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Chapter Fourteen

I have to offer my apologies for this chapter taking so long. Life was busy so other things often got in the way, but I also lost my momentum. I hope you'll be forgiving. Having been almost three months between posts a recap might not go astray. The Netherfield party had returned to London after the Netherfield ball in the same circumstances as those in the novel. The Longbourn women followed to London in a fortnight's time to visit family, and shop and prepare for Mary and Jonathan's wedding. Jane and Kitty are staying at the Gardiners, and Mrs Sarah Bennet, Mary and Elizabeth will be staying at the Carlisle townhouse with Lady Sarah and Lord Carlisle (Sarah's sister and BIL). Mr Bennet and Ben remain in Longbourn to entertain Mr Collins on his visit. ( BTWKaren2L, incorrect though it may be, I'm afraid Sophia will have to stay 'Lady Sophia' rather than 'Lady Carlisle' for continuity's sake, as she's known as such in early posts)

Although she could not reasonably expect the arrival of her sister until past eight in the evening, Sophia's excited impatience had grown throughout the afternoon. There was no thought of decorum when word eventually came that the carriage was at the door, and she hastened outside to great Sarah with a warm and familiar hug as soon as she alighted.

"Oh Sarah, it has been too long; simply an age since you were here last!" she said with feeling. "We are just going to have to do something about the unsociable tendencies of your husband so that he might be inclined to bring you to London more often."

"We visited not four months ago Sophie," Sarah laughed whilst returning her sister's hug with equal affection. "It's hardly an age, though it Is wonderful to see you again. You are looking very well. You're quite as healthy and beautiful as usual, obviously the expectant state does not disagree with you."

"Not in the slightest Sarah - at least, not now." Sophie answered, still speaking to Sarah as she moved to give a welcoming hug to both Elizabeth and Mary as they exited the carriage. "The tiredness has passed and I've not had even a moment of nausea for almost two months now. In fact, I'm feeling so well, if it weren't for the thrill of little movements, I might sometimes doubt that I'm truly with child. Would you believe I am actually looking forward to losing my figure so that I can feel more assured of the reality of my state?"

At that moment they were joined by Lord Carlisle, who had responded to the news of the arrival at a more leisurely place.

"Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary, welcome," the tall, sandy haired man, just a year or so Sarah's junior, smiled as he extended his hand to them each in turn before leading them all inside, out of the chilling winter breeze, teasing them good-humouredly about how their instinct to talk had obviously overwhelmed their instinct of self preservation.

The great fires in the parlour where certainly a friendly and welcome sight after the cool ride across London, and warming drinks were quickly served as the group sat down with the full intention of talking half the night away. Of course, discussion of the wedding took precedence as the main subject for conversation. Mary's pleasure and animation was further enhanced by the prospect of seeing Jonathan on the morrow. It was only after Mary retired slightly earlier than the others, that the topic of Jane's current unease was introduced.

"I personally believe Jane should think of him no more!" Sophia declared after listening to all Sarah and Elizabeth had to say on the subject. "I tend to agree with Elizabeth that there is no way this Bingley's behaviour can be construed in a positive light. Jane has many admirers and can well do without him. He is either a trifler or a man without a spine."

Even Elizabeth felt slightly uneasy at such a bold announcement. As infuriated as she might currently be at Bingley's behaviour, she could not completely dispel the fond regard she'd developed for him over the weeks of association, making her glad for Sarah's moderate answer.

"I would not put it as strongly as that Sophia. It has been just over a fortnight since he departed, so I hardly feel Jane needs to yet despair of this coming to nothing. Unfortunately we only have his sister's information in regard to the circumstance, and I can't say that I fully trust Miss Bingley's representations of the matter. It is quite too much to accept his attentions were mere affectations, and I cannot cast him as being so capricious as to so quickly transfer such attentions to another. Neither can I see Mr Darcy as one who would willingly barter his sister at the age of fifteen or sixteen. She is younger even than our Kitty."

Elizabeth looked up at that, finding a reassurance in Sarah's statement, more for herself than for Jane. Her mind was immediately elsewhere, and she just tuned back to the conversation in time to comprehend Sophia was wishing for more specifics regarding Mr Bingley's attentions to Jane. Her reassurance was reflected in a more light-hearted answer.

"I never saw a more promising inclination. He was growing quite inattentive to other people, and wholly engrossed by her. Every time they met, it was more decided and remarkable. At his own ball he offended two or three young ladies by not asking them to dance, and I spoke to him twice myself without receiving an answer. Could there be finer symptoms? Is not general incivility the very essence of love?"

Elizabeth's comment brought a burst of laughter from Lord Carlisle who, not viewing the subject with the same seriousness as his young wife, had been wisely sitting quietly throughout,

"Luke, this is no subject for jest," Sophia reprimanded her husband - who just grinned all the more broadly, winning a reluctant smile in return.

"Sophia dear, as much as I appreciate your passion for your loved ones, and delight in that overdeveloped little sense of justice you have, I think this situation best left to work itself out. Must I remind you of the end of your efforts for Jane last season."

"I hardly see that it's my fault those two decided to act in such a confrontational manner," Sophia replied with a pseudo-innocence, knowing very well she had consciously played the men off against each other. She really did have the good grace to see it had not been the best strategy on Jane's behalf. "I just wish happiness for Jane. She is deserving of so much."

"Well, whether he merits it or not," Sarah replied, "it seems Jane's happiness is, for the moment at least, very much tied to Mr Bingley."

"Well let us hope, for both their sakes, that this turns out well," Sophia replied. The words sounded kindly enough, but there was something in the phrase 'for both their sakes' which sounded slightly ominous to the ears of Luke and Sarah.

"Given that Jane truly credits Miss Bingley's friendship," Elizabeth put in, "I've no doubt Jane will visit her within the next few days. I'm not sure how well Miss Bingley will receive her though. Jane's last letter to Grosvenor Street had no reply, and it's quite clear to me the sisters are no friends to the idea of a marriage between their brother and Jane, not as long as there are eligible prospects worth 30 000 pounds still available."

Sarah, feeling a little disquiet on the matter, managed to redirect the discussion. Sophia took the hint and asked no more. In the morning though, when Mary and Sarah where occupied with business concerning the wedding, she took the opportunity to seek out Elizabeth for more information -- and Lizzy, pleased to have a sympathetic ear on the matter, spoke her opinion quite openly.

On the third day of the Bennets' visit to London, the Gardiner party attended dinner at the Carlisle house. The greeting between Jane and Sophia was everything affectionate and natural. The two young women really did love each other, and much was to be said and exchanged between them. Sophia did, however, notice a certain hesitancy in Jane when speaking further of the Bingleys after mentioning a call she had made at Grosvenor Street that very morning.

"I did not think Caroline in spirits," Jane stated, "but she was very glad to see me, and reproached me for giving her no notice of my coming to London. I was right, therefore; my last letter had never reached her."

Sophia and Elizabeth exchanged a quick, sceptical glance at this, but said nothing.

"You did not see Mr Bingley?" Sarah enquired, though understanding from Jane's demeanour that the answer was unlikely to be 'yes'.

"I did not. I enquired after their brother, of course. He was well, but so much engaged with Mr Darcy, that they scarcely ever saw him."

"That does seem strange," Elizabeth countered, "given their boasted intimacy with Miss Darcy."

"Oh, I found that Miss Darcy was expected to dinner," Jane answered, not wishing to entertain any suspicion toward her friends. "I wish I could see her," she added, for the first time allowing a touch of her melancholy to show in her voice.

