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Chapter 1

Posted on Friday, 17 October 2003

Elizabeth watched out the carriage window for the first signs of the Parsonage along with Maria and Sir William Lucas. Elizabeth thought over the past few months and all that had pasted. Her father had received a letter from Mr. Collins, a cousin that her father had never met. Mr. Collins was to entail Longbourn upon Mr. Bennet's death. He had wished to come visit and make good with his cousin. Unknown to the Bennet ladies he had also come to marry one of them.

Mr. Collins had immediately chosen Jane and had asked for her hand. She would have excepted if it had not been for Elizabeth's insistence that she would be making a big mistake and that she ought not to marry him. Jane turned down Mr. Collins, which caused him to turn to Elizabeth without wasting a moment. She also turned down his proposal.

Mr. Collins had been furious by being declined by two of his cousin's daughters. He immediately quitted the house. Mrs. Bennet was in an uproar. She complained that her two eldest daughters had no concern for her nerves. She was even more put out when she heard that Mr. Collins had asked Charlotte Lucas to marry him and that she had excepted.

Now Mrs. Bennet was left with five-unmarried daughter, with four of them eligible for marriage. Lydia was not yet old enough to be out herself until the following year.

Finally the Parsonage was visible. The garden sloping to the road, the house standing in it, the green pales and laurel hedge, everything declared they were arriving. Mr. Collins and Charlotte appeared at the door, and the carriage stopped at the small gate, which led to a short gravel walk to the house. In a moment they were all out of the carriage, rejoicing at the sight of each other. Mrs. Collins welcomed her friend with the most pleasure, and Elizabeth became happier for deciding to come, despite having to spend more time with Mr. Collins.

Mr. Collins asked several questions about her family's health that Elizabeth answered noticing Mr. Collins unchanged disposition. Upon entering the parlor, after the delay by Mr. Collins to point out the neatness of the entrance to the house, he welcomed them a second time with too much formality and immediately repeated his wife's offer of refreshments. The room looked neat and comfortable with a good view and nice furniture.

They sat in the parlor long enough for Mr. Collins to point out every article of furniture in the room, from the side board to the fender. They barely were able to get in the account of their journey and all that had happened in London.

Mr. Collins invited them to take a stroll in the garden where he pointed out every little detail of every planet as to remove its beauty. Then he led them on every walk and cross walk. He pointed out every view. His most wonderful prospect was of Rosings. It was a handsome modern building, well situated on rising ground.

From there Mr. Collins led them to two meadows. The ladies not having proper shoes for such an adventure turned back to the house while Mr. Collins led Sir William on. Charlotte gave her sister and friend a tour of the house.

Later Mr. Collins made sure his guests knew that Lady Catherine was still at Rosings and that they will meet her at church on Sunday. The rest of the evening was spent talking about Hertfordshire news and retelling what was already written.

Midway through the next day the whole house was in excitement. When Elizabeth came down stairs from her room she saw Maria at the dining room window. Upon looking out, Elizabeth saw two ladies in a carriage at the garden gate.

Maria seeing Elizabeth exclaimed "That is Miss De Bourgh and Mrs. Jenkinson."

Elizabeth looked at Miss De Bourgh with some pity. She was small and thin and her complexion was very pale. She looked very sickly and cross. Mr. Collins and Charlotte both stood at the gate conversing with the ladies. Sir William stood in the doorway not sure if he should. The ladies then left.

Mr. Collins came in and informed them that they had the great fortune of all being invited to Rosings for diner the next evening.

"I confess," said Mr. Collins, "that I should not have been at all surprised by her Ladyship's asking us on Sunday to drink tea and spend the evening at Rosings. I rather expected, from my knowledge of her affability that it would happen. But who could have foreseen such an attention as this? Who could have imagined that we should receive an invitation to dine there (an invitation more over including the whole party) so immediately after our arrival!"

Scarcely anything was talked of the whole day or next morning, but their visit to Rosings. Mr. Collins carefully instructed them in what they should expect so that the sight of the grand rooms, so many servants, and the splendid dinner will not overwhelm them.

Before the ladies could go off to dress for dinner, Mr. Collins spoke to Elizabeth. "Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear cousin, about your apparel. Lady Catherine is far from requiring that elegance of dress in us which becomes herself and daughter. I would advise you merely to put on what ever of your clothes is superior to the rest, there is no occasion for anything more. Lady Catherine will not think the worse of you for being simply dressed. She likes to have distinction of rank preserved."

When they finally ascended the steps to the hall at Rosings, Maria's alarm was every moment increasing, and even Sir William did not look perfectly calm-Elizabeth's courage did not fail her. She heard nothing of Lady Catherine that spoke her awful from any extraordinary talents or miraculous virtue, and the mere stateliness of money and rank, she thought she could witness without trepidation.

From the entrance hall, which Mr. Collins pointed out, with rapturous air, the fine proportion and finished ornaments, they followed the servants through the antechamber, to the room where Lady Catherine, her daughter, her two nephews, and Mrs. Jenkinson were sitting. -Her Ladyship, with great condescension, arose to receive them. Mrs. Collins performed introductions of their party. Lady Catherine then introduced them to her nephews, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, who stood and bowed.

Elizabeth found Lady Catherine to be a tall, large woman, with strongly marked features, which might once have been handsome. Her air was not conciliating, nor was her manner of receiving them, such as to make her visitors forget their inferior rank. She was rendered formidable by silence; but whatever she said was spoken in so authoritative a tone, as marked her self importance.

Miss De Bourgh was pale and sickly; her features, though not plain, were insignificant; and she spoke very little, except in a low voice, to Mrs. Jenkinson, in whose appearance there was nothing remarkable.

Colonel Fitzwilliam was about thirty, not handsome but in person and address most truly the gentleman.

Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth found, was a proud man who was tall, handsome and had much to recommend himself but seemed to see himself as above the present company and spent him time looking out the window.

The few minutes before dinner was spent listening to Mr. Collins talk of the view from one of the windows. Lady Catherine then kindly informed them that it was a much better view in the summer.

Dinner was finally served. Elizabeth thought it was too lavish and served by too many servants. The conversation was taken over by Mr. Collins and her Ladyship.

The woman then withdrew to the drawing room, which made Elizabeth (and maybe even Charlotte) glad that Mr. Collins was to be left behind. Although they still had to withstand Lady Catherine.

Chapter 2

Posted on Friday, 17 October 2003

Darcy tried to ignore Mr. Collins constant conversation, but without prevail. He found Mr. Collins to be the best company for his aunt for he gave her more compliments than she was worth. Darcy was relieved when they finally joined the women. Then Mr. Collins will be too busy pleasing Lady Catherine than to both Darcy with his incisive compliments of his aunt.

Darcy immediately went to the window of the room and stared out in the darkness. He accessed the company he was with. He found Mr. Collins intolerable and his wife a fool for marrying him. Sir William was amiable enough, and the fact that he had been knighted by the king made Darcy think of him with some respect. Miss Lucas reminded him of his sister in her shyness and fear of saying anything in front of Lady Catherine. Miss Bennet he could not discern anything about, except that she seemed unaffected by her surroundings. This, Darcy found intriguing.

There was little to be done but hear Lady Catherine talk, which she did without any intermission until coffee came in. Darcy was very annoyed by his aunt. He could not stand her excessive talking. Sir William, Miss Lucas and Mr. Collins seemed enthralled by what she said. Colonel Fitzwilliam sat by Miss Bennet; both looked bored by the conversation.

Lady Catherine finally brought the conversation to Miss Bennet. She drilled Miss Bennet with questions about her family. She asked how many sisters she had, whether they were older or younger than herself, whether any of them were likely to be married, whether they were handsome, where they had been educated, what carriage her father kept, and what had been her mother's maiden name?

Miss Bennet remained composed throughout her interrogation, which surprised Darcy. Most ladies would have been too nervous to really answer a question with nothing but a quiet yes or no.

"Do you play and sing, Miss Bennet?" asked his aunt.

"A little."

"Oh! Then -sometime or other we shall be happy to hear you. Our instrument is a capital one, probably superior to-You shall try it someday. Do your sisters play and sing?"

"One of them does."

"Why did not you all learn? -You ought all to have learned. The Miss Webbs all play, and their father has not so good an income as yours. -Do you draw?"

"No. Not at all."

"What, none of you?"

"Not one."

"That is very strange. But I suppose you had no opportunity. Your mother should have taken you to town every spring for the benefit of masters."

"My mother would have had no objection, but my father hates London."

"Has your governess left you?"

"We never had any governess."

"No governess! How was that possible? Five daughters brought up at home without a governess! -I never heard of such a thing. Your mother must have been quite a slave to your education."

Darcy turned to see Miss Bennet smile falsely at his aunt and assure her that had not been the case. He was starting to find her interesting, that he paid more attention to what was being said. He liked how Miss Bennet took no offense from his aunt as if her opinions did not matter. She was holding her own quite well.

"Then, who taught you? Who attended to you? Without a governess you must have been neglected."

"Compare with some families, I believe we were; but such of us as wished to learn, never wanted the means. We were always encouraged to read, and had all the masters that were necessary. Those who chose to be idle, certainly might."

