Hi Everyone, quick note –

Apologies for such a gap in posting there has been a few things going on in my life. I have no complaints everyone I love is healthy and I'm ok. Long story short, I now have a lot of free time to write. Why is it harder to write with all the time in the world, and yet when you've got a full-time job there is never any time? Finding it tricky at the moment to keep myself motivated.

Struggled with getting this chapter written, so I've finished it tonight and I've decided just to post it, (a 1am decision) I'll give it a bit of a gloss later but I feel like if I don't post it now you'll be waiting another month for it. Need to keep pushing forward otherwise you lot will never get to enjoy this story playing about in my mind. Feel free to yell at me (kindly) if there has been a bit of a gap, guilt does help.

Anyway, enjoy our first Elizabeth and Darcy interaction!

Chapter 4

A Dance of More Than Words

It was simply a dance Elizabeth consoled herself, as Mr Darcy firmly guided them across the ballroom into the starting position. This coerced agreement felt oddly reminiscent of their first dance together. Faced, once again, with the rather imposing and unwelcome figure that was Mr Darcy.

Where her dance with Mr Henton was all that was pleasing anticipation, taking this position filled her with a different sort of anticipation all together. She could feel his gaze on her as they spent the opening minutes completing the steps in silence. Still strongly the reluctant partner, she refused to look at him directly, choosing a convenient absence over his shoulder.

"Come Miss Elizabeth, I believe we must have some conversation." Mr Darcy it seemed was likewise remembering their first dance. Now that he had demanded her conversation, she strongly contemplated ignoring him for the full 30 minutes, though it might make finding out his business with her father a touch more difficult, in that moment she couldn't bring herself to care.

"Miss Elizabeth." He was chastising her. For her silence? Her stubborn reluctance to look at him? For calling him ungentlemanly all those months ago when she was currently considering being possible equally rude? Granted the latter was a little crude to chastise her in a ballroom. And yet, at that very moment their last encounter was all Elizabeth could think about and she wondered if the same scenes were cutting through his mind. Her own emotions although tempered by time resurfaced so eagerly in his very presence. If anything, seeing Jane enjoying her dance with Mr Henton simply reminded her how solemn her sister had been since Netherfield had been occupied, and how different things could have been for her. In fact this was the first dance she'd seen her elder sister enjoy and not just simply… partake. She reconsidered her own partner, though more his lapels than his face, if only she herself could likewise be so happily engaged in the dance as her sister.

His tightening hand on hers pulled her closer and now she couldn't avoid him as the dance and his guiding hands brought them together, a touch closer than the dance needed and instantly she had to resist the urge to take a step back. With little option, she finally met his eyes and his own gaze, like his hold, brooked no escape.

"Eliza-"

"-You have come to the agreement then, to converse while dancing?" she challenged him, if he wanted conversation so much she would have to oblige.

Now it was Mr Darcy's turn to hesitate, at this rather abrupt change in tune. "It was once pointed out to me that sometimes it is best," replied Mr Darcy with a small nod to her, although he seemed eager to get the conversation more on comfortable ground, he lowered his voice and continued, "especially if you prefer to have some discretion in a ballroom."

"Discretion?" Elizabeth startled, her cheeks helplessly flushing, he couldn't really mean to discuss –, if he did she certainly wouldn't be partaking "Mr Darcy really, I cannot think of two people with less to say to each other that hasn't already been said," Elizabeth spoke firmly, her blush cemented as, if possible, their exchanged words all those months ago started to dance in her mind, "let alone a conversation that requires further conversing in a public dance hall," she further chastised him. Mr Darcy gave a grim smile as she backed away in the dance, the necessary steps giving her the retreat she so desperately needed from this conversation. A bit too quickly for the dance, Mr Darcy's grip pulled her back to him, lightening only as they exchanged places in the dance.

"Oh have no fear Miss Bennet," His voice lowered, "that particular conversation shall not be repeated."

