Author's note: Due to some comments/suggestions/questions I changed the order in some chapters from chapter 21 and I added two chapters about Lizzy and Johnny. Those who are used to reading my stories know that according to comments and requests I add additional chapters or lines in some chapters :)

The Assembly - Part 2

The evening was not nearly what Miss Bingley had dreamed of. She had dressed more carefully than usual in a new very expensive blue gown –she knew was Darcy's favorite color – with a low neckline. Her maid had arranged her hair in a flattering hairstyle that was the latest fashion in the first circles of London. In addition, she had bathed in rosewater, which she also knew was Darcy's favorite fragrance. She also had matching jewels and a fan.

She knew she looked very beautiful that particular night, but to her frustration, Darcy barely looked at her or commented on her appearance.

Meryton's hall was relatively small for all the people there, and the musicians played very poorly. Sir William introduced them to several people from the leading families of the area, including some single gentlemen, but none of them were worthy of Caroline's attention.

Mr. Darcy asked her to dance only one set instead of two; during the set, they danced he paid very little attention to what she said and barely answered her with monosyllables, even Mr. Darcy made some mistakes in the dance steps.

After the set was over, she saw that Mr. Darcy went to speak cordially with a young lady who had not yet been introduced to her. Minutes later she learned from Mr. Darcy himself that she was Miss Thompson, whose brother owned Sandstone.

It is ironic that until that moment, she had never been interested in knowing who owned the estate where she lived for a few years… Perhaps because she preferred to imagine that it belonged to someone from the nobility...

Her brother later remarked to her in passing that Miss Thompson's brother was a little boy who, in addition to being the heir to Sandstone, was heir to Longborun. As they were orphans, the boy was being raised by his aunt and uncle in Longbourn. Furthermore, Miss Thompson was considered one of the prettiest girls in Meryton and had a very large dowry. Some said it was £10,000 and others that it was probably more.

Throughout the evening, Caroline watched in horror as Darcy unconsciously followed Miss Thompson's movements with his eyes, and also approached her twice between sets to chat for a few minutes.

She took her time to carefully study her presumed rival. She saw that she was indeed a pretty young woman, she had a very expensive dress - as expensive as hers - and was also very popular among the gentlemen. She was going to have to think hard about how she could discredit her in Darcy's eyes... or maybe it would be a good solution to encourage her brother to take an interest in her, Miss Thompson met the requirements to be the future Mrs. Bingley...

PPP

After he had done his duty and danced with Mrs. Hurst, Darcy saw that Elizabeth was far away in the room talking with the children of Sir William and Miss Mary. He was tempted to join the group, but Charles came excitedly to tell him that he had learned that Miss Bennet was the cousin of Sandstone's owner.

Only when the next set was over -which he didn't dance- he went with Charles to meet Elizabeth. Darcy introduced them, and Bingley greeted her with characteristic enthusiasm.

"Miss Thompson, it's a pleasure to meet you." He smiled, "You can't imagine how eager I was to meet you since I've heard so much about you at Sandstone."

Lizzy smiled, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Bingley. I hope you have heard good things." she looked at Darcy and added, "If you heard anything bad, you probably heard wrong or the people were talking about someone else…"

Darcy smiled, "I doubt very much that anyone who has the pleasure of knowing you would say anything bad about you."

"Without a doubt, the comments from all the neighbors of Sandstone were very good." Bingley laughed, "Including Darcy's comments."

"I'm glad to hear that. What do you think of Sandstone? Did you enjoy your stay?"

"It is a beautiful estate, but unfortunately it is not for sale. Perhaps the owners can change their minds in the future?"

Lizzy made a face as if thinking, "Ummm... I don't think so." she quickly added, "I see here comes Mr. Jones, he is my next dance partner..."

"Ms. Thompson, could you reserve a set for me?" Bingley asked quickly.

"I'm sorry Mr. Bingley, but I don't have any sets left."

Disappointed added, "It's a shame, but I'm sure there will be another occasion for us to dance..."

Lizzy smiled at the two gentlemen and took Mr. Jones's arm.

The two gentlemen watched her go with smiles on their faces. Bingley was delighted to meet another very pretty and charming young lady, but he liked Miss Bennet better with her blonde hair and angelic looks, on the other hand, Darcy thought Miss Bennet was pretty, bland, and totally forgettable. Without a doubt, Miss Thompson was one of the handsomest women of his acquittance.