A/N- Thanks to all the absolutely brilliant reviewers! I apologize for not having updated sooner but I was awfully busy and beginning to have a sort of writer's block. Anyway here's the next chapter, and I hope to update more often in future, but even if I take time I wouldn't dream of abandoning this story.
The Netherfield ball had been a fortnight away when Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy had extended the invitation to the Bennet family, and all time for preparation only served to make Mrs Bennet even more eager to undertake elaborate techniques to ensure that she had two married daughters very soon. The last minute turmoil was worse than usual, and Mrs Bennet rushed from Jane to Lizzy repeatedly, sometimes rushing to one of her other daughters to ensure that they looked presentable as well.
'Jane, love, your corset is not tight enough, here let me correct it.'
'Lizzy, that hairstyle wouldn't do! You must try the style your Aunt Philips told you of, it becomes you very well.'
'Becky! Go get the emerald green necklace that matches Jane's gown.'
'I wanted that one Mama!', wailed Kitty.
'Kitty dear, it wouldn't go well with your new bonnet, and Lydia darling you can't have that bonnet that was for Lizzy.'
'I don't mind Mama, Lydia can have it.'
'Nonsense Lizzy! You will put on that bonnet at once!'
'But Mama, my hair aren't done yet!'
'I'm doing it in a moment! Lydia however long will it take you to get your hair done? Get ready soon, will you? It won't do to be late for the ball!'
And so went the chaos till somehow the women were ready, and it was only then that Mr Bennet finally ventured out of the study, for he had learnt long ago that women were formidable creatures before a ball, and one should never disturb them if one valued his sanity.
In the end the party was finally ready, and had arrived at the ball with a few minuted to spare.
Jane's eyes searched for Mr Bingley, and upon finding him she smiled with the beauty of a woman in love. He saw at her looking at him, and whisked her away for the promised dance, only barely stopping to utter the appropriate pleasantries.
Jane enjoyed dancing very much, and appreciated conversation, but today Mr Bingley was rather fidgety and appeared nervous.
'Is something wrong, Mr Bingley?', she enquired gently.
'Wrong? No, nothing is wrong. Everything is right, absolutely right.', said he panicking.
'Are you certain, sir? I don't mean to pry...'
Mr Bingley interrupted her.
'Has a gentleman ever offered for you, Miss Bennet?'
'I'm afraid not, Mr Bingley. A few looked like they wished to, but I have never encouraged the attentions of a man I do not admire.'
'And what if a man were to ask you for a courtship? How would you want it done?'
Jane blushed.
'It wouldn't matter. As long as he cared for me and I returned the affections, I would accept no matter how it was done.'
'And if I were to request you permission to request your father to allow me to court you, would agree?', asked he, his voice low.
'It is too soon in our acquaintance to think of it, and yet I would consent gladly.', said Jane, blushing furiously.
'Thank you, Miss Bennet. I wish to make you my wife when both of us are ready for it, but till then I am content with a courtship.', said he, as the dance came to a close.
Jane beamed radiantly as he requested her for another dance, and another, stopping just once to dance with Miss Lucas, and another to dance with Miss Kitty.
Elizabeth had been enjoying herself heartily, dancing with various gentleman, till Mr Darcy approached her and demanded the dance he had been promised. He escorted his lovely partner, and the dancing had commenced when he started the conversation with startling news.
'I have reason to believe that Miss Bennet has been asked for permission to be courted, and if I am not much mistaken the permission had been granted.'
Lizzie gasped.
'Truly, Mr Darcy? But Mr Bingley had only just met her!'
'When did I say it was Charles who wished to court her?', asked he mischievously.
She pouted.
'You tease me, Mr Darcy! Very well then, tell me which other gentleman are you so intimately acquainted with in this ballroom?'
'Well reasoned, Miss Elizabeth, but perhaps I overheard a conversation?'
'Maybe, but that would be tough considering that you have only just started dancing, and were preciously conversing with Miss Lucas.'
'A very sensible lady she is too, and she may very well be the source of my information.'
'I am glad that you approve of Charlotte, but I'm afraid she wouldn't divulge such information to a mere acquaintance.'
'And what if I'm courting her now?', asked Darcy, rather enjoying the debate and behaving far more openly than he had since his father's death.
'I doubt it, sir, for it is quite unlike you to be so hasty.'
'Do you believe that you know the intricacies of my character so well now?'
'Perhaps not the intricacies, but I understand your general deposition well enough.'
'And pray, tell me, what is the conclusion of your analysis', asked he, curious to know what she thought of him.
'When did I say that the analysis was concluded?', asked she, imitating him.
Mr Darcy laughed heartily, and said,
'You force me to acknowledge your superior wit, madam, and therefore I shall gladly tell you that Charles is always rather easily in love.'
'Are you implying that my sister might be just a diversion for him, Mr Darcy?'
'I do not think so, for Miss Bennet has more than just a pretty face, and Charles loves talking to her more than gazing at her.'
'I hope he doesn't hurt her.'
'Rest assured, Miss Elizabeth. He loves her too much to hurt her in any way.'
'I certainly hope so.'
They then had a very pleasant time talking of various things, and Mrs Bennet watched delightedly, quite blissfully unaware of the cause of Jane's exceptionally wide smile, for she had decided to keep what happened between her and Mr Bingley a secret till the next day when he would ask her father for official permission to court her. Little did she know the meaning of knowing glances that Lizzie kept sending her way.
A/N- Hope this chapter was worth the wait. Keep reviewing! It cheers me up enormously and gives me inspiration to write better.
