Hours passed. The crowded, animated ball melted into comfortable, lazy conversation as guests gradually said their farewells and journeyed home. The Bennets remained at Lucas Lodge, for Mrs. Bennet was not one to risk missing any fresh gossip. Jane's presence seemed to have glued Mr. Bingley to the spot as well, and the two chatted softly and shyly – much to Mrs. Bennet's delight.

The middle Miss Bennet, Mary, soon took it upon herself to completely destroy the pleasant atmosphere. She sat before the pianoforte with an expression of solemn dignity and began to play. Despite persistent practice, Mary's lifeless voice collapsed tonelessly in her listeners' ears as her fingers plodded heavily across the keys. Much to the agony of all, she tortured not one song but three. Pained both by her sister's humiliation and the dreadful sound, Christine hurried to Mary's side before the beginning of a forth butchery.

"Thank you, Mary! Do let me have a turn, or I shall feel cheated," Christine gently nudged her sister aside, stifling any protest with music. Christine played only to repair Mary's damage and slip into the background, for she recognized the absence of genius in her pleasant voice and refused to indulge in dreams of true recognition. Her soft, simple song soothed the guests back into light conversation and sleepy peace, just as she hoped.

Yet one guest was not calm. Unnoticed in a dark corner of the room, Mr. Darcy stood rigidly, his right fingers digging into his palm as his left played a phantom piano upon his thigh. As Christine's voice ascended into a rich conclusion, he sank back against wall, breathing heavily. He did not applaud.

Mr. Bingley appeared at his side, "Come now, Erik! Even a musical snob like yourself can show some appreciation for the girl's efforts. I think she's quite good. Far better than her sister."

"You cannot compare her to that bleating fool," Mr. Darcy breathed gruffly. He straightened and met Mr. Bingley's gaze. "We have been among these people long enough. I am leaving, with or without you."

"Did you think that I disturbed your lurking in the shadows for my own amusement? My sisters wish to go nearly as much as you and sent me to fetch you. I don't understand any of you. I have never met a more pleasant sort of people in all my life."

"It is merely a question of standards," Mr. Darcy replied as the two approached the Mr. Lucas. He glanced toward the pianoforte only to find it unoccupied. Then what voice rang in his ears?

The party said their farewells and made their exit with little extravagance. Their departure ignited a fire of fresh gossip.

"Such a handsome man!"

"…lovely sisters…"

"…that Darcy fellow."

"He's odd enough without the mask."

Christine sat next to her father, shaking her head. "Mother will be here all night if you do not take swift action."

Mr. Bennet laughed and patted Christine's hand. "Oh, give her a few more moments of glory. Poor Jane. She won't have peace until she marries Bingley."

"None of us will. But he does seem to like her."

"He seems a good boy. His friend, however…"

"I admit I've never hated a man so quickly. How could Mr. Bingley befriend such a cold man?"

"Perhaps Bingley is too friendly for his own good. Ah, but you certainly are the kindest soul tonight. Thank you for rescuing Mary – or rather for rescuing her audience."

"I assure you my actions were completely selfish. I hoped only to save myself," Christine said with a grin.

"I'm glad you did, my dear. Now say goodbye to Meg and fetch your sisters. I long for home."