A/N: I find it difficult to write when my kids are at home. Just now my daughter came to me to complain that her older brother pushed her, and before I started writing she asked if she could play on the computer then whined about me telling her no.

C'est la vie!

Thanks for the reviews. I'm taking into consideration whether or not to publish this work. I've never published a work before. I'll need to do extensive editing and revisions. I'll let you know.

Chapter 22: Darcy's Ball Part I

It had been ages since Lady Catherine made her debut into London Society, but not so long ago that she did not remember her compatriots. She had two good friends who regularly went to London for the season, and were always appraised of the latest gossip. It did not take long, therefore, to find the source of the rumor that had recently spread about Miss Elizabeth and her family. The fact that it came from the sister of Darcy's friend did surprise her. She called for her carriage, gave them the directions of the Hursts, where Miss Bingley was currently staying, and told the footman to present her card and ask Miss Bingley to meet her outside.

In less than ten minutes the door was flung open and out rushed Miss Bingley, as quick as propriety allowed, down the steps and to the carriage. The door was opened, Miss Bingley stepped inside and gave an awkward curtsey as she sat down opposite Lady Catherine.

"Drive on!" Lady Catherine knocked her cane on the roof of the carriage and it immediately began to roll away from the house.

Caroline looked concerned, "To what do I owe this meeting?"

Lady Catherine eyed the woman. She was fashionable, her speech was eloquent, but there was something off about her. She clearly had "fortune hunter" written all over, and her enquiries revealed her Father was in trade. No doubt Miss Bingley had her own designs on Mr. Darcy, and that is the reason she started those rumors.

"I need to know everything you can tell me about the Bennets," she said, "and I mean everything."

Caroline looked surprised at first, then smiled. Her favorite past time of late was maligning that family to whomever would listen, and to be able to do so to such a woman was priceless. Never had she had such an audience. She took great pleasure in describing Longbourn and its small rooms. All five daughters were out at once, the younger three completely ridiculous, the youngest chasing after red coats, the middle child taking every opportunity to exhibit, the Mother's crass boasting, and once she got on the topic of Elizabeth, she spewed every hateful thing she had ever thought about her. After thirty minutes of revealing every last tidbit, Lady Catherine dropped Miss Bingley off at her house with some instructions.

Lady Catherine was confident she had all the ammunition she needed to break up her nephew's engagement.

s-S-s

Everything was ready for the Ball. Eleanor had seen to every detail, often taking Georgiana into her confidence, asking her opinion on what decorations to use, what to serve during supper, etc… Though Georgiana wouldn't be able to attend, she had hoped it would prove to be invaluable experience for when she hosted her own parties and Balls.

When the time came Eleanor stood with her nephew in the receiving line, welcoming every guest. Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived with a few of his Officers. Lady Catherine had hinted that the guest list looked rather skewed with more women attending than men, and had suggested Richard bring a few of his Officers to even out the numbers.

"Lady Catherine's idea?" Darcy questioned, after welcoming them into his home.

"Yes," Eleanor smiled, "I do believe she is accepting your marriage."

Darcy had his doubts, but couldn't bother with thoughts of her right at that moment. The Bennets arrived, with the Gardiners. Eyeing Elizabeth in a pale green dress with purple flowers sprinkled around the skirt, and her hair done up elegantly sent shivers down his spine. He could see a slight flush appear on her cheeks and smiled, hoping it was himself that induced such a physical reaction.

"Elizabeth," he said, taking her gloved hands in his, "you look lovely."

Elizabeth was followed by all four of her sisters. No matter how many times Eleanor had tried to persuade Mrs. Bennet that for proprieties sake, the younger girls should be left home, Mrs. Bennet was adamant that they should attend. "Why should they miss all the fun?" She had reasoned.

"Mama, you were right," Lydia squealed, eyeing the splendor of Darcy House for the first time.

"Now girls," Mrs. Bennet said just before they entered the Ball Room, "remember what I said."

"May I have the first dance?" Darcy asked of Elizabeth before she followed her family into the Ball Room.

"Yes, of course." Elizabeth hurried after her Mother.