Well her embarrassment was complete. While it wasn't polite company to just abandon a dance partner in the middle of a set, and something Elizabeth could never have previously imagined partaking in, she rather seriously considered doing just that. Society and gossip be damned. Especially as it seemed Mr Darcy held none of her embarrassment himself at the mention of their past exchange.

If, indeed, she was not so much mistaken he seemed to be enjoying her rather panicked and scandalised reaction. His stern eyes so focused on her reactions, his normally frowned lips just tinged with uplift. But his secrets were there one second and gone the next.

He must have sensed her desire to flee, as when he caught her once more in the dance, the grip was back, his hand on her back firm and entrapping.

"Then Sir," She scarcely controlled her voice, "I misunderstand your meaning." His responding smile then, equally quick and fleeting, actually made her miss a step.

"We are old friends are we not, is there nothing of which you'd like to converse with me about?"

"Sir-" She objected, eyes wide, too taken aback by the obvious lie.

"-come now Miss Elizabeth, what shall we speak of? I do hope we shall not have to resort to speaking of books, you having such a dislike for the topic so." His tone remained stern, but his eyes, his words, Elizabeth couldn't shake the feeling he was baiting her, even teasing her into conversation. Well in that case, there was only one thing she really wanted to know right now, and really it certainly wasn't a question she should ask.

"If you wish for conversation, I could enquire to what business you have with my father?" retorted Elizabeth boldly, holding herself strong as the dance brought them to the middle. Mr Darcy actually smiled again, pleased at her social impermissible prying, as he turned her away from him and spoke from behind her.

"Ah to discuss my private business with your father would indeed require more discretion than this public ballroom allows. No Miss Elizabeth, unfortunately I feel that your father, and him alone, should be the one to decide whether to speak of our private exchange." To Elizabeth's ear he almost sounded regretful, although when the dance brought them back to face to one another his face was empty of such an emotion, or any identifiable expression to her eyes, it simple appeared intense. "At a future date," He continued, "should you and your father have such a discussion, I would be open, to you in particular, to conversing further on the subject."

Completely lost now and fully aware that to push further on two gentlemen's private exchanges would be a shade too uncouth, even for a daughter of Mrs Bennet. With the only topic of interest to her now firmly out of reach she felt no need to answer him, or such start a new topic of conversation as would be expected of her.

"But come now, Miss Elisabeth" He spared her from responding, "we must not ignore the pleasantries," he said, stepping to the side as he joined his hand to hers once more, more gently than before, " and besides, like you object to speaking of your books, I cannot speak of business in a ballroom."

Pleasantries. This man, who had dismissed everyone here as beneath him, who had clearly displayed his own capacity of rudeness, had entwined himself into gaining a dance from her against her will, was calling her out on her lack of pleasantries? He was infuriating.

"Sir, -"

"You haven't, for example, asked after my family." interrupted Mr Darcy, a stretch to say jovially wounded, but a fair distance from his familiar stern tone. Not appreciating the change in tone, Elizabeth gave him her own stern look. "I however, have the good fortune to be able to see most of your family seem in fine health this evening, rather makes my side of the pleasantries redundant don't you think?"

Now she remained stubbornly silent.

"Miss Elizabeth…" He whispered bringing her to the centre "what would your mother say?" Now, at that suggestion, she felt the ground begin to firm under her feet and her confidence rise again. Now it was her turn to smile, taking Mr Darcy back so completely that it was now his step that faltered.

"Mr Darcy, it heartens me so greatly to see that you find my mother's society conduct so efficient that you wish me to emulate it, shall I endeavour to do so for the remainder of our dance?" She looked at him, an eyebrow raised in challenge.

His own answering wince was not exactly subtle.

"No," He answered quickly, "Miss Elizabeth that is, not quite, what I meant," He gave her a pointed look. "No, I simple ask that I be somewhat graced with the unobjectable social graces that I have seen you bestow on many a fellow man on the occasions that I've had the pleasure of experiencing your company in society." Elizabeth looked away, willing the tinge of truth to flee before she faced him. "Our acquaintance has had a greater effect on you than I had expected. I had hoped that time might have soothed our altercation to a point where we could at least be… pleasant to one another?" To Elizabeth's distress, Mr Darcy almost sounded reasonable. This apparent olive branch, even so chastisedly given, was something even she couldn't rightly ignore, mother's daughter or not.

