A/N: Thank you for your patience. I am sorry it has been so long in coming. Apart from a lack of free time, there were aspects of this chapter that I did not feel I was expressing faithfully (compared to what I imagined in my head) but though it is perhaps still not perfect, I am at least better satisfied and will set aside any notions of perfectionism. I am not, after all, an author by trade - these are just my untrained, unbeta-ed (is that a word?) offerings.

Darcy tried not to look, tried not to pay attention to what was going on in the set of couples behind him even though he could hear the occasional disruption from that quarter. Miss Bingley, with whom he was dancing, was not making derisive comments. In fact, she had not said a word out of place since Sunday, but he could sense a quiet satisfaction in her demeanour as her eyes came back to him before they wove their way down the line and started the dance pattern again. It was when the men were required to change places with the women that Darcy, in his peripheral vision, could see Elizabeth partnered with Mr Collins three couples farther up the line. As each dancer stepped forward to meet the person to the left of their designated partner, he could not deny himself a brief glance. She was looking in his general direction, her left and his own bringing their line of sight into approximate alignment. As everyone stepped back into line their eyes met. Darcy tilted his chin up slightly. Her face softened, smiled, and she lifted her own chin a fraction, mimicking his gesture. There was only a moment to share the warm gratitude of friendship before they were both forced to pay attention back to the dance; he to Miss Bingley and she to a bumbling Mr Collins who seemed extraordinarily impervious to embarrassment, despite his frequent missteps.

Darcy experienced a wave of relief when the dance ended, not so much for the gratification of his own comfort but because of the belief Elizabeth would welcome the release from her cousin. He admired her fortitude; the self-possession she maintained despite the awkwardness of the situation. She was soon claimed by another partner, her ready smiles now bestowed on that gentleman and a collection of redcoats they stopped briefly to speak with. Darcy would not be jealous, he had no right to, but there was a comforting sense of pleasure that he had had the foresight to reserve the supper dance with her before this evening. The anticipation of his dance with Elizabeth followed by a shared meal was his secret sustaining joy, along with the agreeable knowledge that Wickham was not amongst the attendees at Netherfield Hall.

Making his way to where Mr Bennet spoke with Sir William, Darcy conversed with them both for a few moments before turning to Miss Lucas who was patiently listening to Mrs Bennet describe a slight alteration Jane had made to her dress. At the first convenient pause Darcy interjected.

'Good evening ladies. Mrs Bennet. Miss Lucas. I hope you are both enjoying the evening.'

Mrs Bennet gushed with delight, and apparently feeling the topic not fully canvassed, mentioned Jane's beauty, her elegance, followed by the popularity of all her daughters in general who were presently each standing up with partners for the next dance. Seeing his opening Darcy turned to their forbearing companion.

'Miss Lucas, would you give me the honour of this dance if you are not otherwise engaged?'

Her surprise was quickly covered by acceptance, so with a polite nod to Mrs Bennet, Darcy led Miss Lucas away to the nearest set. She was a pleasant conversant and he was pleased that he had taken Elizabeth's advice. At the conclusion of their dance Darcy accompanied her over to Elizabeth where Mr Collins was now hovering with Mary Bennet a little to the side.

Darcy greeted them all but engaged Mr Collins especially in an effort to release Elizabeth from his attentions. 'And how have you been enjoying the evening Mr Collins?' he asked. 'I have seen you stand up with at least two of the Bennet sisters.'

'Yes, I have been most fortunate with my fair cousins. I danced first with Miss Elizabeth and have just now had the pleasure of partnering Miss Mary. In due course I hope to dance with all my cousins, feeling it the right thing to do. Your esteemed aunt, Lady Catherine, believes that an unattached gentleman in fine health should dance at least half the dances when attending a ball for the sake of the fairer sex. The remaining time should be allotted to conversation and the pleasant attentions that are acceptable to ladies not otherwise engaged.'

'You and I are lucky to have the direction of a woman that we admire and trust,' Darcy said, forcing himself not to look at Elizabeth, 'and no doubt will be better men for it. I have just had the privilege of Miss Lucas as my partner,' and he nodded briefly to Charlotte who now stood beside Elizabeth. 'I presume you are acquainted, Mr Collins, as she is a close friend of the family.'

Collins agreed and pleasantries were once again exchanged.

'Miss Mary,' Darcy said while the others spoke, hoping to engage the quiet woman before she could withdraw, 'would you have a dance available? Miss Elizabeth is to dance the supper set with me but I have the next free. I had hoped we could continue our conversation about music that was interrupted last Thursday.' The look of delight on Mary's face was so surprising in the alteration to her features that Darcy was struck by the difference. Immediately following was a sadness at the realisation she must rarely show unbridled pleasure.

'I would be happy to dance with you,' she said quietly as her rigid posture became more natural.

