Hi, guys! This chapter is actually an added one since one of my readers suggested that I write more about Darcy's thoughts and stuff like that… Enjoy! Remember to write some constructive criticism.

Darcy's Musings and a new start for friendship

As Thomas, Darcy's valet readied his master for a hot bath, Darcy had a sufficient time to reflect upon the whole evening. It started off as terrible as anybody can imagine, for he insulted a debutant at the ball in honour of her, a duke's daughter nonetheless! Then it just got worse, with Lady Spencer overhearing his remark and dancing a waltz with her. Well, the waltz wasn't exactly entirely agonizing, Lady Elizabeth did have a light and pleasing figure, Darcy thought. I wonder if she has truly forgiven me after I dragged her into the music room and apologized. I hope she has, for now I'm determined to win her good opinion and will call on her tomorrow.

After taking his bath, Darcy dismissed his valet and crawled into his bed. Staring at the ceiling, he continued his musings. Why should I, Fitzwilliam Darcy, who has never bothered to win any woman's approval, stoop down to a mere girl of seventeen? Perhaps you are fascinated with her ways of seeing matters her sincerity, and admire her ability to fend for herself in the society. His inner voice said. Darcy shrugged off these small voices and fell into a deep slumber. Yes, tomorrow he'll call on the Spencer townhouse to pay his respect.

The Next Day

On the next day, Elizabeth woke up feeling refreshed and relieved after such a long night but also a bit nervous because of the heavy social duties waiting for her now that she's of age. She rang for Laura and dressed as quickly as possible for she secretly wished to have a stroll in the Hyde Park before the whole of London is up and about.

Entertaining the same thought, Darcy mounted his horse for a leisurely ride through the park. Upon hearing some noises in the bushes, he paused. Then, as if he saw, Lady Elizabeth stumbled out of the bush. Darcy was mesmerized at the moment, for Elizabeth's brown curls fell out of her bonnet, and after such a vigorous walk, Elizabeth's cheeks are flushed pink, and her eyes are sparkling with laughter and self-mockery for her loss of dignity.

Then she noticed Darcy staring at her and her cheeks flushed even a deeper red. She summoned up all her courage and bid Mr. Darcy good morning, and then she turned to walk away. It was at that moment Darcy realized his major faux pas, so he called out quite loudly:" Please do not go, Lady Elizabeth. Would you like to walk with me? I found the weather to be quite pleasing and I, for one, am in want of intelligent conversation." He looked at the back of Lady Elizabeth begging.

Then Elizabeth realized she wouldn't be able to refuse this requests since it's so sincere and heartfelt. And a walk and conversation with Mr. Darcy might prove to be fruitful in her hope of sketching his character. So she turned around with much dignity and solemnity, she could pass for Lady Catherine if not for her sparkling and bright eyes. Darcy smiled in relief of her agreement and held out his arm for Elizabeth to hold.

Elizabeth unhesitatingly accepted his offer and started their conversation with memories of the ball last night.

"I believe, Mr. Darcy, we had had reconciliation yesterday night before the ball ended, didn't we?" Elizabeth smiled up at Darcy and challenged him to continue on this topic.

"I do believe we did, and I think this is exactly the reason why I'm walking with and conversing with you now, to prove to you I'm not disagreeable and proud as you previously thought, and to, of course, make it as a start of a new friendship." Darcy faced her challenge with ease.

Elizabeth blushed when she thought of her prejudice." Sir, I'd really appreciate it if we can all forget the...situations last night and start anew."

"I'd be happy to oblige. Now, shall we talk of something more pleasant such as the weather?" Darcy said teasingly.

"You, sir, are incorrigible!" Elizabeth burst out before she launched into a full fledged laugh, showing her pearl white teeth.

Darcy, again, was stunned by the natural beauty of Elizabeth, and allowed himself a slight grin at his own expense. Quickly resuming her dignity, Elizabeth said challengingly "Why sir? I believe that to be obvious, the wonderful weather drew both of us out, didn't it? Therefore, sir, you have proven yourself to be a very dull conversationalist, at least in my opinion."

"Then what will you have us talk about? Surely not those scandalizing novels that young ladies nowadays like to read!" Amazed with Lady Elizabeth's blatant reply, Darcy replied back teasingly.

Immediately after Darcy replied, he knew that it was the wrong thing to say, for Lady Elizabeth's face turned red with anger, and if looks can kill, Darcy would have been long dead by those fiery brown eyes. Elizabeth restrained her anger and said vehemently "Who do you take me for? An ordinary lady of the society? If you do, let me correct those assumptions. I'm no temptress, no fortune hunter, and not someone to be underestimated!"

Darcy stuttered over words, finally, he said with an urgent tone "Please do not take offence of what I said earlier, I was only trying to tease you, but it seems that I unknowingly gave offence to you. You must know that I hold only the highest regard and opinion of you and that I regret what I said to you yesterday night heartily."

Elizabeth recovered her shock at hearing such a sincere confession quickly, and she was wholly ashamed of her unladylike burst of temper before. She quickly said "No Mr. Darcy, you are not the one at fault, it was I, who took offence of what you said before comprehending your meaning." She added teasingly "So you see now that maybe I'm not worthy of your high opinion, being very unladylike and rude indeed!"

"As much as I hate to disagree with you, Lady Elizabeth, I must say that what you said can only inspire a higher opinion of you, for there's nothing wrong with a right sense of self-respect, and your ready admission to your own fault tells me that you know yourself well. They all gave rise to my already high opinion of you, Lady Elizabeth."

"I believe, Mr. Darcy, now that we've reconciliated, we can consider ourselves friends, and no friends call me Lady Elizabeth, please call me Elizabeth or Beth." Elizabeth said, trying to lift the solemn atmosphere, meanwhile trying to hide her blush at being praised so.

The two reveled in their newfound friendship, and walked on in companionable silence.

AN:I know this chapter really sucks, bear with it… I'll write next weekend if nothing goes wrong.