After that first meeting Kagome found herself running into Mr. Darcy at various functions and get-togethers of the up and ups. She enjoyed his wit and his company, oft hidden beneath a cold exterior. But when he wanted to be, he could be quite companionable, though he smiled rarely. There was a dark memory in his thoughts that seemed to become more bitter whenever Wickham was present.
She didn't ask.
And unfortunately Wickham was present often, and generally could be found crowding Kagome in an unfortunate attempt at seduction. He was the only one to whom her distaste was not perfectly clear.
Even Sesshoumaru looked down on him. Of course to him it was more a matter of class than personality, but still.
With the inclusion of an enthusiastic Mr. Bingley in their circles his mood brightened to a steady level of contentment. Mr. Bingley would chatter on about the weather or the horses and Mr. Darcy would nod at appropriate moments, smoothly avoiding the grasping eyes of Mr. Bingley's sister. Even Sesshoumaru could be drawn in sometimes, using the male presence to dissuade the circling flock of females.
And Mr. Darcy, though he didn't show it obviously, became less melancholy in the Lords' presence. He didn't appear to brood as much and he often sought out their company at the dances. Never to dance nor really for conversation. He would stand watching as Kagome did her social duties. Returning her smiling glances with his eyes. It wasn't until about a month had passed that their acquaintance became more like friendship.
On the day before Christmas, Kagome and Sesshoumaru chose to host a ball at their estate. Sesshoumaru moodily distanced himself from the preparations, choosing to hole up in his rooms and remember. It was around this time some two hundred years earlier that Rin had finally allowed herself to pass from this plane.
The cheerful reds and greens seemed oddly garish in comparison.
While Kagome felt the loss of old companions as well, she was busy hurrying around making sure everything was just so.
It was not intended to be a large get together, merely a meeting of friends. The Bingleys and Mr. Darcy were coming as well as various others who both she and her brother had agreed upon. Or at least compromised. There was enough for some dancing and music, as well as a full table.
And finally it was time. The guests were here, the music had sounded and Sesshoumaru was on his best behavior.
Then Mr. Darcy, attractive in his dark suit, was in front of her, hand extended and eyes laughing beneath his brows.
"Miss Kagome, would you care to dance?"