As Lady Catherine rattled on about the benefits of a governess, Darcy stared at Miss Bennet. She had a liveliness in her eyes he had not noticed before. He had been impressed by her answer her answer to his aunt. It was quite obvious that she was not an idle girl and probably did much more reading than would be required of her.

"Are any of your younger sisters out, Miss Bennet?" continued Lady Catherine.

"Yes, Ma'am, all but one."

"All but one! -What, four out at once? Very odd! -And you only the second. -The younger ones out before the elder are married! -Your younger sisters must be very young?"

"Yes, my youngest is not fifteen. She will be coming out next year. Perhaps she will be full young to be much company. But really, Ma'am, I think it would be very hard upon younger sisters, that they should not have their share of society and amusement because elder may not have the means or inclination to marry early. -The last born has as good a right to the pleasures of youth, as the first. And to be kept back on such a motive! -I think it would not be very likely to promise sisterly affection or delicacy of mind."

"Upon my word, you give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. -Pray, what is your age?"

"With three younger sisters grown up," replied Miss Bennet smiling, "your Ladyship can hardly expect me to own it."

Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a direct answer. Darcy was amused. Miss Bennet was one of the few people who had ever dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence.

"You cannot be more than twenty, I am sure, therefore you need not conceal your age."

"I am not twenty."

When tea was over, the card table was placed. Lady Catherine, Sir William and Mr. And Mrs. Collins sat down to quadrille; and as Miss De Bourgh chose to play at casino, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Lucas joined Mrs. Jenkinson to make up the party. Miss Bennet sat and watched Mrs. Collins with some concern. Darcy sat beside her.

Elizabeth wondered at Mr. Darcy bothering to sit beside her if he was to remain silent. She tried to initiate a conversation, but he did very little to keep it going. He answered all her questions as little words as possible. She asked him where he was from, if he had any siblings and if he often visited Rosings. She found that he owned an estate in Derbyshire, that he had one sister (apparently with no name) and that he only visited his aunt for Easter. She could get little else from him.

She decided to ignore him and pay attentions back to Charlotte whom she had been watching all evening. Her friend seemed to be content with her situation.

Elizabeth felt uneasy as if she was being watched. To her great surprise she found that Mr. Darcy was starring at her.

"Do you mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by staring at me so?"

"Do I frighten you?"

Elizabeth had not expected a question to her own. "You could not frighten me even if you were not a gentleman."

"I apologize for my stare. I did not mean to."

He fell silent as he stared at his feet. Elizabeth was confused by his actions. If she didn't know better she would think he was nervous. But as she watched him she could not see it.

"Do you mean to frighten me with your stare?" he asked not even taking his eyes from his feet.

Elizabeth blushed. She had not realized that she had spent some time looking him over.

"I did not want to back down from your own."

He looked up with surprise in his eyes but his face still held the look of indifference.

"Do you mean to challenge me, Miss Bennet?"

"I do not mean to challenge, but to return the incivility that you showed towards me."

His eyes sparkled with amusement. Elizabeth discovered that she liked his eyes.

"You think me uncivil?"

"I think your manners display incivility. Whether or not you are actually uncivil, I can not discern at this time."

He smiled at her and then stared at the mantel in silence. Elizabeth found it annoying that he did not make an effort on his part to be sociable but seemed to want to talk with her. She thought that maybe he thought himself above her and need not take the effort to keep the conversation going.

Darcy couldn't understand why he felt so distracted. He was trying his best to make conversation with Miss Bennet but could not think of anything to say.

He gave a quick glance at her. She was looking at her hands with confusion on her face. He didn't know what to do or say. He had never been this flustered before. It had become even worse when she had looked at him directly. Her eyes were lively with intelligence that took him aback. He had never seen such fine eyes before in his life. He had noticed that she seemed much more appealing in appearance on a closer view.

She looked at him as he again was staring at her. She stared back questioningly as if she suspected he was going to say something. He quickly thought of something to say.

"Do you have any siblings?" he asked realizing that that question had already been dealt with at great length by his aunt.

She smiled at him. "Do you not listen when your aunt speaks?"

"I am sorry. You have already answered that question. Please forgive me."

He immediately stood up, gave her a slight bow, and went to the window. He spent the rest of the evening staring out into the darkness. Miss Bennet never left his mind the whole night. He wanted to look at her to see what she was doing, but he could not do so for looking the fool.

How can a lady, a country girl, have me in such a state? He tried to think of something else, anything else, but with no prevail.

He was very glad when the evening came to an end and his aunt's guests took their leave. He did not sleep much that night as a pair of fine eyes looked back at him questioningly.

Chapter 3

Posted on Tuesday, 9 March 2004

The next morning there was much talk of the dinner the night before. Most of the conversation was carried by Mr. Collins with some observations from Sir William and Maria. Elizabeth stayed silent through most of it. Her mind was occupied with thoughts of Mr. Darcy and his odd behavior. She did not understand the man. He seemed to want to be sociable, but he ended up sitting in silence.

To clear her head, Elizabeth decided to go for a walk in the park. As she walked she did not noticed the beauty around her. Her thought were still focused on Mr. Darcy. She had come to the conclusion that Mr. Darcy was shy, but she could not understand why. After all he was a man of wealth and influence. He was well educated and well spoken. That is, when he did speak. He was also very handsome and distinguished.

How can such a man be shy? She asked herself. Maybe he is only shy around women. She had noticed that he had no problem conversing with Charlotte or Maria. So why the problem with her?

"Miss Bennet."

Elizabeth was startled out of her thoughts. She looked up to see Mr. Darcy leaning against a tree ahead of her. He walked towards her and gave her a small bow. Elizabeth curtsied in return.

"Good morning, Mr. Darcy."

He looked at her as if he wished to speak but he did not say a word.

"Do you often walk the park?" Elizabeth asked, hoping to get Mr. Darcy to converse with her.

"Yes. It has always been a favorite pass time for me when I visit my aunt." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Shall we continue walking? That is if you do not mind my accompanying you?"

"I do not mind at all, sir."

They walked in silence foe some time before Elizabeth spoke. "Is Pemberley as beautiful as Rosings?"

"Pemberley is more beautiful." Mr. Darcy went on at great length about his estate. Elizabeth was surprised at his sudden open manner. He spoke more during their walk than all the times previously. She supposed that it was a favorite topic for him. Obviously he was very proud of Pemberley.

As Elizabeth's time with the Collins went by, she and Mr. Darcy walked together almost everyday through the park. Elizabeth introduced many subjects of conversation during there walks since Mr. Darcy seemed disinclined to do so. His favorite subject was literature. He talked with passion about the subject so Elizabeth made sure to bring their conversation to the subject. They talked of their favorite authors and works. Many of their view points were similar but on occasion they debated on a point.

To Elizabeth it appeared as though Mr. Darcy enjoyed the debates more than any other part of the conversation. During one of the debates, she responded to his argument with "Mr. Darcy, do you enjoy debating with ladies?"

This question surprised him. He had not expected such a response from her.

"Why do you ask?"

"You appear to enjoy our debates more than our gentle conversations."

"What makes you think I enjoy our debates more?"

"You say more and give you opinions more freely when we are at odds than not."

"I must admit that I do enjoy our debates. It is only that no lady I have encountered before would give her true opinion if it contradicted my own. They all wish to be in my good opinion so they agree with everything I say."

"And do you believe that I do not wish for your good opinion?"

"No. I believe that you don't care what my opinion is of you and therefore you are more willing to voice your true thoughts."

"You would be correct in that belief."

Mr. Darcy smiled at her making her smile back. Elizabeth liked Mr. Darcy a great deal but she wasn't about to entertain the idea of him wanting more than a friendship. She knew that his standing in society was much greater than hers and that he would never consider her as marriageable material.

Darcy stood in his room, looking out the window into the night. He watched as his aunt's guest got into a carriage. Mr. and Mrs. Collins, Miss Lucas and Miss Bennet had dined at Rosings that night.

Darcy could not dispel Miss Bennet from his thoughts. He had do not wish to. He realized that he was well on his way of falling in love with her.

He thought of the consequences of such a match. She has no dowry to speak of, but he had no need to marry for money. It was true that she was not as refine as the ladies of London society but that was what he liked about her. She was not false in her manners or opinions. She did not have an ulterior motive that dictated her every word and action. Her only ambitions were to care for those she loved and to not be a burden upon them. He believed that she would never marry for money.

He was not sure whether she would marry for security as Charlotte Lucas had. If he understood correctly, Mr. Collins has offered for Miss Bennet first. She did not take the security that the clergyman offered her. That could have been that could not stand Mr. Collins.

The thought of Miss Bennet being married to Mr. Collins made Darcy feel ill. He did not like Mr. Collins and his groveling nature.

The carriage disappeared into the darkness and Darcy turned from the window. He readied for bed with help from his valet. As he laid in bed his thought went back to Miss Bennet.

She was leaving tomorrow morning. Darcy had thought to ask her permission to visit her, but he was not sure when he would be able to. He had promised his friend, Mr. Bingley, that he would help find him an estate to lease. He had no idea where the search might take him.

