A/N- Lots of thanks to all my lovely reviewers. You guys are wonderful! QOP, I know this is not the story you were expecting, but I'm working on it. I might start in a month or so, when I have a few chapters written out.
Mr Bingley and his mysterious friend claimed the eldest two Miss Bennets' hands for the supper set. Mrs Bennet watched them go with undisguised delight, sure that wedding bells would be heard very soon. She watched them carefully, to see if they got along.
Jane and Mr Bingley certainly got along very well. They could be seen conversing pleasantly as they danced, making a most beautiful sight. What they were speaking of was certainly interesting, and we shall now view their conversation more closely than any at the ball were fortunate enough to.
'Mr Bingley, I hope you don't think any the worse of us sisters for trudging along woods all alone.'
'You were not alone, Miss Bennet, with four of your sisters walking aside you. And since Darcy is exceptionally fond of long walks, I have gotten rather used to trudging along muddy roads myself. Since it is acceptable for a man of his station, I must assume it to be acceptable for you and me as well.'
'Nevertheless, many turn up their noses at such a practise.'
'I must confess then, that I care not for their noses. I am afraid I spend far too much time with Darcy and his impudent ways have rubbed of me. But tell me, do you and your sisters normally enjoy nature walks?'
'We all do, but none is as fond of them as Lizzy. She is a terror to behold on wet days when she cannot walk.'
'Much like Darcy, then. He too is a bit of a bear when he has nothing to do on a Sunday.'
'Do you not find it amusing that we have found out more similarities between Lizzy and Mr Darcy than we have between each other?'
Mr Bingley chuckled.
'Perhaps they are finding out similarities between us?'
'Knowing Lizzy that is highly likely.'
'Why so?'
'She is incredibly fond of talking about all of us, and about anything that catches her eye, really.'
'Well, then we have found a dissimilarity too. Darcy would probably rather jump into a river of icy water than talk much to a lady he hasn't been acquainted with for a couple of months at least. Especially about his family.'
Noticing his partner's slightly surprised expression, Bingley continued.
'My friend is what you would call very reserved. He does not talk very easily unless with his more intimate acquaintances. I would gladly tell you more, if only if it were my story to tell.'
'I do not blame you at all, sir, but if you only look over at him and my sister you may feel very that you do not know your friend at all!'
Mr Bingley did look over, and was appropriately shocked. Darcy was laughing. LAUGHING at something his charming partner had said, before replying with a light in his eyes that had not been seen for some time.
'You may be sure, Miss Bennet, that I shall appropriately interrogate Darcy later, but perhaps this is time for us to find about each other? I would infinitely prefer that I hear about you from your own lips rather than any others.'
Jane blushed her assent, privately deciding that this was the most charming man she would ever meet.
Meanwhile, Jane was not the only one who had noted Mr Darcy's merry attitude. Caroline too noticed, and was annoyed. She wished she could hear the contents of their conversation, but this was not to be. She watched them with an expression so bitter that Elizabeth would be a pile of ashes on the fine carpet if only looks could kill. Unfortunately for her, Mrs Bennet noticed the sour look, and silly though she was in many ways, she could see that it was directed at her second daughter, and rapidly understood its meaning. It was then that she resolved that Lizzy and Mr Darcy would be married soon if it was the last thing she did. After all, Elizabeth was a pretty enough girl, and very well read. To say nothing of her playful manners or her light easy way with a piano. Surely she deserved this?
The gentleman in question was, at this time, was at the seventh heaven of delight. He was dancing with the woman who had fascinated him the previous day, and she was everything he could ever hope for. Charming, witty, graceful, well read, and lovely. Every word she uttered, every teasing remark of hers made him feel pure wonder that so incredible a creature could exist in the little town of Meryton, or anywhere for that matter.
To begin with, he was not sure how to start the conversation, being, as Bingley had said, very reserved, and also because he was ridiculously scared that she might not be as clever and sensible as she appeared to be, and that he had been entirely taken in by her appearances, a thing he had often laughed at Bingley for doing.
So, they had danced in silence till Elizabeth could take it no more.
'You dance very well, Mr Darcy,', said the young lady.
'I believe it should have been me who paid that compliment, but I shall thank you and say you are a charming dancer as well.'
'Of course, it usually is the gentlemen who make such a remark, but since you insisted on being silent, there was little I could do.'
'I apologize for having infuriated you by being silent. It is not everyday that I meet a young lady with such fine eyes, and I was rather dazzled.'
Elizabeth blushed. She had not expected so thoughtful a compliment from this man who had been declared rather disagreeable by most of the neighbourhood.
After that, the conversation had progressed smoothly, and it was with reluctance that Mr Darcy finally escorted Elizabeth back to the dining hall.
A/N- Do leave behind lots of reviews. I've started working on the next chapter, so all reviewers get a little preview from me!
