Disclaimer : I don't own Pride and Prejudice.

Close enough but still not her - Part 1

London, March 1812

Accompanied by his cousin, the Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy entered the ballroom, determined to finally find a wife. Certainly, there must be someone suitable for him in this place. Someone witty and lively, with chocolate eyes that would captivate him like… No. He ought not to think of her. She was way below his station. That make her unsuitable. He would not think of her any further.

And so, Darcy found himself at a ball, an activity that was far from pleasant for him, even though with a strong purpose in mind. It couldn't be said the same about his cousin who was smiling broadly, his eyes scanning the crowd for potential dance partners. Not that he ever was picky.

"It is good to be back in London," commented the Colonel.

Darcy only shrugged in response, not exactly agreeing with the statement.

"My parents told me you were finally searching for a wife," added Colonel Fitzwilliam. "I wonder what happened to you."

"That is none of your business Richard."

It was obvious his cousin was taken aback by his clipped tone.

"Well," said the Colonel undeterred, "I see Lady Heather. Have you met her before?"

"No."

"Come on, I will introduce you. I'm sure you will like her."

Darcy doubted it but silently followed his cousin nonetheless.

"Lady Heather, what a pleasure to see you again. May I introduce my cousin Mr. Darcy. Darcy, Lady Heather of —."

Lady Heather was a woman older than Georgiana but younger than Miss Elizabeth. She was taller than Miss Elizabeth as well. Her hair was a lighter shade of brown and her eyes were not dark but grey. And Darcy realized he was comparing Lady Heather to Miss Elizabeth when he had decided to not think about that woman anymore. Shaking himself out of his musing, he asked her for her next set available. She complied easily with his request.

Darcy danced two sets with two different Miss, both with a pleasant face, nice manners, good connections and a large dowry. And an empty mind. The gentleman tried to make conversation at first, but whenever he began talking of a subject with some substance, he was met with a blank stare or foolish attempts to discuss something they had no knowledge of.

Finally, Darcy was to dance the set with Lady Heather, Richard's recommendation. The dance, and, more importantly, the conversation, were far more interesting than his previous ones. Lady Heather was certainly well equipped to discuss and argue with him on many topics, ranging from literature to astronomy, and had no issue expressing her own opinion. But she didn't possess that spark which seems to constantly shine in Miss Elizabeth eyes. Indeed, Lady Heather was wearing a nice but polite smile. Nothing more.

Darcy had decided to opt out of the supper set, unwilling to risk having a harridan as a companion for the entire meal. Placing himself close to a wall, he observed his cousin claiming the hand of Lady Heather. Darcy had to ponder as to when Richard had actually asked for this set, for Darcy didn't remember him offering at the same time that he did.

And then Darcy couldn't help but be astonished. Richard was smiling. Not a flirty one but a true, genuine smile. Likewise, Lady Heather seemed to have dropped her mask. Her smile now reached her eyes making her more beautiful than she had been for the past hours. The couple looked like it was in its own bubble where happiness was flowing.

Darcy realized that Lady Heather was never intended for him but for his cousin. Was this Richard way of seeking his approval then? Asking for his opinion in a subtle way? Darcy tried to recall what he knew about the Lady's family. They were wealthy and titled with two daughters only. Which means the man marrying the eldest one would inherit their estate and fortune.

At eighteen, Lady Heather was the youngest of the two. But Darcy remember a scandal pertaining to the eldest one. An elopement, he believed. Accordingly, her parents had cut her out. Thus, it turned out that Lady Heather was in fact the sole Heiress of her family fortune.

Richard had certainly found well for himself. But this didn't solve Darcy own marital problem.

Rosings, March 1812

Darcy and the Colonel Fitzwilliam were nursing a glass of brandy in the library after a strenuous evening with their Aunt, the Grand Lady Catherine de Bourg. Darcy was certainly more willing to stay at his Aunt's place than the previous years. It was to be remarked upon that there wasn't a Miss Elizabeth Bennet in the neighbourhood before and that might be the only necessary explanation.

Darcy sighted. He couldn't deny it anymore. He was desperately in love with her. Now he needed to find in himself the courage to go against his principles, against his family wishes. He knew his Aunt Catherine would not be happy, but he was also aware that she would remain unsatisfied as long as he wasn't marrying her daughter. Which was never happening anyway. But there was actually someone who he could ask the opinion of. The gentleman was now pondering on how to question discreetly his cousin. It turned out that he didn't have to.

"I like Miss Elizabeth. Her liveliness and wit are certainly far more pleasant than what we're used to in Town. I dare say she reminds me of Lady Heather."

"Strange. I was thinking Lady Heather reminded me of Miss Elizabeth."

"I guess we're doing comparison depending on who we have first known," chuckled the Colonel.

Or who our heart favours the most, thought Darcy.