"We've met Miss Darcy," Luke put in, surprising even Sophia who could not recall the circumstance. "During a gathering at Lord Matlock's town house, dear," Luke went onto explain upon registering the blank look upon Sophia's countenance. "Almost a year ago now. I believe the Darcys and the Fitzwilliams are related."

"Oh, I recall! A tall, pretty young thing," Sophia exclaimed, "...though not as striking as her brother," she added as she saw a look of concern cross Jane's face. "She was remarkably shy if I remember her correctly, and Mr Darcy spent much of his time watching over her."

"I was unaware that you knew the Darcys," Elizabeth returned, her interest peaked.

"I'm sure I mentioned our acquaintance with Mr Darcy in correspondence," Sarah replied. "Though I may not have spoken of him in my personal letters to you Lizzy, because, if I recall correctly, you were less than enamoured with the man."

Elizabeth blushed. She had almost forgotten her first impression of Mr Darcy, and she immediately redirected the conversation to Jane's morning visit. The assembled family soon found there was little else to be learned.

"My visit was not long, as Caroline and Mrs. Hurst were going out," Jane offered by way of excuse, causing another exchange of looks between Elizabeth and Sophia. "I dare say I shall soon see them at my Aunt and Uncle's home."

More than a week had passed since the night just described, and nothing had occurred to give more hope to Jane's situation. Despite Kitty and Mrs Gardiner sometimes going out, she had waited home every morning in expectation of a return visit from Miss Bingley, and invented every evening a fresh excuse for her friend's lack of civility. After a week, Sophia and Elizabeth would allow her to stay home no more and, if going out, would collect her for their morning visits. They were glad to have made these exertions, because Miss Bingley's card was never found upon returning Jane to Gracechurch Street. Elizabeth began to forget her own concerns over Mr Darcy in her anxiety for Jane. As much as Elizabeth had grown to appreciate Mr Darcy, his behaviour had not consistently made promises or fed such hopes as Mr Bingley's attentions had done with Jane.

Mrs Bennet had just returned from a morning attending Mary for her final fitting. Mary, thrilled to find Jonathan waiting to see her, had retired with him to the music room, and the lovely strains of a gentle duet drifted through the house, punctuated occasionally by the mumble of soft comments and laughter.

Sarah moved in search of the others, and paused at the entry of the winter parlour, taking in the picture of Sophia and Elizabeth seated and talking in great conspiracy.

"Are you wondering if this new formed alliance is quite the best thing?" Lord Carlisle asked in a low voice as he took Sarah's arm and led her toward the library.

"Have you been practising mind reading skills?" Sarah laughed. "That was exactly what was on my mind. As much as I am pleased to see a strengthened intimacy between Sophia and Elizabeth, I do wonder if they, between them, might not be working up too much bitterness on Jane's behalf."

"That is exactly my impression of the situation," Luke replied. "Their protective inclinations when it comes to Jane were already quite strong enough, but they are now feeding on each other's indignation - I pity poor Mr Bingley if he should ever find himself in the power of my Sophia."

"Poor man," Sarah laughed. "Luke, I cannot but wonder if there has been some duplicity at work in this whole matter. I liked - still like -- Mr Bingley, and he certainly appeared very enamoured with Jane. I did not expect such a promising beginning to end like this. I was sure we should see him once it became known we were in London.

"I am sorry for Jane, because, with her disposition, she may not get over his desertion immediately," Luke commented with a shaking of his head. "It had better have happened to Lizzy; She would have laughed herself out of it sooner."

Sarah didn't reply, but became thoughtful at such a statement, asking within herself how much of Elizabeth's ostensible upset on Jane's behalf might really be an out-working of her own feelings for another young man of their acquaintance.

The following morning, while Sarah and Mrs Gardiner went with Jane, Elizabeth, and Kitty for final fittings of their gowns for the wedding and the Christmas eve ball, Sophia took the opportunity to visit with a childhood friend, Lady Brentworthington. It was a odd friendship, originally founded far more on proximity and familiarity than upon any likeness in talent, interests, or temperament. They were the same age, their parents were great friends, and they grew up in neighbouring estates. It simply never occurred to them that they should be other than dear friends, though if they had met as adults it is certain they would have found little in common, and even likely that they might have actively disliked each other. Lady Emily Brentworthington was quite an attractive woman, but strength of mind was not her strong suit. Unfortunately, or possibly fortunately from the perspective of her own self image, she was not quite bright enough to perceive her own deficiency, and held tightly to, and quite assertively espoused, her decided opinions on everyone, and everything happening about her. She loved to keep abreast of all that happened in London society and, as it might be reprehensible to a call a woman of her wealth and influence a gossip, let it be simply noted that her greatest love was to share what she had learned with others.

Sophia would admit to occasionally letting her mind drift during her conversations with Emily, and it was due to such a circumstance after trying to listen attentively for the best part of an hour, that she almost missed a glancing reference to the Bingleys.

"...and I believe Miss Bingley has been rather exasperated at both her bother and Mr Darcy's current indifference when it comes to socialising. This has rather put a dampener on a season from which she anticipated much."

"You are acquainted with the Bingleys?" Sophia asked, suddenly very interested.

"Why yes," Emily replied with a slight look of censure directed at her friend. "I have been speaking of them his past minute at least! Darling Lady Muriel attended seminary with the sisters, as did Miss Ellis, and Lady Brusellthwait-Smythe and Miss Bromely..." she pulled up for a moment at Sophia's impatient look at her list, and magnanimously forwent naming the rest of the Bingley's acquaintances from the exclusive private seminary.

"I think it's odd I have not met them before," Sophia went on in an ostensibly ingenuous fashion. "I have heard much of them from Sarah. Mr Bingley, you know, took a Neighbouring estate to their own in Hertfordshire and the two families became quite intimate, there were even whispers of expectations in regard to Jane and Mr Bingley. Will they be in attendance at your Christmas eve ball?"

In fact, as Sophia knew, such an idea would never have occurred to Emily without the suggestion being placed in her mind. Though familiar with the Bingleys, the family was not quite of the standing to find themselves automatically included in the happenings of the higher circles of the ton.

"I believe I might send an invitation," Emily answered, satisfied at the thought of being able to offer such a condescension for the pleasure of the Bennet family and Jane, who would definitely be in attendance. "It may also make Mr Darcy more inclined to attend. He has been particularly reclusive since his return from Hertfordshire. It is best to have as many eligible bachelors in attendance as possible. It keeps the mothers happy," she finished with a laugh.

A sense of guilt at the manipulation of her friend lead Sophia to forego the mention of this interference, even to Elizabeth. She knew Sarah and Luke would disapprove, so decided it might be better if the meeting appeared to be fate rather that contrivance. She could not repent of her actions though, because one way or another, Mr Bingley would be exposed for his trifling behaviour, and Jane might be able to put the matter behind her and move on to better and more deserving prospects.

In any case, it was not hard to put the matter aside as Mr Bennet and Benjamin arrived in London that afternoon, more pleased than they could say at being united with their loved ones. Sarah's absence from Longbourn was one of the few things that could draw Thomas Bennet from the comfort of his country home. The evening meal became an hilarious event, with a spirited Ben and a dry Mr Bennet explaining the 'pleasures' of playing host to "a conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, silly man" in the form of their cousin, Mr Collins.

"Within five minutes of his arrival he was commenting on my fortune in having four such eligible daughters and telling me that in due time all should be well disposed of in marriage, and assuring me that he had come prepared to admire them - as his 'noble patroness' had 'condescended to advise him to marry as soon as he could, provided he chose with discretion'."

