Chapter 2

Fifteen minutes earlier-

"Bingley, I need to talk to you." Mr. Darcy quietly said to his friend. "Let us go to the library. This is not something to discuss in front of others."

Mr. Bingley followed his friend to the library but did not think to close the door as it seemed that no one else was around and he expected a brief conversation. "What did you need to talk about in the middle of a ball, Darcy? If you do not want to dance, you can retire to your room, I will make your excuses."

"It is not that, Bingley. I need to talk to you about Miss Bennet."

Bingley was now paying close attention to his friend. "Go on, Darcy."

"What are your intentions towards Miss Bennet? You have danced with her twice this evening. She is a gentleman's daughter, and is not to be trifled with." Mr. Darcy said with a stern voice.

"Is that what you think I am doing, Darcy, trifling with her affections? I can assure you that I am not." Said Bingley incredulously.

"I have seen you pay your attentions to at least a dozen blonde, beautiful women in the last five years, yet nothing has ever become of it. Did you realize that you have been raising expectations in the area?" Darcy shot back.

"I, um, I guess I should not be surprised that some of the people would be thrilled if I was to offer for the most beautiful woman in the area. She is also the kindest, gentlest, most serene lady I have ever met. But, Darcy, why would you care? What is she to you? Have you been holding a secret tendre for her?"

"No, of course not. Do not be silly, Bingley."

"So, I repeat, why do you care what happens to Miss Bennet? You know I am not a rake or a libertine. I would never ruin a woman's reputation. What brought this on, Darcy?" Bingley was getting agitated now. A thought came to Bingley suddenly and he turned to his friend and said, "Does this have something to do with Miss Elizabeth Bennet perhaps? Hmm Darcy?"

"No, of course not. Bingley you are out of your mind. I just do not want to see an honorable young woman be hurt if you decide to hie off to London after raising expectations among these good people."

" 'Good people' ? Really Darcy, when we arrived here you wanted nothing to do with the people of Meryton. You thought they were all below your notice. You were rude to everyone at the assembly. I can not believe Miss Elizabeth did not take a strip out of your hide after you insulted her."

"I insulted her? What are you talking about Bingley?"

"I was trying to get you to stop standing around and dance. You said something about her being only tolerable and not handsome enough to tempt you. She heard you. How could she not, when you did not even take care to lower your voice?"

"She heard that? What makes you think so?"

"Well, maybe the murderous glare she aimed at the back of your head and her going to her friend Miss Lucas and them tittering behind their fans as they glanced back at you. At least you can not be accused of trifling with HER affections. I imagine she hates you still."

"She hates me? Why would you say that? I thought we got along well when we had our discussions at Netherfield when her sister was sick."

"Those were not discussions, those were arguments. And she got the better of you in many of them. I would lay better than even odds that she would turn you down if you asked her to dance tonight, even if it meant she had to sit out the rest of the evening."

"You might be right. She has turned me down twice already. No other lady has ever turned me down when I requested a dance. Your sister is always angling for a dance, or even two, from me. Subtle she is not."

"Miss Elizabeth does not care for your wealth, or your status. You do not tempt her. How ironic!" Bingley laughed then sighed as he said, "Miss Elizabeth is a beautiful woman..." That was the last thing Bingley said before he ended up on the floor with a cut lip.