The guests continued to arrive, and suddenly the sound of the orchestra warming up drifted out to the foyer. The stream of guests had trickled down, and Eleanor urged Darcy to go claim his first dance. He quickly entered the room and looked around the faces for Elizabeth. He saw her at the other end of the room surrounded by people who were being introduced to her by Alice. Darcy hastily made his way over, but nearly tripped over Kitty, who was chasing after Lydia.

"Girls!" Their Mother yelled after them, causing the entire room to stop and stare.

Darcy's face reddened. He had told his Aunt to exclude the youngest Bennets from the Ball for this exact reason. After having witnessed their display in society in Hertfordshire, he was sure they would not hesitate to display them here as well. He noticed Lydia, all the while she was running, trying to catch the eyes of the Officers who stood by the punch table. He watched Lydia pick up a cup of punch and down it in one gulp, then giggle with Kitty who had finally caught up to her.

"Look, Kitty!" Lydia's laugh drifted through the room. "There are red coats here as well. I am sure I shall not want for a partner tonight!"

"Aye, and neither shall I," Kitty traipsed after her sister who brazenly made her way towards Richard and his two friends who were currently talking with Jeremy.

Quickly, Darcy made his way towards the men just as the girls did, "Matlock, Colonel, may I introduce Miss Elizabeth's two sisters, Miss Katherine and Miss Lydia."

An amusing smile displayed itself over Richard's face. The men bowed to the young girls and then Richard introduced his two friends, Captains Danforth and Roberts. Just as the two Captains were asking for the girls' hands for the first set, Darcy set after his own partner. He made it to her just in time to hear the first strains of the song.

"Elizabeth," he said, offering her his hand. She smiled up at him and took it and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor.

Darcy couldn't keep his eyes off of Elizabeth for the first few minutes of the dance. He was reminded of their last dance at Netherfield and how lovely she looked then too. So lovely he couldn't help himself but propose to her. Though she had refused him, he knew he could not live without Elizabeth as his wife. Eventually, he was sure, she would feel the same.

"I had no idea you knew so many people," Elizabeth said, glancing at all the unfamiliar faces.

"Yes, well," Darcy blushed, "some of them are my Aunts friends, but she insisted on inviting them. It seems our engagement has piqued everyone's interest."

"So good of you to invite my sisters as well," Elizabeth looked towards Kitty and Lydia who were eagerly performing the steps with the two Officers.

Darcy's smile tightened. "My pleasure."

"I believe I shall ask Kitty to join us at Pemberley. She, above all the rest, would benefit most, don't you think?"

Darcy cleared his throat, "Whatever you wish."

Elizabeth looked irked at his response, but quickly replaced it with a smile. "Georgiana and I have greatly enjoyed our time together, will she be joining us at Pemberley as well?"

"Yes, we always celebrate the New Year at Pemberley. After Twelfth Night she will return to town to resume her studies."

"Will we be returning to town as well?"

"I had thought to stay on at Pemberley through the Season. Unless," Darcy hesitated, "you wish to return as well?"

Elizabeth thought a moment. "No, I believe it would be best to stay on at Pemberley."

Darcy looked relieved. Though he did not like London Society, he would have braved it if Elizabeth had wanted it. They performed their steps with precision and nearly everyone in attendance agreed that Miss Elizabeth Bennet, though previously unknown, was a graceful and beautiful girl.

Lady Catherine stared at the two of them with malice. She had such grand plans for tonight, though there was a slight hitch. After her afternoon repast, Anne had taken ill with a fit of coughing, and was not able to attend the Ball. It was Catherine's idea to separate Darcy from Elizabeth and have him dance with Anne, thus comparing the two women and come to the logical conclusion that Anne would suit Darcy better than that Bennet girl. However, her other plans were coming together quite nicely. Those two young girls were making fools of themselves, and Mrs. Bennet couldn't speak two sentences together without mentioning either Darcy's wealth, or the opportunity Elizabeth's marriage provided for the other girls to meet wealthy, well connected men. Yes, now all she needed was the final blow.

"Lady Catherine," a whispered voice said beside her.

Caroline Bingley had stepped quietly next to her.

"Is everything ready?" Lady Catherine whispered back.

Caroline nodded her head, then retreated back to her brother's side.

"Where have you gone?" Charles demanded. "It's bad enough you made us late now you run off?" All the while Charles was talking he was watching Jane Bennet on the dance floor with another man.

