Sorry this one took so long. It was a monster to write, especially Mary's. I wrote from the ladies points of view this time. I hope it is worth the wait.

Lady Julia

Lady Julia mentally shook her head at the young men standing with her youngest son. 'Boys and their plans,' she thought to herself. She was sure that they would be successful in monopolizing the Bennet sisters' attention. She thought to have some fun and ensure that they wouldn't be able to, but the plans that Mr. Bingley had didn't give room for it. Oh, her ball would be the talk of the Town! Though Mr. Bingley was not as highly sought after as her own nephew, he was popular, and the fact that he had decided to link himself to a lady wholly unknown to the Ton made it all the more juicy. Lady Julia wished she had been able to make one more trip to meet the whole of the Bennet family, but it seemed the universe had been against her. She would be able to meet them shortly in any case.

Lady Julia thought back on a conversation she had with Mrs. Westfield, or Marianne as she preferred to be called by friends. The two had encountered each other on a shopping trip just two days past. It seems that it had been decided that the two eldest Miss Bennet's would be staying in Town for the Season, though one would be staying for an entirely different reason. Since Marianne had not been much involved in Town for the last decade, she had agreed to let Julia be a sponsor of sorts. It would still be a year or two before Georgiana would be allowed to be out, so this would be such a treat! Especially since she had claim on two of the young ladies. Oh, this next year was going to be one of the best, she was sure. One more glance at the clock told her it was almost time, and as if on cue, she heard the first signs of her guests arriving.

Mrs. Bennet

Oh, how marvelous this was! Here they were, spending Christmas in Town and attending, what she thought to be, the event of the season. They have been very blessed indeed! She watched as each of her daughters whirled around with the worthy young gentlemen of their acquaintance, as well as their friends. Her daughters appeared to be the center of attention. Even the Lady Julia had lavish a great amount of attention on them, making sure to greet each member of her family, and introducing them to her peers with pride.

Though she was loath to admit it, she knew that this was all due to her husband's sister. 'But who else should she bestow her kindness upon if not her own nieces. She has no other family,' thought Mrs. Bennet to herself. She thought briefly of all the changes that have occurred in the past two years. Before Marianne decided to share her wealth, things were getting very desperate indeed. There had been almost no hope of any the girls making a good match. She dared not think of what their fate could have been. Though she had to hand over one of her daughters, things couldn't be better. 'I never knew what to do with Kitty anyways.'

Mrs. Bennet was not a callous woman. She did truly love all her daughters, though it was obvious to anyone that it was not in any way equal. She focused on her fourth daughter for a few moments. She had truly blossomed under her aunt's influence. Though she had once thought her plain, she could now see that she had a similar beauty to her oldest daughter, with a hint of the spirit of her second. She was entirely her own person. Yes, this arrangement had garnered nothing but good things.

She turned her attention to each of her daughters and began to see what she never had before. Her daughters all favored each other, but displayed it very differently. Jane had seemed the perfect child, blonde and beautiful, while the others had various dark locks. She remembers the disappointment she had after each child was born not the male heir she and her husband desired. So, she found that none measured up to the perfection she had first birthed. Mary had always allowed herself to appear hard and unyielding, allowing books, rules, and all thing proper to guide her. Under the guidance of the governess Mr. Bennet employed on the advice of his sister, Mary had flourished, allowing her intelligence to meld with the softness expected of their sex. Though still very modest, her clothes were considered fashionable. She was currently engaging the doctor friend of Mr. Darcy in some discussion of some sort.

Hey sweet Lydia! Oh, how she had changed! No longer was she the spoilt child. She maintained her liveliness, yet, there was a maturity now present. When it became apparent that a male was not likely to happen, Fanny poured her sorrow into her youngest, giving her all to make her happy. She would never admit to spoiling her though. She is sure Lydia would have straighten out all on her own, given the opportunity.

Lastly, Mrs. Bennet looked to her second child. For some reason, she had always taken the most offense to Lizzy. Perhaps it was because she fully expected her to be the much desired heir, or maybe it was the fact that Mr. Bennet favored her from the beginning, constantly praising his second daughter to any who would stop to listen. As she grew, Mr. Bennet never let it be a secret that he valued her opinion over his wife's. Whatever the case, Mrs. Bennet never focused much on her. Looking at her now, she could see some of Jane's beauty. Where Jane was fair, Lizzy was dark. Jane was quiet and reserved, Lizzy was involved and boisterous. She had a smile and wit that many males seemed to enjoy, though few would seek to tie themselves to. But, even Mrs. Bennet could not ignore the fact that she had gained the special attention of Mr. Darcy. He was a man of such consequence, she hoped never to offend him.

Mrs. Bennet shook her head and went back to basking in the attention her daughters were receiving. Many of the other mothers with daughters were green with envy, whilst the mothers with sons seemed bent on making her acquaintance. If only Mr. Bennet would allow her to stay in Town with the girls.

Mr. Bennet was signing quite a bit this evening. Usually, he spent his time at events mocking those around him. Tonight he seemed focused on Jane. His eyes seemed to constantly be seeking her out. Now that she thought about it, he looked a bit wistful. A part of her wanted to ask after him, but she did not feel free to. They had begun to draw closer to each other again, probably due to the fact that she has not been so forceful in getting her way and has not argued his decisions. Anyways, things had gotten much, much better. She blushed at the thought of the previous afternoon. She had considered those days over, but when he first sought her out weeks ago, she found she did not want to decline him.

At that moment, a server when by with a tray of treats and Mrs. Bennet felt her stomach roll. She quickly stamped the feeling down as she had for the past week. Usually, she would use any excuse to gain attention, but she refused to allow anything to keep her from this ball. Mrs. Bennet found her attention requested by Lady Julia. She missed Mr. Bingley whisking Jane out into the garden.

Mary

Mary was surprisingly enjoying herself. Though she had never been one to dance much, she found she quite liked her partners. She assumed that the Colonel, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Bingley made sure no other gentleman would be able to spend much time with her sisters. She was currently engaged in a conversation with Mr. Darcy's friend, Dr. Anderson, about the importance of having a pleasant bedside manner. He, like a few other doctors of her acquaintance, thought about the treatment and recovery, and little about how they presented themselves. Mary had had the privilege of tending to her father's tenants for the past year. Meryton's resident doctor had taken on a young man who was home for a break from his university. The young man had little patience and didn't listen to the ill and pained persons, causing them to become frustrated, and thus worsening their conditions. She had watched Dr. Jones take the young man aside many times and try and teach him about his attitude. He finally conceded to the old doctors way, thinking it would not make much difference, only to find that it did.

"People are more than their condition. They are human beings with feelings, God's creation, made into His very image, and they should be treated as such," said Mary.

Dr. Anderson stood there for a moment, seemingly trying to form a response. Mary glanced at his cousin, Mr. Williams, whom she and the doctor had forgotten was standing with them. He looked as though he was struggling to keep a straight face. She wasn't sure what it was he found so amusing and was trying to discern whether she should be offended or not.

"Have I amused you, Mr. Williams?"

"Miss Mary, I am amused, but not about anything you have shared. Never have I witnessed the good doctor in such a state. I do not believe that he has had the privilege of speaking with a lady who is unafraid to speak her mind."

Dr. Anderson glared at his cousin. Mary took this to mean she had offended him, and this, in turn, offended her. "Forgive me, Doctor, for interfering with your obvious belief that females are incapable of discussing anything more than frivolous pursuits and the concerns of the home. Since it is such a bother, I shall excuse myself. I hope you find yourself in the company of a lady who will give your mind peace."

Dr. Anderson looked shocked and his friend no longer took the effort to hide his amusement. The Doctor was soon heard stuttering a reply. "Wha... No, Miss Mary…."

"Miss Mary, there you are! I do believe our dance is about to start, if you are still up for it?"

"Yes, Colonel. I am quite ready. Please, lead the way."

As their dance ended, Mary discovered that she had not hidden her irritation. "Are you well, Miss Mary?"

"Yes, Colonel, but I must confess, I find myself a bit frustrated with your friend."

"What did Anderson do this time?"

"You are so sure it was him?'

"Yes. Andrew was once married and learned how to behave around those of the fairer sex. Anderson has spent more time avoiding his mother's attempts at matchmaking."

"Well, I dare say that it would do him good to learn from his cousin. Mr. Williams was married? What happened to his wife?"

"Sadly, she did not live long after delivering their daughter."

"How awful."

"Yes. It was not a love match, but they did care for one another. It has been just he and his daughter ever since."

"He made mention of wanting to quit his neighborhood. He briefly asked me about Meryton."

"Bingley has been singing the praises of Hertfordshire to all who will listen. It is very likely that you will soon have them as new neighbors."

"Them?"

"I believe Dr. Anderson shall be accompanying him for a while. He is looking for a neighborhood in need of doctors, as the one he currently resides in has more than enough."

"Perfect," murmured Mary. "Is that Mr. Bingley leading Jane to the garden?"

"I do believe it is. Shall we find your other sisters?"

Kate

The night had been perfect so far. Mama had been on her best behavior. Lady Julia had been excited to meet her family and had told her herself that she liked them very much. Richard had hardly left her side, except to dance with one of her sisters, and no other ladies. She had danced almost every dance and enjoyed many wonderful conversations. Her favorite had been the dinner set. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she enjoyed the shocked and envious faces when Richard escorted her to the floor. She and her sisters had received many such looks all night. She would never purposely make anyone feel as though they were beneath her, but the looks caused her to feel good about where she and her sisters had come from. Two years ago, they would have been subject to haughty and pitying looks, but fortune had smiled down on them. She and her sisters had unknowingly decided not to waste the opportunity and strove to improve themselves.

The best part of the dinner set was that she got to take her dinner with him and he had led them to a table filled with elders who would not try and engage them in conversation. So, they spent the time better getting to know one another. She also congratulated him on his scheme. She was not fooled. Anyone could see that the gentlemen has planned to keep all other men as far from her and her sisters as possible. She could also tell that they were up to something else. Richard had only smiled at her and changed the subject.

It was time for Richard's dance with Mary. When they finally located her, Kate could tell her sister was upset. From the looks of things, Dr. Anderson had offended Mary. So caught up in her irritation, Mary did not notice her sister approach with Richard. After they went for their dance, Kate turned on the men before her.

"What did you do to my sister?"

Mr. Williams was the first to answer. She could tell he was greatly amused. "I assure you, it is a misunderstanding. You sister quite passionately shared her views on a subject brought up by my cousin, and as he had no argument, was left speechless. I made to mock my cousin over it, and Miss Mary took his response to mean he something it didn't."

Kate chuckled. "Yes, Mary can be as quick to form an opinion as our sister Lizzy can. Though she seems to have curbed that habit."

"I mean to make amends as soon as possible, Miss Westfield," said the Doctor.

They chatted to the end of the dance, and both gentlemen then took her to her mother's side, where she found Lydia and Georgiana giggling over a couple eyeing each other across the room. She noted that her mother looked a bit peaked. She made a note to check with her in the morning. She caught sight of Richard and Mary coming their way. She then noticed Mr. Bingley leading Jane towards the garden doors, Mr. Darcy and Lizzy not far behind.

Lizzy

Lizzy was enjoying herself. Mr. Darcy had told her this was a small gathering to his Aunt. Lizzy did not think she had ever been to just a grand ball before. She had, at first, spent quite a bit of time with Lady Julia and her husband, both of whom seemed eager to get to know her. She had thought they would want to know more of her sister, Kate, but she soon found out that Lady Julia greatly liked her sister already. Lizzy was to stay in Town for the Season, and Lady Julia had offered their Aunt Mari to help guide them through, as it had been a long time since their Aunt Mari had spent much time amongst the Ton.

Mr. Darcy expressed his pleasure at the knowledge that she would be in Town for the foreseeable future. He had much to attend to here as well, and since his sister had once more ensured her stay with the Westfield's, it was likely they would see a great deal of each other. After the supper set, which she danced with Mr. Darcy, she found herself at a table with Jane and Mr. Bingley. Lizzy noticed that he seemed very nervous and made eyes at Mr. Darcy fairly often.

After supper, Lizzy danced with the Colonel while Kate danced with Mr. Darcy. Once the dance had ended, she was escorted over to Jane and Mr. Bingley, who was looking very pale. She leaned over to Mr. Darcy.

"Is Mr. Bingley alright? He looks as though he is ill."

"Bingley is fine. It is a bit stuffy in here is all. Bingley, perhaps we should take in the air in the garden. You are looking a bit peaked."

"Yes! Um, yes. We should take a turn about the garden. Miss Bennet?"

"I think that would be lovely."

The couple turned and Mr. Bingley quickly began to lead Jane out into the garden. As Lizzy made to follow, she felt Mr. Darcy slow her pace. She looked at him with a raised brow, and the look he returned couldn't be interpreted as another other than "trust me." So, they followed slowly after.

They did not travel far before the gentleman stopped them. She watched as Mr. Bingley led her sister to a nicely decorated area, next to a fountain. They were within sight, but from her place, she could not know what they were talking about.

"What is going on, Mr. Darcy?"

"Are you aware that Mr. Bingley had an audience with your father recently?"

"Yes."

"Do you know his purpose?"

"Well, we did speculate…. Do you mean?! Oh, dear Jane…"

She turned her attention back to the couple in the garden just in time to see him seat her sister on the bench and kneel before her.

Jane

Jane didn't think she had ever had a pleasanter evening. She found Lord and Lady Matlock very pleasing and was happy to note the special attention they gave to both Lizzy and Kate. She did not think there would be any announcements for either couple anytime soon, but no one could ignore the possibilities. The night seemed to go by in a flash. Before she knew it, Mr. Bingley was escorting her out for a turn about the garden. She had been a bit worried for him, as he seemed to grow nervous and pale as the night progressed. She thought the night air may do him very good. She did not notice her sister and Mr. Darcy drop far back behind them.

"It has been a very pleasant night, has it not, Miss Benne?"

"Yes. I do not think I have had many pleasanter."

This was a bit strange. It had been a long time since they had had a hard time finding something to talk about. She looked forward and noted the area he was taking her to. It was nicely decorated, as there were not many flowers in bloom this time of year. It was very beautiful and a bit romantic in her opinion. She went to turn to Lizzy, to comment on it, and realized she and Mr. Darcy had stopped a ways back. Jane gasped and turned to Mr. Bingley. He seemed to draw some courage from her and began to speak again.

"My father was a hard worker. After he lost my mother, he threw himself headfirst into his business. When he wasn't working, he spent his time with my sisters and myself. He shared his dreams and desires for us. He wanted better for us than for me to work myself to the bone, or for my sisters to marry shopkeepers. Not that he viewed them with distaste. He firmly believed that if he had been able to provide the life of a genteel lady for Mother, that she would have lived. He loved my mother, very much. As you can see, he succeeded in his endeavor, though I believe it also lead to his early demise, but then, that could have been his desire to be, once more, by my mother's side.

"He told me often, that the time would come when I would meet a lady who would take my breath away. Who would make it impossible for all other ladies to be anything more than acquaintances."

Here he led her to the bench, and as she took her seat, he knelt before her. "Miss Bennet. Jane. Lovely, lovely Jane. From the moment I met you, I knew there could be no other. Your sweetness, your countenance, captured my heart. Spending time with you only caused the feeling to grow stronger as I watched you move amongst you neighbors and peers, each holding you in high regard. I watch you with your family and I can see that your love for them holds no bounds. I find myself longing to be held in such a light in your eyes.

"Jane, would you make me the happiest of men, and be my wife?"

By this point, Jane had tears in her eyes. She took a moment to take a deep breath, and smiled at the man before her. "Charles, nothing would make me happier."

Bingley smiled wide and stood, pulling her up with him. They stared in each others eyes for only a moment before they shared their first kiss.

Unnoticed by them, Lizzy wept tears of joy in the arms of Mr. Darcy.

Lady Julia signaled her husband to give an official farewell not long after she notice Mr. Bingley and a smiling Miss Bennet reenter the ballroom.

"Friends, it has been a great delight to be able to celebrate this season with you. In the coming days we shall all undoubtedly have to endure relatives we otherwise ignore (laughter rang throughout the room) or visit sparingly. We have had at least this night. Before we go, we must celebrate one more event."

This caused a bit of excitement among the guests. They saw Lord Matlock gesture to someone and before long, Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet stood next to the Lord and Lady.

"A toast, to Mr. Charles Bingley and Miss Jane Bennet, who have this very evening, become engaged. May you have many happy years and many happy holidays together."

There was applause and congratulations all around. Tears of happiness where shed by family and friends, and no one missed Mrs. Bennet's joyful cry of "Oh, Mr. Bennet!"

Yay! They're engaged. I know it seems quick, but keep in mind that this was not uncommon at the time. Charlotte had only known of Mr. Collins for a fortnight. I tried to start developing Mary's interest. I can't say that I am too happy with it, but it will stay as it is. I have plans. Review. Make predictions. I love hearing from you.