In less than a week, Georgiana's ankle fully recovered. Despite Bingley's and Darcy's concerns and insistence that she should rest further, Georgiana intended to attend the party at Sir William's house, which was to be held that day. She was excited to get to know her new neighbors better.

That same afternoon, as Darcy carefully dressed for the party, his thoughts were on Diana Stevens. He hadn't thought of her in several years…

Years ago, when he found out about Diana's pregnancy, he was sad and disappointed. At that time, he felt a certain admiration and fondness for the sweet and beautiful young woman. He also was aware Wickham was not an honorable man and was certain Diana was not lying. He tried to convince his father that George Wickham was Diana's child's father, but his father did not believe him. In fact, his father was annoyed with him for accusing his godson without evidence. His father alleged, that in Lambton, it was said that Diana had been seen with another young man in a compromising situation. Diana's family, and in particular her older brother – who had been friends with Darcy for several years - severed ties with the Darcys altogether.

When Fitzwilliam returned from university to Pemberley, he tried to learn what had happened to Diana, but nobody knew anything since her father had kicked her out of his estate to protect his other daughters. Fitzwilliam went to the Stevens home on more than one occasion since he wanted to at least offer financial help for Diana and her child. Unfortunately, he was never received.

If he were honest with himself, if it weren't for Miss Bennet's striking resemblance to Diana, he wouldn't be thinking about her right now. In addition, Miss Bennet seemed just as sweet and naïve as Diana.

He was intrigued by Miss Bennet, and that night at Lucas Lodge, he hoped to have a chance to see her again and talk with her. He wanted to get to know her better.

In another room, Caroline Bingley was carefully dressing for the night. She was wearing a new gown, and her maid had done her hair in the latest London fashion.

During the week, to her great disappointment, she hadn't had a chance to be alone with Darcy. Every time she tried to bring about an opportunity, his nosy and obnoxious aunt would show up. She was also upset with her brother and, to a lesser extent, her future sister-in-law since they didn't help her either. Besides, they both deflected her inquiries when she asked them direct questions about Darcy.

Caroline knew she was not in love with Mr. Darcy, but the reality was that she had not met a better candidate to be her husband. She would only give up if a gentleman just as rich or with a title came along, or if Darcy married someone else.

PPP

The Bennet family was among the first to arrive at Sir William's home. Immediately, Elizabeth went to a corner of the room to talk with Charlotte and John, while Jane stayed with her mother and sisters to await the arrival of the Netherfield party.

Even since the assembly at Meryton, Jane hadn't had an opportunity to meet Mr. Darcy again. She had found out from her aunt - who knew everything that was going on in the neighborhood – that, in addition to being very rich and handsome, he was not engaged or courting any lady.

At last, nearly an hour later, the Netherfield Park party finally arrived. Darcy was once again very impressed when he saw Jane. Mrs. Bennet, and to a lesser extent Jane, enthusiastically greeted the newcomers. Jane blushed slightly and gave Darcy her best smile. She was glad to see that Georgiana was better.

A few minutes later, Elizabeth approached her family — along with Charlotte and John — as she had not had a chance to meet the Netherfield Park party the previous week.

The introductions were made, and soon Elizabeth and Georgiana were chatting excitedly about Mozart's and Beethoven's compositions. Darcy was very fond of music and listened intently to the interesting conversation.

"I enjoy playing the piano very much. I can spend hours playing without getting tired!"

"I enjoy it, too. However, I confess lately, I have been practicing less than I should," Elizabeth replied with a smile.

"I am also not practicing very much since I arrived here. Luckily, there is a piano at Netherfield." They smiled at each other, and Georgiana asked, "Who is your favorite composer?"

"Ummm, it is a difficult question! I am trying to decide whether to choose Beethoven or Mozart. And who is your favorite, Miss Darcy?"

"I agree with you, Miss Bennet; they are my favorite composers. However, if I had to choose just one, it would be Mozart."

"What is your favorite piece, Miss Darcy?"

"I like Mozart's 40th Symphony. And yours?"

Elizabeth smiled and replied, "My favorite is Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven.'"

Charlotte took advantage of the conversation about music and exclaimed, "Lizzy, it is time for you to delight us by playing the new piece you have been practicing." She paused and added, "Miss Darcy, if you are willing, it would be a great pleasure to hear you play tonight."

Georgiana smiled and shook her head but encouraged Miss Elizabeth to play, "Today, I would prefer not to perform, Miss Lucas. I would like to hear Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth smiled warmly at them and replied, "Miss Darcy, I must warn you, I do not play as well as my good friend, Miss Lucas, is implying."

Elizabeth had a very good natural affinity for music, and since she was a little girl, her grandfather had encouraged her to learn. He had also hired the best piano and singing masters to teach her. All those who heard her play and, especially, sing said they had rarely heard someone do it better.

When she finished playing, everyone applauded enthusiastically and strongly requested that she play another piece. She played a happy and simple old song that almost everyone knew and joined her in singing.

Darcy was quite impressed by her performance; not even his sister, who was an exceptional pianist, did it better. Besides, Elizabeth's voice was beautiful and very expressive when singing.

Georgiana was very excited to meet a young lady with such musical talent who was also friendly. Immediately after Elizabeth finished playing, she approached her and congratulated her, saying, "Brava, Miss Elizabeth. Your execution was exceptional. I have seldom heard someone play as well as you!"

"Thank you very much, Miss Darcy. I am glad you liked it. I hope to have the pleasure of hearing you play on another occasion." Smiling, Elizabeth added, "Maybe next time we can play a duet!"

Georgiana's face lit up, and enthusiastically replied, "That is an excellent idea! If you are not already engaged, would you like to practice with me next Thursday? As I mentioned, there is a piano at Netherfield."

Elizabeth was a little surprised by Georgiana's invitation but warmly agreed.

The rest of the evening passed without much incident. During dinner, as usual, John Lucas sat next to Elizabeth and Charlotte while Mrs. Bennet surreptitiously switched cards on the table, and as a result, Jane sat next to Mr. Darcy.

Over dinner, Darcy tried on more than one occasion to find common topics of conversation with Jane, but with very little success. Since most of the young women he knew played the piano very well, he asked, "Do you enjoy playing the piano, Miss Bennet?"

"I never learned how to play the piano, Mr. Darcy." She smiled slightly and added, "But I like listening to my cousin Elizabeth play."

Darcy looked at her, surprised at her reply, but immediately added, "Undoubtedly, your cousin is an excellent pianist, and she has a lovely voice."

Jane nodded. "Yes, she plays very well. Our neighbors usually ask her to play piano and sing at gatherings."

Jane looked at him with anticipation, but Darcy didn't know what else to say or ask her. After a long pause, he asked her about her favorite book and writer. Unfortunately, Jane was not a great reader and contributed very little to the conversation. Meanwhile, Elizabeth was conversing animatedly with Georgiana and the Lucas siblings in another part of the room.

Caroline Bingley was furious at the attention Mr. Darcy was paying to Jane Bennet, and she busied herself with finding out as much information as possible about her alleged rival. The neighbors told her that Miss Bennet had a dowry of only £2,000, she did not play the piano, she didn't speak foreign languages, and she didn't have a good education. Mrs. Bennet was the daughter of the former local solicitor; her sister was married to the current local solicitor, and her brother was in trade. Besides, Miss Bennet's two younger sisters were rude. As for Miss Elizabeth Bennet, she heard at least three different reports about her dowry, and as it usually happens in these cases, she chose to believe the most unfavorable one.