A/N- Thanks a lot to my dear reviewers. You guys are awesome!

The next day seemed to bring further evidence of Mr Bingley's interest on Jane, for he called on the Bennets, though without either of his sisters or Mr Darcy, to extend an invitation to a ball at Netherfield in a fortnight.

Mrs Bennet could not be more delighted, and even Elizabeth rejoiced, for his arrival to personally invite them could not be seen as anything but a compliment to Jane, especially since at the end of the invitation, be requested for her hand for the first set.

Mr Collins was also invited, if he cared to dance, and saying something about dancing being a very innocent diversion, he accepted. As soon as Mr Bingley had departed and the usual excitement a ball evokes begun, Mr Bennet fled to his study.

Mr Collins asked Mary to grant him the first two dances, and it had hardly escaped Mrs Bennet that she may very well have two daughters married by the end of the season. She rejoiced inwardly, and was more attentive to Mary than ever before, an action that both delighted and confused the young girl, for though she began to develop an attachment with her cousin, she had not in the wildest of dreams imagined that he was interested in her.

While Longbourn was thus in a state of bliss, Netherfield was not quite so delighted. Caroline had been insisting that they remove themselves to London soon, and Charles was rather tired of trying to explain that he was very fond of the local society and intended to stay where he was. While Charles was more visiting the Bennets she tried to get Mr Darcy to support her point of view.

As they sat in the parlor with books to amuse themselves, she whispered to Mr Darcy.

'Mr Darcy! I have something to say to you that is of rather serious nature.'

William was alarmed. Surely she could not be as forward as that to suggest an engagement between them that she had long desired.

'What is it Madam?'

'It is about Charles.. Surely you could not be so blind so as to not see that he is evidently in love with Jane Bennet? She is a sweet girl, to be sure, but hardly a woman I would want to call sister. She has low connections, practically no dowry, and I do not believe I need to explain why her family is unsuitable.'

William was both relieved and outraged.

'I might agree with you on all other points, Ms Bingley, but I do not see why it would be unsuitable for Charles to wed the girl nevertheless. If they love each other, surely the size of her dowry is immaterial? I am certain Charles has sufficient wealth and connections for them both.'

'If they love each other, Mr Darcy. I believe that it is not my brother but his income that she is in love with.'

Though Caroline knew her words to be untrue, she felt that it was the only way to both win over Mr Darcy, and to come across as a loving sister.

'Surely you could not think this way about one you call friend!'

'Perhaps not Jane, but would you not agree that she is a dutiful daughter? I believe you are well acquainted with Mrs Bennet?'

The implications of what she said sank in. William knew had to do something to ensure his friend's happiness.

'I believe I shall have to see for myself her indifference before I can believe your words Ms Bingley.'

With these words, he left the room.

As he walked to the library, William was overcome by a lot of thoughts. He had not really thought about it, but he could feel an undeniable interest in Ms Elizabeth Bennet with her negligible dowry, pitiable connections and embarrassing family. She was very handsome, yes, in fact, one she started talking and laughing, she seemed to brighten the room she walked into. She was not at all mercenary, very intelligent and sensible, and altogether a refreshing change from most young ladies who tried to entrap the richest man they could find. She was different. He did not love her, but William had to confess that he was charmed by her.

'William, can I speak to you for a moment?'

Mr Darcy whirled around and saw his mother.

'Of course, mother.'

'I cannot help thinking that you looked rather troubled just not. It is Caroline's ploys that trouble you, is it son? Or is it thoughts of a young lady with fine eyes?'

Anne was fully aware of her son's growing attachment with Ms Elizabeth, and entirely approved of his choice.

'Must you tease so, mother? It is Charles that I worry about.'

'Charles? I would not worry about him if I were you. He seems to be quite happy to me, and indeed might be engaged very soon if I am not mistaken.'

'That is precisely what I am worried about. I cannot help feeling that perhaps Ms Bennet does not really love him.'

'William! It must be Caroline who put such thoughts into your head! She may be reserved, but Jane is not by any means indifferent to Charles. And she is too sweet a creature to stoop so low.', said Anne, looking disgusted.

'Not her mother.'

'Do you trust Lizzy?'

'I have great faith in Ms Elizabeth's good sense...'

'Then speak to her when you see her in a fortnight. I believe she could explain her sister's feelings better. You might that you are doing Charles a favor by separating them, but I wouldn't be so certain.'

William agrees, and as soon as he had uttered his assent, they were interrupted by Georgiana.

'I cannot believe you both deserted both deserted me so, that too with Ms Bingley in the vicinity!'

This caused a general laugh as the family escaped to the library.

A/N- Keep reviewing folks! I intend to publish a new chapter twice a month, but you might just persuade me to update a little more often.