All characters belong to Jane Austen. Part of pride and prejudice will be quoted.

Chapter 9 Darcy POV

Darcy was still smiling at her words. Should he smile more?

NO! What is happening to you Darcy, Miss Bennet is a pretty thing but nothing more. She is beneath your circle. You cannot by any means fancy anything with her. Mount Oakham is to be avoided from now on.

He walked into the breakfast room where everyone was already seated. "Good Morning"— he said

"Good morning"- Bingley said and was cut off by his sister.

"Mr. Darcy have you been out for your morning ride. Isn't a fine morning sir"— Miss Bingley said with a sweet voice. Darcy had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. "Yes", was all he said.

Caroline pressed her lips together she had allowed her temper to raise yesterday and she needed to start making amends. –"What time should we leave to Lucas Lodge?

Bingley immediately lighted putting both hand down on the table his spoon hitting the edge of his plate. Darcy winced could he not enjoy a meal in silence.—"Thank you sister for reminding us. We shall leave at seven be ready on time"

"Charles. I'm afraid Mr. Hurst and I would not be able to attend today. Do send our thanks to the Lucas"

"Very well Louisa. Darcy once you finish, Mr. Hugh and I will be in the study"— he said given him a slap on the shoulder on his way out. Soon everyone was gone and he could eat in peace. He missed Georgiana.

They were on their way to Lucas Lodge; Darcy was again in the way to a massive headache, leaving had been difficulty, Caroline had decided for today to be the day to try a new hairstyle only after Charles threats of leaving without her she came downstairs.

Now Bingley and her were fighting. "Caro, once again I'm ordering you to please behave. Last assembly you snubbed everyone and I forgave it because they were strangers, now we have meet them and I ask for a favor"

Caroline narrowed her eyes—"If you must"

"Socialize dear. Talk, dance if there is dancing…Smile"

Miss Bingley looked horrified. Darcy almost laughed, "I will try"- she said in the same sweet voice she had been using since breakfast. "I do not mind dancing"— she said looking at him. He considered jumping out of the carriage.

"Thank you Caro. If you behave I might buy you anything of your preference for next season"—Darcy rolled his eyes. Bingley shouldn't bribe her into behaving. She should know her role and act accordingly to it. If she did not wish to be here she could've stayed home. After a few minutes they arrive to the Lucas, Caroline leaving the carriage first.

"You to Darcy. Socialize, please"— Darcy glared at Bingley but couldn't say more since he had thrown himself out the carriage. Clearly escaping his friend remark. After greeting his host, they were approach by their neighbors, men who they had meet on their rides. All wanting to speak with Bingley. Darcy said pleasantries and started walking around the room ignoring Bingleys glare.

"Penny for your thoughts Mr. Darcy"— He turned around to Miss Elizabeth's voice, forgetting himself he almost smiled. Instead his frown deepened

"Nothing of importance Miss Bennet"

"Ah, I see you are not the agreeable Mr. Darcy of this morning"

He made no comment." Do not worry sir. I know you can smile. I shall tell no one"—she said with a smile that took his breath away. Why was he being affected by her? He had meet more handsome women, more well connected yet he had not felt this… and what exactly is this, Darcy?

"Mr. Darcy are you well? I was only teasing I'm sorr…"

"No, Miss Bennet I take no offence. If someone should know I smile I'm glad it is you"— He was delighted when she blushed. NO! You cannot give her expectations. Thankfully before she could answer Bingley called for him— "Excuse me Miss"

Elizabeth POV

She saw him go to Mr. Bingley and her father. How vexing he was, since this morning she could not stop her thoughts of thinking of him. She knew it was dangerous territory. The hardly knew each and she was beneath his circle, he would never consider a country girl with no money and connections. Why did he even bother talking to her? She had only seen him speak with gently men and a few pleasantries to the women, yet this morning he conversed with her for almost an hour. Trying to forget the emotions Mr. Darcy brought on her she walked up to Charlotte.

"Hello Eliza"

"Charlotte how was your day?"

"Exhausting. Mama had everyone running around. She is determining to see Maria married to one of our neighbors. It matter not how many time I tell her he prefers another"— she said looking at Jane and Mr. Bingley talking in a corner with a vigilant Mr. Bennet close by. Where is Mr. Darcy?

"Yes, Mama is also determined to see him settle with one of her daughters. It shall be a very long winter."

"He is besotted with her."

"I do hope he starts calling soon"

"You should prepare Jane, Eliza"

"Whatever do you mean?"

"It is sometimes disadvantage to be so very guarded"

"Jane would never behave anything less than a lady"— Elizabeth said perplex.

"If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him"

"I'm sure Jane will help him. Look at her, it is clear she likes him"

"Remember, Eliza that he does not know Jane's disposition as you do" – Elizabeth frown at her words, would Mr. Bingley be so blind to not see her sisters affection.— "I Could never ask Jane to behave improperly"

"Neither should I, but she will have to overcome her sweet temperament for some directedness since I believe his sister will not wish him joy"

They both looked at Caroline scowling near her brother, she hid it well but Charlotte and Lizzy were far too observant not to notice Caroline disdain. –

"Your plan is a good one, let's hope he calls soon and they get to know each other. Few of us will have that pleasure."— She said frowning, she had been distracted in Jane she did not notice another watching her.