'Do you plan to join this dance Mr Collins? If so, it might be your opportunity to put Lady Catherine's advice into action and find a new partner amongst those you have not yet asked.' It was not strictly what Collins had said but he appeared impressionable and Elizabeth looked like she was in need of reprieve.

'Yes indeed, sir!' Collins said with an air of importance as though he had just been commissioned to do a favour for the crown. Eager to dispatch his duty with all promptness he said, 'Miss Lucas, would you do me the honour of allowing me the privilege of taking you to the dance floor to engage in the innocent pleasures afforded us this evening?'

Elizabeth glanced with laughing eyes at her friend as she politely acquiesced to this invitation with admirable self-possession. When Mr Collins began regaling Charlotte with examples of the attentive nature of his patroness which was so frequently bestowed upon himself, Elizabeth looked over at Mr Darcy and mouthed a silent 'Thank you.' His warm smile made her tingle inside as he held her gaze purposely. He gave a small nod to her before re-engaging Mary in conversation. Elizabeth watched him with burgeoning pride and affection, feeling a slight warmth in her cheeks. It will be a lucky woman who wins his devotion she thought to herself. Mary was fairly blossoming under his attention. But then that is hardly surprising. He had the same effect on her too.

Darcy found the dance with Miss Mary more enjoyable than the one that followed with Louisa Hurst. True, he had made a concerted effort to maintain conversation with Mary Bennet, and though it required concentration, it was rewarding to see her happiness increase. Louisa in contrast, seemed more interested in being seen and admired, requiring Darcy to contain his impatience as he escorted her back to her sister. Miss Bingley immediately tried to engage him in conversation but he excused himself as politely as he could, citing his need to locate his next dance partner as the excuse. Not allowing time for further comment or questions, he departed quickly in search of Elizabeth. In his mind, she was to be his reward for all his efforts this evening. Being a head taller than most of the occupants in the room it was always easier to be seen than to find one woman amongst the throngs of ladies crisscrossing the room. But forethought of this possible predicament had resulted in their designating a meeting point for this very moment and he moved purposely in that direction. She was standing beside Miss Lucas once again, amusing her with a humourous anecdote if the laughter was anything to go by. He saw the moment Elizabeth spied him, a special smile breaking across her face as she watched him approach.

'Oh Charlotte, here comes my Mr Disdain now,' Elizabeth said playfully, her eyes never leaving his, her smile never faltering.

Darcy received this personal moniker as a compliment of the highest order. There was something so delightfully intimate in the shared understanding of its origin. Perhaps it was the incidental pronoun of ownership that had him wanting to reciprocate with a kiss that would mirror his claim of belonging. The instinctive desire felt so natural when in her company that the connection felt real, despite maintaining strict decorum. He checked his posture to make sure there was nothing in his bearing that gave voice to his thoughts.

'Miss Lucas, Miss Elizabeth,' Darcy replied, bowing formally. 'I see you have both been in high demand tonight. I trust that translates to a very pleasant evening for you both.'

'We have indeed been enjoying our time immensely,' replied Charlotte.

'I hope that you can claim a similar pleasure, sir,' proffered Elizabeth with an arch smile, 'but perhaps your frequent participation in the dancing would translate to something a little more reserved.'

'It is true, effusive feelings about social events does not come naturally to me,' Darcy confessed, 'but I can honestly say it has been many years since I have enjoyed myself at a ball as I have tonight. Perchance that denotes my reformation is well underway and that your tutelage, Miss Elizabeth, is beginning to bear fruit – in one way or another.'

'Mr Darcy enjoying a ball,' said Elizabeth with pride. 'Are you not impressed Charlotte? He has been a diligent pupil and these results speak for themselves. There is plentiful evidence that you have well and truly graduated from the classroom. I hope, however, you have not exhausted all your charm before our dance. I will be bitterly envious of Mary and Charlotte if their pleasure in your company is at the cost of mine.'

'Only you can verify the nature of your own satisfaction with any authority,' he said with amusement. 'Shall we test the parameters of my endurance?' Her beaming countenance penetrated effortlessly into the sanctuary of his heart.

Turning briefly to her friend, Elizabeth kissed her on the cheek. 'I'll look for you at supper, Charlotte.'

When Elizabeth's gloved fingers slipped into his outstretched hand, instead of remaining passive, Darcy took pleasure in gently pulling her toward him. This moment was the culmination of all he had been looking forward to since he first learned that the ball was to take place. He had been such a fool to turn down the opportunity of dancing with her at the Meryton Assembly. It was hard to believe he could have been so blind to what stood before him now. She was beautiful in every way he valued. Her features had long become his favourite to look upon but it was more than just their pleasant formation – it was for all that the sight of her represented to him – the truest friendship he had known in a woman.

