Wow. I am amazed at the response to this story, I really didn't expect it to garner much attention.One reviewer asked about Mary Bennet: I didn't want more than four daughters in this story, and have enjoyed stories where only one daughter is nice to Elizabeth. I like exploring a new depth to Kitty's character so she became Lizzie's nice sibling. I really do like Mary but she didn't fit into the story as I saw it playing out. The brother was named Matthew as a sort of tribute to Mary, rather than Samuel like my own twin as I'd considered to begin with.Hopefully that clears it up for you. Please continue letting me know what you think, as it really helps to keep the muse going.Thank you for all the wonderful responses, and back to the story.Heaven x

Darcy turned around as he heard a loud voice filled with annoyance speak up from behind him.

"Elizabeth Bennet, how dare you importune Mr Darcy like that! And you Kitty, how dare you follow in your sister's disgraceful behaviour! No man of consequence in the world wants to be in the company of such a cripple. I am sure he would much rather have my lively Lydia for company, since his friend seems so taken with my beautiful Jane."

Mr Darcy glared at the interlopers, indignant on the behalf of his beautiful companion and her sister. From the corner of his eye, he could see Miss Lydia smiling in a way that was failing to be seductive but clearly showed the intent.

"Actually madam, I was the one who importuned your daughters. After finishing the set with Miss Catherine I asked her to introduce me to Miss Elizabeth. Furthermore, I take offense at your presumptions as to knowing what company I like to keep; I always choose my own company."

Kitty had been silently using hand gestures to allow Elizabeth to follow the conversation, so before Mrs Bennet had the opportunity to reply to Mr Darcy she interceded.

"Mama, I am sure Lydia's dance card is already full this evening, surely she can have no sets left for Mr Darcy even if he were inclined to ask her to dance? Aside from that Jane and Mr Bingley appear to be approaching, do you not wish to enquire as to how their set fared?"

All of this was said smilingly with am arched eyebrow, as though she weren't reminding her mother to behave and merely observing her relative's actions in comparison to how they would usually act, and Darcy was entranced. Never before had he seen such an effective set down delivered in such a polite and charming manner.

Mrs Bennet huffed away, dragging Lydia with her as she headed towards Jane and Mr Bingley.

"You shouldn't have done that Lizzie," Kitty spoke while signing, seemingly forgetting their present company. "Mama is going to be so angry with you, and you know what happens when she gets that angry."

Darcy was intrigued and slightly worried, did Mrs Bennet abuse thesd two ladies, or did they merely refer to long lectures and missed meals? Elizabeth's eyes took on a determined glint that almost took Darcy aback at the passion in them.

"No Kitty, I will not let that woman stop us from making pleasant new aquaintances, no more! You did nothing wrong in following Mr Darcy's request for an introduction and I will not allow you to be subject to her wrath because you were polite. Now she will only be angry at me, and hopefully consider Mr Darcy rude to avoid Lydia being thrown in his path at every opportunity."

The two sisters stared at each other in silence for a moment, locked in a battle of wills before it became clear that the elder of the two would triumph. Kitty inclined her head to show her agreement before turning back to Mr Darcy.

"I am sorry you had to experience that Mr Darcy," Kitty started before she was interrupted by the gentleman in question.

"Are you ladies quite well, will you be well following this assembly upon your return home?" He wasn't sure why but he had rapidly begun to care for the wellbeing of his two companions. Miss Catherine reminded him of Georgiana and Miss Elizabeth, he felt drawn to her in a way that he had never before been drawn to a woman.

"We are quite well Mr Darcy, thank you. This is not the first time our mother has acted thus, and I assure you I know how to temper her response."

Although Elizabeth's reply was said calmly with conviction, but Mr Darcy thought he saw a flicker of fear pass through her eyes. He nodded in response and they continued to converse again for the rest of the assembly.

As it finished Mr Darcy enquired whether he would be permitted to call on them the following day.

"I'm afraid tomorrow wouldn't be a good day to call as our mother's temper will still be high, however we will be attending the following evening at Lucas Lodge, and Charlotte informed us that your party has already accepted an invitation." Elizabeth replied calmly.

Kitty started slightly vibrating with happiness and started to smile.

"Charlotte Lucas persuaded Lizzie to play and sing for us, and it is my favourite entertainment."

Mr Darcy's face showed some confusion at this, clearly unsure how a woman who couldn't hear could play and sing well enough to be persuaded into doing so by the host of an evening.

"Mr Darcy, I learnt to play the pianoforte when I still had my hearing," both sisters smiled sadly at this, thinking of their brother Matthew. "I still know where the notes are and the vibrations they make all feel different. I was able to continue with my enjoyment of the activity despite being unable to hear the effects myself."

"In that case Miss Elizabeth, Miss Catherine, I look forward to seeing you at Lucas Lodge two evenings hence." And with that parting statement he bowed and went to find Bingley.