Disclaimer: I do not own Pride and Prejudice. All credit goes to the amazing Jane Austen.

Chapter 1

Much as James had predicted, the estate of Netherfield was indeed located in the middle of nowhere. The stately home seemed to tower above the other estates in the area, and even its expansive grounds seemed puny when compared to Darcy's estate of Pemberley in Derbyshire.

Darcy glared with barely concealed contempt at the green countryside of Hertfordshire, thinking wistfully of the streets of London where James and Georgiana were staying.

Unaware of Darcy's disgust with the situation, Charles Bingley pointed out his favorite places on the grounds of Netherfield to his friend. He was a good man; a little naïve perhaps, but generally good tempered and with an open minded disposition. Darcy wondered if it was Bingley's open mindedness that had prompted him to buy this quaint little home.

Bingley looked up at the slowly descending sun, his fluffy red hair nearly glowing in the sunlight. He smiled and turned his cheerful brown eyes on his silent friend.

"Time escapes us, Darcy," he said brightly. "I'm afraid we must return now if we are to be ready in time for the ball at the Lucas's."

Darcy held back a groan. He hated balls in his own hometown, why on earth did he have to go to one in a place where he knew no one? Still, if it pleased Bingley, he might as well go. James hadn't been exaggerating when he said that Bingley was one of his only friends, and Darcy truly wanted to continue his friendship with Charles Bingley.

"By all means, Charles," he said resignedly. "Let us prepare for the ball."

Bingley chuckled at the resignation in his friend's voice.

"Can you at least make an effort to enjoy yourself, Darcy?" he asked. "I would hate to think you unhappy when I am having fun."

"Then let us hope that you are unhappy at the ball also," Darcy joked.

He made his way back to Netherfield, Bingley's laughter echoing in his ears.

Much as he expected, Darcy failed to enjoy himself at that poor excuse for a ball at Lucas Lodge. Not only did he find the residents of Hertfordshire vulgar, Caroline Bingley found it necessary to follow him around like a determined dog and complain at the top of her voice.

Standing safely out of the way against a wall in the corner, Darcy sighed wearily. Why did he always have to listen to James? Next time, James could be the one to attend the country balls and festivities and he could escape to London.

"Darcy!" Bingley called good-naturedly from his place on the dais next to Sir William Lucas. "Come over here, Darcy. Sir William has some people he wishes to introduce us to."

How many more people can there possibly be in this country village? Darcy thought sourly.

He walked slowly towards the dais, his feet dragging. It seemed like a whole town of females had gathered around Bingley and Sir William. Darcy held back another sigh and pushed through the crowd to stand next to Bingley.

Sir William beamed at him and gestured towards the plainest woman in the crowd.

"Gentlemen, I am pleased to introduce you to my eldest daughter, Charlotte, and our good friends, the Bennets," he said smoothly. Three young women and an older lady who hovered over them like a shadow curtsied politely. Darcy tried not to shudder at the calculating look in the older woman's eyes. Great, another match-making mother.

"Oh, Mr. Bingley, it is such a pleasure to have you in Netherfield," the older woman gushed. "As I told Mr. Bennet, it's about time someone moved in to that wonderful estate."

Darcy rolled his eyes. So this was the infamous Mrs. Bennet. Somehow, he pictured her as less annoying. He should have known better.

Bingley smiled, oblivious to the woman's annoyance.

"It is a pleasure to be here, Mrs. Bennet," he said happily.

Mrs. Bennet's smile widened.

"May it please you to meet my daughters: this is Jane, my eldest." She gestured towards a pretty girl with golden curls and a gentle face. "Mary." A brown haired girl with a severe face and pale eyes curtsied stiffly. "And my second eldest, Elizabeth." A girl with auburn hair pulled back into a loose bun curtsied gracefully, her green eyes sparkling with amusement.

Darcy felt the breath fly out of him when he laid eyes on the last girl. Something about the way her eyes glowed in the lamplight made his knees go weak, a very dangerous reaction indeed. Darcy couldn't afford to let anyone make him weak, yet somehow this girl had struck him to the core.

As if sensing the dangerous effect she had on him, Elizabeth Bennet met his gaze and smiled. Darcy shuddered and looked away, effectively terminating any chance of connection with the mysterious woman.

Perhaps James was wrong, he thought wryly. Perhaps there is danger in the country.

Me: thanks so much to the people who reviewed! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!