"Oh Thomas, you are making this up," Sarah replied with an amused cynicism.

"He's not mother," Benjamin offered by way of support for his father. "The man became almost aggravated when father informed him that due to Mary's impending nuptials, only three remained eligible."

Such a remark sounded akin to a threat to Jonathan's ears, and Mary's eyes sparkled with amusement as he possessively took her hand under the table.

"The man soon learned that the limiting of his choice was the least of his concerns, upon the discovery that the female contingent of our family was in London," Mr Bennet added. "It was such a delight to finally let the information drop. His face was something to be seen."

"Oh, I almost pity the young man," Mary replied, causing Jonathan to squeeze her hand tighter.

"You don't have to, Mary," her father replied. "His living gives him a comfortable retirement. The consequential feelings of early and unexpected prosperity, the respect which he feels for Lady Catherine's high rank and his veneration for her as his patroness, mingle with a very good opinion of himself, of his authority as a clergyman, and his rights as a rector, to make him altogether a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility."

"Not to mention that in his eyes I could do no right," Benjamin spoke up. "He seemed to think it his duty to correct every word or action of mine - I told you so Mary -," he added as a brotherly aside. "As much as he stated that he 'forgave' my birth and my 'usurping' of his inheritance, I'm sure he still harbours a great disappointment. It was wonderful revenge to be able to mention my right to Longbourn on every appropriate occasion."

"And every inappropriate one," his father laughed. "Thankfully, both for his sake and our own, our neighbours showed great hospitality and he often dined apart from us."

The evening moved on with great joviality, and it was only as everyone retired for the night that Mr Bennet remembered and placed a letter from Charlotte into Elizabeth's hand.

One quarter of an hour later there was a light knock upon her door, and Sarah entered for find Elizabeth uncharacteristically crying, with the letter beside her.

"When I read my own missive I thought you might need me," Sarah said. "Your father didn't know of the engagement, or I'm sure he would have tempered the opinions he expressed on Mr Collins this evening."

"Oh Mother," Elizabeth cried as she accepted a comforting arm around her. "I don't know if I'm crying so much for Charlotte's sake, or if I am weeping for the loss of my belief in the promise of true love. With everything that has happened of late - with Jane's circumstance I mean - and now with Charlotte making such a match... I no longer know what to hold on to."

"Oh Lizzy, do not give way to disillusion. See what Charlotte wrote to me 'I know you will be surprised, but when you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state'. If we can't agree with her decision, at least we might try to understand it."

"I don't know if I wish to understand it, Mother, I feel a deep down sadness at it all. Why should Charlotte have to barter her body for financial security. Why much she put herself under the rule of such a man."

"I don't know Lizzy. It may not be right, but you can do nothing about it; it is not your choice to make. What you can do though, Lizzy, is decide in regard to your own life. Do not compromise, and happiness will more likely be yours. I found your father, Sophia found Luke, and Mary, Jonathan. You are far too young to become cynical about love quite yet. Who knows, but you might find your knight in shining armour at Emily's Christmas eve ball."

Elizabeth stifled a giggle as she wiped away some tears with the back of her hand. "I'm not particularly looking for a 'knight in shining armour', but a respectable, handsome, sensible, independent, intelligent, and educated man would not go astray."

"Glad to see you're keeping your expectations modest," Sarah answered with a laugh.

Chapter Fifteen

Lady Emily Brentworthington had not been incorrect in her assessment of Miss Bingley's exasperation. The last month had seen a expansion of her activities and social circle comparative to that of Hertfordshire, but it was not the triumphant return that Caroline had imagined. The removal to London had meant Mr Darcy was no longer a member of the same household and, contrary to hopes, he had become fairly unsociable of late. When she and Louisa called upon Miss Darcy, the brother - more often than not -- inexplicably appeared to be either attending to business within his study, or out at his club. He had not joined them for any of their outings to the theatre nor had he been in attendance at any soirées that they'd graced with their presence. Charles too, continued in his ridiculous pining for that insipid husband hunter, Miss Bennet. With both her brother and Mr Darcy currently disinclined toward social interaction, Caroline and Louisa had been forced to attend many events accompanied only by Mr Hurst who, if the option was at all available, invariably disappeared to the gaming tables. What peeved Caroline the most was that during the preceding season, in the company of Mr Darcy, they'd had access to more prestigious circles of society, and without his company this privilege seemed to be eroding.

Given these circumstances, the excitement of the sisters upon receiving Lady Brentworthington's, albeit belated, invitations can only be imagined. A rare but ill-timed visit from Mr Darcy found him caught in Caroline's effusions.

"Oh, Mr Darcy, you will be in attendance, won't you?"

Mr Darcy admitted that he was rather considering spending the evening at his house with Georgiana.

"But that cannot be!" Caroline exclaimed. "Mr Darcy, it is such a pity she is not yet out! though I am certain she would take no offence to you leaving her for just one evening. Will you not be spending Christmas day with her?"

Mr Darcy confirmed that was the case.

"Charles would so much benefit from your introductions at the ball. He has been morosely low of late and I'm sure this is just what he needs to lift his spirits."

Prickings of guilt over the part he had played in his friends lack of spirits eventually won Darcy over and, much to Caroline's satisfaction, a promise of attendance was gained. As Mr Bingley was not at the home, Mr Darcy soon departed, leaving the sisters to discuss plans, hair styles and dress.

"I was certain we would find good use for the new gowns we had made-up," Louisa gloated. "I think I will wear my gold."

"Oh, certainly Louisa! That is the perfect choice. I cannot make up my mind between my new topaz or my puce."

"The puce! Without a doubt, the puce! Caroline. Its colour and line suit you perfectly and will certainly turn heads..."

A sour note was introduced into the discussion though, after more than an hour's delighted planning. The sisters were at this point contemplating how their visiting list might expand as a result of such an evening.

"Caroline, have you completely severed your correspondence with Miss Bennet?"

"I should think so. I did not reply to her last letter, and have not returned her call."

"Failing to answer her letter did not stop her paying a visit as soon as she came to London. I would not put it past her to call again. Can you not imagine the mortification of having to explain such an acquaintance if we were in the company of our own kind? I need not also remind you of the extreme complication it could cause if our brother were to find her here. You must return her call and put a definitive end to any hopes she might hold to of a continued intimacy."

As much as the idea of visiting Gracechurch Street offended, Caroline knew her sister to be right, and planned the distasteful duty for the next morning.

Christmas Eve was marked by the removal of Jane and Kitty to the Carlisle townhouse. The Gardiners would join them for the morrow, after which Elizabeth would depart with them to Gracechurch Street, where she would remain as their guest until the whole of the party returned to Hertfordshire for Mary and Jonathan's wedding celebration.

Despite the excitement and activity of the day, Jane seemed to struggle to maintain any semblance of a cheerful countenance throughout the afternoon. Elizabeth and Sophia, sensitive to her disposition, made an opportunity for time alone with her on the pretext of helping her chose accessories for her gown. Once in her room their concern and sympathy elicited an admission from Jane.

"My dearest Lizzy and Sophie, I am sure you will be incapable of triumphing in your better judgment, at my expense, when I confess myself to have been entirely deceived in Miss Bingley's regard for me."

"Oh dear Jane, what ever had happened?" Sophia asked as she placed a comforting arm about her friend.

"Miss Bingley finally returned my visit yesterday, and it was very evident that she had no pleasure in it."

"What makes you think her displeased?"

