Chapter 12: Meeting at Midnight

'No, Lydia, you cannot borrow that necklace…'

'Kitty, don't be stingy, it goes better with my dress.'

'I think I'll take it.'

'It clashes horribly with that lavender gown of yours…'

'I presume that's jealousy speaking.'

'Jealousy? Ha! Better a plump woman like I than a puerile creature like you!'

'Ah, fine take it!'

Kitty sat heavily on the bed examining her corduroy folds.

'Thank you for finally seeing reason.'

The room was laden with ribbons and veils of all colours and yet it all felt so cold, no matter how colourful.

It felt cold because her heart couldn't stop beating.

'One more hour…' she told herself.

'What did you say?' Lydia asked as she sat in front of the mirror. Her chestnut hair was now raised in an elegant bun which only emphasised her status as wretched widow. However, she was quite lovely. Despite her corrupt ways, she was a charming young lady.

Or so Kitty thought. For a long time now she had stopped thinking of Lydia as a role model. She knew that there were better men out there than Wickham. She was certain that…but she would go no further.

Catherine looked at her sister's dark green dress and wished she was with child and married so she wouldn't have to face the people downstairs who were probably waiting to see the single, lovely Miss Bennet.

The wall paper which had pelican motifs made her dream of a far away sea, somewhere on a far away beach…she would be walking…her hair blowing in the wind. It was ruthless to have to give up such fantasy for the mere sake of society.

'I wonder how Mary is doing…' she said out-loud before she could stop herself.

'Ha! That little traitor. Well, she can have him. I don't like his conniving odd ways, anyway,' Lydia intoned angrily.

'Do you speak of Mr. Fowler?' Kitty asked.

'Who else? Ah, you were right, he is ever so old.'

Catherine suppressed a giggle. 'There will be plenty of gentlemen to dance with you tonight, have no fear.'

'Not with this package…' she replied sourly looking at her stomach.

'Come now, it only makes you look more mature.'

'Pass me that ribbon, will you?'

Mary paced the room up and down nervously casting a solitary glance from time to time at the pearl necklace on her bed.

'Should I wear it or not? Should I…'

'Mary! Who are you talking to?' a voice bellowed across the room. In the adjacent chamber Georgiana was putting on her stockings and she was having a hard time enough dressing herself, for she refused to have the maids help her.

'No one…no one at all,' Mary replied. She turned and went to the secret door.

'Are you done yet?' she asked talking through the wall.

'Almost…well these tasteless things I have to wear will surely help.'

'I could lend you something…' Mary replied.

'I do not wish to offend you Miss Bennet, but yours aren't any better.'

'Fair enough.'

Some minutes passed and Mary decided to read a little as to while away the time but she heard her friend calling.

'Alright, here I come.'

A lovely little dove burst through the door as Georgiana appeared, dressed in a lovely short-sleeved white satin gown which only enhanced her watery kind eyes. Her auburn, almost golden locks glided down her shoulders majestically as she fidgeted childishly with some wild strands which were stuck under her ears.

'Oh, quite ugly indeed,' Mary said cynically. 'Ah, if Mr. Bingley were but single…'

'I said I was sorry, alright?' Georgiana muttered.

'I was merely teasing you, you silly child. No one shall be able to resist you. You look charming, Miss Darcy.'

'And you…' she started but she stopped short as she noticed Mary, 'are not ready!'

The girl yawned and went to open her drawer.

'I left those dresses there, you didn't try at least one?' Georgiana asked scandalized by such idleness.

'Not really…it's quite early…'

'Half an hour!' she almost bellowed. 'You have half an hour left!'

'Why are you so agitated? What does make this event so special?'

'Silly Mary. Mr. Fowler will be there. He is coming especially for you! And you are not even ready. Do not you realise that you are expected to look your best?'

Mary sighed. 'Alright, alright, I will take the green one.'

'Oh, no, not that plain thing.'

'Plain? You said it looked nice?'

'For a spring walk across the marshes it does,' Georgiana said dryly as she started rummaging through all the gowns. 'Now…let's see…'

She threw a white dress in Mary's direction and the girl barely had the time to catch it.

'Try that one…and this one…and this…' Georgiana continued.

