PP AU Non-Canon General Regency

NOTE: l thought about explaining why the need for an act in a authoress' note but realized Alexander does that in the next chapter.

2nd Note: HUGE APOLOGY...I do NOT know HOW I missed typing Non-Fiction instead of Non-Canon (ugh) and put so many chapters up with that... the ONLY thing based on REAL events is in the EPILOGUE. And that IS IT. I have gone through and edited all the headings.

Previously

"I can do it, only..." Jane looked at him, Anne and then towards her father and Anne's. "I think I may need my head checked after this...those two together? Are you kidding me?"

Her comment only served to send her father, and Lady Catherine into even more fits of laughter. Anne to shaking her head. And Alexander into thinking he may have just made one huge mistake.

Act Begins

Ch. 12

Candlelight reflections danced off the floor of Rosings Park's grand ballroom. Plush chairs were lined up against the walls, and tables were full of cakes, biscuits, and other varied desserts. Guests from all estates, whether the size of Longbourn up to the size of Pemberly, had been invited. There was not a single person there who did not know how Lady Catherine felt about the Bennets. Everyone just 'knew' she would never allow 'them' into one of her parties.

That being the case, when the candlelight danced on the entrance of Jane Bennet on the arm of Lord Alexander de Bourgh, everyone was floored. Jane walking in was shocking enough. However, when Thomas Bennet walked in and Lady Catherine only walked up to him and had a quiet, polite discussion with the gentleman, everyone was stunned. Surely, her voice would soon rise and toss the 'gentleman by chance' out on his ear.

One can only imagine the ripple effect of shock that swept across the room when Mr. Bennet was allowed to lead Lady Catherine out onto the dance floor—even Elizabeth was bowled over.

"Since when did father's eye turn your aunt's way?" she asked, incredulous.

"Do not ask me, ask Jane. She is the only one at your father's home and she does not appear fazed at all," Fitzwilliam spoke, observing Jane and the earl as they watched and talked low to themselves, not batting a single eye at what had just occurred.

"I think I shall." Elizabeth made a beeline over to her sister and, politely—and yet firmly—insisted they step away for a private talk. Once they were off in a corner, Mrs. Darcy practically hissed, "Why did you not warn me of this?"

"Good heavens, Lizzie, calm down. They are both adults. I saw no need to go running to you over something as little as a dance."

"And if it goes past one dance?"

"Then it goes past one dance." Jane rolled her eyes knowing the agreement between the small group was—in order for the act to truly be pulled off then, trustworthy or not—no one else was to be pulled into what they were doing. "Seriously, Lizzie, what is wrong with you? They are full-grown adults. If they have gotten past any animosity and arrogance between them, I would think that is a good thing. I mean, you got past your pride and Fitzwilliam his prejudices."

"You do have a point. My brain just keeps telling me that my eyes are deceiving me."

"Well, they are not. Now, do you mind? I would like to go have a dance with Lord de Bourgh."

"Two members of my family dancing with a de Bourgh. I..." Elizabeth might have finished, only lifted forehead muscles from Jane she had not expected clamped her mouth shut. So, she simply went and told Fitzwilliam what Jane had said.

"Your sister has a very valid point. I cannot argue with it."

Lady Catherine had seen Lizzie and Jane talking and almost had to laugh but managed not to. It had been tough not to let out her amusement, as it had been for Thomas.

As the night continued, Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine continued to surprise the guests. They shared not just one dance but also a dance in the middle of the evening. Mr. Bennet's interest in Lady Catherine was evident in the way he focused on her, his usual sarcasm replaced with genuine charm. Lady Catherine, known for her imperious demeanor, seemed relaxed and almost... enjoying herself.

Guests whispered among themselves, their eyes following the unlikely pair. "Can you believe it?" one lady whispered to her companion. "Lady Catherine and Mr. Bennet, of all people!"

"It seems the world has turned upside down," her companion replied, shaking his head in disbelief.

Even as the orchestra struck up another lively tune, the astonishment did not fade. The grand ballroom, with its crystal chandeliers and opulent décor, provided a stunning backdrop to the evening's unexpected developments. The plush chairs and richly adorned tables lent an air of sophistication, yet the talk of the room remained fixed on Lady Catherine and Mr. Bennet.

"I dare say some of your guests may end up needing medical attention." Mr. Bennet whispered once he had approached Lady Catherine once more.

"You may be right at that." Lady Catherine's was full of giggles that not been there for a very long time. Their final dance of the night was slower, more intimate, the candlelight casting a warm glow over them. He leaned in, his expression sincere, and Lady Catherine's face softened as they moved in perfect harmony.

"Too bad our society does not hand out awards for acting; I think we both deserve one for tonight's performance is going swimmingly well, do you not think?"

"Almost as if to prove his words true a guest in the back was heard to say. "Is it just me or is there something truly genuine about their connection tonight?" a guest murmured to Mr. Darcy.

Darcy nodded thoughtfully. "It appears so. Perhaps there is more to Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine than we have ever realized."

By the end of the night, it was clear to everyone present that something had changed. Lady Catherine and Mr. Bennet had moved past their previous animosities and shown a new side of themselves. The whispers and gasps had turned into nods of respect, the ballroom's atmosphere shifting from shock to acceptance. As the final notes of the music played, Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine shared a knowing smile,

In the corner of the room, Lord de Bourgh and Jane—who had turned plenty of heads themselves—watched with a satisfied smile. The act had been pulled off flawlessly, and now it was time to see where these newfound alliances would lead, and what Sir Lewis had sealed and hidden before his demise.