He could always visit Hertfordshire after he had help Bingley. He would do everything he could to see Miss Bennet again. As he drifted off to sleep he thought it would be much easier if Bingley were to find the perfect estate not far from Miss Bennet's home.

Chapter 4

Posted on Thursday, 18 March 2004

Darcy couldn't believe his luck. In early September he found himself at Netherfield, an estate located just five miles from Longbourn. Bingley was considering leasing the estate but was not sure if it was right for him. They had visited some nicer estates in northern England. Darcy was trying to convince Bingley to lease Netherfield.

"It is much closer to London, Bingley. Your sisters will find it much more to their liking." Darcy watched his friend as they strolled through the grounds of Netherfield.

"Denmere is in better repair," Bingley responded.

"Denmere is very large. Are you ready for the responsibility of managing such a large estate? Netherfield is the perfect estate for you to learn how to manage on your own."

Bingley thought about this for many moments. Darcy felt a little guilty for trying to persuade his friend into leasing Netherfield, although he was quite right about Denmere. Bingley may have been able to manage it but he would have to be very dependent upon Darcy from the beginning. Netherfield would be much easier to manage. The more Darcy thought about it, the less guilty he felt. Netherfield was the better choice for Bingley.

Bingley had come to the same conclusion. Netherfield was perfect. It was also much more affordable. Once Bingley came to his decision to lease Netherfield they immediately went in search of his solicitor. Before Michaelmas the Bingleys had moved in, accompanied by the Hursts and Darcy.

Shortly after their arrival they were called on by Sir William Lucas. Darcy found him not to his liking and was hoping that the rest of Hertfordshire society was more sensible. A few other gentlemen called upon Bingley, but only one of them was of any note according to Darcy. That was Mr. Bennet.

Darcy and Bingley had retired to the billiards room and were just finishing up a round when Bingley's butler had entered and handed Bingley a calling card. Bingley read the card and instructed the butler to show his guest to the library.

"So Darcy, would you like to join me in greeting my guest? Or would you rather hide in here?" Bingley asked.

Darcy glared at his friend. "I do not hide from anyone, but I do not believe I will be joining you. I have had enough entertaining the country gentlemen of Hertfordshire."

"I hear that this gentleman has five daughters. They are reported beauties too. I hope to be introduced to them at the Meryton Assembly tomorrow night."

The mentioning of five daughter caught Darcy's attention. For Miss Bennet had four sisters and if you were to count her that would be five. "What is this gentlemen's name?"

"The card says Mr. Bennet. I believe he owns the Longbourn estate."

"On second thoughts, I will join you."

Bingley was confused by Darcy's change of mind, but as Darcy was quickly ushering him out to head for the library, he did not have much time to think on it. Upon entering the library they found a pleasant looking man of middle age. He came forward for pleasantries and Bingley made the introductions.

Mr. Bennet asked Bingley what he thought of the area and they spent a quarter of an hour speaking on the subject. Darcy was growing anxious. He had hoped to change the subject to Mr. Bennet's daughters, particularly to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Darcy was about to ask Mr. Bennet about his daughters when Bingley beat him to it.

"Mr. Bennet, I hear you have five daughters," Bingley said.

"That is true," was the only response the Mr. Bennet would give. He was smiling a sly smile at Bingley that Darcy recognized. It was the same smile that Miss Bennet had when she teased him.

"I was wondering if you will do me the honor of introducing me to them at the assembly tomorrow night?" Bingley asked.

"I never attend the assemblies," Mr. Bennet said indifferently.

Bingley was not sure how to respond. He was disappointed to hear this since he didn't realize that Mr. Bennet had meant that only he was not attending. He had not specified whether or not his daughters were attending. Darcy, however, had caught on to this since he knew the man was teasing Bingley.

"But your daughters will be attending?" asked Darcy.

Bingley looked anxiously at Mr. Bennet, hoping for a positive answer. "Yes. My wife always escorts our daughters to all of the assemblies."

"How many of your daughters are out?" asked Bingley.

"All of them," responded Mr. Bennet.

"All of them?" asked Bingley, quite shocked.

"My oldest is two and twenty and my youngest just fifteen. It would be unfair to my youngest because my oldest had not married."

Darcy tried to hide his grin without success, for Mr. Bennet's answer to Bingley was much like Miss Bennet's answer to Lady Catherine.

Mr. Bennet was amused by Bingley's bafflement, but when he noticed Darcy's grin he became curious about the man. He was much different than Bingley. Bingley was friendly and open and Darcy was more reclusive. Mr. Bennet had much hope for Bingley and his eldest daughter, Jane. He believed they would be perfectly suited to each other. For Darcy he had no such hope. He did not believe that Darcy would find any of his daughters to his liking.

"Are any of your daughters spoken for?" asked Bingley.

"No. Although my two eldest, Jane and Lizzy, have had several suitors, none of them were to their liking."

"Good," Bingley blurted without thinking.

Mr. Bennet was hard put to not out right laugh at Bingley. It seemed to him that Darcy was having the same problem.

"I believe that you will find Jane very much to your liking, Mr. Bingley. She is the most beautiful of my daughters and has the sweetest disposition. My Lizzy, on the other hand, is quick witted and often times will express her opinion openly. And my three youngest are the silliest girls in all of England and maybe even Europe."

Bingley turned towards Darcy and said, "It seems that you will not find a lady to your liking, Darcy, among the Bennets. I believe you would wish for a lady who is compliant."

"I believe you are under a misconception Bingley," responded Darcy. "I would like a lady who is a gentle woman but who also has some intelligence and who is willing to talk of important subjects such as literature."

Darcy realized that he had just described Miss Bennet and so did Mr. Bennet. The latter was unsure what to say next. He was reluctant to promote Elizabeth to this man. He not only did not know much about the man, but he also did not want to lose Elizabeth.

Bingley, not knowing what had just happened, continued. "Are you saying Darcy, that you want a lady who has her own opinions? Well you will not find a lady like that in the ton. Well at least not one who will speak her own opinions, and certainly not to you. Too many of them want to have your opinions be theirs."

"I know that, Bingley. Why do you think I have not wed? I find the ladies of the ton too frivolous. I would much rather debate about literature then talk about who was seen with whom."

"I knew that but I did not realize you wouldn't mind debating with a lady. I do not believe there is a lady who exists that would fit those qualifications."

"Ah, but there is. I met such a lady just last spring." Darcy realized what he had just said. He had not wanted to mention to Mr. Bennet that he already knew his second eldest daughter.

This news caught Bingley by surprise. "You have met a lady who fits those qualifications? Are you courting her? Do you plan on proposing?"

"I plan on asking her father for permission to court her as soon as I find out whether or not she wishes to be courted by me." Darcy hoped that Bingley would change the subject but it was not to be.

"And who is this lady? Where did you meet her? Do I know her?"

"Bingley, you ask way too many questions."

Mr. Bennet was very amused by the conversation taking place between the two friends. He could see that Darcy did not want to answer Bingley's question. He couldn't understand why, especially if he was planning on courting the lady. Wouldn't Bingley find who she is sooner or later?

"Mr. Darcy, pardon me for intruding on your conversation, but is it you do not wish to divulge who the young lady is? Is there some reason why you need to hide her away? Or is this young lady Mr. Bingley's sister?" asked Mr. Bennet with amusement in his voice and a smile not unlike Elizabeth's teasing smile.

Darcy fidgeted a bit. He looked at Mr. Bennet unsure of what to say. "There is no reason for me to hide the young lady from Bingley and she is not his sister. On the contrary, the lady is Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

Mr. Bennet's smile left his face. How does he know Lizzy? Mr. Bennet asked himself. He did not like the idea of Darcy meeting his daughter without his knowledge. He also did not like the idea of Darcy courting Lizzy. He didn't know why he didn't want him courting her, but he really didn't care why.

Bingley was also confused on how Darcy had met Mr. Bennet's daughter. "Where did you two meet? Weren't you at your aunt's house for the spring?"

"Yes, I spent all of the spring at Rosings. Miss Bennet was visiting her cousin and his wife at the Hunsford parsonage. We met when my aunt invited them to dine at Rosings. Miss Bennet and I became friends during our walks through the parks."

"I will save you the trouble, Mr. Darcy," Mr. Bennet spoke, "of asking permission to court Lizzy. I will not be giving you permission to do so. Now if you don't mind, I believe I have spent a respectable amount of time with you gentlemen and have to get back to my estate."

Mr. Bennet took his leave from Bingley before Bingley and Darcy had time to recover from Mr. Bennet's decree. Darcy was stunned at Mr. Bennet's defiant answer. He could not understand why anyone would deny a man as wealthy and prestigious as himself from courting their daughter. It was most absurd.

Bingley recovered more quickly than Darcy. He poured them both a glass of brandy and handed one to Darcy.

"I believe you will be needing this Darcy, if the look on your face tells me anything." Bingley took a sip of his brandy and then set what was supposed to be a vexed appearance on his face as he spoke to Darcy, "Is that why you were so adamant about me leasing Netherfield?"

Darcy groaned.

