Absentmindedly, Darcy was in his customary attitude of staring out of the window. What, or indeed who, had caught his eye was none other than Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She had gathered the children who were guests of the Bennets and had brought them out to show them Bingley's dogs. The care and attention she showed to the children warmed Darcy's heart. Was there no person alive Elizabeth Bennet could not charm? With effortless ease she initiated a game of hide and seek with one of the dogs giving away her hiding place as he was reluctant to leave her side. At Elizabeth's show of frustration, Darcy could not help the little chuckle of amusement that had escaped him.
Keeping out of Darcy's sight, for he knew Darcy would not tolerate him being anywhere near him, George Wickham was just close enough to hear Darcy's chuckle and being the ever curious fellow where his old friend was concerned he went to see who had garnered the attention of a cold fish such as Darcy. Ho! Oh now is not this an interesting development! Perchance is the ice in Darcy's heart melting? We shall see,,, indeed we shall, perhaps there is fun to be had in this backwater after all! And Miss Elizabeth Bennet looked like she could provide all kinds of good fun!
That evening while he played at cards with his fellow officers, George Wickham was hatching a plan. Mayhap there would be another way of garnering the much needed funds from Darcy after all.
"I say Denny, do you know when the Bennet girls plan to be in Meryton again?". Wickham queried of his friend.
Though surprised at the application and the manner in which Wickham asked it of him, Denny answered him immediately, "I believe they are expected at the Netherfield Ball not two days from now."
Delighted with this news Wickham replied, "Is that so? I wonder is an invitation to be extended us lowly officers and are we obliged to attend?"
Denny sensing trouble but too cautious to ask his volatile friend, for Wickham was known to have a temper when challenged, said with trepidation, "Which of the Bennet girls has taken your fancy, Wickham?"
Wickham sneered and gave a vague answer. "It is not for me to say as yet but I know that one has my attention and I am curious as to where it may lead. Indeed, a game is afoot and I aim to win it, Denny. I aim to win…"
Horrified Denny could not stay in George Wickham's company for long. Trouble was in the air and Denny would be wise to steer clear of a man like Wickham.
An attack of conscience made Lieutenant Denny present himself to Colonel Forster the next morning, he liked the Bennet girls he could and would not see any harm done to any of them. He informed his commanding officer of his suspicions and while Colonel Forster could do nothing until George Wickham showed his hand, he assured Denny he would keep a close eye on his wayward officer.
Mr Darcy continued in the belief that his newly discovered feelings for the second eldest Bennet daughter were as yet unknown to the world and Miss Elizabeth Bennet was unaware that she had become an object of some interest in more than one quarter and, truth be told, if she was to become aware it would cost her many a sleepless night and much mortification.
No one was prepared for the upheaval the Netherfield Ball was to have, not to one family but to the entire community. Peace in Meryton may be of a short duration…