"Oh, she made a slight, formal, apology for not calling before, said not a word of wishing to see me again, and was in every respect so altered a creature, that when she went away I was perfectly resolved to continue the acquaintance no longer, though I do pity her."

"What a beastly impudence," Sophia exclaimed in indignation. "Pity her indeed! She deserves no pity."

"I pity, though I cannot help blaming her. She was very wrong in singling me out as she did; I can safely say, that every advance to intimacy began on her side. But I pity her, because she must feel that she has been acting wrong, and because I am very sure that anxiety for her brother is the cause of it."

"Oh Jane, you cannot explain away such meanness in this way," Elizabeth added with passion. "How can anxiety for her brother give excuse for such behaviour?"

"I need not explain myself farther to you Lizzy; and though we know this anxiety to be quite needless, yet if she feels it, it will easily account for her behaviour to me; and so deservedly dear as he is to his sister, whatever anxiety she may feel on his behalf is natural and amiable. I cannot but wonder, however, at her having any such fears now, because, if he had at all cared about me, we must have met long, long ago. He knows of my being in town, I am certain, from something she said herself."

"Then he is not worth your tears Jane!" Sophia asserted. "If he cannot appropriately appreciate full beauty of person and character, he is not the man for you."

"Please to not speak of him in such a way. He still remains in my heart the most pleasant man of my acquaintance. If I was deceived I am sure it was by no more than my own heart in seeing things that were not there."

"We all saw them, Jane. The whole of Meryton saw them."

Jane remained thoughtful for a moment before replying -

"If I were not afraid of judging harshly, I should be almost tempted to say that there is a strong appearance of duplicity in all this. But I will endeavour to banish every painful thought, and think only of what will make me happy: your affection, and the invariable kindness of all my family."

"I have no qualms in suspecting a duplicity," Elizabeth commented. "I find it hard to make sense of the whole circumstance. Did she say more of Miss Darcy?"

"She did, but it seem by her manner of talking, as if she wanted to persuade herself that he is really partial to Miss Darcy. I cannot understand it. Miss Bingley also said something of his never returning to Netherfield again, of giving up the house, but not with any certainty."

"I would very much like to know what the man has to say for himself," Elizabeth muttered, leaving Sophia only to offer some indistinct words of encouragement and comfort before turning the matter to how many more worthy men might be at the ball that night, and how stunning Jane would look.

A string quartet played in the background, almost indiscernible under the hubbub of the voices of those in the fashionable crush. Countless candles burned in the chandeliers and the wall lamps glowed brightly, illuminating the grand ballroom.

The Carlisle party, being close to Lady Brentworthington, had arrived early to help lend that extra sense of popularity to the occasion. The room had quickly filled and the family had dispersed about the place, catching up with friends and acquaintances made over the past few seasons.

Sophia remained protectively by Jane as she unconsciously attracted the notice of many young men. Far from being detrimental to her reputation, her last seasons reticence regarding Lord Henry and Mr Church's attentions rather made her all the more interesting. The general push and movement of the crowd soon saw Elizabeth separated from the others as she exchanged greetings and news with friends she'd only visited recently. Somehow the setting of a ball room encouraged -- nay required -- even more comment and conversation than a sitting room. In what seemed little time her dance card began filling, not only with names those she already knew, but also with the names of some men who'd requested introductions. Elizabeth was unaware that, as the interaction and excitement energised her, she presented an even more attractive picture to the world.

The ball was already in full swing when the Bingleys arrived fashionably late. Caroline was not about to jeopardise this new found social privilege by appearing too eager. They were greeted at the door by Lord and Lady Brentworthington, and Caroline was sincerely flattered by Lady Brentworthington's observation that she and Mrs Hurst might enjoy catching up with some dear friends, but wondered to whom she particularly referred.

Darcy, who had arrived about one quarter of an hour earlier, would, at that moment, have been able to make a suggestion as to which 'dear friends' they might be. He'd thought he had caught a glimpse of her a few minutes before, but when he turned to confirm his sighting, she was not to be seen. Darcy's month had not been at all satisfying. He'd been unable to put Elizabeth Bennet from his mind, and he'd swung between an anger at his own interference with Bingley's affairs, because he no longer had an excuse to return to Hertfordshire, and trying to tell himself he had simply acted for everyone's good; Bingley's, Georgiana's and his own. Just as his current fruitless search around the ballroom had given a conviction that his desires must be causing him to imagine things, Darcy saw her again, laughing at -- and obviously thoroughly enjoying -- the lively exchanges taking place in small group that included Lady Sarah Montague, Mr Holling, Mr Kingsmill and his own cousin, Richard Fitzwillam. He made to immediately move in her direction, but paused, frowning, as Mr Kingsmill lead Elizabeth to the first set.

Darcy stood watching her move up the set, all the time smiling and talking with Mr Kingsmill. He struggled as the unexpected sight of her brought back a flood of all the emotions he'd been trying so hard to suppress and deny. She'd long impressed him as a beautiful woman, but tonight she looked stunning in a daringly cut gown of sapphire blue which certainly presented her figure to best advantage, and also seemed highlight those remarkably fine and laughing eyes. He'd been so intent on watching Elizabeth he failed to note an impromptu greeting taking place across the room.

Jane had seen Mr Bingley first, and therefore had just enough time to steady her emotions before he turned and caught sight of her. It was an ill timed meeting, as she was without support, Sophia having just left her to speak with Sarah.

"Miss Bennet!" he exclaimed with a spontaneous look of pleasure on his face, before taking pause to remember she did not return his affection.

"Mr Bingley," she replied with a sedate curtsey, not knowing quite how to act toward him. She had always felt such a ease in their conversations, but this could not be after the month's unexplained estrangement. "It is good to see you again."

"And you, Miss Bennet," he replied with greater seriousness. "How come you to be in London?"

"I am visiting with my relations," she replied with some confusion. Surely his sisters must have mentioned the circumstances, or maybe he had not been interested enough to ask.

"Wonderful," Bingley replied wondering what else to say, knowing he should walk away and leave her to her peace, but not quite yet willing to go. "You must call upon my sisters during your stay, I'm sure they will be delighted to see you. They are both here tonight." He looked around at this point to see if he could locate them.

"I called upon them a fortnight past," Jane answered watching to see is she could perceive any form of guilt in his countenance for his lack of notice over the past weeks, but all she saw was confusion.

"But how could I have missed such information? It cannot be right that you have been visiting with my sisters all this time and I have not seen you?"

Given Caroline's words, only the preceding day, Jane did not know how to credit him with an ignorance of the fact she was in town, so she simply attended to his question. "We have not exchanged many calls," she replied in an embarrassed voice. "Though Caroline did return my visit yesterday."

Bingley took a moment to attempt to process the implications of this revelation. Could it be his sisters were trying to protect him from heartbreak and disappointment, or was there more to this? Another glance at Jane's serene beauty gave him a fool's hope that the outcome of this reunion might prove to have a happier end than his friend and family suggested. "Miss Bennet," he asked boldly, "May I engage you for a dance this evening."

"I'm afraid I must refuse Mr Bingley, as my card has already been filled," Jane replied not knowing whether to be relieved or disappointed. And, as if to confirm her statement, the tall and enthusiastic Sir James Worthington arrived at just that moment to claim Jane's promise of the first dance.

As Bingley reluctantly moved off to look for his friend, Caroline and the Hursts were moving about the room to be noticed and to speak with anyone with whom they could claim an acquaintance. Smiles overspread their faces as they greeted Mrs Benston and Lady Elliot who, in turn introduced them to a beautifully attired and attractive young woman standing by her side, Lady Sophia Carlisle, a woman they had often admired at functions, but one to whom they had never spoken.