Chapter 5

Posted on Saturday, 3 April 2004

Elizabeth groaned inwardly as the loud laughter of Kitty and Lydia reached her ears. They had only been at the Meryton Assembly for half an hour and they were already unruly. She hoped they would behave in front of Mr. Bingley. As much as she hated to admit it, one of them was going to have to marry someone soon, and a man of wealth would help. She was hoping that maybe he would fall in love with Jane and Jane with him. That would make everything easier. Jane would get to marry for love and Papa would not have to worry about our future.

Elizabeth had danced the first set but sat out the second due to the unequal number of gentlemen to ladies. She was talking with Mary when there was a commotion at the door as the second set came to an end. The Bingley party had arrived. Sir William went and greeted them as Elizabeth tried to get a glimpse of Mr. Bingley. She couldn't see much since she was near the back of the room.

Jane soon joined Elizabeth as Mrs. Bennet called the girls to her side. From her new position in the assembly room she was able to see Mr. Bingley, two women and one gentleman. Mrs. Bennet immediately spoke a frenzy of compliments on Mr. Bingley's good looks and wealth. Elizabeth stopped listening but was soon drawn from her thoughts when Mr. Bingley approached them with Sir William.

"Mr. Bingley expressed an interested in being introduced to your lovely daughters," Sir William pronounced to Mrs. Bennet.

With great excitement, Mrs. Bennet made all the introductions, pointing out her three youngest from afar.

"Miss Bennet would you honor me with your hand for the next set, that is if you are not otherwise engaged?" Mr. Bingley asked Jane.

"I'm not engaged, sir," Jane said bashfully.

Elizabeth smiled at her sister, very happy for her. As Mr. Bingley escorted Jane to the set Elizabeth was afforded a better view of the other members of Mr. Bingley's party. She finally noticed Mr. Darcy standing by the door talking with one of the women, but she didn't believe her eyes at first. As she was openly staring at him, his eyes scanned the room and stopped when they had found hers. The stern expression he had been wearing became softer as he smiled at her. Elizabeth quickly turned away when she realized she was being quite obvious with her stare.

Darcy had been uncomfortable since he got into the carriage with Bingley and his sister. Miss Bingley had not left him alone for one moment. After they had entered the assembly room he had hoped she would leave him be, but instead she had stayed by his side, commenting on the society. Darcy withdrew inwardly, trying to ignore Miss Bingley. He scanned the room to see if Miss Elizabeth was there. It took him several scans before he saw her staring at him not far from where he was standing. He smiled at her.

"I am glad you agree with me." Darcy started when he heard the end of Miss Bingley's comments.

"I'm sorry, I don't believe I heard what you were saying."

"I was saying it was awfully rude of that woman to stare at you openly. It just goes to show that the society in Hertfordshire is lacking in manners."

Darcy just nodded at her and tried to think of how to get away from Miss Bingley. Finally he gave up being polite to her. "Excuse me," he said as he quickly walked away, heading towards Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was talking to an older woman. He could have sworn that as he got closer he heard the woman say in a very loud whisper, "He's worth ten thousand a year," but he wasn't sure. He didn't believe that Elizabeth was after his money so he must have been mistaken.

Darcy arrived at Elizabeth's side. He looked at Elizabeth with a smile, "Miss Bennet, would you do me the honor of dancing the next set with me?"

Elizabeth smiled back at him. "Yes, thank you."

"Mr. Darcy, you do us a great honor," exclaimed Mrs. Bennet.

Darcy was surprised by the woman's declaration. This woman is not Miss Bennet's mother, is she? She is much too vulgar to be related to her. He was searching for something to say in response to the woman when Elizabeth introduced them.

"Mr. Darcy, this is my mother."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Madame," was the only response Darcy could think of. How could this woman be mother to Elizabeth? To Elizabeth, he said, "I hope you have been well since I last saw you?"

Elizabeth blushed. She appeared embarrassed by his question. Why should she be embarrassed about me asking about her health for the past several months? He quickly found out why.

"Lizzy!" Mrs. Bennet cried out. "You and Mr. Darcy have met before? Why did you not tell me?"

Elizabeth, still embarrassed, mumbled "Mama!" She then smiled at him and said, "I have been well, and you? Have you been well?"

"Yes." Darcy didn't know what else to say. Mrs. Bennet was staring at him intensely and it was making him quite uncomfortable. He was hoping that she would leave them alone so they could talk. Elizabeth was looking at her hands, fidgeting. She appeared to be waiting for him to say something. "I hope your travel home was well."

Elizabeth looked up at him with a smile that made Darcy feel a little more confident. "Yes, I got to visit with my aunt and uncle in London for a few days before coming home."

Mrs. Bennet started ranting about her brother, Mr. Gardiner, and how good he was to her daughters in letting them visit in London. Darcy blocked out the sound. He watched Elizabeth go through a variety of emotions, most of them dealing with her distress over her mother's rant. At least that was what he hoped she was distressed about. He hoped that it was not his presence that had distressed her.

Did Mr. Bennet tell her about not giving me permission for me to court her? Would she dance with me had he told her? He probably hasn't said anything to her. Darcy was happy when the current set ended and he could finally lead Elizabeth to next set. They started the dance in silence, but shortly Elizabeth spoke up.

"Mr. Darcy, I want to apologize for my mother's- For my mother. She gets herself worked up sometimes."

"No need to apologize Miss Bennet. I also have relatives that are..." he quickly tried to find a word that wouldn't be insulting to Elizabeth's mother, but the only words he could think of were vulgar, rude, and ill-mannered. Finally, Elizabeth supplied an answer.

"Boisterous?"

"Exactly."

They fell into silence once more. Darcy wondered if he should ask Elizabeth's permission to court her. Would she allow me to court her without her father's permission? Maybe she could change his mind to accept my suit. He decided that once the set was over he would ask to speak to her in private and tell her of his wish to court her. Would she accept my suit? Does she already have a suitor who may soon ask for her hand? The thought of Elizabeth being married to another man sent a fury of jealousy through him. His face became stern as he tried to suppress his emotions.

Elizabeth had been happy to see Mr. Darcy at the assembly. She had not expected it since she did not know he was a friend of Mr. Bingley. She had missed him over the summer months and had thought of him on many occasions. She had not known, until her mother told her, that Mr. Darcy had his own estate and was worth ten thousand a year. She should have guessed since Lady Catherine was his aunt. She didn't care if he was wealthy or not, she only cared that he was good company, even when he was shy. But tonight he seemed withdrawn. Even when he was speaking to her he seemed not to be enjoying himself. She noticed that his face became stern.

He no longer wishes to be in my company after meeting my mother. I shouldn't really blame him, who would want my mother as a mother-in-law? Elizabeth started at where her mind had taken her. Where did that come from? How could I think that his appearance here would mean he would ask for my hand in marriage? Do I want him to ask? Elizabeth contemplated the answer for the rest of the set. When the set ended she expected him to lead her back to her mother's side and go spend his time in more civilized company. She did not expect him to ask "Miss Bennet, could I speak to you in private?"

Elizabeth was shocked that he still wanted to spend time with her after they had danced most of a set in silence. She was curious about what he might say. She didn't even consider the impropriety of the request when she answered positively. He led her to a quiet corner where there were some chairs.

They sat down and Elizabeth waited for Mr. Darcy to speak. He seemed to be struggling for words and Elizabeth smiled at him. It is quite charming that a man as prominent as he is cannot think of what to say. She was still worried about what he would say but she would try to make it easier for him. She took his hand and he looked up at her with a smile.

"Miss Bennet, I am very glad I have a chance to see you again. When Bingley invited me to Netherfield I was very happy to join him, knowing that you lived quite near. I planned on calling on you tomorrow to ask you this but I found that I may not be allowed to." He paused and Elizabeth waited with anticipation. "Would you... I was hoping that you would... I was wondering if you..."

Elizabeth tried not to laugh. She was amused that he was a loss for words and it made her more curious about what he was trying to ask her. "Would I what?" she asked gently.

He looked into her eyes and said, "Would you allow me to court you?"

Elizabeth was stunned. She had not expected that. She had been wishing that he would court her but after the dance she had her doubts. "I thank you and would be happy to allow you to court me."

Mr. Darcy looked unsure and this made Elizabeth wonder why. "Is something wrong Mr. Darcy."

"I cannot hide this from you, Miss Bennet, but your father called on Bingley yesterday. I asked him permission to court you and he turned me down. I should not have defied your father and asked you. It is just that I enjoyed our time together at Rosings and wanted to spend more time with you. I'm not sure how to proceed but I believe you wouldn't want me to court you without your father's agreement."

He fell silent. Elizabeth didn't know what to say. She was furious with her father for turning down Mr. Darcy. He had no reason to do so. He could have at least asked her if she wished to be courted by Mr. Darcy but instead her father had refused and had not mentioned it to his daughter. His favorite daughter. Does he wish for me to be unhappy? Her thoughts were interrupted when Mr. Darcy released her hand and looked away from her. His actions hurt her. She was suddenly confused and not sure what was happening.

"My father had not mentioned your request to court me. If I had known I would have tried to persuade him to allow it. As I said, I would be happy to have you court me."