'Have I mentioned to you this evening how beautiful you look, Miss Elizabeth?' he said in a voice only meant for her ears.

She smiled and dipped her head as she curtsied. 'Thank you Mr Darcy. That is very kind of you.'

'It is truth, not kindness. You are a picture of loveliness.'

'It is kindness to express such complimentary thoughts.'

Darcy chuckled. 'Are we going to battle with compliments tonight?'

'I believe you are the only one resisting them, sir.'

Darcy laughed and shook his head. 'I feel you have bested me already, Miss Elizabeth.' He would have like to have kissed her hand but feeling it might be unwise, drew it into the crook of his arm where he liked to have it during their walks. Leading her across the floor to the line of gathering couples they were soon settled into place. Elizabeth was immediately drawn into polite enquiries with the lady beside her, the conversation ceasing only when the musicians struck the first notes. Darcy had not minded the interruption, aware that it was courtesy rather than disinterest, but now that he had her full attention he focused on enjoying it.

As the dance progressed, each choreographed step seemed to translate feelings that ran deeper than he had ever felt before, aware their eyes were holding one another at every opportunity. He was devoted to savouring everything about her; each touch, each smile, each moment.

His gloved hand met Elizabeth's as they stepped toward the centre, every alternate couple mirroring the same palm to palm formation as they slowly circled their respective partners.

'I believe we may need to have a little conversation Mr Darcy.'

Reflexively Darcy smiled. 'You do? I would have thought Mr Disdain would not be one for idle conversation.'

She laughed and replied in a stage whisper, 'True, but your countenance is giving the game away.'

Sudden self-consciousness must have translated to his face for Elizabeth grinned mischievously saying, 'That is better. Now a silence is far more appropriate.' Her words may have left him embarrassed had it not been for the slight press of her fingers on his before they had to circle back to their original positions and wait for their neighbours to weave their patterns in turn.

Darcy could not help a small chuckle escape his newly restrained demeanour. 'Alas, your provocation has now given me an appetite for your conversation. Tell me, how did you entertain yourself during these past five days of incessant rain? As a show of faith in your honesty, I will begin by admitting that the games of billiards Bingley and I played over the last few days were becoming more and more competitive and creative.'

Elizabeth let out an expression of delight. 'I do wish I could have witnessed that.'

Darcy felt proud that he had made her eyes light up so beautifully and was delighted when she made a confession of her own.

'I am afraid my own stories, Mr Darcy, would not reflect well upon our modes of entertainment either. Imagine if you will, not one sister but five, all abuzz with the excitement of a ball but without even the avenue of expending that delight with a walk into Meryton to buy new ribbons or shoe roses. The only release was in heightened voices, ridiculously romanticised expectations, and the occasional pillaging of a sibling's wardrobe.'

Darcy laughed. He could not help it.

'My father calls it purgatory,' Elizabeth continued as they joined hands facing the front of the room and paraded forward in unison with others, 'and claims he will cut our pin money to afford the payment of alms to the poor in the hope that it will appease the good Lord and shorten the punishment of his sins.'

Their hands released as they spun around but their eyes held the connection until physical touch was allowed again. 'And does your father's threat bring about greater peace in your home?' asked Darcy.

'On the contrary,' she replied, smiling winningly at him. 'When my father finds himself swamped with feminine folly, he draws entertainment by using his words like marionette strings; a pull here, another tug there to incite a desired animation.' She paused as the dance required they each acknowledge and face their neighbour. When they rejoined she continued. 'Perhaps my father's idiosyncrasies are not so different to your own description where confinement can breed competitiveness and creativity. Sadly his opponents are only versed in foolishness, so manipulating folly is the only outlet for one who does not have a billiard partner to sustain him.'

'Perhaps Bingley and I should invite him over for a reprieve.'

'Mr Darcy, must I remind you that I am allowed to mock my family but that you may well be risking your toes right now.'

'My sincerest apologies, Miss Elizabeth. A poor choice of words. Let me try again. Perhaps Bingley and I should invite him to experience some of our foolishness as he is clearly a connoisseur and may well illuminate ways in which we can expand our own repertoire.'

Elizabeth laughed, delighted. 'That was superbly renovated to melt my heart, Mr Darcy. If you ever want to win my father's with as much ease, I would suggest a visit to your famed library. He would be in a heaven designed for his soul if he could spend his days amongst such a collection and then be able to debate conflicting opinions with you of an evening. I think the two of you might get along rather well once you understand one another. He would not be too fastidious about what view he defends, so there would be no want of substance.'

'He sounds rather intimidating.'

'Not at all. He is a kitten at heart who cannot resist a tug of war.'

The dance separated them for a time, the temporary distance only highlighting their mutual pleasure in one another's company as they converged again.