Miss Bingley and Mr and Mrs Hurst felt all the good fortune at the introduction as Lady Sophia held a position of great social influence in the ton, which had come, ironically, not only from her family and marriage, but also from having a general disinterest in such an influence and its games of power. Tonight though, Lady Sophia was not inured to making an exception to playing these games.

She talked pleasantly with the sisters who appeared intelligent and fashionable women, introducing them to some other ladies of her circle before calling the attention of another woman chatting in a group off to their side, "Sarah dear, do you have a moment?"

Sarah turned immediately, and suddenly the nagging sense of familiarity Caroline had always felt about the this lady fell into place, even before the introduction was made. "I believe you are already acquainted with my sister Mrs Bennet."

The sisters' sense of confusion was more than overwhelmed by the fell awareness of the magnitude of the error of their distain, not only toward Jane, but to Mrs Bennet herself. Caroline felt a sickening in her stomach as she tried to force a smile on her face as she greeted Mrs Bennet with the pretence of all that was friendly and sincere.

"Mrs Bennet, how delightful to see you again. Dear Jane did not speak of you being in town when I visited her yesterday." She could only hope that Mrs Bennet did not know the details of what took place during the call.

A certain quality in Mrs Bennet's eyes made Caroline suspect that there was no such lucky ignorance, but Mrs Bennet answered politely enough, if somewhat coolly.

As they walked away after excusing themselves on the pretext they should find their brother, neither was brave enough to turn back; but Louisa and Caroline felt that Lady Sophia and Mrs Bennet's judging eyes must be still upon them. In fact, neither Sophia or Sarah paid the Bingley sisters the compliment of watching them leave.

"Well, Sarah," Sophia commented with raised brows, "that was certainly an interesting exchange. I got the distinct impression that they did not know who you are in the world."

"From things they had said, I have certainly wondered if that might be the case. Toward the end of our acquaintance there was that of a superior disdain in their attitude toward me, but I did not care enough for their good opinion to really dwell on why this might be," Sarah replied before adding with a smile, "I don't quite know which I dislike the most - their disdain or their familiarity."

Sophia laughed. "The looks on their faces at the introduction was quite priceless, though they did recover well. With no other knowledge I might have thought you dear friends. We will have to be careful of Jane."

"She is in the dance at the moment," Sarah supplied, sobering slightly at the thought of Jane's reaction to seeing Mr Bingley once more. "I wonder where the brother is, and if we'll have anything to learn of his defection."

"I can not say I much care to meet this brother of theirs. I can already see what kind of family his is."

"Sophia dear, do not be so quick to judge. He is superior to his sisters."

"If his superiority was worth any thing at all, he would not have trifled with Jane's affections. Such a capricious disposition cannot reflect an essential amiability. Jane is even more admired this season than last. Let him realise what it is he has lost," Sophia replied with a touch of delighted vindictiveness in her tone, not noticing Lady Brentworthington had come up behind and could hear the whole.

Emily's eyes widened at such a delicious morsel of gossip, and moved away immediately to whisper the news to a few select friends. This was a better reward than she could have ever hoped for upon condescending to invite the Bingleys. Any news regarding the beautiful, but slightly melancholy, Jane Bennet would be at a premium this evening.

Before Caroline and Louisa were able to find their brother, a discovery of greater mortification reached their ears. A short conversation will Miss Bromley made them aware that Miss Bennet was the fascinating woman at the centre of last season's drama, played out between Lord Henry and Mr Church. To speak to their brother was now a matter of urgency, and they located him standing with Mr Darcy. Caroline would have preferred this discussion be without such an audience, but it could not be helped.

"Charles, we must speak at once," Louisa started off. "The Bennets are here tonight and you should immediately pay your respects."

Only the name 'Bennet' could have immediately drawn both men's attention from the line of dancers, and they turned to hear the sisters out.

"That is odd Louisa, you were not so careful to court their good opinion in Hertfordshire," Bingley answered.

"Yes, but then we were victims of a vicious untruth told to us by Miss Bennet," Caroline explained in clipped tones, as though being victim to Miss Bennet's 'vicious untruth' rationally explained a sudden and passionate desire for renewed intimacy.

"Mrs Bennet is Lady Sophia's sister," Louisa exclaimed to him. "She is one of the Landsdownes of Ambleside!"

Darcy looked up sharply at this, but Bingley only responded with a drawn out questioning "Yes...? I know that ..."

"What do you mean you know?" Caroline snapped. "How long have you known?"

"It was never a secret. I was told by a number of locals immediately upon entering the district. I fail to see how you could not have discovered this until tonight."

Darcy could see. His friend, amiable and outgoing, invited confidences, but his sisters' superior behaviour would not encourage such exchanges of information - neither he had to admit, had his.

"You did not tell us!" Caroline exclaimed accusingly

"You did not ask... Caroline, your ignorance of these connections can hardly be construed as a lie - 'vicious' or otherwise," Bingley added, still confused as to why his sisters appeared so angry at both him and the Bennets.

"Miss Bennet," Louisa explained in exasperation, "told us her mother's family was in trade!"

"As it was," Mr Bingley replied evenly, before an idea suggested itself. He continued on in incredulity. "You did not think Mrs Bennet old enough to be the girls' mother did you? Their own mother died while they were but little children."

Darcy suddenly felt he had been a fool. A number of things gleaned from conversations now fell into place. Mrs Bennets behaviour, so far from appearing presumptuous, now seemed most gracious indeed.

"So Miss Bennet is still a country nobody," Caroline almost crowed upon her brother's revelation.

"A country nobody who was the cause of the rift between Lord Henry and Mr Church," her sister dryly reminded her.

"A country nobody whose dance card is full," Bingley murmured under his breath, as he again looked across toward Jane.

More shameful to Mr Darcy now, was the illumination of an idea that had already begin suggesting itself during the evening, the idea that Miss Jane Bennet was without reason to lead on his friend in order to secure a comfortable retirement. It appeared she had no shortage of interested suitors, and if she had any mercenary tendencies she would have been Lady Henry long before Bingley had even met her. He let out a small groan as he asked himself what he'd done.

Chapter Sixteen

Even though her youth and attractiveness, not to mention the knowledge of her 20 000 pounds, garnered Caroline attention from, at the very least, a few small estate holders and younger sons, she could not fully enjoy their solicitations and invitations to dance while across the room Jane Bennet received far greater interest from more distinguished men.

She and Louisa had earlier spoken to Jane, expressing delight in seeing her there, and pretending a great intimacy still existed. Jane, good hearted as she was, though feeling no reliance on their friendship, could not help giving a kinder answer than was deserved, and may not have been able to extract herself from their false attentions if Sophia had not immediately come to her side. A few double edged comments from Lady Sophia, which the sisters had no difficulty in understanding, had seen Louisa and Caroline quickly move away lest others pick up on Lady Sophia's disapproval.

Darcy in the mean time, had managed a friendly exchange with Mr and Mrs Bennet. Mrs Bennet though, conveyed the impression that her mind was on matters other than the simple trivialities they were discussing; and he wondered if she'd caught how often he'd looked across to the quarter of the room which held Elizabeth.

"I must thank you for the advice regarding Mr Wickham," Mr Bennet added after the requisite superficialities were exchanged. "A few words in the right ears had the merchants keeping tighter accounts. It seems too, he'd be paying particular interest to a young lady of our community who'd recently inherited a sum of money. I was able to pass on a word or two of caution when her uncle asked my opinion of the young man."

