AN: Hello Readers! Sorry for the delay in posting RL got in the way. To make it up to you all, I'll be posting another chapter today! Enjoy!

Chapter 10

Netherfield Park

October 16th 1811

Darcy awoke the next morning and stared at the ceiling, wondering where he was. He sat up and the first thing his eyes laid upon was a field of lavender painted on the wall across from his bed. He paused and surveyed his surroundings. "I am not in Derbyshire," he thought to himself.

Then last night's assembly came flashing back in his mind. The miserable half. William Darcy had never been insulted by a woman in his life. When he heard woman say that he owned the miserable half of Derbyshire, he was furious; how dare some plain woman from nowhere, who was beneath him in very aspect, insult his ancestral home, his legacy, his pride?He decided that after she had the audacity to insult him he would cut her, but then she turned around and he saw those beautiful green eyes with dark curls framing her face, and then she was gone just like that. He spotted her across the room, with that Bennet fellow. She was a Bennet? Why did he not see her earlier? Then he remembered that she was across the room talking to her friend, with her back turned when he met her father and sisters. What was her name? Elizabeth! She started walking back towards me and Bingley looking like the Athena with piercing green eyes. She apologized to me and I wanted to talk, but the words were stuck in my mouth. I wanted to apologize for calling her tolerable, when I am certain she is the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on. He could feel Bingley staring into the side of his face. He apologized. Tolerable? Never. Ask her to dance! Bingley's nudge was all the encouragement he needed. He asked. She said no? Another first. No one had ever told him no. She turned to walk away. Not so fast, Athena. He asked again. This time removing his mask of indifference. She said yes!As he took her arm he noticed she smelled like lavender and vanilla. He noticed all eyes were on him and her. The mask went back on and he danced with her in silence. He didn't know what to say. She started talking. His foul mood? He couldn't tell her about Georgiana. Or could he? He asked her very vaguely about his sister's problem. She gave him some advice he hadn't thought of.Then they started to converse, she teased him about his opinion of the county. And he enjoyed it. When their dance was over he loathed to return her to her father. Directly after their dance his feelings for her were crushed when he met her mother; such behaviour, she could not have grown up with such a mother without learning certain horrid behaviour. No matter how beautiful she was, she could never be his.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

Longbourn/Lucas Lodge Property Line

October 16th, 1811

Jane, Lizzy and Mary went to call on Charlotte after the assembly to review the night. The ladies decided to walk the wooded paths in-between their houses.

"What did you think of our neighbours?" inquired Charlotte.

"I am much mistaken if we shall not find a very charming neighbour in Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley," Jane interjected quickly, not wanting the attention on her and Mr. Bingley.

"Their manners were not equal to their brother's," said Lizzy.

"Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley had pleasing manners, after we started to converse," Jane replied.

Lizzy thought that the women's manners were proud and conceited, like Mr. Darcy's initial behaviour. They were dressed like very fine ladies and rather handsome. Lizzy could tell by their behaviour that they often associated with people of rank, and were therefore in every respect entitled to think well of themselves, and meanly of others. Forgetting that their fortune was acquired in trade, and they were not landed gentry. Lizzy decided to change the subject.

"You began the evening well, Charlotte -- you were Mr. Bingley's first choice," Lizzy stated to her friend.

"Yes, but he seemed to like his second better," replied Charlotte. "Everyone is talking of our new neighbors, and their clear preference for the eldest Bennet girls."

"Preference? I understand why people are saying Mr. Bingley has a preference for Jane, but why does everyone think Mr. Darcy have a preference for me? He called me 'Tolerable!'" Lizzy said in disbelief.

"You were the only woman he danced with outside his party," replied Mary.

"Mr. Bingley was quite smitten with her as everyone could see; He danced with her twice," replied Charlotte

"Oh I suppose he might have like Jane," Mary said nonchalantly, teasing Jane.

Jane blushed a beet red colour.

"And I overheard him talking to Mr. Pratt; did not I mention it to you? Mr. Pratt asked Mr. Bingley how he liked our Meryton assemblies, and which of the women he thought the prettiest? And his answer to the last question was immediately: 'The eldest Miss Bennet, beyond a doubt,'" Charlotte said.

"It is not a surprise that he thinks our dear Jane is the most handsome," Mary said.

"While poor Eliza gets called tolerable," Charlotte said turning her attention to Eliza. "Do not leave me in suspense. What happened after you insulted the gentleman? I saw you dancing with him, and I could not believe my eyes."

"Papa forced me to apologize to the gentleman, but then he asked me to dance. I tried to say no, but then he looked sincere, so I danced with him."

"Is he a good dancer?" Charlotte inquired.

"Wonderful," Lizzy said, sighing.

"Oh, Eliza do not become too attached. Men of his station do not have serious designs on women of our station. His pride does not offend me so much, as pride often does, because there is an excuse for it. One cannot wonder that so very fine a young man, with family, fortune, and everything in his favor, should think highly of himself. If I may so express it, he has a right to be proud."

"That is very true," replied Elizabeth, "and I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine."

"Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us," replied Mary.

"A woman's vanity is her livelihood," chimed in Jane.

"Yes, women must be vain, for no one wants to marry a woman that others do not find attractive. For us poor females, marriage is our only option," retorted Lizzy.

"Unless there is a large dowry involved," Charlotte chimed in. "Money can make even the plainest person desirable."

"If only we had a large dowry, then we could marry where we like or not marry at all," Lizzy said, smiling.

Just then the girls saw, in the distance, Kitty sitting on a log alone. The girls walked over to her, and saw her eyes were puffy and red. "Kitty, are you quite well?" inquired Jane, touching her cousin's shoulder.

"I'm all right.," Kitty responded with her head down.

"You are not, not well, now tell us what happened. Did Maria upset you? I thought you were supposed to be redesigning your bonnets," asked Charlotte.

"We were, but then Lydia came, instead of going to Meryton, because Uncle Bennet wouldn't give mama any more money for dresses. Maria and I went to get flowers for her bonnet; when we came back Lydia had taken the ribbon I bought for my bonnet and put it on her bonnet; I wanted to have my bonnet done for church this Sunday."

"Oh, Kitty, it is quite all right, we can help you fix your bonnet."

"Miss Bennett," called John Lucas. Jane and Kitty both turned around. "My apologies, I was referring to Miss Kitty."

"Yes?"

"Maria wants you to return to Lucas Lodge immediately, she says she had a similar ribbon that you can use," replied John.

"Oh! Thank you, I shall return at once," Kitty said.

"I will accompany you," said Charlotte and then Charlotte turned to Jane, Lizzy and Mary and bid them a good day. She followed John and Kitty down the lane to return to Lucas Lodge.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

Longbourn

October 22nd 1811

Later in the week, an unexpected guest arrived at Longbourn. One of the seamstresses from Madame Dupont's with a note from Mr. Bennet's cousin, Emily.

Dearest Lizzy,

With the season coming upon us in a few months, and the dozens of dresses you, Jane, and Mary will need, I have taken the liberty of sending my seamstress to get your measurements. I have the utmost confidence that the dresses will be styled to your tastes with the help of Cecilia and mother. You girls will have final approval on the dresses and can make any changes you would like, once you are in town. I am counting the days until we are in each other's company.

Yours Ever,

Emily

Mr. Bennet instructed Mrs. Govern to take Mrs. Bennett, Kitty, and Lydia to town, to keep them from disrupting the seamstress. After an hour all the girls had been fully measured and the seamstress was back on her way to London to start the girls' dresses. The ladies arrived back at Longbourn shortly after. Kitty and Lydia went upstairs without complaint but visibly upset because of the new dresses Jane, Lizzy and Mary were to receive.

"I do not understand why YOUR girls get new dresses from London, but Kitty and Lydia cannot," Mrs. Bennett said upon her return to the household.

"The girls received a gift from their cousin. If Kitty and Lydia get a gift from any of their relations, I would not expect one for my daughters," replied Mr. Bennet.

Mrs. Bennett stomped away. "Has there been any progress?" asked Mr. Bennet to Mrs. Govern.

"Kitty seems to be making a genuine effort, but whenever Lydia is around she follows her. They are together far too often; it may do well to separate them," replied Mrs. Govern.

"And the others?"

"They both are stubborn, Lydia thinks everything is a joke or a game and Mrs. Bennett refuses to see reason. They may require more drastic measures."

"I see, use whatever measures you deem fit."

Later that day, Lydia was moved into the old nursery room near the mistress and master's chambers. She was not thrilled by any means being put into the children's quarters and started to whine, "Why should I have to go back to the nursery? Tis' old and small. I am not a child anymore."

To which Mrs. Govern replied, "Ladies do not throw fits when they do not get their way, children do, and that is why you are going back to the nursery."

Meanwhile Lizzy, being the next eldest, moved into Lydia and Kitty's old room, and Kitty moved in with Mary. Mary wasn't happy to lose her beloved sister as a roommate, but didn't dare argue with her father.

PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

Lucas Lodge

November 7th 1811

Mr. Bennet had pressing business in London and departed, leaving Mrs. Govern the instructions that "Kitty and Lydia could not go to any balls or assemblies; they may make calls at the Longs, Lucases, Pratts and Phillips. They can only accept dinner invitations from the Phillips and Lucases." So when the invitation to the Lucases' dinner party was given, their governess reluctantly let them go.

The ladies of Longbourn had just arrived to the Lucas' dinner party. Soon after they greeted their hosts the party from Netherfield arrived. Mr. Bingley, along with his sisters, greeted their host in a pleasing manner; Mr. Darcy made a stiff bow and did not speak unless he was spoken to.

Mr. Bingley walked over to the Bennet/Bennett family and greeted them. His sisters and Mr. Darcy reluctantly followed. Mrs. Bennett said loudly in her piercing voice, "Mr. Bingley! May I present my daughters Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia? They are the ones I was telling you about at the ball!"

Bingley bowed and greeted the ladies. "Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia. May I present my sister Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst along with my friend, Mr. Darcy?" Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst curtly curtseyed. Mr. Darcy made a stiff bow.

Kitty politely curtseyed to the Netherfield party and smiled. Lydia on the other hand dramatically curtseyed to try to show off her décolletage and batted her eyelashes at Mr. Bingley. Lady Lucas made the announcement for dinner. Mr. Darcy held his arm out to Mrs. Hurst to escort her to dinner and then he held his other arm out to Lizzy. Mr. Bingley held his arm out for his sister and then, Miss Bennet, but Lydia then, grabbed his arm and walked away to dinner, while she started to ask him about his plans for Netherfield. Mrs. Bennett smiled at Lydia and Mr. Bingley and made the comment, "Oh look how well they look together. I knew Lydia could not be so pretty for nothing."

Mr. Darcy had a look of shock and disgust on his face. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst both had smug looks on their face, while the Bennet girls colored red in mortification. For the first time in her life, Kitty saw the reaction of others to Lydia's brazen behaviour and was horrified.

Dinner passed by quite slowly. Lady Lucas had the seating arranged to try to give her daughters the advantage. Lady Lucas had Mr. Darcy to her right and Miss Hurst to her left. On right side of the table were Darcy, Maria, Kitty, Mrs. Forster, Lydia, Charlotte, and Bingley. On the other side of the table were Mrs. Hurst, Elizabeth, Colonel Forster, John Lucas, Mary, Jane, Mrs. Bennet and Caroline. Sir Lucas was at the foot of the table with Mr. Bingley and Caroline as his dinner companions.

Lady Lucas was determined to get Darcy and Maria together, but after several attempts at conversation being thwarted by Darcy's one word answers she gave up and talked to Mrs. Hurst. Darcy couldn't help but look across the table and listen to Elizabeth's conversation with Colonel Forster.

"So Colonel Forster, are you pleased with Hertfordshire?" inquired Elizabeth.

"Very much so; the regiment typically doesn't find a warm welcome anywhere," replied Colonel Forster.

"Are you in Meryton to subdue discontented population, or do you defend Hertfordshire from the French?" asked Elizabeth.

"Neither, ma'am, I trust. We hope to winter very peacefully at Meryton. My soldiers are in great need of training, and my officers, they have a great need of society," replied Colonel Forster.

Elizabeth then said, "Then, as soon as you are settled, I hope you will give a ball."

"Oh yes, please do," replied Kitty, talking across the table. Darcy glared coldly at Kitty, who noticed his stare and hung her head down.

Colonel Forster replied to Lizzy, "You think a ball would be well received?" Lizzy, who was watching the interaction between Darcy and Kitty missed Colonel Forster's question.

Lydia chimed in with her thoughts from her side of the table. "A ball? Who's giving a ball? I long for a ball!"

Colonel Forster smiled and said, "I will consider it."

Darcy's gaze was fixed on Elizabeth, who knew that he was judging her and her family. The lack of manners showed by her younger cousins was mortifying, but they were just girls who should not be out of the schoolroom and did not know any better. Here he was, a man of great fortune, judging her and two young girls. She was relieved when the final course was served and the sexes separated after dinner.

She was relieved until she realized that she would be in a room with two of the most proud sisters she had ever encountered, but luckily Lady Lucas had them engaged in a conversation about town.

Lady Lucas asked the sisters, "No doubt you attend assemblies at St. James's Court, Miss Bingley?"

Miss Bingley replied, "We go but rarely, ma'am."

"Indeed, I am surprised. I should be happy to introduce you there, you know, at any time when I'm in town," replied Lady Lucas.

The sisters looked at each other in suppressed shock.

"You are too kind, ma'am," said Mrs. Hurst.

The sisters curtsey and move away, where Lizzy and Mary overhear

Miss Bingley say, "Insufferable conceit! To imagine that we'd need HER assistance in society."

"I am sure she was just being kind Caroline," replied Mrs. Hurst.

"And I am sure she kept a very good kind of SHOP before her husband's elevation to the Knighthood," replied Miss Bingley.