'Miss Elizabeth,' began Darcy, 'may I ask an indulgence from you? I had hoped to bring Georgiana here for a short period so that she might make your acquaintance. Alas, that plan has become inadvisable with certain company in town and I will not consider such a move until the militia or at least the person in question has left the region. But in the interim I was wondering if you would consider entering into a correspondence with my sister. I know it is not my place to force an intimacy between you, but if your charm has managed to resurrect a measure of hopefulness in her sceptical older brother, it would feel like a misdemeanour to deny her gentle heart the same advantages.'

'You give me far too much credit Mr Darcy and far too little to yourself but I would be pleased to begin an acquaintance with her by any means available to us.'

'Do you ever visit London during the season?' Darcy asked.

'Occasionally but not very often. We have an aunt and uncle who live there but they do not reside in the fashionable parts of town. They are, however, favourites with us all and if you ever gave them the time and consideration that you have afforded me, I believe you would very much enjoy their company.'

'I would be pleased to meet them. Perhaps when you are next in town, Georgiana and I might be able to call upon you. I could leave my directions with your father and he can write to me of any forthcoming visits.'

'That is very kind of you, sir. My father is not what you would call a diligent correspondent. Perhaps I could provide you with my uncle's address. As a man of business, he would be a more reliable source of correspondence and as we would be staying at their invitation, he would possess all necessary information.' The dance came to a close, the cessation of music being quickly filled with an increase in chatter as people began to make their way to the supper tables.

As they followed the current of bodies, a voice cut through their reverie.

'Oh yes, we expect it will be formalised very soon. It will be such a comfort to have Jane settled so close to us. Only three miles. And such a charming young man. A fine match for my beautiful girl.'

'Excuse me Mr Darcy,' said Elizabeth in a tight voice. 'Might you give me a moment?'

Darcy nodded and stood to the side as she moved directly toward her mother, laying a gentle hand on her arm to gain her attention. The conversation was momentarily halted.

Leaning close Elizabeth said something quietly so that no one would hear.

'I have said nothing that is not common knowledge. Even if they are not saying it, they are all thinking it.'

A quiet whisper.

'Nonsense, Jane does not care. She is blissfully happy - look at her. Would she deny her mother the right to be happy? Finally all my hard work will bear fruit.'

Another quiet admonishment.

'If you want silent indifference to an excellent match you can stand by your father,' snapped Mrs Bennet.

Recognising her efforts were exacerbating an already embarrassing situation Elizabeth stepped away, returning more hesitantly to Darcy's side.

'Might we sit over there?' she asked pointing to an area at some distance from her mother.

Darcy obliged her. He tried to engage Elizabeth in conversation but her eyes were restless, almost evasive, until she caught sight of Charlotte Lucas. Elizabeth gave a hasty apology before standing quickly to her feet so that she could be better seen. A smile returned to her face when Charlotte began to make her way to the seat opposite. With her friend in attendance Elizabeth's mood improved by degrees as the meal progressed, Darcy being drawn into the discussions and entertained by shared stories of their youth.

At the close of the meal, a voice from the crowded room asked for a song. Mary Bennet was invited to indulge them and with barely contained eagerness, accommodated the request. Indications of Elizabeth's unsettled emotions returned as the performance progressed. She looked beseechingly at Mary, then Charlotte, her sister Jane, her parents, and lastly her younger sisters. Darcy understood the reason for her discomfit. Miss Mary did not have a strong voice, and had chosen a song perhaps above her abilities, unless it was nerves making some of the notes a little flat. As the last stanza drew to a close, Elizabeth was directing imploring eyes at her father. Her face practically drained of colour at his solution.

'That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit.'

Mortified for everyone's sake, Elizabeth closed her eyes in shame. It was the sort of thing her father would say at home – the common game of sporting with the vanity of his daughters – but to do it in public! And to imply mockery of any other lady who might have chosen to perform. Elizabeth wished she was anywhere but at Netherfield. She lifted her head only when she heard Mr Collins begin a monologue about the pleasures of music which somehow migrated to the unasked for commentary on the responsibilities of a rector. It was so entirely inappropriate. Her gaze met Charlotte's who looked at her calmly and modelled a deliberate intake of breath, slowly exhaled, and inhaled again with obvious intent. Elizabeth followed suit, taking a slow steady lungful of air. It was only when she felt safe from the exposure of tears that she risked a glance at Mr Darcy.

Looking thoughtful and grave, his focus by all appearances was on Jane and Mr Bingley. Some familiar giggling informed Elizabeth exactly where Lydia and Kitty were sitting, but she could not bear to look. She needed no more evidence for her mortification to be complete. Well might Mr Darcy be grave. He had not long ago requested permission for his sister to be acquainted with a family who had just created a public spectacle. Elizabeth clutched her hands tightly in her lap and felt loss drain all the last hour's happiness from her body.