Chapter 3: His Pride and Her Prejudice

Just as Darcy sent out his letter to the town, Wickham had reached Hertfordshire as part of the Militia.

Darcy was unaware of this and was planning to spend a happy time with Georgiana at Hertfordshire, without knowing the danger lurking around them.

Before retiring for the night Miss Bingley forced Elizabeth to play for them. She knew that she was the superior of the two and played first to intimidate Elizabeth and tried to show Darcy her skills.

Elizabeth had never been afraid of her shortcomings, she knew she was not as beautiful as Jane, her mother kept reminding that often. She knew she did not play well, but she was not scared to put her best effort on display and play for her own enjoyment than the approval of others.

Darcy listened intently, it was a simple song, but when Elizabeth played, he was mesmerized. Her voice was not overly sweet, but it was expressive and intriguing. Slowly as she sang, she seemed to get lost in her world, her fingers moving effortlessly and a genuine smile appeared on her face. Darcy had to compose himself from getting up and walking towards her, drawn by her performance.

Miss Bingley saw the entire room drawn by her and was irritated. Once the music stopped, all of them clapped for Elizabeth and she opened her eyes, blushing as she had lost herself in the music.

She locked eyes with Darcy and there was a genuine appreciation in his face. Did he really like my tolerable performance? No, he would have said something if he liked it. She thought.

Darcy wanted to say something when Bingley and Mr. Hurst appreciated her performance. But he just couldn't say anything which would do credit to such a soulful performance. He saw her leave the room and rush to her sister's room upstairs. His mind was in a turmoil, he was beginning to admire her more every second.

He wanted to get her off his mind. He headed to the library and took a book and sat down. He had written to Richard. Georgiana should be in Netherfield in a few days. He had written to Georgiana as well. He had mentioned about Elizabeth in his letter. Wonder why he did that; he had never written about any woman to Georgiana.

Elizabeth sat next to Jane. Jane was still feverish; Elizabeth knew it was going to be a tough night. She thought a book would help her keep awake the whole night, she headed to the library.

Darcy had hardly read a page when he saw the library door open, and in walked Elizabeth, she headed straight to the shelves and didn't realize the library was occupied.

Darcy knew he had to announce himself, but he just looked at her, she was running her fingers through each shelf trying to choose a book.

Without warning he stood up and said.

"Can I be of any help Miss Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth was startled, she almost jumped when she saw Mr. Darcy standing behind her. God was he this tall always? She thought.

"Mr. Darcy! I am sorry I didn't know the library was occupied; I just came to take a book. I will leave you to your privacy." She almost ran to the door.

Darcy had never seen a woman run from him or avoid his company so many times. Was she scared of falling in love with him or was she uncomfortable around him? He frowned. He wanted to know right away.

"Miss Elizabeth stop." He almost shouted. She turned around.

"You are leaving without fulfilling the purpose of your visit."

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. "What do you mean Mr. Darcy"?

"Your book. You don't seem to have taken one."

Elizabeth contemplated what to do, maybe she could come back, what if the haughty man never left the library the whole night, she needed a book. She moved to the shelves and took a couple of them and started moving to the door only to find Darcy standing right in front of it.

Now Elizabeth was uncomfortable, he looked imposing, but her courage always rose to in every attempt to intimidate her.

"Mr. Darcy you may presume that I may have some magical powers to walk through you and reach the library door sir. But as Miss Bingley says Hertfordshire girls don't have such advantages"

Darcy smiled. How does she tease me so, keeping a serene face? What I would give to be teased by this woman every day of my life.

"Miss Elizabeth I am indeed sorry to block your way; I just wish to know why you seem to be avoiding my company as such. Is there anything I have done to offend you or made you uncomfortable in any way?"

Elizabeth was fuming with anger. The audacity of this man, asking me what he had done to offend me? How dare he? He knows very well what he did.

"Mr. Darcy you seem to misunderstand sir. I am merely trying to avoid you because I make you uncomfortable. You wouldn't be wanting to spend more time with a tolerable woman like me who may not be handsome enough to tempt you. If you would please step aside, I can move away from you without getting slighted by your stare."

She didn't have to ask him again, he moved as though she had uttered a magic spell. Elizabeth almost ran up the stairs. I hate him. I hate him. I want to leave this place and never see him again. Never. She thought.

Darcy stood dumbstruck. He did not know what hit him. It took only a few seconds to realize that she had used his own words to make him understand what she held against him. He cursed himself for making that comment on her. He didn't remember any time in his life when he had insulted a woman. Why even with Miss Bingley who required all the set downs, he had behaved with composure. What made him say that to Elizabeth that day. Indeed, she despised him. She had known it all these days yet behaved mannerly with him. Never had she shown her despise till today. He knew he had to do one thing which he rarely did. He had to apologize to her, she deserved an apology and when he gave that he knew he would rise in her esteem.

Never did he know that his apology when given, would only irk Elizabeth even more. Never.