They both giggled maliciously.

Lizzy turns to Mary and says, "I for one cannot wait for the Haughty Netherfield party to leave, save Mr. Bingley; their manners are truly lacking and malicious at best."

"If Jane and Mr. Bingley marry we would get thrown in their company," replied Mary.

"I would bear it for dear Jane, but only for a short duration," replied Lizzy.

Just then the gentlemen returned to the party. Mr. Bingley went over immediately to Jane and settled on the settee, oblivious to anyone but themselves. Charlotte walked over to Lizzy. Lizzy saw a particular gentleman walk in the room, staring at her.

"What did Mr. Darcy mean," said she to Charlotte, "by listening to my conversation with Colonel Forster at dinner?"

"That is a question which Mr. Darcy only can answer."

Elizabeth frowned and said, "If he does it any more I shall certainly let him know that I know. He has a very critical eye, and my impertinence can only offend him."

Mr. Darcy approached them soon afterwards, though without having to any intention of speaking. Charlotte silently challenged Lizzy to inquire about him listening to her conversation, which immediately provoked Elizabeth to do it, so she turned to him and said: "Mr. Darcy, do you think that I expressed myself uncommonly well just now, when I was teasing Colonel Forster to give us a ball at Meryton?"

"With great energy, but it is always a subject which makes a lady energetic."

"You are severe on us," Elizabeth said, mocking his earlier disapproval of Kitty and Lydia's enthusiasm

"It will be her turn soon to be teased," said Miss Lucas. "I am going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know what follows."

"Kitty looks like she may need my assistance," Lizzy said, smiling as she turned to walk across the room to check on her aunt and cousins.

On the other side of the room Mrs. Bennett, Kitty and Lydia were gossiping with Lady Lucas and Maria Lucas about new fashions.

Elizabeth, not wanting to join the conversation, decided to play a duet with Mary who was eyeing Charlotte's performance nervously.

As she was trying to pass: "Oh, Miss Eliza, why are you not dancing? Mr. Darcy, allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner. You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure, when so much beauty is before you."

Elizabeth responded, "Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing. Please don't suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner."

Mr. Darcy said, "I would be very happy if you'd do me the honor of dancing with me, Miss Bennet."

Elizabeth responded, "Thank you, I am not inclined to dance."

"Come, come, why not, when you see that Mr. Darcy has no objection, although he dislikes the amusement so much in general," said Sir Lucas.

Elizabeth replied, "Mr. Darcy is all politeness."

"He is, he is! And why should he not be, considering the inducement, for who could object to such a partner! Eh, Darcy?" replied Sir Lucas.

Just then Mary approached and said, "Sir Lucas I hope you are not trying to deprive me of my duet partner."

Elizabeth said, smiling to the gentlemen, "I beg you would excuse me."

"Oh Capital, ladies, Capital," Sir Lucas responded.

Lizzy and Mary played two duets together. After the last song, and before the entreaties of several that she would sing again, Lizzy whispered to her sister, "Mary, you are a true proficient on the pianoforte and you don't need me."

Lizzy left Mary at the instrument by herself. Mary, who had worked hard at being proficient on the pianoforte, knew people enjoyed her sister's playing more because she played with emotion. If Lizzy had not given her encouragement, Mary surely would have left with her sister. Mary played a song that Lizzy had recommended to her. Mary, at the end of the song, was glad to purchase praise and gratitude by Scotch and Irish airs, at the request of the Lucases, and two or three officers, joined eagerly in dancing at one end of the room.

Darcy, despite his attempts at resistance to Elizabeth, was failing. He was staring at her, and Lizzy felt his eyes on her and turned towards him; Elizabeth looked archly, and turned away. He needed to try harder to resist her. He looked upon Elizabeth trying to find a flaw; her face had plain features, but something about them with her eyes made her quite pretty. He was still staring when Miss Bingley approached him and said,

"I can guess the subject of your reverie."

"I should imagine not."

"You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this manner, in such society; and indeed I am quite of your opinion. I was never more annoyed!"

"Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."

Miss Bingley immediately fixed her eyes on his face, and smiled. "And who might be the lady inspiring such reflections?" she asked, thinking he was referring to her.

Mr. Darcy replied with great intrepidity, "Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet!" repeated Miss Bingley. "I am all astonishment. How long has she been such a favourite? And pray, when am I to wish you joy?"

"That is exactly the question which I expected you to ask. A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment. I knew you would be wishing me joy."

Darcy walked away in a huff. He let his tongue get away from himself; he knew he shouldn't have told Miss Bingley about his admiration for Elizabeth. His mind was made up -- he would resist Elizabeth and give her no notice.

AN: Please review.