It had started out well enough.

Little did I know... it was but only the calm before the storm.

It had started out well enough.

I managed to sweep away every bit of longing I held within me. I was prepared to face Bingley's ball, without paying her any special attention. Any attention that would encourage her, raise expectations.

I would not ask to dance. I would not engage with her, in any way.

I failed.

-- Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire