Author's Note: Why hello there again! Here is the masterpiece, Chapter Seven. Dum dum da da! I had so much fun writing this chapter. Have fun reading. And don't forget to review! If you would like to see Sam's dress, copy the link below.
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Conceit and Contemptuousness
Chapter Seven
The next few days were quite uneventful, except for the fact that whenever I was in close proximity to Miss Collins she got this goofy smile on her face and peered at me with large eyes. It began to get annoying after a few seconds or so. Actually, it was quite creepy. Oh, how I wish my mother hadn't planted the blasted idea in her head in the first place. But beggars can't be choosers, can they? And my mother was most certainly begging.
Sam found out about Miss Collins' little "crush" on me and teased me to no end. (She actually used blunter words. I believe she referred to it as a "stalkerish obsession".) For some reason, I found myself upset. I was normally offended when Sam took it upon herself to insult me, only this time more so. I don't know why.
Anyways, what with lectures on trigonometry and unrequited love the days slowly passed until the evening of the Ball at the Bingley's arrived. I was particularly excited to attend, having obtained a promise from Miss Wickham that she would make an entrance sometime during the evening. We dressed in our finery and made our way across the hall to the Bingley Residence. My first impression of the room was sort of elegant feel. The furniture had been removed in order to make way for the scores of dancers. The lights were glowing dimly and everyone was dressed wonderfully. Even Sam looked lovely.
Carly welcomed us, commented on our spiffiness, then sent us in to join the party. The first task on my list was to locate Miss Wickham. I searched high and low but she simply was nowhere to be found. I did, however, find Kenny and Lionel going gaga over some models. I felt someone poke my shoulder, and I turned around in order to honor Miss Wickham with a dance. Unfortunately, all I found was my mother.
"Ask Miss Collins to dance," she instructed.
"But mother…" I replied.
"No ifs, ands, or buts. Now go!" She interrupted. She pushed me in Miss Collins' general direction until I stood right in front of her.
"May I have this dance?" I mumbled. Miss Collins giggled and held out her arm. With reluctance I took it and led her out onto the floor. The last couple joined the group and the music began, a spirited foxtrot.
You know, it is difficult to maintain two separate conversations while dancing. John, who naturally was dancing with Miss Bingley, informed me that Miss Wickham had been detained by her superiors and was unable to make it that evening. I was saddened by the news, but kept a grin on my face. From Miss Collins I learned that you can find the incenter of a triangle by constructing angle bisectors, and that she intended to stay by my side most of the evening. I was scared by that proposition, so as soon as the dance was over I grabbed Shane and proceeded to avoid Miss Collins. In doing so I almost ran over a beautiful girl.
"Oh, I am so sorry," I began to apologize, but I stopped as soon as I saw her face. For the beautiful girl in question was none other than Sam Darcy. I barely recognized her. Her turquoise trumpet ball gown perfectly matched her enchanting eyes. Her golden hair was in a bun near dead center, with bejeweled bobby pins sparkling in the light. Her rosy lips glinted, and smelled slightly of watermelon. I was so taken aback by her appearance that I almost missed what she said.
"Oh, no matter." She began. "Listen, I would like to take a rain check on that dance you offered me. May I have the next dance?"
"Yes," I said, completely unaware of what I was doing. Sam walked away, and I immediately turned to Shane.
"Did I just agree to dance with Miss Darcy?" I spluttered.
"I dare say you will find him amiable." He responded.
"It would be most inconvenient since I have sworn to loathe her for all eternity." I answered. We both chuckled and I made my way towards the dance floor where Sam was waiting.
I assumed the position and placed my hand at her waist, and she put hers on my shoulder. The music, a slow waltz, commenced and we began to dance. After a while, the uncomfortable silence that we were steeped in bothered me so I spoke.
"Do you think the weather will be nice tomorrow?" I asked.
"Yes," He replied. Not satisfied with her answer, I persist.
"But what kind of weather do you think it will be?"
"Do you talk, as a rule, while dancing?" She asked.
"No… no, I prefer to be unsociable and taciturn... Makes it all so much more enjoyable, don't you think?" I answered tartly. As we swayed to the music, it seemed we were the only two in the room.
"Tell me," she opened. "Do you and your brothers very often walk through Seattle?"
"Yes," I answered. "We often walk through Seattle. It's a great opportunity to meet new people. In fact, when you met us, we'd just had the pleasure of forming a new acquaintance."
"Miss Wickham's blessed with such happy manners, as may ensure her making friends. Whether she is capable of retaining them, is less certain." She commented.
"She's been so unfortunate as to lose your friendship. I dare say that is an irreversible event." I mentioned.
"It is. Why do you ask such a question?" She inquired.
"To make out your character." I replied.
"What have you discovered?"
"Very little. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly."
"I hope to afford you more clarity in the future." With that, the piece ended. "Excuse me," she said and left me standing there. My hands were tingling. And suddenly I remembered there were other people here as well. People that had to be avoided. I ran from the room and hid on the fire escape outside, trying to make out what happened. Of course, my mother would know where I was. She dragged me off to talk to Miss Collins.
"Is that Miss Darcy?" Miss Collins asked when Sam passed by. I nodded. "I must go talk to her. She's the niece of my esteemed patron, Lord de Briggs." She ran off to converse. I tried in vain to stop her, but Miss Collins was determined. I never noticed how much taller Sam is in comparison to Miss Collins. I turned around, avoiding the scene that was obviously going to take place.
I was soon put out of my misery, as soon it was time to exit the premises. All the Bennets gathered together and I hightailed it out of there. As I lay in my bed thinking over the events of evening, I couldn't help but wonder what ulterior motive Sam had for asking me to dance. There had to be something. Nice just wasn't in her nature. This continued to puzzle me as I drifted off to sleep.