'Enough!' Mary exclaimed when her hands were almost full.

'Now kindly go before I go insane.'

'You do realise you shall be late,' Georgiana said seriously.

'Then you go without me, I am coming later.'

'Later or never?'

Mary pushed her through the secret door and threw the gowns on the bed.

'Right…'

She closed her eyes and pointed randomly at one of the dresses.

'Hm…this one.'

She opened her eyes slowly and discovered she had picked a dark blue one. It was a gift from her father and it was quite pretty.

'It will do.'

Without any sort of elegance she discarded her grey dress and slipped into the blue gown, taking out the ribbon from her hair and ruffling the straight locks.

'No corset…true freedom,' she sang to herself.

She went to her large mirror in the south corner of her room where a dressing table laden with books barely stood on its legs.

'Right. Ready.'

Her hair stuck out from all different corners, thus she combed it rapidly and tied her ribbon around her waist. The black waterfall of her strands fell flat and lovely on her stiff back as she picked the pearl necklace and without thinking much, placed it round her white long neck.

'I don't believe more than ten minutes passed…' she said to herself pleased.

If one of her sisters or worse, Mrs. Bennet had been there, she would have been strongly chided for such ignorance in dress, but as she was alone, tasting a strange sort of freedom she could not care less.

'And what if he does not come?' she asked herself worried.

Well, if he does not, all the better. You will know then he was just being kind. I'd rather not dance in any case.

She straightened her dress and made to go to the door but stopped.

'I'm not ready yet.'

She heard Georgiana exit her chambers in a rush and suppressed an amused smile.

'Can it be possible to have a more charming Ball room?' Charles asked as he strolled through the already half crowded room with Mr. Darcy.

'It is quite magnificent…truly a wonder.'

'You have seen it so many times already…' Fitzwilliam replied bored.

The immense chamber was lit by five golden chandeliers which sang a soft tune of forgotten times as the small diamonds clinked together in the breeze which was coming from the tall, stained-glass, open windows.

The marble floor seemed cracked but it was actually adorned with large flying birds of strange models that dazzled all guests as they seemed to come to life at the sound of the gentle music coming from the orchestra.

Servants strolled discreetly among the crowd, holding cups of champagne and old matrons and countesses chatted away on the stylish ottomans placed in different corners of the room. Beautiful red-cushioned tall chairs and stools were arranged neatly in even lines across the room to let the couples dance and there even was a smoking room with card tables.

Everything seemed to glow as the Darcy portraits on the walls looked on at the party with approval, making Lizzie feel slightly more comfortable, though she was a packet of nerves, skipping through the halls like a scared deer.

It was not extravagant, not too full, not too empty. It seemed just as it should be; poised and refined.

'Now, I suggest you stop moving about and join your husband to relieve him of this tedious task of welcoming all sorts of people who will not shut up,' Mr. Darcy told her grasping her hand firmly when she passed by.

'And I thought this was your favourite part,' she said laughing happily.

'Barely…'

'Lizzie, the place looks gorgeous!' Jane exclaimed as she joined her. They both walked through the room admiring the results of hard work.

'You look splendid Jane,' she said smiling slyly at her belly.

'Charles thinks I'm even more "ravishing" with child.'

'All men take a liking to it, but they'd rather not bear it,' she said amused.

'Ah, you haven't changed a bit.'

A very spick and span butler suddenly announced the arrival of Lady Catherine which produced such an effect that Lizzie lost all her good disposition. Even more joyful, Caroline joined Elizabeth to welcome the lady properly, but neither did a very good job as she seemed bent on being displeased.

'Lady Catherine, but where is beautiful Anna?' Caroline purred flatteringly.

'I'm afraid she has come down with a dreadful cold,' she replied coldly, not seeming much affected by it. Everyone knew that she barely let her daughter go out.

'Such a misfortune indeed,' Lizzie admitted.

'Was that mockery in your tone, Miss Bennet?' Lady Catherine immediately remarked.

'It's Mrs. Darcy actually…and on the contrary, I am very sad to hear it, for I really wished to know more of Anna,' she replied slightly annoyed.