Mr. Darcy turned and looked at her with a smile. Did he think I had changed my mine? Is that why he had let go of my hand and turned away? As if to answer her question he took her hand once again and spoke. "Do you think you could change his mind?"

"I am not sure, but I could speak to him tomorrow."

"Would you like me to call on you and we could speak to him together?"

"I think it would be best if I speak to him alone. Will you be attending the Lucases party?"

"I believe that Bingley was planning on attending."

"I will try to change my father's mind before then and I will let you know the outcome at the Lucases. Meanwhile, I will allow you to court me for the rest of the evening, if you wish."

Darcy's smile grew making Elizabeth feel warm all over. She looked shyly at their entwined hands. "Are you sure? I would not wish to make you uncomfortable by being more than I have a right to be."

"If my father knew how much I want this he probably would not have said no. He probably thinks that you were not serious since he heard nothing of you from me."

"Well, then, may I dance the next set with you?"

She looked up at him and answered, "It would be my pleasure."

The Bennets had arrived home, disturbing Mr. Bennet's reading. Mrs. Bennet immediately started relating the events of the evening.

"Oh! My dear Mr. Bennet, we have had a most delightful evening, a most excellent ball. I wish you had been there. Jane was so admired, nothing could be like it. Every body said how well she looked; and Mr. Bingley thought her quite beautiful, and danced with her twice. Only think of that my dear; he actually danced with her twice; and she was the only creature in the room that he asked a second time. He seemed quite struck with Jane when they were introduced. So, he asked her for hand for the next. And Lizzy! She did very well for herself. She spent all of her time with Mr. Darcy. He would only dance with her and no other."

Mr. Bennet interrupted, "Mr. Darcy! Lizzy, Mr. Darcy danced with you?"

"Yes, Papa," answered Elizabeth.

"Oh yes!" continued Mrs. Bennet, "Mr. Darcy seemed very pleased with Lizzy. They even sat off alone and talked. Everyone was speaking of it. They are so sure that it will not be very long before Mr. Darcy asks for Lizzy's hand. And he's worth ten thousand a year!"

"Lizzy, how did you and Mr. Darcy meet?" asked Mr. Bennet. "And how well do you know him?"

"Mr. Darcy is Lady Catherine de Bourgh's nephew. We met at Rosings during my visit with the Collinses. I know him well enough that when he asked me for permission to be courted by him I accepted."

"Did you? And did he tell you that he had already asked permission from me?"

"Yes he did. He told me that you said no."

"What is this?" interrupted Mrs. Bennet. "Mr. Darcy asked permission to court Lizzy and you told him no. How are we to ever have our daughters married comfortably if you are turning down wealthy suitors? You will go to Netherfield tomorrow and tell Mr. Darcy that he can court Lizzy."

"Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Bennet replied, "I will do no such thing. He will not be allowed to court Lizzy. If he wants to court one of our other daughters than I will agree to but not my Lizzy."

Elizabeth was astonished by her father's declaration. Why isn't Mr. Darcy allowed to court me? She stayed silent, deciding that she would speak to her father in private in the morning. She told her family she was tired and went off to bed.

As she tried to fall asleep all she could think of was what if her father refused to allow Mr. Darcy's suit. Would I be willing to defy my father? Do I want Mr. Darcy's suit enough to do so? Elizabeth decided to try her father first then if he continued to say no she would worry about what to do. After deciding on her next actions she was able to fall asleep.

Darcy was thinking along the same lines as Elizabeth as he lay in bed. If her father continues to deny my suit will she be willing to defy him? Would she elope? Wait a minute, where did the idea of marriage with Miss Bennet come from? Do I want to marry her? Darcy continued to think this way well into the night. When he did finally fall asleep, he slept restlessly.

Chapter 6

Posted on Saturday, 17 April 2004

Elizabeth woke early the next morning, eager to speak to her father about Mr. Darcy. She quickly dressed and headed for his study. She entered the study to find that her father was not there. After questioning Hill she discovered that he had gone out on estate business. Elizabeth decided to go for a walk instead of pacing her father's study as she was about to do. She took up her bonnet and reticule before leaving.

Elizabeth made her way towards Oakham Mount. During her walk she thought about Mr. Darcy. She played over all her favorite moments with him, last night being the main feature of her thoughts. It had been wonderful to dance with him, and to have her hand kissed before she left with her family.

By the time she reached the Mount she was smiling a smile that lit her face and eyes in such a way that if Mr. Darcy had been present he would have been hard pressed not to kiss her. She took in the scenery around her in a quick spin that made her dizzy, and fell to the ground with a laugh. She was very happy. She had never felt this way before and unbeknownst to her she was very much in love. She lay in the sun for some time before she stood up and skipped back to Longbourn.

At that moment, Mr. Bennet was standing in his study after returning from his business. He looked out of the window, taking a sip of tea, wondering where Lizzy was. He wanted to talk to her about her behavior the night before. He saw Elizabeth arrive home skipping and smiling. He hadn't seen her act in such a way since she was a child. He could hear her laughter as she entered the hall and headed for his study. When Elizabeth entered the study she smiled at her father but then became more serious. Mr. Bennet felt a loss when he saw that his daughter's carefree moment had passed.

"Papa, I wish to speak to you about Mr. Darcy."

Mr. Bennet gestured for her to sit and he sat himself behind his desk. "I also wished to speak to you on this subject. I was not happy to find that Mr. Darcy had gone behind my back and courted you regardless of my decision."

"Papa! He told me what you had said to him. He didn't want to go behind your back. I really like Mr. Darcy. I wish you would change your mind. Please Papa."

Mr. Bennet did not like to see his favorite daughter begging for his permission. He sighed and stared out of the window for a moment before speaking.

"Tell me how you two met."

"We met in Kent. He is Lady Catherine's nephew and was visiting his aunt. Mr. Darcy enjoys morning walks, as I do. We spent a lot of time together on these walks, talking about books, music, art, and politics - anything we found of interest. I enjoyed my time with him. You cannot imagine how happy I was when I saw him last night. I thought I would never see him again, and I did not realize how much I hated that idea."

"Mrs. Collins allowed you to spend all that time alone with a gentleman? I thought she had more sense than that."

"Oh, no, Charlotte did not know that Mr. Darcy and I were spending a lot of time together. She may have suspected it but I do not believe she knew for certain."

"Lizzy. I do not like this. I know nothing of Mr. Darcy. You have never spoken of him. I was very much surprised to find, upon meeting him for the first time, that he was quite well acquainted with my daughter and wished to court her. How am I to respond to such a situation? I know that some day you will marry and leave me, but I would like to know the man before it happens. How long were you going to keep me in the dark?"

"Papa, please. I thought I was never going to see him again so it did not seem important to tell you. I would have told you if I had thought Mr. Darcy and I would continue our acquaintance. It is not as though he is asking for my hand in marriage. He is just asking to court me."

Mr. Bennet was silent. He thought over all the consequences of the decision before him. If I give him permission to court my Lizzy, it does not mean I have to give him permission to marry her. It will be easier if I give in now and fight the more important battle later. With a decision finally made he turned back to his daughter.

"Lizzy, the next time I see your Mr. Darcy, I will give him my permission to court you."

Elizabeth was overjoyed. She jumped up from her seat and gave her father a quick kiss on the cheek and quickly left the room before her father could change his mind. Now all I have to do is wait for the Lucases' party. Oh, but Father will not be attending. Maybe I could convince Mama to invite the Bingleys for dinner. Yes, that will do nicely.

Elizabeth went in search of her mother and found her, together with Jane, Mary, Kitty and Lydia, in the breakfast room. Elizabeth sat down and poured herself a cup of tea.

"Mama, I was just thinking that maybe we should invite the Netherfield party for dinner one night."

Mrs. Bennet went into raptures about how that was a perfect idea. She immediately began planning the dinner with the cook and sent out invitations (she absolutely had to invite the Lucases, the Phillips, and the Longs too). Elizabeth spent the rest of the day reading, or at least trying to read. She, more often than not, found herself thinking about the handsome man who had danced with her the night before.

To Elizabeth's slight dismay, the dinner was planned to take place the Wednesday after the Lucases's party. Why can it not be sooner? thought Elizabeth. She was glad, however, that she would at least see Mr. Darcy at Lucas Lodge in five days time.

The five days could not go by fast enough for Elizabeth. During those five days, Elizabeth was occupied by the ladies of Netherfield calling upon those at Longbourn. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst obviously did not enjoy their stay. They spoke in a superior manner for the whole half hour. Two days later the ladies of Longbourn called upon Netherfield. Elizabeth had hoped to catch a glimpse of Mr. Darcy but the gentlemen of Netherfield had gone hunting for the day. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were even more superior in their own environment.

During this time Elizabeth did not speak with Jane on the matter of Mr. Bingley because she had not noticed anything between Mr. Bingley and Jane. She was too busy thinking of Mr. Darcy to realize that whenever Mr. Bingley was mentioned Jane would suddenly be very attentive. The only thing she did realize was that five days was a very long time and that she missed Mr. Darcy's company very much.

Finally the day of the Lucases' party arrived. Elizabeth took her time dressing and attending to her toilette, making sure she looked her best. She was very anxious to see Mr. Darcy again.

