A/N- Thanks a lot to all who reviewed, favorited or followed this story. You all successfully managed to persuade me to continue this story! Though I must warn you in advance that the updates can be a bit slow, I think I could update only about twice a month, but if you can put up with that, I'd be glad to write my best.
The Bennet household was in turmoil, the way it always was before an Assembly or ball. With five young girls, all trying to look their best, it is scarcely surprising that the servants were kept constantly in motion, an eager mother hovered among them, anxious to help and that a father terrorised by all the confusion sought refuge in his library.
Though Mrs Bennet was always eager to catch a husband for one of her daughters, this assembly was different. This time, the very purpose of attending this assembly was to ensure that Mr Bingley fell in love with Jane or Lydia, for surely these were the most attractive of the Bennet girls, Jane for her beauty, and Lydia for her liveliness. Mrs Bennet had never truly even thought it possible that any worthy gentlemanight me caught by Elizabeth's wit or Mary's accomplishments.
This evening was entirely dedicated to making Jane look her best, and Mrs Bennet herself helped dress her up, ignoring her younger daughters. Elizabeth and Mary helped each other, and then helped Lydia and Kitty reach an acceptable conclusion about who would wear a certain pearl necklace. At last, when all were satisfied with their appearances, Mr Bennet heaved a sigh of relief and finally dared to leave the library and accompanied his wife and daughters to the assembly.
Upon their arrival, Lydia and Kitty found some friends, and eagerly joined in the discussion of the latest gossip. Mary drifted about aimlessly, while Jane and Lizzy both found Charlotte Lucas, and the three discussed earnestly the various gentlemen present on the room. Elizabeth enlightened her friend about the encounter she and her sisters had had in the woods with Mr Bingley and the enigmatic Mr Darcy.
'Goodness! Whatever must the gentleman think! Are you not on the least embarrassed, Jane? I would not expect Eliza to care but surely you must have been shocked and upset?'
'My dear Lottie, do not be such a spoil sport! What is so embarrassing about having a walk on the woods? Anyway, he was far too smitten with Jane to think of anything else. I do believe it was love at first sight!'
'Do be silent Lizzy! He is a very handsome and amiable man indeed, but we are barely acquainted. I might find that he is not the man I have always wanted, even if he is very nice. He may become a good friend, but pray do not start matchmaking just yet.', said her sister, trying to stop an involuntary blush.
'Dear Jane! I was merely teasing, and you cannot deny that he is fascinated by you, and you by him.'
The conversation did not proceed further, for Mrs Bennet arrived suddenly and insisted that her daughters come with her at once, and be introduced tor Bingley, while in hushed tones she told them of Mr Darcy's estate in Derbyshire and entreated Lizzy not to upset either of the eligible bachelors.
'Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy, may I present to you my eldest daughter Miss Jane Bennet and her younger sister Miss Elizabeth Bennet.', said the matchmaking mother.
'Delighted to make your acquaintance, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth.', said Mr Bingley, while me Darcy merely bowed.
Before either of the girls could respond, Mrs Bennet cut in.
'I do hope you are enjoying your stay in Hertfordshire, Mr Bingley.'
'Oh yes, I find the country more delightful and enchanting than I would have believed possible, madam.'
'Of course you must call on us someday, and I am sure Jane would love to show you around the countryside on horseback.'
'Do you ride then, Miss Bennet?'
'Sometimes, though my sister Kitty rides much better than me.'
'And I don't suppose you dance as well?'
'I do'
'Are you free for the supper set, then?'
'I am.'
'I suppose it would be too presumptuous of me to hope that it might be granted to me?'
'Not at all Mr Bingley, I would be delighted.'
'I an currently heading towards the next dance, and since a beauty such as yourself could hardly be without a partner, I would be request for the honour of escorting you.', said Mr Bingley, offering his arm to Jane. She accepted, and they moved away, leaving Mrs Bennet, Elizabeth and Darcy alone.
As propriety demanded, Darcy asked Elizabeth for a dance, and she accepted, eager to further the acquaintance with this man who was by common report very wealthy and disagreeable.
She hasn't forgotten how Mr Darcy had looked at her that day in the woods, when she had felt for an instant that there was just the two of them and no one else in the whole wide world. Getting to know this handsome man who seemed to evoke such strong responses from her would definitely be a good idea.
Mr Darcy had not danced with anyone but Caroline Bingley that day, for as a rule he hated to converse with fortune hunting mercenary women, and sad as it was, those were all he encountered. But Miss Elizabeth Bennet looked as though she might be different, for after all it was undeniable that he was attracted to her.
A/N-I hope you all liked this chapter. Do leave behind review, whatever you think. This was topped on my phone, so I apologise for any errors.