'Ah, I always forget you married my nephew, Miss Bennet, do forgive me,' she said stiffly.

Lizzie sighed and led her to a comfortable chair, begging Caroline would not follow. Her prayers were heard as Caroline rushed immediately to aid Georgiana Darcy who had just arrived in the Ball Room.

'Why, Miss Darcy, lovely dress,' she said slowly. 'But I would have rather put a shawl over my shoulders. It gets a bit too cold at times.'

Miss Darcy frowned and pretending to look for her brother left her to mingle with the oncoming crowd. The room was filling up quickly and she was starting to get worried she would not find Mary when she came.

Mr. Prowler had arrived early and was already talking to Charles in a secluded corner, both smiling complacently and looking around the room from time to time.

'Are you expecting Miss Bennet then?'

'Pardon?' he asked.

'You did win all her dances after that chess game,' he remarked amused.

'Indeed, I have, though I am not so sure whether I have such a keen partner after all.'

The air was becoming quite stale and the atmosphere was tense as the heat and smell of perfume took over the room.

The only hope came from the open windows which were still considered quite a courageous act since Lizzie had come up with this idea when she noticed that the Ball at the Bingley's had been too tiresome because of lack of fresh air. She hoped no one would comment too much since it was not a very usual thing to have open windows during Balls.

Strangely enough, what had been a soft breeze had now turned into a mild form of wind which was rewarding guests with quite enough coolness.

Lydia and Kitty both entered the Ball room in an odd pace as if already dancing a storming waltz, but both had time to exclaim at the beauty of the room.

They stood a while at their mother's side who had yet again tried to make conversation with Lady Catherine. Mr. Bennet was already engaged in a domino game with Mr. Darcy who had given up trying to seem presentable.

'Oh, look at him, as if tonight is his last night on Earth,' Mrs. Bennet said stiffly.

'Of whom do you speak?' Kitty asked innocently.

'Of your father certainly, though Mr. Darcy is not far behind. He should take Lizzie for a reel at least…'

Lydia looked around the room curiously and found quite half a dozen specimens who could have been worthy of a dance, thus she took Kitty by the hand and strode towards some gentleman nearby who were engaged in a discussion of politics.

Kitty was a bit relieved the Colonel had not arrived yet, for she did not feel ready to face him, but wondered where Mary could have been.

The clock struck a quarter past nine as Mary climbed down the stairs to reach the Ball Room.

'Curses…' she muttered as she fumbled with her dress.

'Miss Bennet?'

She turned abruptly, looking towards the entrance hall.

'Colonel Fitzwilliam!' she called merrily. 'I am very glad you could join us.'

'Likewise, Miss Bennet,' he replied as he took off his hat and bowed.

He was as handsome as ever, his cuffs looking like polished silver, his boots shining flawlessly in the soft light of the corridor as his slow steps made his locks curl softly around his neck.

His smile, however, did not reach his eyes. Instead they meant to say "Tonight or never" and Mary hoped Kitty would not keep her promise to Mr. Prowler.

'Catherine has told me she wants to test your lightness of foot, for she has not danced with you yet,' Mary added smiling shyly, but this little act did not fool the Colonel.

'We shall see…now, let us not make them wait,' he replied as he took her hand and headed for the Ball Room.

They both stepped in casually without being too much noticed and they both ogled at the magnificence of the room, comparing impressions.

'Five chandeliers are a bit too much though, don't you think?' he asked politely.

'I agree, but there is never enough light for such Balls.'

Kitty Bennet did not have to look long for she immediately noticed her sister at the side of her suitor. Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she almost felt jealous. Nevertheless, she looked away pretending she had not seen them.

'Miss Catherine looks marvellous,' he added shyly as he followed her with his eyes across the room.

'She was always a sweet beauty, but do ask her to dance Sir, she is looking forward to it,' she replied smiling.

As they departed she wished him luck though he did not hear her.

Barely had she made a few steps when Kitty accosted her.

'What was…' she started but stopped short.

'Lord, what on Heaven is this?' she asked as she noticed the necklace.

'Oh…it's a Christmas gift…' she stuttered reddening.

'From who, may I ask?'

She was luckily saved by the arrival of her gentle friend.