She kept her voice solid and not cowed but even she could bent when needed "Your attendance and your rather direct… re-acquaintance surprised me somewhat." That Elizabeth was willing to concede. "Your family Mr Darcy, are they well?"

"Yes they are rather well. Of note those of your acquaintance especially, the Colonel Fitzwilliam and my Cousin Anne have decided to marry. It is an agreement that suits both of them well I believe. My sister and I hope that they shall find happiness with each other."

"Yes forgive me Charlotte, that is Mrs Collins, had written to me of such a match, I believe they are to marry next spring?"

"Ah Mrs Collins, I had forgotten that you may be better informed. Yes, in the spring, should my cousin's health allow of course. It is hoped by then that my Aunt shall have come around to the match."

"Ah from memory I believe she had…" Elizabeth trailed off, looking at Mr Darcy briefly, unable to really finish her trailing tongue politely.

"Another suiter intended" Mr Darcy finished for her, giving her a pointed look, taking on a suffering tone. "Unfortunately and expectantly, my Aunt has been taken quite ill with the news. However it was soon made quite clear to her that other options would not take place and that she must accept the decisions of the couple."

"Well I certainly wish them all the happiness." Elizabeth responded politely. A familiar soft laugh cut through the conversations in the hall. Jane. Instantly the sound soother her. She looked over to her elder sibling, it was a fresh joy to see Jane so happy, but it brought other questions to mind. Mr Darcy also followed her gaze.

"And Mr Bingley," She queried quietly, fearing her question would physically take hold of Jane's joy and brutally snuff it out, "his sisters, have you news in regards to them?"

Mr Darcy gave a slight nod. "To the sisters, the Hurst family I have seen little of, but seem well to do on the few occasions I have shared with them. Miss Bingley still retains her name, despite her many efforts, but is hoping for a successful season next year. On Mr Bingley I have more news." At this he paused, but continued in his matter of fact tone. "He is recently married, to a Miss Howard. She comes from a well-respected family." He paused to look at his audience to gage her reaction, "The couple, in truth, seem well suited to each other."

"I'm glad." Elizabeth stated boldly, trying to firmly ignore the twinge of sadness and already wondering when the best time would be to tell Jane. Not tonight, she would not spoil her sister's night.

Irritation flashed across Mr Darcy's face.

"You can't possibly be glad Eli- Miss Elizabeth, Mr Bingley would have been a great match for your sister; I can't possibly see why you would be happy at all." Of course, Elizabeth thought, in his eyes Jane Bennet for all her beauty and kindness was as poor as a dormouse, why should her sister's happiness be a contending factor when wealth was on the table. Infuriating man.

"Shouldn't everyone be glad a young couple who, if what you say is true, are well suited and have found each other." Elizabeth spoke lightly, as if the news had glided past her.

"Come now Miss Elisabeth I was speaking of your sister-"

"-my sister deserves a man who loves her, someone who values her, and while I strongly detested your interference in the matter at the time, Mr Darcy, as I made clear…Mr Bingley made his choice. Jane is…Jane. There will be other suiters. Someone who will see my sister's worth."

"Possibly." He looked towards Mr Henton and Elizabeth couldn't help but feel a twinge of something in her stomach as they both looked over to the couple enjoying the dance. She shook it off, she was glad Jane was enjoying herself, even if she herself was currently suffering. "Maybe you are not too upset because your sister doesn't seem too affected by her loss." Mr Darcy commented bluntly, returning his gaze accusingly, "and indeed Mr Henton seems to be well received by both the Bennet sisters."

As much as her words demurred she felt her cheeks flush at the insinuation. "Mr Henton has become a good friend since his move to the area." responded Elizabeth, "He has a kind heart that he has shown to all the members of my family."

