A/N- Once more thanks to all the reviewers. At this point of time, there are essentially two things I can do with this story. I know some of you are thinking, wait you haven't planned what to do with the story! As I see it, either I could give our characters a relatively easy ending, though not too easy, or I could make them go through some troubles before we get to the happily ever after. Which would you prefer? Review and let me know. For those who are wondering about Wickham, he too will make an entry later, though it might be a bit different from what you expected.

Mrs Darcy, Mr Darcy, Ms Darcy, Mr Bingley, Ms Bingley, Mr Hurst and Mrs Hurst entered the ballroom. They were observed by the crowd and the general verdict was that Mrs Darcy was an exceptionally kind lady, Mr Darcy a bit reserved and Ms Darcy charming. Mr Bingley was pronounced to be a perfect bachelor, and his sisters were considered fashionable young women.

The party was introduced to the Bennets by Mrs Long, and Mr Bingley, captivated by Jane as he had been all those years ago, requested her hand for the next dance. Owing to the scarcity of men, Elizabeth was obliged to sit for two dances, which were most agreeably spent in conversing with Anne Darcy. Her son danced with Ms Bingley, who was preying on his sympathy, but after two dances he announced that he would not like to dance any more, and made his way to where his mother sat, where he saw her talking to Elizabeth Bennet, who he had thought merely a little girl when he saw her.

He was astonished by the change in her. Gone was the impertinent girl, and in her place stood an astonishingly sensible young lady. She had been pretty then, and Darcy secretly thought to himself that she was one of the most handsome women of his acquaintance. Before he knew what he was doing, he had invited her to a dance, much to the astonished approval of his mother.

'Ms Elizabeth, I find you as lovely as ever.'

'Thank you sir. May I ask what made you dance with me, since I vividly recall you declaring that you would not dance again this evening.'

'I couldn't stop myself when there was so much beauty around me.'

Elizabeth blushed.

'Did you not see any beauty before this moment?'

'Beauty, yes, but I'm afraid this beauty was unaccompanied by brains, and your lovely sister was dancing with Bingley.'

'Would you not dance with a plain woman who had much sense?'

'I would gladly dance with any woman no matter how plain if she is half as witty as you.'

'You seem intent on complimenting me, Mr Darcy.'

'I find much to admire, Ms Elizabeth. Besides, my mother seemed to enjoy your company, which speaks much for your intelligence.'

'She was so kind to me, and your sister too. She is so much like Jane.'

'Since you have a high opinion of your sister, I shall take that as a generous compliment.'

'Oh, Jane is a wonderful sister, and would be quite the perfect woman if not for her trusting nature which would make her pardon the worst of evils. Ms Darcy is also quite trusting, so I can't help comparing them.'

'Do you then, as a rule, analyze the characters of all your acquaintances?'

'I do. It is an interesting pastime, and a rather innocent one.'

'It is, indeed. What do you then, think of my character?'

'I can't yet be certain, for I hear exceedingly different accounts of you. You seem to be an agreeable man to me, and a sensible one too. You do not appear to enjoy the society much, which I put down to women fawning all over you in a way any sensible man would detest.'

'I thank you for this opinion, which I find flattering. Would you care to dance the next dance with me?'

'I would love to, Mr Darcy.'

So Lizzie and William danced all evening, and had a splendid time. Anne Darcy watched them from a distance and thought that she could now leave her son to improve his relationship with this admirable young lady. She could see that they were very fond of one another already. They simply needed time. She would leave William to do as he wished, and not interfere. The children could handle this, just like she and her dear husband had.

The Bennets had a wonderful evening. Mrs Bennet saw her eldest daughters much admired, Jane was delighted with Mr Bingley's interest in her and Elizabeth enjoyed the Darcy family's company. Mary was pronounced the most accomplished woman in the area, and Lydia and Kitty were fortunate enough to never be without a partner.

It was a delighted family that entered the house. Mrs Bennet rushed to her husband's study to tell him of all that had passed, and the young women went on their way to bed.

When Jane and Elizabeth were alone, Jane confessed how much she admired Mr Bingley, who was as agreeable as he had been years ago.

'Oh Lizzy! He is a very nice man indeed!'

'I know that my dear. Am I to presume that you love him already?'

'Oh no! As you have said before, he is far above our station. I would not want to fall in love only to get my heart broken if he is incapable of returning my affections.'

'You could not truly think that! Why, he was obviously smitten by you!', cried Elizabeth indignantly.

'Do you truly believe so?', asked Jane eagerly.

'No one but you could doubt it', said Lizzy with a laugh.

'That's enough of talking about me. I saw you dance with Mr Darcy all evening!'

'He is most agreeable, Jane.'

'Is he? Ms Bingley was quite disappointed when he said he would dance no more, and rather shocked when he stood up with you.'

'Mr Darcy mentioned that he preferred dancing with women who had brains to recommend them.'

'Lizzy! He could not be so rude!'

'Merely truthful. He did not speak ill of Ms Bingley, and was most nice to me.'

'I wonder if he has much affection for you.'

'We barely know each other! His mother and sister were very kind to me, and he followed their example.'

'Charlotte said that you made a rather striking pair and since you were the only woman Mr Darcy danced with apart from Ms Bingley, I must assume that he was attracted to you.'

'Perhaps. I suppose we shall see a good deal of them in the coming month, and so we shall know the gentlemen s' intentions better.'

'I guess so.'

The Darcy s were delighted with Elizabeth, and the Bingley s thought Jane a sweet girl, but Ms Bingley was rather displeased with how Mr Darcy seemed to prefer Elizabeth's company over hers.