'There you are! I've been looking for you.'

'Georgiana…thank Goodness…' she muttered.

'Miss Darcy you look splendid,' Kitty added politely.

The two of them bowed at each other politely, but exchanged no other words.

At length Kitty turned towards Mary.

'I was just admiring this gorgeous necklace, isn't it beautiful?' she told Georgiana.

'Oh, I should know, I gave it to my dear Mary,' she said smiling slyly.

Kitty's grin fell as disappointment overtook her.

'Oh, really? Well, odd gift indeed,' she said weakly.

After more idle talk Kitty left them to join her sister and Mary hugged her gratefully.

'What would I do without you?'

'I could think of many biting ways of replying, but I'll contain myself tonight.'

'Oh, then it shall be dull indeed,' Mary said smirking.

The two friends strolled across the room happily, but were soon interrupted when a young man, stranger to both, asked Georgiana to dance. The girl seemed rather reluctant, but joined him nevertheless.

Mary watched her from afar as she joined the other couples in the middle of the room and saw how uncomfortable she felt, almost sad and she wondered why such a reaction would overcome her.

Meanwhile, Kitty had somehow managed to avoid the Colonel by standing very close to the window curtains from which point she could barely be seen. However, she was discovered too soon.

'Hiding from me are you, Miss Catherine?' James asked good-humouredly as he kissed her hand.

She blushed self-consciously. 'Oh, of course not Sir, I simply needed to rest for a while. Well, how handsome you look!' she exclaimed truthfully for he was no less ravishing than the Colonel.

'And I must say the same about you, though your loveliness fairly exceeds mine, Miss Catherine, in all ways possible.'

She looked at him and suddenly tried to imagine him writing at his desk, in his gloomy office in London, fighting in court with the beggars, spitting tobacco on the dusty floor and whipping his mighty stallions.

The thought made her shudder, but it scared her more to think that she could be his companion in all this. She smiled unsure.

'Now, you and I had an understanding, Miss Catherine. And I seek to be rewarded for that fairly won game.'

With that he lifted his hand.

Her eyes travelled across the room and she noticed the Colonel was just some feet away from her. Not having noticed James and seeing as Catherine smiled shyly, he plucked up the courage to come closer, but he inevitably walked into a dreadful situation.

It was too late to back down now and the Colonel bowed politely to the both of them.

'Mr. Prowler, Miss Catherine.'

'Colonel Fitzwilliam, very pleasant to see you,' she answered in a dead voice which he interpreted as coldness.

James felt a bit embarrassed, but without waiting for Kitty's reply, took hold of her free hand.

The Colonel did not notice this small gesture and with all the boldness of his age he bowed again and muttered something inaudible to her, which made Kitty blush furiously.

'Oh, Sir, I'm afraid Mr. Prowler…' she started discomfit.

'Has engaged her dances,' James continued slowly, though having no intention to belittle the Colonel. He was confused and did not feel comfortable, but wanted to enjoy the lady's company.

The Colonel suddenly noticed their intertwined hands and a cold blade almost cut through him as he stepped back embarrassed.

'Oh, I did not realise…I am profusely apologetic.'

'It is of no matter…' Kitty replied weakly.

The music started and both knew she would have to join the couples with James.

'Well then…' Mr. Prowler started and Catherine quickly squeezed his hand, guiding him through the crowd, far away from the Colonel, who stood transfixed behind them.

She moved with such a rush that they were the first couple to start dancing and she felt so stirred and unquiet that she barely realised it was a slow one.

They moved languidly through the chairs and other couples, but Catherine looked either at her feet or at the ceiling, feeling slightly dizzy and not wanting to face James or the Colonel.

'Miss Catherine…are you feeling alright?' James ventured to ask her.

She suddenly looked at him with fear. 'Oh, perfectly well.'

She could not help looking through the room and she saw with horror that the Colonel was walking towards them through the crowd. His stare was blank and he held an object in his hand.

Lydia, who was nearby and dancing with a fairly older man noticed her agitation and glared at her as if telling her it was not proper to show such emotions whilst dancing.

The room was spinning so fast around her that she saw all faces distorted.

