So since i'm just reposting the chapters all revised and stuff, these author's notes are becoming redundant. Although, I suppose I usually am just apologizing for taking so long, which is equally redundant. Ah well, here is the third installment with my edits. Enjoy!
"Come Fitzwilliam, don't be stubborn. Come to the assembly tonight."
Darcy just stared at his sister unmoved by her pleas. He hated the assemblies. While he was not wealthy, he was one of the more wealthy men in Meryton and women always seemed to fawn over him. He did not enjoy the tedious chore of dancing with the ridiculous women at the assembly. "I quite determined, Georgiana. Do go and enjoy yourself. I will simply depress your spirits " Georgiana's face fell into a honed saddened expression before leaving the room. Darcy's defense collapsed and he called after her, "Fine! I shall go, but I do not plan on dancing with anyone. That does include the Bennet women." Darcy could hear the effect of his words as Georgiana clapped her hands together in joy.
Elizabeth stepped out of the carriage to greet the pleasant sound of jovial notes harmonizing into a tune. Kitty and Lydia giggled behind at the idea of dancing the night away. Their faces fell as the Bennets joined the sea of people who were already present in the small ballroom.
"Mama," Lydia shouted as her voice would not have been heard over all the noise if she did not shout. "I feel so very faint. It is so crowded in this ballroom that I do believe that all of the air has been sucked out of this tiny room. I am going to go out for a breath of fresh air."
Elizabeth knew that Lydia's true plan was one of escape. She had seen her play this trick before. Lydia would exit the room and enter the carriage then either remain there for the whole night or find Kitty and return home. Elizabeth would not let her get away with such rude and arrogant manners this time. "Lydia," she said sternly. "We've only just arrived. You cannot make an exit now. Sir William is to make an introduction and we are to greet the people we have yet to meet. Look, he has already spotted us! It would appear rude to leave now and not be present. People will take great offense to it. This is not London Lydia and you know that even there this would not be approved of."
"Lizzy, it would be quite alright for her step out for a short while." Mrs. Bennet addressed her second eldest.
"Mama," Jane cried in shock. "You cannot truly believe that! Sir William Luca is but three steps away! If Lydia were to leave she would appear to have much pride and she will not be liked. You do not sincerely wish for Lydia to be disliked, Mama."
Mrs. Bennet listened to her eldest for Jane was her most beloved child. "Lydia, do not leave at the present time. Your sisters are quite right in saying that it would be very rude as Sir William is almost here to greet us. If you could do your best to manage with the present air for a little while longer my dear."
Sir William approached Mr. Bennet. "My dear sir, it is a great pleasure to be in your company once more. We are all so delighted that you could attend." Mr. Bennet replied with a sincere heart that he was enthralled to be here as were his daughters. Sir William then proceeded to greet the Bennet women, all of whom responded politely with a curtsy and a "We are delighted to be here." Sir William beamed as he led the Bennets farther into the small ballroom. The music drifted off until it was nothing more than a wisp of air and the couples of the floor retreated into the crowd that had been observing the dance. All eyes in the room were now fixed on the family from Derbyshire.
Elizabeth was aware of the whispers as people shared their knowledge of her family.
"Twenty thousand each."
"Son is engaged and to receive a great fortune and the handsome estate in Derbyshire."
"Is not the one closest to Sir William the most beautiful creature you've ever beheld."
As Elizabeth discerned this last whisper, she looked over to see that Jane was the one closest to Sir William. Elizabeth was not surprised that such a comment was made for Jane was considered the beauty wherever the family journeyed. It was for this reason that Mrs. Bennet so dearly loved and respected her eldest daughter. The Bennets ended their walk when they reached the other side of the room. The wisps of air turned once again into the sound or music and couples materialized onto the floor. Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief that the peoples' attention was now once again diverted to the people dancing.
One pair of eyes, however, remained firmly fixed on the Bennets. "Oh, are they not very handsome and elegant Fitzwilliam?" Georgiana sighed. Darcy looked over briefly at the five Bennet daughters.
"They are all indeed very handsome, but only the elder two possess an air of elegance and refinement."
"I believe you are being very cynical so as to not give the satisfaction of hearing the Miss Bennets praised." Georgiana said playfully.
"I am aiming to no such thing. The younger two seem to be nothing but silly, spoiled girls. Meanwhile, the middle one is quite clearly not fond of dances."
"I should think that you should get on splendidly."Georgiana laughed.
Darcy merely shook his head since he found he had no response to her comment.
"Come!" Georgiana shouted. "Let us go and be introduced to them."
"Georgiana, I..." He was cut off as his sister grasped his hand and began to drag him over to the spot where Sir William was making the introductions.
"Mr. Bennet, may I present Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of the Lougborn estate and his sister Miss Georgiana Darcy."
Elizabeth examined the young pair that stood before her. Fitzwilliam Darcy looked to be about of about thirty years of age. To Elizabeth he was the definition of handsome. He had about him an air of intelligence that she did not expect from men in the country who had such a small fortunes. He was a tall gentleman and his face was sharp and stern. However, his eyes sparkled with faint amusement as they darted about looking at each of the Bennets. She liked his appearance very much and hoped that his character matched his countenance.