Upon arriving at Lucas Lodge, Elizabeth immediately looked for Mr. Darcy. It totally escaped her notice that Jane did the same for Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth spotted Mr. Darcy speaking to Mr. Bingley near the fireplace and headed in that direction with Jane following. Both ladies met up with the gentlemen together.

Elizabeth smiled at Mr. Darcy and he smiled back. For a moment they were without words. It wasn't until Mr. Bingley asked Elizabeth a question that she realized that he and Jane were there too.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Bingley, I did not hear what you asked," responded Elizabeth.

"I was just asking after your health."

"Thank you, I am very well."

"That is good."

That was the full amount of time that Mr. Bingley was able to devote to someone other than Jane when she was in his presence. Needless to say, the rest of the night Mr. Bingley and Jane never left each other's company. The same was true for Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth except for the small amount of time that Elizabeth had allotted to greeting the officers that had recently set camp in Meryton.

While Elizabeth spoke to Colonel Forster and his wife, Darcy spent his time watching his friend dance with Jane. He was lost in thought about dancing with Elizabeth when he realized that he was no longer alone.

"What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy!" exclaimed Sir William to Darcy's dismay. "There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished societies."

"Certainly, Sir," Darcy responded, "and it has the advantage also of being in vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world. Every savage can dance."

Sir William had not a clue as to what Darcy meant so he just smiled. "Your friend performs delightfully; and I doubt not that you are adapt in the science yourself, Mr. Darcy."

"You saw me dance at Meryton, I believe, Sir."

"Yes, indeed, and received no inconsiderable pleasure from the sight. Do you often dance at St. James's?"

"Never, Sir."

"Do you not think it would be a proper compliment to the place?"

"It is a compliment which I never pay to any place if I can avoid it."

Sir William said nothing to this but then realized that Elizabeth had been standing behind the two gentlemen for some time. He turned to her and said "My dear Miss Eliza, why are you not dancing?"

"I was taking such delight in hearing Mr. Darcy tell of his dislike of dancing, although he danced almost every dance at Meryton," teased Elizabeth.

Mr. Darcy turned to her with a smile. "How could I refuse to dance with such beauty before me? I was happy to dance with very desirable partners."

The way Mr. Darcy had spoken the last had made Elizabeth feel warm all over. This may have been due to an excessive amount of blushing on her part. Elizabeth was suddenly shy with Sir William present.

"Ah, Mr. Darcy," Sir William spoke, "I see you take my view on the matter. Miss Eliza has much beauty even if she does not wish to believe it."

Darcy, seeing Elizabeth's blushing decided to change the subject by asking Elizabeth to dance. Elizabeth agreed and they both joined the others on the dance floor. The couple remained silent until after the dance started.

"Mr. Darcy, you are paying such a compliment to the Lucases by dancing at their party," Elizabeth teased.

"It is more a compliment to you than the Lucases."

"How so, Sir?"

"If it were not for your presence I would not pay such a compliment."

Elizabeth was unsure how to respond to such a compliment upon herself. So she spoke of a different matter.

"I spoke to my father."

"Has he changed his mind?"

"At first he was adamant against it. He was quite angry that you had spent all your time with me at Meryton. I told him how we met and how much I enjoy your company, and finally he succumbed. He will give you his permission the next time he sees you."

"He would not happen to be in attendance this evening, would he?"

"No, my father rarely attends social events. He will, however, be at dinner on Wednesday."

"I would hope so, since dinner is at Longbourn."

"Are you teasing me, Mr. Darcy?"

"Most certainly, Miss Bennet. Am I not allowed to?"

"Mr. Darcy. You may tease me whenever the impulse arises."

"Am I to wait until I speak to your father before I can formally court you?"

"You could always call on me tomorrow."

"I cannot call on you without your father's permission to court you, but I could very well call on the whole family."

"I often walk up to Oakham Mount in the morning."

"I believe you are changing the subject, Elizabeth," Darcy smiled.

"No, I do not believe so. Were we not talking about you calling on me?"

"And what does where you walk in the morning have to do with my calling?"

"Oh, you are insufferable."

Darcy laughed at her. "I believe I may be taking a walk tomorrow morning. Do you suggest Oakham Mount as a pleasant walk?"

"I most certainly do."

"Good. Then I believe I might see it for myself. Perhaps I will stop at Longbourn on my way back to Netherfield."

"Oh, you certainly must."

Darcy and Elizabeth continued with their amiable conversation and danced several more dances before taking a break. It was during this break that Elizabeth finally noticed Jane's preoccupation with Mr. Bingley. She had been looking for her sister to tell her how well she got along with Mr. Darcy. She found Jane with Mr. Bingley, of course, in deep conversation. Instead of interrupting the couple she spoke to Mr. Darcy.

"Mr. Bingley seems quite taken with Jane."

"Yes. Ever since he met your sister he has thought of nothing else but Miss Bennet. If it were not for the fact that I am just as distracted by you, I believe I would be rather annoyed."

"Do you think Mr. Bingley might fall in love with Jane?"

"I believe he is already in love with her. What of Miss Bennet?"

"By all appearances, she appears on her way to falling very much in love with him."

"I am glad to hear it."

Darcy and Elizabeth spent the rest of the evening pleasantly in each other's company. Elizabeth felt a great loss when her family departed, but then she remembered the 'accidental' meeting they planned for the morrow. She went to sleep with sweet dreams of the man she unknowingly loved.

Posted on Wednesday, 21 April 2004

Darcy's return to Netherfield was not as pleasant as Elizabeth's return to Longbourn. Upon entering the drawing room with the rest of the party, Miss Bingley started her tirade. She talked of Sir William and his presumptuous conversations, about Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty's rambunctious behavior. She then asked Mr. Darcy his opinion.

"How insupportable it is to pass an evening in that manner. I was never so annoyed! The insipidity and the noise; the nothingness and yet the self-importance of all those people! What would I give to hear your strictures on them, Mr. Darcy?"

Darcy did not respond to Miss Bingley. He stared into the fire, thinking of the meeting planned with his Elizabeth. Miss Bingley continued, regardless of Darcy's silence.

"You spent much of your evening in the company of Miss Eliza, I believe. She is tolerable in appearance, but she has not much to recommend herself. She seems to have become a favorite of yours. Pray when am I to wish you joy?"

Darcy, upon hearing his Elizabeth mentioned, turned to Miss Bingley. "A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from fondness to love, from love to matrimony in a moment. I knew you would be wishing me joy. I have only just begun courting Miss Elizabeth and have yet to know her well enough for matrimony."

Miss Bingley fell silent. She had not expected him to be courting the country bumpkin. How did this come about? They have only been together in company twice. Maybe he is seeing her clandestinely. This thought made Miss Bingley smile. She now knew what she would do.

"So Darce," Mr. Bingley spoke, "Mr. Bennet finally gave you permission? He seemed quite against you when I met him."

"Yes he did. Eliz- uh Miss Elizabeth talked with her father. She explained to him how we met at Rosings."

"Rosings?" asked Miss Bingley. "What was she doing at your aunt's estate."

"Her cousin, a Mr. Collins, is my aunt's clergymen. He recently married Miss Elizabeth's good friend Mrs. Collins, nee Lucas. She was visiting her friend during my yearly visit to Rosings."

That sneaking hussy! thought Miss Bingley. How dare she use her wiles on Mr. Darcy behind my back? I will just have to tell Lady Catherine about this. She decided to retire for the night so that she could think through her plan to win Mr. Darcy as her husband. There was no way she was going to let a 'lady' of no fortune and connects to steal her Mr. Darcy!

Chapter Seven

Posted on Sunday, 16 May 2004

Darcy walked quickly towards Oakham Mount, impatient to see his Elizabeth. That is how he thought of her, as his. Unlike Elizabeth, he knew he was in love, but he was giving her time to be courted before expressing his feelings towards her. He arrived at Oakham Mount and took in the scenery as he waited, his thoughts full of Elizabeth.

He thought to ask Bingley if he would mind inviting Georgiana, Darcy's sister, to stay at Netherfield. Darcy wanted his sister to meet Elizabeth - he was sure his beloved would help Georgiana overcome her shyness. She had been even more reticent recently due to an unpleasant incident that had happened in the summer - Georgiana had been deceived by a man she thought of as a friend and would have been ruined had her brother not paid a providential visit when he did. At the time she had been in the care of a Mrs. Younge, whom both the Darcys had trusted. Darcy hoped that Elizabeth would be able to help his sister overcome her grief over the whole affair.

"Mr. Darcy."

Darcy came out of his musings and turned to see his beloved standing behind him. She looked beautiful, her eyes aglow from the exercise of walking. He stepped close to her, bringing his hand to her cheek.

"Miss Bennet, you look very lovely today."

Elizabeth blushed at Darcy's compliment. She smiled at him.

"How fortunate I am to have encountered you on my morning walk."

Darcy smiled at her teasing. "I would have to agree. We are of like minds, I believe."

"I hardly think so. But we may be of like minds when it comes to morning walks."

"You believe there are some things upon which we may not agree?"

"I am sure we will have different opinions on some subjects. We had many debates at Rosings, did we not? Our courtship would be very boring if we were always to agree on everything."