She heard her mother's queer loud laugh, she heard Caroline complain no one dared ask her to dance, she heard Charles gulp down his wine, she even heard the Colonel's even breaths.

He looked defeated. And for the first time, he was not about to get up again.

His loss had sunk in and it mattered no more.

She saw him pass them as she turned in James' arms and the light suddenly seemed to grow dimmer.

Indeed, it was not just an illusion, the wind outside had intensified and had almost blown away some of the candles.

It seemed a great rain would fall after weeks without a drop.

Yet, it mattered not to her. It mattered not that she had suddenly stopped in the middle of the dancing couples, with James calling her gently.

It mattered not that Lydia bellowed at her to move out of her way. It mattered not that Jane called out to her husband. It mattered not that Georgiana was slapping the hands of an insolent partner off her waist.

Nothing made any sense and she foresaw how the entire room would sink in an ocean of rain, she foresaw all would drown and float gently across the room.

Perhaps only then she could stop him, but he had already placed her handkerchief on the small coffee table near the exit and with a last pained look left the room.

When she no longer heard his breath, when his feet left the floor she realised no other sounds were audible anymore. She looked at James, at Lydia, at Lady Catherine who seemed to say something in a loud voice to Mrs. Bennet.

She could not hear them. Yet she could still hear his departure.

Click. Clack. Click. Clack.

'Kitty? Kitty? Wake up, for Heaven's Sake!' Lydia shook her slowly.

'Lydia?' she asked dreamily.

'You're holding everyone, keep dancing. Why on Earth did you stop?'

Lydia held her by the arms and looked at her reproachfully, but a small smile appeared on Kitty's lips.

'No.'

'What?'

'I do not want to dance.'

'Miss Catherine, would you like to stop dancing?' James asked.

She turned to him.

'I do not wish to stop,' she said smiling sweetly. 'But I do not wish to dance with you.'

With that she brushed him off and slowly made her way through the crowd.

'Kitty!' Lydia called after her.

As people let her pass her speed increased.

'Kitty, where are you going?' Mrs. Bennet and Jane asked in unison.

Ladies and gentlemen broke up their groups and let her rush by.

She broke into a run as a grin appeared on her face.

Her wild hair shook on her shoulders as her small feet ran as fast as possible.

She pulled the doors with an inexplicable strength and exited the Ball Room, not forgetting however to snatch the handkerchief abandoned on the table.

The Hall looked deserted and coldness seeped into her bones but she had never felt more alive. Not even stopping to consider the weather she rushed with all her might towards the entrance and burst through the tall dark doors out into the already dark night.

It was raining cats and dogs. You could not see two steps in front of you and drops fell sharp and cold on the ground, making her tremble.

Nature was exacting her revenge as trees shook with might from the devastating wind and…she was wearing but a thin Ball gown.

Kitty quickly stepped down the stairs and almost tripped as she reached the stone-alley. It was muddy and full of dirt, yet it seemed more enchanting than ever.

She looked out on the grounds for his carriage and noticed with horror it had already departed.

'Ah!'

Without waiting she started running, trying desperately to reach the gates which had not been closed yet.

In just a few moments she was drenched to the bones, but she cared not.

However, after a few wretched miles, she realised her slippery shoes would not do.

'Damn this stupid attire!'

Taking out her shoes she placed them under a tall oak.

'Now stay here,' she told them not minding how mad she was.

Kitty had always loved to run bare-feet but now it was a matter of life and death.

She pulled her folds until half her calves could be seen and she broke into a run she would remember all her life.

Mud splashed her skin and pretty face, rain washed it thoroughly and dogs howled angrily as she passed without fear.

She almost fell twice but always got up and continued her run which was already exhausting her.

She reached the gates in time and without hearing the game-keeper's shouts skipped further on, following the small carriage which was driving slowly through the meadows.

There was almost no light, but her feet seemed to know exactly where to go as she stepped over puddles and thorns.

It mattered not that she had bruises all over her legs, she felt truly happy, yet afraid at the same time, afraid she would not reach him in time.

She was, however, gaining on them as Kitty Bennet was not a runner to be trifled with. Panting and spitting rain water she called after him.

'Sir, stop the carriage! Mr. Fitzwilliam!'