London, May 1812

Darcy couldn't quite understand why he was at a ball again with Miss Bingley clawing at his arm like a hawk. Even less when his life, his beliefs had come crashing down all around him. All because of a woman. Miss Elizabeth had told him no. He still didn't understand. He was lost in a raging sea with barely a plank to hold him afloat.

Managing to get rid of Miss Bingley by burdening her to another dance partner, the gentleman loomed gloomily close to the walls. One of the many thing Miss Elizabeth had reproached in his character. But he couldn't find it in himself to be more than that tonight. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Bingley dancing with a fair hair lady. His smile seemed to be a bit strained. His friend had not been himself since he had let Jane Bennet behind. Maybe Darcy should interfere to rectify his mistake? He had to wonder however as to what Miss Elizabeth would think of him meddling with his friend decision again.

Suddenly, Darcy caught a glimpse of a familiar face with light brown hair and grey eyes like a storm. He had thought that Lady Heather was a bit like Miss Elizabeth. Maybe she could help him. She could give him an insight of Miss Elizabeth mind process, of why he had failed so monumentally. Before he lost his determination, Darcy crossed the ballroom to where Lady Heather was sitting, blessedly on her own.

"Mr Darcy," she politely greeted on his approaching.

"Lady Heather. How are you doing?"

"Fine, thank you. May I enquire about your health and that of your family?"

"Colonel Fitzwilliam is back in the frontline but he's doing well," said Darcy, bypassing the question. He doubted the young woman had any interest in any other member of his family anyway. "There is something I would like to ask you…" he continued uncertainty leaking in his voice.

If Lady Heather was surprised by the request, she did not show it. "Please take a sit" offered she instead.

"Are you… If I were to propose to you right now, what would you answer?" blurted out Darcy. He was uneasy and realised his request had to sound odd and too personal but his need to know surpassed his awkwardness and his embarrassment.

"Is this a proposing? For I must inform you that it is quite a dreadful one."

"No. I am not proposing. I am asking for your advice and honest opinion."

She looked at him questioningly. Darcy didn't have the slightest idea what she was searching for, but he submitted himself to her inquisition. They barely knew each other after all, and he was asking something personal. Had he been more acquainted than that with Miss Elizabeth? Some stolen discussion here and there suddenly didn't seem much.

"Seeing that we only met a couple of month ago and didn't spend much time together I could not answer in a positive manner. Though, since Colonel Fitzwilliam hold you on high esteem, I would ask for a courtship to give us a chance to get better acquainted."

Darcy was taken aback by her answer. It wasn't a yes, but it wasn't an out refusal either. He had thought she would tell him that her heart belonged to his cousin and to not try to stand in their way. He had thought she would rebuke him because of Richard, not that she would consider giving him a chance thanks to him.

"I don't understand," blurted out Darcy.

"My answer is not to your satisfaction?"

Lady Heather seemed quite amused.

"It is not unsatisfying, more… unexpected."

"Did you think you would get a yes because you're Mr Darcy of Pemberley? You would only get that kind of answer from one of those simpletons who throw themselves at you in hope of catching a rich and well born husband. If your Lady is any worth, you will have to work and court her properly to gather a positive outcome."

"I see. Thank you for your advice."

Darcy only wished he had asked for advice before he made a fool of himself. He understood a bit better why Miss Elizabeth didn't say yes, he still struggled to understand why she did say no. As for Lady Heather response, he was still thrown off by it. But he couldn't care to take the time to understand her not refusal. No matter how much she reminded him of Elizabeth, she was not her. It was only logical that she would reply differently. And Darcy would not try to unravel her personality. His heart and mind were too full of Elizabeth to spend time on anyone else.

Darcy House, London, March 1813

"How lovely you are tonight Mrs Darcy."

"Always the charmer Colonel."

"With Darcy as a cousin, I couldn't be anything else. One has to balance his dark mood," replied the Colonel with a wink.

"Thank you for that description Richard," commented Darcy drily.

"It is always my pleasure to be of service," joked the Colonel. "Are you ready for tonight's ball?"

"I do admit I am a bit nervous" confess Elizabeth. "It is my first outing as Mrs Darcy."

"Nonsense," claimed Darcy, "you will conquer the ton in the blink of an eye."

"Will you two lovebirds stop making doe eyes? It is so sweet it is sickening. Particularly coming from you Darcy, with your usual light manners and joviality."

"Maybe we can find someone for you to doe eye tonight?" suggested Elizabeth mischievously.

"There is no need to search," added Darcy. "Richard already has someone."

"I do?" asked his cousin seeming genuinely surprised.

"Lady Heather," answered Darcy simply.

"You think Lady Heather and I…?" And then Richard laughed.

Darcy could only stare at his cousin dumbfounded.

"My dear husband," chuckled Elizabeth "I dare say you should stop trying to understand the matter of the heart. It is not a subject you excel at."