Chapter 7 – A Pair of Fine Eyes

Fitzwilliam Darcy, master of Pemberley in Derbyshire came up the stairs to the assembly dressed in his navy blue coat, tan breeches, and impeccably tied cravat. Caroline Bingley would be in attendance, it was not for her he dressed, it never would be. It was simply in support of his closest friend, Charles Bingley. Darcy knew he would hear it for being late from Caroline, but circumstances did not allow him to arrive with the rest of the party.

Speaking of Charles, where is that man?

Across the room, Charles Bingley danced with an unassuming lady, who had style and class, but he guessed, not the money for further elaboration. She wore one of the nicer gowns that he could see, yet none of the ladies were remarkable upon first glance. Now I shall have to wait for an introduction. I did not meet any of the local gentlemen that Charles said came to call earlier in the week and of course, Charles would be dancing. Darcy sighed and moved to a corner of the room where no one else was. The table laden with refreshments was not available in a direct route because of the dance, and loathe to interrupt, Darcy contented himself with silence.

As the dance came to an end, Mr. Bingley spotted Darcy in the corner. Coming over to his friend, he knew it was time for some introductions. Darcy could hardly refuse to meet a titled family in Hertfordshire. Mr. Bingley would be mighty pleased to surprise his friend.

"Darcy! I'm so glad you made it! I'm sorry for having to neglect you when you arrived, but I was engaged with one of the loveliest women in the room."

"It is no matter, Bingley."

"Come, let me introduce you to the gentlemen and their lovely daughters," chuckled Bingley. This would be a treat.

Darcy followed Bingley apprehensively, that smile meant mischief was around the corner…

"And may I introduce my good friend, Mr. Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire?"

Darcy was shocked, to say the least, but the mask of indifference quickly reappeared. "Good evening," came his reply with a deep bow.

"You must call me Bennet; Lord Clarges is too stiff when we are in good company," - Darcy nodded but was indeed taken aback. This was not the Lord Clarges he had met a few years back.

"My condolences to your family, Sir. I heard of the passing of your father from my Aunt, Lady Matlock."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. This is our first reappearance in society since his death" replied Lady Clarges. "I do hope you have come eager to dance as your friend has."

"While I am not inclined to dance every set, I have no qualms indulging the pastime, Lady Clarges," smiled Darcy. I am fortunate indeed that Caroline and Louisa have already left with Hurst. "If Miss Bennet is not otherwise engaged, may I solicit her hand for the next set?"

"I am not otherwise engaged sir and would be delighted."

As Darcy led Jane onto the dance floor, he noted she had a serene smile and a kind aura that surrounded her. Her presence was calming, but not stimulating as Darcy desired. If only there were a woman I could converse with for days on end. Darcy and Jane spent the dance talking over mundane topics, neither stimulated nor bored.

Elizabeth had been conversing with Charlotte Lucas upon the handsome man's entrance. It was hard not to miss the stares that were being directed his way. Try as she might, Elizabeth could not help but sneak a few glances in his direction. He is just as a young man ought to be.

"Tell me, Charlotte, do you know who that man is?"

"Father said that Bingley was having another gentleman join him this week. I believe it is him; Mr. Darcy."

The ladies watched as Mr. Bingley made his way over to greet the young man, they were evidently good friends. As they made their way towards Elizabeth's parents, the young ladies did their best to hide their shy smiles and giggles behind their fans. As Darcy stood up with Jane, young Mr. Lucas and Mr. Goulding came up to solicit the next with the ladies.

Charles Bingley spent the next set introducing his dear friend Fitzwilliam Darcy to all the local gentlemen. Bingley and Hurst had enjoyed some good shooting on his property and were eager to invite the other local gentlemen over for an afternoon or be invited over. Caroline Bingley had a way of exasperating everyone's nerves quickly; especially when Darcy was around.

Darcy couldn't help but glance over to the line of ladies, there was a pleasing figure with chocolate brown curls he wanted to see again. She had been standing with a friend when he had entered and not introduced with any of the families. How am I supposed to get an introduction?

"I say, Darcy, are you paying attention to me at all?"

"My apologies Charles."

"You haven't gone and fallen in love have you? Has the lovely Miss Bennet there captured your attention?"

Without thinking, Darcy replied, "she is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me." His eyes were attracted by the angel with chocolate curls passing his way. Regardless of her family, he desired an introduction.

She has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen; curves in all the right places… Get a grip man!

I care not one jot for his good opinion! I'll find love in Town next Season and see what he thinks of me then!

"Marquis Clarges has invited our party to dinner next week. You will have the opportunity to discuss chess and other pleasurable pastimes to your heart's content. If you pay your cards right, you won't have to worry about conversing with either Caroline or Miss Elizabeth all night."

"Miss Elizabeth, Charles?"

"Yes, the Marquis' second daughter, who you think is tolerable."

Darcy turned to find the Bennet party getting their cloaks and departing the assembly. He sighed. His angel was Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

I know it's been almost a year, and I apologize for the wait. But I'm back and I have a few more chapters ready to go!