It was in vain, though.

There is only one way…she thought.

She jumped and ran carelessly, approaching them with an unbelievable might.

The couch man noticed her suddenly and baffled, thought it was a ragged beggar who wanted money or food.

'Be gone with ya!' he yelled.

'Please, Sir, stop the carriage!' she screamed.

He almost tried whipping her, but she ducked and using all her strength halted for the hems of the horses, jumping in front of the carriage.

'Fitzwilliam! Stop!' she yelled at the top of her longs.

Suddenly the vehicle stopped.

'But, Sir…it's only a scoundrel of a…' the couch man protested as he heard his master's orders. 'Very well then…'

Kitty stood frightened and freezing to death in front of the horses, as the Colonel got out of the Carriage slowly.

'M-Miss Bennet?' he asked weakly not believing his eyes.

He walked towards her unsure until he was in front of her. Mud and water covered her body, yet she still looked lovely.

'Miss Bennet, what on Earth…' he started again, as the rain soaked him to the flesh.

It kept pouring and he made a signal to the driver to pull up the carriage. The old man scowled deeply but moved the vehicle as ordered.

Darkness surrounded him and now that she had succeeded, Kitty knew not how to continue.

'Sir…I…I couldn't let you leave like that.'

He looked at her sadly. 'Miss Bennet, it's winter time and you are barely dressed, standing in the rain…' he started.

'I do not care. I had to see you. I…I had to tell you.'

'Tell me what?' he asked leaving his worries aside.

'I do not want to dance with Mr. Prowler.'

'And that is what you came out to tell me?' he asked at length.

'Yes. I do not like him. In fact I hardly bear him. I do not want to walk with him. I… I want…'

He waited.

'I want to walk with you,' she said in one breath.

'Well…I don't think now is the time…' he added embarrassed.

'I want to dance with you. I want to…I want to stay with you.'

He looked at her baffled.

'Miss Catherine…' he ventured, 'that is not possible now…you…I gave up...'

'Gave up on what?'

'It was obvious I was unwanted company,' he said coldly.

'Silly man! I…'

He looked away.

'I am a foolish tart with nothing but schemes in my head!' she yelled.

The Colonel turned abruptly.

'Do not be so hard on yourself…'

'Oh come now, you know it's true! I am the most selfish being I have ever met! The most tedious and insufferable, childish and spoilt!'

'Why…why are you telling me this?'

'Because you are the only one who can stand this obnoxious girl…' she said weakly.

'That is not true, Miss Catherine…'

'Fine, then! You are the only one this wicked girl loves then.'

He stood transfixed for a moment, his eyes widening with shock.

Such a dead silence engulfed them that for a moment both thought it was a dream.

'I, I beg your pardon?' he asked at length his voice shaking.

She rolled her eyes.

'You make me repeat so! I said I love you, silly man.'

Lightning lit the skies as his face lit with a sudden joy he could not control.

Kitty however did not notice and believed he was mocking her.

'Now you hate me, don't you? Now you'll laugh at me…'

'Miss Catherine…I do not harbour such feelings…'

'You don't care anymore. I've lost you, haven't I? I'm too late!' she said almost crying.

'Believe me I…'

'Do not be polite, Sir. I deserve this, don't I?'

'Do you…do you really…'

'I admit. I love you, how many times must I say it?' she asked, a sob escaping her throat.

'Then…' he paused and approached her, 'you should know I have never stopped loving you…and never will.'

The statement stopped Kitty from all possible movement and she stared at him, tears in her eyes.

'I truly do…and always have…' he said raising his hand to hers.

Her trembling lips broke into a smile of relief.

'Please do not…' he started but he had no time to continue, for Kitty Bennet jumped in his arms and kissed him softly on the lips.

He wrapped his arms around her strongly and intensified the small kiss, lifting her up from the ground.

They both swirled in the heavy rain as it turned slowly into snow.

The clock stroke twelve times. It was midnight.

Mary walked across the room worried, holding her glass of champagne. It was now an hour past midnight, yet no sign of Kitty.

She looked out into the snowy darkness and felt frightened and cold.

'Where is she? What has happened?' she mumbled to herself.