Darcy POV

Why was she frowning? Smile Elizabeth.

He followed her gaze and saw Bingley in deep conversation with Miss Bennet. He would have to speak with Bingley about her. He had to move carefully not to raise her expectations. In a town like this soon everyone would notice his attraction for her. Rumors would start. I will warn him once we get back.

Warn him? Why did he care for her or his friends expectations? You are only here to help him with his estate. What happens in his heart or in his bed is of no concern to you.

He looked back at Elizabeth, she was beautiful and that color looked exquisite on her. Listen to yourself speaking of the color of a dress. He really wanted to get to know her. Maybe they could be friends? We could try being friends… he found himself walking to her.— "Oh Mr. Darcy I was just telling Colonel Forster how splendid it would be to have a ball"— Charlotte said.

Darcy looked at the colonel— "How rude of us. Mr. Darcy this is Colonel Forster, his regiment is to settle here soon for the winter. Colonel this is Mr. Darcy a friend of Mr. Bingley"— Elizabeth said

Both Men bow.

"I do agree Miss Lucas a ball would be splendid though I do not know when it could be possible"

"It would definitely be an energizing affair and if Bingley hears about it I'm sure he would make it happen soon enough" – he only hope it happen after he was gone.

"We should not take advantage of him but a ball at Netherfield shall be a beautiful event"— Elizabeth said.

The colonel was called somewhere else and left the three of them to speak.

"Iam going to open the instrument, Eliza and you know what follows"— Miss Lucas said leaving.

"You play Miss Elizabeth?"

"Poorly sir. I would rather not sit down before those who must be in habit of hearing the very best performers."

"Iam sure your performance will be tolerable enough"- he said mocking, she glared and then laugh making him show a very small smile. Neither of them realizing Bingley and Mr. Bennet were watching them.

"Mr. Darcy knows how to tease. Sir you have surprised me, but tell me does your sister play?"

"Yes, very well she practices all day"

"Oh my, her governess and master must be strict"

"Not at all, she enjoys it very much. The same way you enjoy walking she enjoys playing"

Before she could answer Miss Lucas started performing and they separated.

Soon after Elizabeth started playing, her performance was pleasing, though by no means capital, perhaps with the help of his sister masters she could become quite talented. Her sister's performance though very well played lacked emotion and to Darcy's horror and Bingleys delight they asked for dancing. Soon furniture was being move around, the two young Bennets along the young Miss Lucas and Bingley with Miss Bennet started dancing. A few officers started joining the group and the already loud affair become deafening. He quickly moved far away and was able to hear Mrs. Bennet.

"Mr. Bennet soon we will have a daughter at Netherfield. Look at him, soon to be in love"

"He does not know her"

"What husband knows his wife? They will have a life time for that"

Darcy immediately moved to the other side of the room, crossing path with Sir Williams. – "Mr. Darcy there is nothing like dancing. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished society"

"Certainly sir"

"Do you often dance at St, James?"

"Only when force"— he said remembering all those time his Aunt Helen would drag him to St James or worse Almacks Wednesday balls. Horrible exchange of pleasantries and gossip, how many times a mama of the Ton had tried to force him into the way of a daughter or niece. Eventually he had put his foot down and only attended enough time to not lose his voucher.

"Well I shall force you"— Darcy glared at him but Sir William ignored him and Elizabeth at the instant was moving past them –"My dear Eliza, why are you not dancing?"

"The dance has already began sir and there are few gentleman"

"We have one right here"— Sir Williams said looking at him, Elizabeth waiting the invitation smiled at him— "Miss Elizabeth, if I could have the second dance?" he said – "Of course Mr. Darcy"

Sir William excused himself very happy for being of service not realizing that later that night his wife would quarrel with him for not pairing the handsome rich man to one of his own daughters instead.

Soon the second dance started and they took their place. Darcy was able to see Bingley far up the line with Miss Lucas and tried to ignore the arched eyebrow he was giving him. Missing Miss Lucas same expression towards Elizabeth and Miss Bingleys icy glare at both of them. Once the dance started Darcy got lost in Elizabeth eyes and found himself smiling at her. Whispers started around the room, both of them oblivious to them.

The danced ended and both went different ways. He was watching Bingley and Miss Bennet dance once more when Miss Bingley accosted him. "I can guess the subject of your reverie"

"I should imagine not"— He said curtly, Caroline would never be in his goods books after last night's display. How he would tolerate the next couple of months he did not know.

"You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evening in this manner, in such society I was never more annoyed! The self-importance of all those people"

Darcy shrugged— "No more different then Fall gatherings in Lambton or Kympton and you should lower your voice, remember you are here in representation of your brother"— Darcy said in a tone he had used with Georgiana a few times. Miss Bingley tried to ignore his tone and continued— "I thought we shared the sentiment since you looked so deep in thought"

"I assure you, my mind was more agreeably engaged, I have been meditating on the very great pleasure of fine eyes"— Darcy said looking straight at her, making her blush. She smiled "Whose eyes"

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet"

And Darcy quickly moved to speak with Sir William.

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