Georgiana Darcy was a frail looking girl who Elizabeth was sure could not be much older than Lydia. She had bright, blue eyes that shined with excitement. She too was tall and very lean, a figure that must please men immensely. Her golden hair was neatly pulled back into a tiny bun on the back of her head. Elizabeth smiled at the girl and Georgiana was more than happy to return the favor.
"Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy, may I present Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Mary Bennet, Miss Catherine Bennet, and Miss Lydia Bennet." Sir William continued his introduction.
Each of the Bennet girls gave a slight curtsey at the sound of their name. Georgiana observed them all with interest, but Darcy quickly singled out two of them that caught his interest. Miss Bennet, the eldest, was the ideal image of beauty. She had golden hair, which was elegantly styled. She had the same sort of lean figure that his sister had though she looked a little less frail. He could she why she was considered the beauty of the family.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet was the reverse of her sister in looks. He found her dark hair and dark eyes, which sparkled with laughter and intelligence, handsomer than her sisters pale features. Her figure more curves and she was not quite as tall as her elder sister or Georgiana. After comparing the two sisters' appearances, he found that his eyes found Elizabeth had the more pleasing physique. The introductions were over and a new dance began. The Bennet family dispersed from the area. Darcy found himself following Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth.
"Miss Elizabeth," he said rather loudly. She and her sister stopped moving and turned around to face him. "Would you honor me with the next dance?" She smiled pleasantly and replied that she would be happy to oblige. Elizabeth held out her hand that he might lead her to the lines of couples that were assembling.
Step...step...turn...touch hands...right foot...left foot. Darcy thought to himself. He did not dance often because he did not find pleasure in it. He did not want miss step in front of Miss Elizabeth Bennet so he thought to himself each movement and said not a word out loud.
"Loughborn," said Elizabeth. "Is not located in Meryton, I believe. Is it Mr. Darcy?"
Darcy abandoned his thoughts to answer her. "No it is not. It is about one mile outside of the town, perhaps even a little farther than that."
"Is it just you and your sister who live there?"
"No, my father does as well, but he is ill most of the time and so I care for Georgiana and the business of the estate."
"She is a handsome young woman your sister. I hope you would not mind my becoming further acquainted with her."
"Not at all, she would benefit greatly from the company of a person other than myself."
"Are you saying that you find yourself to be horrible company Mr. Darcy? I am shocked to hear so."
"Being at least ten years older than my sister and being of a different sex I find that it is hard to relate to her."
"Do you believe me to be your sister's age? For if you do I must tell you that you are probably mistaken."
"Am I? Georgiana is sixteen at the present."
"Then I am 5 years her senior."
"I am surprised that you would give up your age so willingly Miss Bennet."
"I can make the same comment back to you for you also gave away your age quite willingly Mr. Darcy."
"Did I really?"
"You are Georgiana's senior by ten years and Georgiana is sixteen is she not Mr. Darcy."
"I believe I stated that I was at least ten years older, the difference of age could therefore be greater." Darcy delivered this line with a small smile
"Well, I cannot imagine that you are more than fifteen years older than she. In fact, if the difference is greater than twelve or thirteen years I should be quite shocked."
"Well then, you have been saved of her shock for the present."
"And now your age is quite apparent."
"Oh dear," Darcy chuckled. "A slip of the tongue, I am afraid, for I do not usually give away my age in so obvious a manner."
"If you give it away at all you mean." Elizabeth laughed.
"Yes, that is what I meant." Darcy smiled pleasantly.
"I must thank you Mr. Darcy."
"For what reason do I receive such an honor Miss Bennet."
"You made me laugh and I dearly love to laugh."
"I am glad to have been of service to you in such a pleasant way Miss Bennet." He stopped for a moment to give her a slight bow.
Again Elizabeth laughed. "You are an interesting character Mr. Darcy."
"You pay me quite the compliment Miss Bennet, but I do not believe myself to be that intriguing."
"No one ever does Mr. Darcy. Let others be the judge of how engaging your presence is Mr. Darcy."
Here the dance ended. Mr. Darcy led his companion to the edge of the room to the company of her waiting sister. "Miss Bennet," he gave a small bow. Then turning to Elizabeth he said, "Thank you for the pleasure of your company Miss Elizabeth. I look forward to having the same pleasure in the future."
"Thank you Mr. Darcy. I hope to be in the presence of your stimulating character soon again." Darcy gave her a slight bow after this comment and then departed from the two sisters.
"Lizzy!" Jane exclaimed as soon as he was gone from them. "I do hope you are aware of what you have just said to the young man."
"I know exactly what I said Jane and I meant it."
"Mama will not approve." Jane said more to herself than to her sister.
"I do not care what Mama thinks! Papa is the person with the finally say in everything and he will like Mr. Darcy I am sure."
"You are not already considering marriage, are you now Lizzy?" Jane smiled indicating that her statement was one made in humor.
"I hardly know the man." Lizzy responded watching Darcy as he searched for Georgiana. "I simply meant that father would approve of my inviting the Darcys to supper one evening."
Jane sighed and the subject was quickly forgotten.