Elizabeth soon after found herself approached by Mr Darcy, who had completely forgotten his earlier resolve.

"Do you not feel the desire to dance a reel Miss Bennet?"

Elizabeth was a little stunned at his approach, still somewhat confused as to her feelings when around him. He was defiantly handsome and intelligent. He was not very friendly, but that had never been a consideration of hers. The neighbourhood did not like him much as he appeared aloof, but she had experienced his ability to converse and was sure that he could be friendly with the right partner. He didn't seem to exhibit any rakish behaviour, unlike Mr Hervey. Or any tendency to drink and gamble, unlike Mr hurst. No he seemed to be a good man, she did like him. But her inner self sighed in resignation, she was far below him in station and he could not contemplate an alliance with her. She would have to guard her heart carefully.

"Miss Bennet?" Darcy quirked an eyebrow and she realised she had been staring. She blushed and looked away from his intense stare.

"I think not Mr Darcy, no one else seems to be inclined to dance, it would look odd for just the two of us. Do you not agree?"

Darcy quirked a smile and Elizabeth's breath caught.

He abruptly turned away and addressed the room

"Might anyone be inclined to dance a reel? Miss Bennet and I feel it would be odd for just the two of us"

There was a moments silence and some muttering and then Miss Lucy, Mrs Megash and Miss Howson all stood up with Mr Howson, Mr Megash and Mr Chetham respectively. Mr Bingley had excitedly asked Jane, of course, but she demurred stating she did not feel well enough and he immediately felt guilty for asking and declared he would gladly keep her company.

Darcy turned back to Elizabeth and held out his hand. It was all she could do to keep from glaring at him.

She whispered as he led her to the top of the set. "I said no such thing and you well know it sir"

"I am sorry madam, did I misunderstand you?" Darcy lifted one corner of his mouth "I am terribly sorry, should I explain to everyone?"

They arrived at the top of the set and Elizabeth could do nothing but try to appear calm, making a scene was out of the question. The reel started and Elizabeth found herself impressed by Darcy's lightness of foot, she tried not to add it to an ever growing list of pleasing attributes.

"You seem to have a knack for avoiding dancing with me, or attempting to"

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at him and gave no answer.

"I believe this is the third time that you have attempted to avoid a dance, although you were only successful once. Your discussion with Mr Hervey suggested that saying no to a dance offer was difficult, but you seem to have managed to practice the art regardless."

Elizabeth arced an eyebrow "it is most impolitic to point out my actions if they may be construed in a poor light. Unfortunate too, for it may tempt me to retaliate and remind you of your behaviour"

"I am not afraid of you"

The dance was vigorous and the steps required their attention for a short time. Elizabeth would have left the subject had Darcy not continued

"I am most interested to hear what you have to accuse me of"

"Why Mr Darcy, the first time I met you was at a dance where you danced only four dances though gentlemen were scare and more than one lady was in want of a partner"

Darcy looked uncomfortable for a moment "I do not poses the talent, that some have, of conversing easily with strangers. I cannot catch their tone of conversation or be interested in their affairs as I see some do."

Elizabeth was a little startled by the honesty in his response.

"I have always wished to play the piano with more force and rapidity, but I have always assumed that my deficiencies were due to my not taking the trouble to practice"

"You are likely correct. But I, like you, have employed my time much better"

"If you insist Mr Darcy" as the reel came to an end and she dropped in to a curtsy. "I should see to Jane, she is probably needing to return to her room."

She moved over to Jane and helped her to make ready to remove from the drawing room. Mr Darcy felt that her removal was a relief, he was starting to show his preference for her company and he would not wish to raise expectations. He remembered his vow to be more circumspect.

.

Elizabeth went to bed with her head full of Mr Darcy. She had reviewed their conversation from the dance and came to the inescapable conclusion that he was reticent among strangers. An odd thing for a man of his standing to admit to anyone. That he should admit it to her was almost unfathomable.

She began to review all of her interactions with the man and could admit to herself that he was likely shy, although there was still some pridefullness about him. She thought back on his acts of kindness to herself and his concern about both her and Jane. She could not help but think that he did seem the most sincere of the gentlemen in the house. Most would not think about sending a visitor a tray of food, or notice that she was tired. Mr Bingley was all solicitous but his focus was Jane, Mr Darcy seemed to see all around him and act accordingly.

She could not deny he was handsome, and his mind was such that she could only benefit from a friendship with him. He was graceful, strong and intelligent, he spoke so fondly of his sister which spoke well of his kind heart.

She thought about leaving the house the following day, as she and Jane had discussed. She felt the wave of sadness and longing come over her and gasped. Was she was in love with Mr Darcy and loathe to part from him?. She sat stunned and staring, unseeing for a full five minutes. How had this come to be? How could she feel so much in so short a time?

Her next wave of sadness came with the knowledge that nothing could come of it. She had seen some preference for her company, but nothing that spoke of particular admiration. His gaze was more often stern than not and although he conversed with her tolerably often, he did not seek her out like Mr Bingley did for Jane. No, she had to conclude that he was likely indifferent to her, or even if he was favourably minded he was of the first circles, and she had nothing that could tempt him.

"How could I be so foolish" she admonished herself, "how could I have allowed myself to fall for him?"

She realised she had not considered him to be a threat to her heart due to his cold behaviour at the beginning of their acquaintance. She had not considered that she may fall for someone who was not courting her good opinion.

She wept bitter tears at the injustice of feeling for a man who would not and likely could not return her sentiments. Half the night was spent in introspection and she fell in to a fitful sleep in the early hours of the morning, resigned to her fate. She had joked with Jane about ending an old maid but now the reality was that she had no other options. She could never marry a man when her heart belonged to another and even if she convinced herself of his good opinion the likelihood of him paying his addresses to a country miss was not worth thinking on.