"Don't fret so," Caroline intoned, rolling her eyes.

Soon the song ended and the men led their dance partners to their waiting Mamas and chaperones. Darcy asked if Elizabeth would care for some punch as he led her to Mrs. Bennet. She said that indeed she would. She sat on a chair next to Mrs. Bennet who was talking with a woman Elizabeth hadn't been introduced to yet.

"Oh, my dear," Mrs. Bennet said, noticing her daughter, "this is Mrs. Crenshaw, a cousin of Mr. Darcy's on his Mother's side. This is my daughter, Miss Elizabeth."

"Pleasure," Elizabeth smiled.

Mrs. Crenshaw was an older woman with bronzy hair and streaks of grey throughout. Her cheeks and lips were obviously rouged, and she stared at Elizabeth through a lorgnette. With a raised eyebrow, she took in Elizabeth's slippers, all the way to her hair style. Without meaning to Elizabeth raised her hand to her hair to ascertain if a strand of hair had come undone.

"Indeed," Mrs. Crenshaw finally said.

"Mrs. Crenshaw was just telling me of Pemberley's extensive grounds and I told her how you enjoy a long walk." Mrs. Bennet said, filling the silence.

"Yes, I do enjoy to walk, whenever the weather permits." Elizabeth replied.

"And the roads?" Mrs. Crenshaw asked. "If the roads were muddy?"

Elizabeth's cheeks went red. Was this woman referencing her walk to Netherfield when Jane was sick? If so how had she come by this information?

"Here you are," Mr. Darcy had come, proffering a cup of punch which Elizabeth took.

The rest of the evening progressed in much the same way. Elizabeth had been introduced to many people who were either related to Darcy directly, or by extension through the Fitzwilliams. On a few occasions seemingly innocent aspects of her life were brought forth, even that of her family. It didn't take long for Elizabeth to surmise Caroline Bingley must have been the one to spread such information. Elizabeth had half a mind to confront her, but stopped herself. Whatever public display she made would more likely than not threaten her sister's relationship with Mr. Bingley, which was just beginning to bloom again.

Bingley had dance the second set with Jane, while Elizabeth dance with Colonel Fitzwilliam. The Colonel was a fair dancer, though more than one Elizabeth had caught him counting the steps. It wasn't until dinner did things seem to come crashing down.

Elizabeth had dance the dinner set with Mr. Darcy and afterwards led her into the dining room where he sat her down and went to prepare her plate for her. Across from her was Lady Matlock. She at once asked her how she was enjoying herself. Before she could reply, the tinkling sound of a harpsichord was heard coming from a darkened alcove of the room. Everyone turned their heads to see where the noise was coming from and there was Mary, beginning a song.

"I've not heard that instrument in an age," an older man a few seats away said.

"For good reason," the woman sitting next to him said while rubbing at her ears.

"Isn't that a Bennet?" Another woman at the table over said the last name as if she was referencing a rather disgusting insect.

Elizabeth began to feel sick. It was one thing for her family to act ridiculous amongst their own friends and neighbors, but to do so in front of strangers was mortifying. She wished she could leave.

"Ah, I see Mary has improved her skills." Darcy said as he sat beside Elizabeth.

Looking incredulously up at Darcy, she wondered at his statement. Had he not, a little more than a month ago, sneered at Mary's playing?

"Miss Mary practices day and night, and without the instruction of a Master. Did she not teach herself, Elizabeth?" Darcy had been speaking to those around him, but the last he directed at Elizabeth.

"Yes," Elizabeth finally said, eyes wide, "yes, I simply showed her which notes on the page correspond to which keys on the instrument, and she taught herself the rest."

"What a wonderful talent," Darcy commented, "to be so musically inclined."

And without another word, Darcy began to eat his meal. Elizabeth smiled as she stared at her plate, which was filled with a healthy assortment of food which would carry her through the rest of the evening. As she began to eat she heard Darcy's words being passed by those around her, until she was sure the entire room had heard of her sister's "talent."

"Thank you," Elizabeth whispered so that only Darcy could hear.

Reaching his hand down below the table, Darcy took Elizabeth's hand in his and gave it a squeeze, then released it.