"I am relieved my information could be put to a good use," Darcy answered, though realising that at the time he'd passed on the information to Mr Bennet, he'd had little interest in anyone being saved from Wickham but one Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

As propriety obliged him to speak with others of his acquaintance, he and the elder Bennets only conversed only a little while longer. It was not much later he found himself in a circle of friends which was shortly joined by his cousin Richard, escorting Elizabeth from the dance they had just enjoyed together; Colonel Fitzwilliam immediately took the opportunity to introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet to those in the group whom she did not yet know.

"And this..." he finished off, not noticing how Elizabeth and Darcy were regarding each other, "is my cousin Mr Darcy, Darcy, this is..."

"Miss Bennet," Darcy finished off, "It is certainly a pleasure to see you once more."

"Once more...?" the Colonel queried. "Darcy, I'm almost sure you've been holed-up at Pemberley the last few seasons when the Bennets have been in Town. You put in a rather late appearance last winter, and if I recall at all correctly you avoided London almost completely the season prior to that."

"Yes, I remember," laughed Mr Holling. "You began the winter at your townhouse, but quickly left for Derbyshire under persecution from Lady Atkins and Mrs Kentwell who were enthusiastically promoting their 'charming' daughters."

Elizabeth had not allowed herself to wonder if she might run across Mr Darcy that evening. As the days in London had passed with no word from either of the men she and Jane found of interest, she had deliberately forced thoughts of Mr Darcy from her mind, but now he was there in front of her, looking as handsome as ever. Neither could she help being impressed by Darcy's equanimity, as for the next few minutes he was subjected to teasing from his cousin and friends which at one point even skirted close to ribaldry as they spoke about the ton's mothers, and some of his more devoted admirers.

"I find it best to simply ignore them Miss Bennet," Darcy leaned toward her and spoke in a conspiratorial tone. "They do think themselves amusing, and I'd hate to spoil their fun by actually pointing out how simply juvenile they're proving themselves to be."

Of course such a comment brought a further round of mocking from the group, to which he paid no more heed than he'd done previously, as he solicited Elizabeth's hand for a later dance. Given the light-hearted mood of the party, not to mention the fact that his sudden presence had momentarily robbed her of coherent thought, Elizabeth found it hard to hold to her determination to be wary of Mr Darcy's charm, and accepted without taking time to think of whether she wished to put herself at the risk of his appeal once more.

Only the sight of Mr Bingley, who then joined their circle, brought her back to remembrances of the reality of his and Mr Darcy's retreat. A sudden return of all the feelings associated with Jane's sadness made it hard for her to meet Mr Bingley's congenial greeting with a veneer of calmness. She excused herself after a very few minutes not only to find Jane, but also to remove herself from immediate company of Mr Darcy in order to give herself time to think.

Unfortunately the social demands of the ball room gave Elizabeth no time to speak privately with Jane, and little space for her own thoughts. No sooner had she joined Jane and Sophia than the orchestra signalled the beginning of the next dance, bringing Luke to claim his wife's hand before both Elizabeth and Jane were approached by their partners for the set. A look across the room saw Mr Bingley leading a young woman to the floor, and a glance at Jane showed her eyes turned in the same direction, a certain paleness moving over her beautiful face. Mr Darcy though, unlike Mr Bingley, seemed determined to disappoint the women around him by not asking any to dance, walking to the card room instead.

Truth be told, Darcy was feeling thoroughly discomforted. It was not simply guilt over Bingley's concerns; he also felt the need to remove himself from the constant vexation of watching Elizabeth dance and enjoy herself with other men. He knew such feelings were perverse and reminded himself that he'd deliberately removed from Hertfordshire in order to try come to terms with, and possibly rid himself of, his desires for her. It was ridiculous; London was full of women of greater wealth and standing, many pretty, many bright, but none of them had been able to turn his thoughts from her. She somehow managed to be both refreshingly grounded, and wonderfully vivacious all at once. She didn't play those fashionable and feminine games favoured by women of the ton, but games nevertheless seemed to reflect in her eyes. Why is it that he could never be completely in control of his feelings whilst in her presence?

He joined Richard and some other acquaintances at a table, but soon found discussion of women, rather than attention to the cards, was to be the order of the hour and he was to be allowed no respite.

"Darcy," the Colonel began, "You never explained how you came to know the Bennets."

"Bingley's lease in Hertfordshire was not three miles from their estate," Darcy explained simply.

"Well, if I'd known that, I'd certainly have come down to visit you, my dear cousin."

"I fear the amount settled upon the Bennet girls would be insufficient to support your ways, Colonel Fitzwilliam," Darcy shot back.

"Alas, I know," Richard replied with mock chagrin. "I once said as much to Miss Elizabeth, and she simply laughed at me, asking me the usual price of an Earl's younger son. Unless the elder brother was very sickly, she did not suppose we could expect above fifty thousand pounds."

The young Mr Kingsmill laughed at this. "And I suspect you had supposed her reaction would be one of disappointment. Miss Elizabeth certainly has a knack for bringing one back down to earth."

"That I well know," complained Mr Allen. "I transcribed a nice little piece taken from Randolph's Poems for her lovely sister, and given how much out of fashion it now is, I thought it safe to pass off as my own work. Unfortunately Miss Elizabeth recognised it and exposed my plagiary. It was for the best though, as I would certainly not be comfortable with such a woman as a sister in law."

"Ha! You kid yourself!" Mr Kingsmill rejoined. "If Miss Bennet would not accept the court of Lord Henry, a man such as you would never stand a chance, cynical sister or otherwise."

"I am certain the sister was working against my suit," Mr Allen continued, thinking too well of himself to accept any justice in Mr Kingsmill's precise observation. "She unsettles me. I suspect she reads in both Greek and Latin, which is not right for a woman. They should not seek to usurp the position of man."

"If I remember anything at all about your Latin, Allen," the Colonel put in, "no woman could usurp your understanding. One can not usurp that which the other has not attained."

"Too much learning is a very unattractive thing in a woman," Mr Allen still insisted, having drunken just too much to realise the wisdom of silence at this point. "It is not only her beauty which makes the elder Miss Bennet superior, but rather her appropriately submissive nature. Miss Elizabeth Bennet can too often put one in mind of a blue stocking."

Darcy drew their attention by laughing out loud at this, and had to explain his amusement. "I recall Miss Elizabeth Bennet saying that becoming a blue stocking was a childhood ambition hers, but that she lacked the discipline."

Such a comment solicited amusement from both Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Kingsmill, but Mr Allen remained impenetrable in his disapproval. "Of course I can appreciate that Miss Bennet is a non pareil in beauty, and the young Miss Katherine Bennet seems charmingly unassuming, but Miss Elizabeth's ways are not those of a gentlewoman. As handsome as she is, she has not learned how to defer to those of us with a greater right to understanding and the expression of opinion."

"By which you are saying that you cannot feel safe that her intelligence will not expose your inadequacies," Mr Kingsmill teased. "By all means Allen, feel free to prefer duller women and leave the brighter ones for those of us who can appreciate things above a fine figure and a pretty smile. Men of sense, whatever you may choose to say, do not want silly wives."

Though agreeing with Mr Kingsmill's sentiment, Darcy was not at all certain that he liked him bringing up 'wives' during an exchange concerning Elizabeth, and the discomfort which had begun upon his seeing her appreciated by other men of standing, only increased. He had left Netherfield persuaded that if he decided to favour Miss Elizabeth with his address, he would find her waiting and happy to accept. He now began to suspect an arrogance in such an assurance.

