Every time an assembly was held in Meryton, the mood at Bennet's home could only be described as jovial and festive.

Since there were only two maids to help the ladies dress and do their hair, they had to begin preparations several hours in advance. As always, Mrs. Bennet requested that priority be given to Jane, since she was the eldest, and in her opinion, the most beautiful young woman in Hertfordshire, followed by Mary, and finally Kitty.

Since Elizabeth had been paying the wages to one of the maids; this particular maid helped dress and style her hair before assisting the other ladies.

At the appointed time, the four of them were ready. For that special occasion, Jane was wearing a beautiful blue gown that highlighted the color of her eyes, along with matching ribbons in her hair. Mary and Kitty were dressed in white, and Elizabeth was dressed in a pale-yellow gown with gold embroidery, and her hair was styled into a half-bun with ribbons. They were all looking forward to the occasion.

Lydia frowned at them. She was hoping that by complaining enough, she would be able to convince her mother to change her mind. "Mother, I am the tallest of my sisters and I can dance very well," she said vehemently. "I don't understand why I can't go with you! I know most of the people who will be at the assembly. Please, let me go with you!"

"Lydia, my love, I promise you that as soon as you turn fifteen you will enter society. In addition, you will have a special coming out party similar to the one your sisters had."

"But I will turn fifteen in four months! It is not fair, I want to go with you, now."

"I am sorry, Lydia but you can't go with us."

As usual, Mr. Bennet decided to stay at Longbourn reading a favorite book, and an upset and unhappy Lydia went upstairs to her bedroom and cried herself to sleep.

PPP

The Bennet carriage arrived several minutes before the first set began. Mrs. Bennet was eager to make a good and lasting impression on all the eligible gentlemen in attendance at the assembly. She confirmed that her daughters – and even her niece – did not have a single wrinkle in their gowns and their hairstyles were impeccable.

As soon as they entered the ballroom, they caught several gentleman's eyes. Mr. Darcy's gaze instantly fell on Miss Elizabeth. He greeted her with a warm smile and deep bow before asking her to introduce him to the ladies he had not yet met.

Then, he asked her, "Miss Elizabeth, do you remember your promise to dance with me?"

Elizabeth smiled and nodded. "I remember, sir. I have two free sets: the first and fifth. Which one would you prefer?"

The sparkle in her eyes brought an even broader smile to his face. "The first." After signing her card, he turned to Jane, who was next to Elizabeth, and asked, "and you, Miss Bennet, do you have any sets available?"

"I have the third set."

"Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

Jane nodded, and with a warm smile handed him her dance card.

At that moment, the musicians began to play, and Darcy and Elizabeth took their places on the dance floor. After a few intricate dance steps, Elizabeth playfully said, "Mr. Darcy, you of all people should know that clergymen are duty-bound not to tell falsehoods."

Darcy's keen memory failed to remember any misleading comments he had shared with her. "What did I lie to you about?" he asked, intrigued and slightly alarmed.

"You told me you were not a good dancer, and nothing could be further from the truth. I am pleased to announce you have not once stepped on my toes." Her teasing nature kindled a unique sense of warmth in his heart.

"I am glad to have pleasantly surprised you. It was not my intention to deceive or mislead you in any way. It has been quite some time since I have attended a ball, and I was afraid that I had forgotten the steps." He answered happily with a twinkle in his eyes.

Elizabeth glanced around the ballroom at the sea of women, certain all of them were eager for a turn on the dance floor. "You will be able to practice all night long." She grinned and added, "I have heard that you are opening a school."

"Yes, I am finishing the last preparations. I was surprised by the number of children and even adults who live in the area who can't read or write. In my opinion, opening a school is the best way to ensure a better life for everyone in the community."

Elizabeth's lively expression suddenly turned solemn and thoughtful. She sighed deeply, her heart ached for those who had no escape from ignorance, unfortunate people who did not even have the chance to read a book. "You are correct. Few tenants can read and write. I think it's a good idea and I hope the main landowners will follow your example."

"Thank you, for your encouragement."

"Do you have any experience teaching, Mr. Darcy?"

"No, this is going to be the first time I have ever done anything like this." He flinched slightly and looked down. "I confess I am nervous, but I hope to succeed."

"I am sure you will, Mr. Darcy."

They continued discussing the school and Hertfordshire until the set was over. They were both excited and interested in continuing the conversation, and they both looked forward to seeing each other again.

The second set, Darcy danced with Charlotte, and the third with Jane. Although he liked both young ladies, his eyes were unconsciously drawn to Elizabeth's movements.

During the fifth set of the night, Elizabeth had no partner, and she sat down next to Mary and Charlotte. Seeing them sitting together, Darcy approached the ladies and joined the conversation.

"Are you not going to dance this set, Mr. Darcy?"

"I am afraid I must claim fatigue, Miss Elizabeth. As I mentioned earlier, I haven't danced in a long time."

"It is a shame you are tired; unfortunately, due to the war, there are more ladies than gentlemen in the ballroom. However, you can take a sit and rest with us for a few minutes, and we would be glad to listen to your opinion on the number of couples, the musicians, and the size of the room."

Darcy smiled warmly at Elizabeth. "Thank you very much. The room is a bit crowded for my taste and the musicians play fairly well."

Elizabeth nodded, "I agree with you, Mr. Darcy."

Curiously, Mary asked, "Mr. Darcy, have you met Longbourn's parson, Mr. Tilk?"

Darcy shook his head. "No, I haven't had the pleasure yet. Is he here today?"

Elizabeth laughed, and the light melodic sound took Darcy's breath away. Then, she replied."Mr. Tilk is an older gentleman with old-fashioned ideas and beliefs. I truly believe if it were up to him, he would ban the assemblies."

Surprised at Elizabeth's comment, Charlotte let out a soft gasp. "Lizzy, you are unfair to him. I don't agree with several of his opinions, but he never once suggested the monthly assemblies should not be held."

"You are right, Charlotte." Fixing her penitent gaze on Darcy, she sought to make amends, "He only commented that pure women should not waltz because it is a sinful dance that should be banned to prevent men from falling into temptation. I never got to see a couple waltzing. Do you know what he could have meant?" She kept her questioning gaze on Darcy's face.

Darcy felt his cravat tighten as he thought about the waltz. It was a seductive and controversial dance, but how was he supposed to explain the intimate contact in mixed company? He cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and explained in as few words as possible. "It is a controversial dance, in which couples dance with their arms around each other. Only couples who are married or engaged are allowed to dance it."

He was saved from further discussion when a gentleman came to fetch Elizabeth to dance the sixth set, and Darcy asked Mary to dance. Charlotte had no partner for that set, and she went off to chat with her mother and Mrs. Bennet.

The rest of the assembly passed without any notable incident. Jane danced all the sets, and Kitty had to sit for only one of them. But to Mrs. Bennet's frustration, while there were a few eligible gentlemen in attendance, the only new gentleman in the neighborhood was the parson of Netherfield Park, who did not seem interested in Jane.

Fortunately, his lack of interest in her eldest beautiful daughter did not matter because he was just a parson.