"That is quite true. For if I wanted to court a lady who always agreed with me, I could find many such ladies in London."

"And surely you would have already married such a lady, if that were true."

"Since I am still unwed, then it must prove that I look for something more than acquiescence in a lady."

"And what do you look for in a lady?" After asking the question, Elizabeth realized how inappropriate it was. "You do not need to answer, I am only teasing."

"I do not mind answering. A lady must be knowledgeable in the running of a house. She must possess a certain manner in her air, her tone of voice, her address and expression that is polite but also lively. She must also add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading."

"You look for a lot in a lady. I fear you may never find one who will fulfill your qualifications."

"Elizabeth," Darcy whispered, "I do not know of your knowledge in the running of a house, but I do know that you fill all my other qualifications."

Elizabeth was quite taken aback by his declaration and his use of her name. She had never supposed him to be so forward. She turned away from him blushing.

"Will you escort me back to Longbourn, Mr. Darcy?"

Darcy offered her his arm and they headed off towards Longbourn. They talked of general subjects the whole walk. Elizabeth was still embarrassed by Darcy's disclosure. She had not thought his feelings towards her so strong. She needed time to think and could not wait until she could go to her room to meditate on what was said.

Darcy was disappointed by Elizabeth's avoidance. She had changed the subject and had barely spoken a word for the rest of the walk. He was afraid that he had scared her with his brazen admission. He had hoped her feelings were as strong as his own. He supposed that they had only known each other for a short time and that she might not yet be ready to deal with such feelings.

They arrived at Longbourn and Elizabeth politely invited Darcy in for refreshments. He decided not to accept because he had yet to talk to her father who was out on his estate. Darcy returned to Netherfield in a morose mood.

The Netherfield residents arrived at Longbourn shortly before dinner two days later. They were the last to arrive - the Lucases, Longs, and Phillips were already waiting in the drawing room. Mr. Darcy immediately looked for Mr. Bennet but saw that he was not in the room. Elizabeth was there, however, and he greeted her warmly.

Elizabeth was livelier in her greeting than she had been at the end of their walk two days before. She was in a much better state of mind. She had thought through her feelings about Darcy and realized that she felt as strongly for him as he did for her. She would welcome his addresses when he deemed it was appropriate to make them.

Darcy was delighted that Elizabeth was in better spirits. He had worried for the past two days that she might have changed her opinion of him. It was apparent upon her greeting that he had worried for naught. Darcy and Elizabeth spent the time before dinner talking about Georgiana. Darcy had spoken to Bingley about Georgiana coming for a visit and Bingley had agreed. Darcy immediately wrote to his sister. She was to come to Netherfield in a fortnight. He was just informing Elizabeth of this when dinner was announced.

Darcy and Bingley were both seated next to Mr. Bennet. Jane was, of course, seated next to Bingley and Elizabeth next to Darcy. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst had the pleasure of being seated next to Mrs. Bennet. Needless to say, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst did not enjoy dinner. However, Darcy and Bingley found the dinner most enjoyable. The food was good and the company better. Darcy spoke with Mr. Bennet about Longbourn, Pemberley and books. Elizabeth would sometimes join in. Bingley and Jane were occupied with each other. Darcy did not speak to Mr. Bennet about the courtship, having decided it would be more appropriate to do so when they had some privacy. He would do it right after dinner when the ladies left the men.

Mr. Bennet found Darcy very agreeable which irritated him. He did not want to like Darcy but he could not help doing so. He now understood why Elizabeth liked him so much. After the ladies had left for the drawing room, Darcy had requested a private audience with him. They took their brandy into the library. Mr. Bennet sat at his desk and Darcy paced the room. Bingley, finding himself alone, decided to join the ladies early. He did not mind spending more time with Jane.

"Mr. Bennet, I believe you know why I asked for a private audience."

"Do I?" teased Mr. Bennet.

Darcy stopped his pacing in front of the desk to look at Mr. Bennet with all seriousness. "I have asked you before if I could court your daughter, Miss Elizabeth, and I ask you once again. Will you give your consent to allow me to court her?"

"I have one question for you first, sir. What are your intentions in courting her?"

Darcy stared at Mr. Bennet. Should he tell him about his wanting to marry her? He was unsure of how he should respond. "I... I like your daughter very much. I wish to get to know her better-"

"How much better?"

"Mr. Bennet! I am a gentleman. I will not ruin your daughter. I only wish to know her character more so that I may better judge her opinion of myself."

"Why do you wish to know her opinion of yourself?"

"I wish to know whether she has a good opinion. It would be foolish of me to propose without knowing her feelings."

"You wish to propose to her?"

"If I am sure of an affirmative answer, then yes."

"Well, Mr. Darcy, I will agree to you courting my daughter, but do not assume that I will agree to you marrying her. I would wish to know you better before I could give my consent for that."

Mr. Bennet left the room, leaving behind a stunned Darcy. He had not realized the full ire Mr. Bennet held against him. After recovering he left the library and joined the ladies. He told Elizabeth that he had received her father's consent. They had agreed that he would call on her the day after tomorrow for the next day he and Bingley were to visit with the officers of the --shire militia.

The whole night went well. Jane had received an invitation from Miss Bingley for her to dine with Bingley's sisters. Mrs. Bennet was in raptures for not only did she find out about the invitation but also Elizabeth had told her that Darcy was now formally courting her. Of course Elizabeth waited until the guests had left before informing her mother. She did not wish to subject Darcy to her mother's reaction.

The following day Jane went to Netherfield on horseback, for her mother saw that it was going to rain. She thought that the Bingley's would never allow Jane to return home in such weather and so she would have to spend the night.

It did rain, but it rained while Jane was still on her way to Netherfield. She arrived soaked through and Miss Bingley ensured she was given dry clothes. During dinner Jane fell ill and was escorted to one of the guestrooms. She was then entreated to stay the night and a message was sent to Longbourn.

The next morning, Elizabeth received a letter from her sister:

My Dearest Lizzy,

I find myself very unwell this morning, which, I suppose, is to be imputed to my getting wet through yesterday. My kind friends will not hear of my returning home till I am better. They insist also on my seeing Mr. Jones-therefore do not be alarmed if you should hear of his having been to me-and excepting a sore-throat and head-ache there is not much the matter with me.

Yours, &c.

Elizabeth was anxious to see her sister. Since there was no other way, she decided to walk to Netherfield. Her mother was appalled.

"How can you be so silly as to think of such a thing, after all this rain! You will not be fit to be seen when you get there."

"I shall be very fit to see Jane-which is all I want."

"What of Mr. Darcy. He is to call on you this afternoon. If he should see you in such a state, he will end his courtship."

"If he does so, then I do not wish to know him. I will go and see Jane."

Elizabeth left Longbourn with Kitty and Lydia who were to walk as far as Meryton with her. She arrived at Netherfield just as the occupants were finishing breakfast. Mrs. Bennet was correct on how Elizabeth would be seen, her stocking were dirty, her petticoat muddy, and her hair was wind blown. This all escaped Darcy; he only noticed that her eyes were brighter due to the exercise. He found it endearing that Elizabeth had walked three miles to see her ill sister.

Elizabeth was shown to Jane's room. She had heard from Miss Bingley that Jane had slept ill and was feverish. Elizabeth attended her sister, but was soon joined by Bingley's sisters, to her discomfort. Mr. Jones came and declared that Jane had caught a violent cold and that she must get plenty of rest. After the apothecary left, Jane's fever worsened. Elizabeth stayed with her sister until three when she thought she must go, but did not wish to leave her sister. She was grateful when Miss Bingley invited her to stay at Netherfield. Of course the invitation only came after Jane's expressed her wish that she did not want her sister to leave.

During this time the gentlemen had decided to go hunting. Darcy had originally planned on not going with Bingley and Hurst, but since Elizabeth was busy with her sister he had nothing else to do. They returned to the house to find that Elizabeth had been invited to stay until her sister was better and that a servant had been dispatched to Longbourn to notify the family and to return with a supply of clothing.

Darcy was delighted to find that his beloved would be spending some time at Netherfield. He realized that she would probably spend most of her time with Miss Bennet, but sometimes she would need a break and Darcy intended to ensure that he would be there to help her with anything she may need. He headed for his rooms to change for dinner, ascending the stairs with energetic steps.

Chapter Eight

Posted on Friday, 21 May 2004

At half past six Elizabeth was summoned to dinner. Upon arriving at the dinning room her sister's health was the subject of anxious inquiries. Elizabeth could not give a favorable answer. Jane was still slightly feverish. Bingley's sisters, upon hearing this news, spent the dinner lamenting on how horrible it was to be ill and how much they disliked being ill themselves. Elizabeth tried not to laugh as she saw Darcy roll his eyes.

If it were not for Bingley and Darcy's company Elizabeth would have long left the table despite it being rude. She did find Bingley's excessive concern for Jane very pleasing. Miss Bingley then tried to draw Darcy into the conversation, but Darcy only gave short responses to her.

When dinner was over, Elizabeth returned to Jane directly. Miss Bingley immediately began disabusing her. Mrs. Hurst, who never was far behind her sister in opinions, joined in the abuse. Miss Bingley had pronounced Elizabeth's manners to be very bad, her conversation lacking, that she had no style, taste nor beauty.