"Neither do they wish for wives of obscure connections," Mr Allen's voice cut in, believing concession to Kingsmill's point would be an slight to his own acumen. "I have heard their mother was of inferior birth, her family of no importance in the world whatsoever; and I need not mention that 7000 pounds, though respectable, is hardly a comparable to the wealth of many other eligible ladies."

"If the Landsdownes and Carlisles do not object to these connections, they can be nothing to one such as you, Allen," the Colonel put in. "They are more than happy to call the Bennet girls their own."

"Besides this," added Mr Kingsmill, who upon coming of age only two years previous had inherited an estate worth 12 000 a year, "there are those of us who have no need of increasing our fortunes through alignment. We can marry where we like."

"It is not only those of you with independent wealth who can marry where you like," the Colonel put in with a smile. "As a younger son I simply choose to like women of beauty, wit and fortune."

With such a comment the discussion moved onto lighter matters, but Darcy was left with his unease. Mr Allen, in his semi inebriated state, had actually voiced some of the concerns which had held him from Elizabeth, and they had sounded rather weak, even mean, when spoken out loud. The disdain Richard and young Kingsmill had shown them seemed wholly appropriate, and he began to suspect his conceit even more keenly.

He had judged the Bennets, not on who they were, but on assumptions about their standing in society. How had this happened? What had made him wish to think meanly of all the rest of the world; of their position and worth compared with his own?. He had told himself that he must never compromise on that which was best, but in doing so had proven himself a selfish being in practice, though believing himself the very opposite in principle. Ideas of obligation to familial expectations, of his responsibility to further enrich Pemberley through his marriage, now seemed nought but excuses for self interest. More than this, his interference in Bingley's affairs appeared ill-conceived and intrusive. Was his certainty that Miss Bennet only welcomed his friend's attentions from the expectation of a comfortable establishment, influenced by his own hopes regarding Georgiana's future? Miss Bingley had certainly played on such a wish in her persuasion that they should all leave Netherfield. Such an alliance would only enhance the Bingleys' position. Her sudden interest in her brother re-establishing himself in the Bennets favour though, suggested that she might find a connection with the Landsdownes and Carlisles more advantageous still. No thoughts of disappointment for 'dear Georgiana' seemed to enter her mind as she'd earlier tried to berate her brother into again trying his influence with Miss Bennet.

Bingley joined him at the end of the dance, not looking at all cheered by his recent occupation.

"You were right to warn me of Miss Bennet's indifference Darcy," he managed during a private moment. "Look at her and her circle of admirers. Any proposal of mine would have simply resulted in the embarrassment of rejection."

How was Darcy to reply to such a dejected statement; 'I am no longer certain she does not love you'?

"Miss Bennet is watching you at this very moment," was all he said.

"From compassion no doubt," Bingley returned with an edge of bitterness in his voice. "She is too good to be deliberately cruel."

No more could be said on the subject as more acquaintances arrived to speak, and further introductions were made. Darcy was only able to determine for himself that he needed to work to make things right, not only for his friend, but possibly to secure his own happiness. His visceral response to Elizabeth that evening had given more clarity to his desires than ever previous.

"Bingley, may I introduce my sister to you as a very desirable partner," Allen enthused as he pushed a tall, pretty but awkward girl of no more than sixteen toward the man. As little as he wished to dance, Bingley would by no means cause mortification to such a child by refusing such a strong hint, and forcing a smile on his face he requested her hand and led her to the next set.

For Jane, who since their last unsatisfying exchange had been yearning for another opportunity to speak with him, the sight of Mr Bingley with the tall young girl was too much. The thought that this must be Miss Darcy, affected her more than she expected and she found herself all at once feeling unwell. Sarah noticed her paleness straight away, and the fact that she gripped the back of a chair to steady herself.

"Jane dear," she whispered, "are you quite well?"

Not feeling that she could answer without crying, Jane simply shook her head. Mrs Bennet quickly took her by the arm and lead her to a sofa in a quiet ante room.

"I think we need to take you home, my child," she said with concern.

"Oh no!," Jane exclaimed. "I would not wish for anyone to be put out by my indisposition. I will be well in a few minutes."

"No one will be put out, dear. In fact your father has been looking for an excuse to leave for this half hour. You really do look quite ill. Now you just stay here for a moment whilst I take leave of Lord and Lady Brentworthington. Luke will bring your sisters home safely, and Sophia is more than capable of making your apologies to the young men still left on your card."

After quieting a few more protests from Jane, Mrs Bennet gained Jane's card for Sophia, and left to make the necessary arrangements for departure. In very little time they had escaped to their own carriage where the poor girl finally felt free to cry, and a bewildered and helpless Mr Bennet could do nothing but watch as his wife cradled his daughter like a child, and murmured words of comfort.

Elizabeth knew none of what was happening with her sister, but her own emotions were almost as heightened as Mr Darcy approached her to claim his set. Although busily occupied with others for most of the evening, once she had spoken to Mr Darcy her mind had never been far from him. She enjoyed the attentions of most of her partners. They were, on the whole, well mannered and well educated men who offered pleasant conversation and likeable company. None though, had been able to excite the, albeit conflicted, feelings that Mr Darcy somehow still managed to incite within her. As he walked toward her, even his confident gait seemed to exude that of superiority, and within minutes of the dance beginning, his intelligence was once more confirmed in his opinions and informed conversation. As the dance progressed she needed to consciously remind herself of his departure from Hertfordshire, and she struggled to hold tight to her reluctance to be drawn in by this man; but with his touch, his smile, and his full attention, this became increasingly difficult, even more so following a request which took her most off guard.

"Will you allow me, or do I ask too much, to introduce my sister to your acquaintance during your stay at London? She has asked much of my time in Hertfordshire and particularly wishes to be known to you."

The surprise of such an application was great indeed; it was too great for her to know in what manner she acceded to it. She immediately felt that whatever desire Miss Darcy might have of being acquainted with her must be the work of her brother, and without looking farther, it was satisfactory; it was gratifying to know that his removal from Netherfield did not signal he had forgotten her.

Understanding his protective nature, his wish of introducing his sister to her was a compliment of the highest kind.

"Miss Darcy is not here this evening?"

"She will not be out until next season, Miss Bennet."

Such a comment was enough to make her reconsider some of her assumptions regarding Bingley's desertion, and make her more suspicious too, of the sister's correspondence to Jane. The implication that there would soon be an engagement between Mr Bingley and Miss Darcy did not seem to stand under such a statement. She began to wonder if she might not have misjudged in her suspicions of Mr Darcy's involvement in the separation of her sister and his friend.

By the time the set ended Elizabeth might have been willing to stay on his arm but for Sophia's moving to take her aside with nought but a quick polite exchange with Mr Darcy.

"Elizabeth," she spoke in a low voice when they had obtained relative privacy. "I fear the evening has been a little too much for Jane, so Sarah and your father have taken her home."

Sophia, feeling guilty at her interference in securing an invitation for the Bingleys, now looked quite upset. She had only hoped that in such society Jane might realise the comparative inadequacies of her former suitor. She had not foreseen it would lead Jane to such distress. She could only pray that Jane might now be able to better resolve her feelings after seeing Mr Bingley once more. As much as she wished for Elizabeth's opinion in this matter, her duty to inform Jane's disappointed partners called her away, leaving both women without a confidante for their thoughts. Elizabeth too, began to feel she had been so absorbed with her own affairs she's neglected to give Jane the support she'd obviously needed during the evening, and consequently was in not the best humour when she soon found herself addressed by Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"My cousin seemed to enjoy his set. It was good to see him finally dance this evening. I have noted he's been somewhat out of sorts of late, and using time with Georgiana as an excuse to avoid his social obligations. Iit was a most pleasant surprise to find him here tonight."

