about...? Bloody hell! Why do people bother with small talk at all? Completely useless.

Darcy was startled out of his thoughts when Elizabeth started speaking.

"We must have some conversation, Mr. Darcy. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together."

"I noticed Wickham is not here, despite the invitation being extended to all of the militia." Mr. Darcy cringed as he brought up that horrid man (until this day he did not know why he mentioned him), but was satisfied when Elizabeth replied with a teasing note.

"That man must have more intelligence than I gave him credit for."

"Personally, I think he might be a little wary of someone here," Darcy said while lifting up his eyebrows and tilting his head in her direction.

Elizabeth pointed to herself. "You can't be implying that I would somehow make him uncomfortable!" She sniffed daintily as if she was offended. "I have been nothing if not civil to that man."

A smiled graced Darcy's features and Elizabeth gasped. He really was quite handsome... and he looked much younger when he wasn't scowling.

"Were you civil before or after you assaulted him?"

"Assault is a rather strong word. I would like to think it was an accident."

"You accidentally punched him?"

"No, of course not. He fell... on my fist."

Darcy laughed loudly at her response, pleased by her humorous comment. Several people turned in the room to stare at the usually taciturn man, several mouths open in shock. It was satisfying to Elizabeth to have the ability to make this reserved man express his amusement publicly. Elizabeth had to resist the urge to giggle like Lydia; Mr. Darcy was too attractive for his own good. Her eyes subconsciously examined him as they continued the dance in an amiable silence. The green cloth of his tailcoat was straining to cover the broad width of his shoulders, and he moved with a grace that was extraordinary considering his height and muscular build. Elizabeth sighed. It's a pity that Mr. Darcy was so mercurial. It was as if he was too bored for one personality; he was taciturn, then teasing. One moment he was happy in her company, then he would adopt that proud expression which made her cringe. He was an affectionate brother, but aloof to even his closest friends. The one thing that was constant about him was the numerous mood changes. The irony.

Darcy remained quiet as Elizabeth's thoughts consumed her. He stilled when her gaze started traveling up his body, and he was disappointed to note that there was more confusion than desire in her expression. Should I stand still? That might alert the other dancers... What do I do?!

Elizabeth was brought out of her thoughts when she noticed Darcy's posture had suddenly become very rigid. She tore her eyes away from him, blushing profusely, and looked around the room, hoping for any distraction. She noticed Charlotte smiling at some remarks that Mr. Hastings made, and he also looked captivated by his partner. Elizabeth smiled in satisfaction. It was about time Charlotte had a suitor who could recognize her worth.

Darcy frowned as Elizabeth smiled at the Hastings, his hands clenching by his side in anger. Darcy struggled to keep his jealousy in place. He had never wanted for anything in life, and had therefore never envied anybody. It was a strange, new feeling, wanting what another had (or at least what he perceived another had). Darcy took a deep breath, and cleared his throat, efficiently drawing Elizabeth's attention away from Charlotte and Hastings. Darcy was then at a loss of what to say, now that she looked at him with a degree of expectation. Luckily the dance ended, and Darcy was saved.

Author's Note: Sorry the updates are so short, but I'm preparing for 4 exams for next week. So wish me luck!