"She has nothing," added Mrs. Hurst, "in short, to recommend her, but being an excellent walker. I shall never forget her appearance this morning. She really looked almost wild."

"She did indeed, Louisa. I could hardly keep my countenance. Very nonsensical to come at all! Why must she be scampering about the country, because her sister had a cold? Her hair so untidy, so blowsy!"

"Yes, and her petticoat; I hope you saw her petticoat, six inches deep in mud, I am absolutely certain; and the gown which had been let down to hide it not doing its office."

During the sisters' exchange Darcy had remained silent, barely. He did not wish to make a scene with his friend's sisters. He was glad when Bingley joined the conversation.

"Your picture may be very exact, Louisa," said Bingley; "but this was all lost upon me. I thought Miss Elizabeth Bennet looked remarkably well, when she came into the room this morning. Her dirty petticoat quite escaped my notice."

"You observed it, Mr. Darcy, I am sure," said Miss Bingley, "and I am inclined to think that you would not wish to see your sister make such an exhibition."

"Certainly not." Darcy would not want his sister to walk such a distance, especially when there was a carriage available and there was always a carriage available at any of the Darcy homes.

"To walk three miles, or four miles, or five miles, or whatever it is, above her ankles in dirt, and alone, quite alone! What could she mean by it? It seems to me to show an abominable sort of conceited independence, a most country town indifference to decorum."

"It shows an affection for her sister that is very pleasing," said Bingley.

"I am afraid, Mr. Darcy," observed Miss Bingley in a half whisper, "that this adventure has rather affected your admiration of Miss Eliza."

"Not at all. I think her love for her sister is quite admirable. I would hope that any woman I may marry would show such consideration towards Georgiana. I would ask that in the future, Miss Bingley, you would not abuse Miss Bennet. After all I am courting her."

Miss Bingley was silent. She didn't know what to say. She had written to Lady Catherine that morning in the hope that she could solicit her help in separating Darcy from Miss Eliza. It was not a moment too soon, in her opinion.

"I have an excessive regard for Jane Bennet," continued Mrs. Hurst, "she is really a very sweet girl, and I wish with all my heart she were well settled. But with such a father and mother, and such low connections, I am afraid there is no chance of it. They have an uncle who is an attorney in Meryton and another who lives somewhere near Cheapside."

"That is capital," added Miss Bingley and the two sisters laughed heartily.

"If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside," cried Bingley, "it would not make them one jot less agreeable."

"But it must very materially lessen their chance of marrying men of any consideration in the world," replied Darcy.

"Darcy, you are one to speak. You are, after all, courting Miss Elizabeth."

"I did not say they didn't have a chance. I only meant that most men would overlook them due to their lack of money and connections. It will be harder for them to marry well. I do believe that Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth would have less trouble finding husbands due to their pleasant manners but Miss Mary, Miss Catherine, and Miss Lydia will have less to recommend themselves if they do not change their conduct. Not many men will want a senseless wife."

Bingley was silent. His sisters continued conversing on the vulgarities of the Bennet family. Darcy tuned them out, not wanting to hear any more of their pert opinions. They then retired to the drawing room and started a game of loo.

Later that evening, Elizabeth came down stairs but only after her sister was resting comfortably. Upon entering the drawing room Elizabeth was invited to join the game. She declined to play, suspecting that the stakes would be high. She instead took up reading of one of the books lying on a table near the sofa upon which she was seated.

"Do you prefer reading to cards?" Mr. Hurst asked. "That is rather singular."

Before Elizabeth could answer Miss Bingley did so.

"Miss Eliza Bennet despises cards. She is a great reader and has no pleasure in anything else."

"I deserve neither such praise nor such censure," responded Elizabeth. "I am not a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things."

"In nursing your sister I am sure you have pleasure," said Bingley, "and I hope it will soon be increased by seeing her quite well."

"Thank you. I would be greatly pleased to see my sister well."

"Is that book to your liking?" asked Darcy. "I could fetch you another if you wish. Although Bingley's library is sparse he does at least have many of the classics."

"I wish my collection were larger for your benefit," added Bingley, "and my own credit; but I am an idle fellow, and though I have not many, I have more than I ever look into."

"This book will be fine, thank you." Elizabeth sat to read but found her eyes constantly wandering to Darcy. His eyes were more often on her then on his cards. It was a good thing he was very wealthy for he was playing very poorly.

"I am astonished," said Miss Bingley, "that my father should have left so small a collection of books.-What a delightful library you have at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy!"

Darcy tore his eyes from his beloved to look at Miss Bingley as he responded. "It ought to be good. It has been the work of many generations."

"And then you have added so much to it yourself, you are always buying books."

"I cannot comprehend the neglect of a family library in such days as these."

"Neglect! I am sure you neglect nothing that can add to the beauties of that noble place. Charles, when you build your house, I wish it may be half as delightful as Pemberley."

"I wish it may."

"But I would really advise you to make your purchase in that neighborhood, and take Pemberley for a kind of model. There is not a finer county in England than Derbyshire."

"With all my heart; I will buy Pemberley itself if Darcy will sell it."

"I am talking of possibilities, Charles."

"Upon my word, Caroline, I should think it more possible to get Pemberley by purchase than by imitation."

Elizabeth smiled at Bingley's response to his sister. She was more caught by the conversation at the table than reading her book. She got up from the sofa and took a seat between Darcy and Miss Bingley (it was either her or Mr. Hurst). Darcy was quite happy with Elizabeth's new location. He could smell the lavender she was wearing. He wished he could hold her hand, but that would not be conducive to playing loo. He instead settled on "accidentally" brushing his arm against hers once in a while.

"Is Miss Darcy much grown since the spring?" said Miss Bingley; "will she be as tall as I am?"

"I think she will. She is now about Miss Elizabeth's height, or rather taller."

"How I long to see her again! I never met with anybody who delighted me so much. Such a countenance, such manners, and so extremely accomplished for her age! Her performance on the piano-forte is exquisite."

"It is amazing to me," said Bingley, "how young ladies can have patience to be so very accomplished as they all are."

"All young ladies accomplished! My dear Charles, what do you mean?"

"Yes all of them, I think. They all paint tables, cover screens, and net purses. I scarcely know any one who cannot do all this, and I am sure I never heard a young lady spoken of for the first time, without being informed that she was very accomplished."

"Your list of the common extent of accomplishments," said Darcy, "has too much truth. The word is applied to many a woman who deserves it no otherwise than by netting a purse, or covering a screen. But I am very far from agreeing with you in your estimation of ladies in general. I cannot boast of knowing more than half a dozen, in the whole range of my acquaintance, that are really accomplished."

"Nor I, I am sure," agreed Miss Bingley.

"Then, you must comprehend a great deal in your idea of an accomplished women," teased Elizabeth.

"Yes; I do comprehend a great deal in it," responded Darcy.

"Oh! certainly," added Miss Bingley who was very happy to make Miss Eliza look bad in Darcy's eyes. "No one can be really esteemed accomplished, who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half deserved."

Elizabeth smiled at Miss Bingley's list of accomplishments, realizing that none of them were on Darcy's list.

"All this she must possess," added Darcy politely, "and to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading."

Elizabeth was fighting the laughter that threatened to be heard. Darcy looked at Elizabeth and winked at her.

"I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any," she teased him.

"Are you so severe upon your own sex, as to doubt the possibility of all this?"

"I never saw such a woman, I never saw such capacity, and taste, and application, and elegance, as you describe, united."

Not realizing that Elizabeth and Darcy were teasing each other, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley both cried out that they knew many ladies who were accomplished. Mr. Hurst
then called the table to order since none of the players were paying attention to the game. Elizabeth decided she had better go to check on her sister and then retire for the night. Darcy was sad to see her go and was about to state that he would too be retiring when Miss Bingley spoke.

"Eliza Bennet is one of those young ladies who seek to recommend themselves to the other sex by undervaluing their own, and with many men, I dare say, it succeeds. But, in my opinion, it is a paltry device, a very mean art."

"Undoubtedly," replied Darcy, who wanted to defend his beloved, "there is meanness in all the arts which ladies sometimes condescend to employ for captivation. Whomever thinks they are cunning with such actions is despicable."

Darcy then took his leave of them and headed for his room. He was displeased with Miss Bingley's manners that night. As Darcy reached the door to his room he saw Elizabeth exit Jane's. He met her at the top of the stairs.

"Is everything all right, Miss Bennet?"

"Jane has become much worse. I think Mr. Jones should be sent for in the morning."

"Of course, why don't you return to your sister and I will inform Mr. Bingley."

Elizabeth was very relieved at Darcy's offer. "Thank you Mr. Darcy." She returned to her sister.

Darcy went back down stairs and told Bingley of Jane's condition. Bingley was miserable. Darcy joined him in the library for a drink to help calm his friend. The drink did much for Bingley's nerves and they both retired for the evening. Darcy slept well knowing his beloved was just down the hall. Bingley, on the other hand, slept ill knowing that his Jane was very ill.

Continued in Next Section