Yes, I know it's been a long time, but I just got back from vacation and I've been updating my other stories. I don't really like this chapter, but it's vital.

"Jane," Jane rolled over in her and Elizabeth's shared bed, "what do you think of Mr. Wickham?"

"He seems an amiable man. I confess I like him a good deal. It was very gentlemanly of him to offer me his arm on our walk back from Meryton." Elizabeth nodded, ponderingly. After a few more minutes of silence, Jane rolled over again and closed her eyes, attempting to fall asleep.

"Jane," Jane turned back to her sister, "what is your opinion of Mr. Darcy?"

"Mr. Bingley seems to like him a great deal, so he must be a good man. Personally I do not know what to make of him. Why do you ask?" Elizabeth sat at her vanity and began brushing her hair. Again silence reigned in the room. Jane rolled over again, but this time her eyes remained open and she, awake.

"Jane," Jane rolled her eyes and chuckled good-humouredly. She turned to her sister again. "If you were to choose between those men, who would you choose?" Jane pondered the question, looking at every aspect.

"Which do I like better? I have to say Mr. Wickham." Elizabeth shook her head slowly.

"No, if they were both to make an offer of marriage, which would be the better choice, in your opinion?" Jane studied her sister, worried.

"Do you feel it likely that either of them likely to make you an offer of marriage?" Elizabeth focused on Jane's refection in the mirror, and it was to it that she spoke.

"As to Mr. Wickham, I know not, but concerning Mr. Darcy, I feel it is more of a question of when than if. The way he looks at me, the way he addresses me, the very words he speaks to me all scream of attraction. I do not know what to do, Jane." Jane sat up in bed, even more worried for her sister. Elizabeth never admitted weakness, unless she felt overpowered by it. It was not a good sign.

"You are not thinking of accepting such a proposal?" Elizabeth turned her eyes back to the hairbrush that was lying limp in her hands. "Lizzy?"

"That I must decline such an offer I know, but what if mama was to hear of it? She would demand I accept him for his wealth and connections. Papa could have few objections to the match. Mr. Darcy is good and gentlemanly. He has wealth enough to provide for me, as well as all of the family. He cares for me and would not hurt me. I could do much worse in a husband. Oh Jane, I do not know what to think or what to do." Jane carefully observed her sister. She had known that there had been some tension the other day, but she had not known it to be of this level.

"Do you love him?" Elizabeth sighed and hung her head.

"No."

"Then do not marry him! You always said you would marry for nothing but love." Elizabeth turned to look at her sister, without the aid of the mirror.

"But what if I never find someone I can love. I have little faith in men." Jane pulled herself out of bed and embraced her sister. She felt the shoulder of her nightgown soak in water, but she cared not. Taking the hairbrush from her sister, she proceeded to finish brushing her sister's hair.

"I could do much worse." Elizabeth spoke so quietly, that Jane wondered if she heard her correctly.

"Aye, but you could do much better. Think about it tomorrow and you'll come to the same conclusion. Personally, I think you should stay away from Darcy altogether. He is not a good influence on you." Elizabeth nodded in agreement. There was something about Darcy that continually discomposed her, but she had no idea what it was.

The long awaited Netherfield Ball arrived far too quickly for Elizabeth. She had already promised the first two dances to Mr. Collins and surely Mr. Darcy would ask for some. The only conciliation was in dancing with Mr. Wickham, as he was a very amiable man and held none of that frightening intensity that Mr. Darcy often exhibited.

Netherfield had been wonderfully decorated, she could see as much as soon as she entered the doors. The music was very well played and the lighting perfect. As Elizabeth examined her surroundings, she spotted Darcy, who looked like he was making his way to her. Without thinking, she followed her sister's advice and moved out of his line of sight into another room.

Two pairs of eyes followed her movements, and the reactions of the man whom she had fled. Looking at each other, they could see the worry in the other's eyes.

"What is Miss Elizabeth's opinion of Darcy?" Bingley tentatively asked.

"She is afraid of him." Jane answered truthfully and rather bluntly. Bingley raised his eyebrows in astonishment.

"Afraid? Of what? Darcy is a gentleman, he will not harm her." Bingley's voice rose as he defended his friend, but at the urging of Jane, he lowered it again.

"She knows he is a gentleman, but she is afraid that he is attracted to her, and being so, will make an offer. An offer which she will refuse, but then our parents will force the match." Jane sighed, thinking it likely that such a circumstance could take place. "I think he is a bad influence on her, she even discussed marrying him a few nights ago, but only for the security he would provide. That is not like her! Ever since she was five she always told me she would marry for nothing less than the deepest love. I think she is right to avoid him." Bingley gave Jane an astonished look. This was as close as he had ever seen her to saying a mean word about anyone.

"I was thinking earlier that perhaps Darcy should return to London, I don't think it is healthy for him here." Jane cast him a puzzled glance, but his eyes where focused elsewhere. Following his gaze she spied Darcy, still searching in vain for Elizabeth.

"Yes, I don't think it is healthy for either of them." Jane's eyes spotted Wickham among the crowd, being glared at by Darcy. With an unconscious smile, she decided. If it came down to a choice between the two gentlemen, her vote was most assuredly given to Wickham.

The characters are a little OOC, but I warned you about that earlier. As I said before, the changes are necessary for the plot I have planned. I'm trying to keep them as true as possible.

There is more to the Netherfield Ball, and the rest will be mostly either Darcy or Elizabeth's POV.