"I can see that." Mr Darcy said, "I truly wish your sister all the best to his attentions." He turned her into his arm and back out again, catching her lightly at her waist, keeping his gaze on her own. Elizabeth wanted to correct him, to tell him it was her that she believed it was herself that had built up the connection with Mr Henton, not Jane. But she did not know her own heart, let alone Mr Hentons. Or Jane, who danced so happily with him. Mr Darcy was still searching her face, almost expecting her correction, but as there was nothing she could say she reminded silent. And yet whatever he read on her face, didn't seem to please him too much.

"I have not spotted your younger sisters here tonight?" asked Mr Darcy, moving the conversation away from the new neighbour. Miss Elizabeth hesitated a little before answering.

"You would not." Realising her short response was bordering on rudeness, she admitted, "They are not attending this evening."

"Oh? They are not unwell I hope?" The very words of polite society from Mr Darcy. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, it led to some need for expansion. If Mr Darcy was to remain in the area, he would indeed note her younger sister's absences.

"Recently, my father has decided to take a firmer hand with them and now restricts their society outings to only close friends and family," she responded.

"For the benefit of you and your elder sister, you perhaps?" And for the benefit of all in attendance, he tone seemed to suggest.

Elizabeth protested. "Simply for my sisters I believe. I'll grant, it was an unusual declaration from my father, and one that was not favourably met by those involved. However my younger sisters are of lively and youthful disposition, as you, and I'm sure anyone who has met them, will attest to." She paused allowing the obvious unspoken agreement that their behaviour hasn't always been to society standards. "But at the core they are kind hearted and in time I believe they will move well in society. It is those who suffer from sternness and a desire to form not friendships but advancements, that are to be pitted in my experience. Growth in character is so rare beyond the errors allowed in youth."

"Do you speak of anyone in particular Miss Elisabeth." Again his hand guiding her through the dance crossover pressed a little too firmly for her liking, deliberately she assumed as she looked into his dark eyes.

She blushed looking down at her feet, her intent to shame him and those of his acquaintance was thinly vailed granted, but she wasn't bold enough to state it outright, "If I did," She braced herself and met Mr Darcy's gaze as she released his hand "it would not be kind of me to say so."

Darcy just kept staring at her accusingly as he bowed, almost daring her to look away first. Part of Elizabeth wanted to lie, to say Miss Bingley was to whom she was solely inferring, just to soothe over the tension she had created. She held her tongue and her more importantly her nerve and kept his gaze as she curtsied.

The applause filled the room, as the dancers celebrated the musicians. Elizabeth shook herself from Mr Darcy's accusing gaze to bring a late applause from herself, looking towards the bowing musicians. Mr Darcy had likewise started the social practise, but when Elizabeth glanced back to him, he was still searching her out.

"Thank you for the dance Miss Bennet, I hope it wasn't too strenuous for you, having proving such a popular dance partner tonight." The words spoken by anyone else would have been a complement and yet from him, felt like an accusation.

"No of course not, it was …my pleasure." It was anything but, but Elisabeth was certain she'd made an effort to keep it out of her voice.

Not quite it seemed, as Mr Darcy grabbed her hand forcefully and tucked it on his arm.

"I will escort you back to your family and leave you to enjoy the rest of your evening." He paused. "I will be remaining in the area for some time, especially with my business with your family. I am looking forward to our next meeting Elisabeth." Elizabeth was so taken aback she didn't know what to say. It was of little matter anyway as almost as soon as he had spoken he moved them so suddenly across the room to her family that Elizabeth struggled to keep up.

Ignoring the greeting of the jovial couple that the returning Jane and Mr Henton made, Mr Darcy barely had her back in place before bowing shortly and taking his leave. Elizabeth watched him not just vacate her company, but that of the entire hall as he left the ballroom.

It was only after witnessing his exit and allowing the sounds of her family conversing to surround her that she started to process his words and felt her whole body tense.

She didn't know what had affected her more, the prospect of Mr Darcy having business with her family, or that he had addressed her by her Christian name.

It could mean nothing. But then why was every instinct telling her it meant everything.

Hope you enjoyed, feedback always welcome x