The dances continued as everyone laughed and drank champagne, bellowing Happy New Year in each direction.

Her mother and father were dancing which was quite a sight, seeing as they had not done so for a long time. It made her happy to see how merrily they glided on the floor, but she could not feel at rest knowing for sure Kitty had gone in search for the Colonel.

She had tried not to think of Mr. Fowler throughout the night, but now that it was past midnight she kept wondering where he was.

'Miss Bennet?' someone addressed her tapping her shoulder.

She turned and noticed a worried looking James.

'Have you seen Miss Catherine?'

'No, I have not. Have you?'

'Ever since she disappeared…' he continued, but stopped when he noticed her necklace.

'Well…what an interesting piece of jewellery you have there, Miss Bennet…'

She looked down embarrassed.

'If my eyes do not deceive me, I have seen such an article before…I must assume one of your many suitors has been kind enough to make you look presentable tonight…'

'And it is not necessary for you to remark that, Prowler,' a deep rough voice spoke up from behind her.

She turned and saw Mr. Fowler, wearing an upset, defiant look in his eyes as he stared at James. She knew not where he had come from, but she was glad he had finally arrived.

'Mr. Fowler, how pleasant to see you…I suppose you come here to escort Miss Bennet.'

'That is correct, Mr. Prowler, I plan on enjoying myself with my lovely companion as best as possible.'

'Ah, the Bennet women…a curse indeed, let it not be a deadly one,' he remarked acridly.

'It is not a bad alternative in any case,' he replied stiffly.

'It is not a pleasant end, however. You will find Miss Bennet particularly fearsome on this occasion.'

'Quite one of the reasons for my liking,' he shot back clearly displeased.

'She should then feel very lucky indeed with such admirer, after all, this does not happen every day, does it, Miss Bennet?'

'And what of Miss Catherine? Is she not to be found, Mr. Prowler?' Mr. Fowler intoned mockingly.

'I was searching for her at the moment.'

'Perhaps she has taken to better company.'

'Better than yours I am sure there is none,' he said flatly.

Mary stood between them confused and embarrassed loathing both for putting her in such a situation.

Suddenly, the Ball room doors opened widely and in came the Colonel holding Catherine by the hand.

She was wearing a different dress, her wet locks playing mirthfully in the air and he looked perfect in one of Darcy's impeccable suits.

Lizzie and Mr. Darcy smiled slyly as they followed the couple into the room again.

Everyone stopped dancing and a deep silence engulfed the room.

Mary's heart stopped as she couldn't believe her eyes.

Kitty's giggle erupted childishly as she noticed everyone was shocked.

With a quick movement she pecked the Colonel as he kissed her hand and they both joined the couples.

The music started and they both started dancing as if there was no one in the room.

Mrs. Bennet had almost fainted in her chair, but Mr. Bennet was laughing happily trying to hold his wife as Lydia stood by their side shocked and indisposed.

All the acquaintances and relatives watching them felt surprised and happy to see them reunited and some even nodded approvingly as if they knew all along.

Yet no one was as glad as Mary. She could barely hide her grin as she watched them turn happily.

'Finally…' she breathed relieved.

'See, Mr. Prowler, how I was right in my…' she turned towards James but he had already left.

She did not see him again for the rest of the night.

'Shall we, Miss Bennet?' Mr. Fowler said taking hold of her hand.

The two of them followed Kitty and the Colonel but danced rather stiffly and very ceremoniously as he was still telling her what steps to make.

'You're doing fine,' he would tell her from time to time.

'What more can I do?' she said amused as they surrounded a pair.

'You could only look at me.'

She raised a brow confused.

'If your eyes follow only mine you shall not get lost,' he told her softly.

'Should I trust you on that?'

He pulled her closer. 'In dancing, one trusts the other partner completely.'

'Then we should not dance so much.'

'On the contrary, we should dance for an eternity…but I know you shall not come any closer.'

She turned and smiled amused. 'In that you are perfectly right.'

Some minutes passed in silence. The dance was almost over, but they still moved slowly between couples.

'It does look lovely around your neck,' he said at length, 'you should never take it off.'

'And why not?' she asked smiling.

'You would be naked without it.'