Despite her preoccupation, Elizabeth forced herself to attend to his words. "I believe you share guardianship of Miss Darcy with her brother. Pray what sort of guardians do you make? Does your charge give you much trouble?" she attempted to speak flippantly, trying unsuccessfully to recall the light-heartedness of earlier that evening. "Young ladies of her age are sometimes a little difficult to manage, and if she has the true Darcy spirit, she may like to have her own way."

As she spoke, she observed him looking at her earnestly, and the manner in which he immediately asked her why she supposed Miss Darcy likely to give them any uneasiness, convinced her that she had somehow or other got pretty near the truth. She directly replied,

"You need not be frightened. I never heard any harm of her; and I dare say she is one of the most tractable creatures in the world. She is a very great favourite with some ladies of my acquaintance, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. I have not spoken to them, but I believe they are present this evening."

"I have spoken to them a little this night, but have spent more time with Mr Bingley. Their brother is a pleasant gentleman-like man -- he is a great friend of Darcy's."

"Oh! yes," said Elizabeth distractedly. "Mr. Darcy is uncommonly kind to Mr. Bingley, and takes a prodigious deal of care of him."

"Care of him! -- Yes, I really believe Darcy does take care of him in those points where he most wants care. From something that he told me last week, I have reason to think Bingley very much indebted to him. But I ought to beg his pardon, for I have no right to suppose that Bingley was the person meant. It was all conjecture."

"What is it you mean?"

"It is a circumstance which Darcy, of course, would not wish to be generally known, because if it were to get round to the lady's family, it would be an unpleasant thing."

"You may depend upon my not mentioning it."

"And remember that I have not much reason for supposing it to be Bingley. What he told me was merely this; that he had lately assisted in saving a friend from the inconveniences of an imprudent alignment, but without mentioning names or any other particulars, and I only suspected it to be Bingley from believing him the kind of young man to get into a scrape of that sort, and from knowing them to have been together the whole of last summer."

"Did Mr. Darcy give you his reasons for this interference?"

"I understood that the lady was only interested in a comfortable establishment."

"And what arts did he use to separate them?"

"He did not talk to me of his own arts," said Fitzwilliam smiling. "He only told me what I have now told you."

Elizabeth made no answer, her heart swelling with indignation. After watching her a little, Fitzwilliam asked her why she was so thoughtful.

"I am thinking of what you have been telling me," said she. "Your cousin's conduct does not suit my feelings. Why was he to be the judge?"

"You are rather disposed to call his interference officious?"

"I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had to decide on the propriety of his friend's inclination, or why, upon his own judgment alone, he was to determine and direct in what manner that friend was to be happy. But," she continued, recollecting herself, "as we know none of the particulars, it is not fair to condemn him. It is not to be supposed that there was much affection in the case."

"That is not an unnatural surmise," said Fitzwilliam, "but it is lessening the honour of my cousin's triumph very sadly."

This was spoken jestingly, but Elizabeth was unable to even affect a smile, and chided herself at her gullibility in beginning to doubt her reasoning on the subject of Jane and Bingley's separation. Though suspecting a complicity in his involvement, she had 'til this very moment hung on to a hope that this might not be the case - that it might have solely been the work of the sisters. She had not expected the end of this hope to come as such a blow.

The appearance of Kitty at her side, wishing to share her excitement at the success of her first London ball, forced Elizabeth to put aside her disappointment and exert herself to enter into her younger sisters joy. She was pleased to be very soon joined by Mary and Jonathon, who were able to attend more closely and share in Katherine's enthusiasm, allowing Elizabeth a small amount of time for confused and distracted thought.

What was it Colonel Fitzwilliam had said? An imprudent alignment! What objection could there possibly be against Bingley allying himself to Jane and her own? She might understand a man such as Darcy having second thoughts in marrying someone with her mother's connections - such a thought had occurred to her on more than one occasion, but the same reckoning could not be a great evil to his friend who, though a gentleman, owed his fortune to his father's own association with trade. And what could the Colonel have meant by his intimation that Jane would marry primarily for a comfortable establishment. The whole idea was laughable. It could be no more than an excuse to justify such arrogant and unpardonable interference in Mr Bingley's affairs!

This was probably not the best moment for Mr Darcy to choose to return to Elizabeth's side. The gradual return of their familiarity during their dance had done much to settle his restless concerns, and he had begun to hope it might not take long to put things to right. Elizabeth's short answers to his renewed attempts at conversation, however, and her studied avoidance of his eyes, brought about a swift end to such confidence. The tension in the air was soon detected by Jonathon, who began to speak with Darcy in order to diffuse the awkwardness. Darcy's interest and politeness toward Jonathon and her sisters only served to upset Elizabeth even further, as she now saw it as an hypocrisy. She was relieved when Lady Brentworthington approached with a request for Jonathon to play, as she perceived this would lead to the group naturally breaking apart as Mary and Jonathon moved way. Still, Darcy refused the opportunity to leave and remained standing by in a heavy silence, which was only broken by the arrival of Mr Bingley.

"Miss Elizabeth, Miss Kitty," Mr Bingley, greeted them with a slightly subdued smile. "I cannot say what a pleasure it has been to meet with your family once more. I have missed your company since our return to London. Though actually less than a month, it seems like an age since we were all dancing together at Netherfield on the 26th of November."

Coming face to face with his natural amiability once more, Elizabeth answered him in a more friendly fashion than her mind told her he deserved. There was that of sincerity in his manner which served to melt much of Elizabeth's anger toward him, any that remained dissipated further upon his next comment.

"Such a surprise to find you in town. I cannot believe that more than two weeks have been past where I might have been able to pay my respects to your parents and all your sisters."

Though the remark was general, Elizabeth's suspicion that it was Jane most on his mind, was confirmed directly by his next statement.

"I have not seen Miss Bennet the past half hour. We spoke briefly earlier, but was hoping we might have the opportunity of speaking more fully."

Elizabeth did not know which to deal with first, his statement that he had not known of Jane's presence in town, or of his enquiry as to her current whereabouts. She stood momentarily confused as to where to begin, when Kitty spoke first.

"My sister was feeling unwell, Mr Bingley, and Mother and Father have taken her home."

"I am very sorry to hear of this," Mr Bingley answered with an undisguised tone of concern. "I hope you will pass on my wishes for her health."

"I will certainly do so," Kitty answered demurely, before adding with a craftiness Elizabeth had not expected in her youngest sister, "though if you call after Christmas, you might do so yourself."

Mr Bingley, still wondering if there was wisdom in subjecting himself to the pain of calling upon Jane when he knew she was outside his reach, murmured a virtually indistinguishable answer, before asking their leave.

Despite ostensibly listening to something new Kitty had just remembered to tell her, Elizabeth was just able to catch the low words Bingley spoke to his friend before moving away.

"Darcy, if Louisa and Caroline wish to know where I am, I have returned home. There is nothing here for me."

"Oh, here's Jonathon," Kitty exclaimed delightedly, as she moved forward to listen to the man who was soon to be her brother play.

Elizabeth though, remained behind, trying to control the flow of emotions within her. As she contemplated the implications of Bingley's ignorance that her sister was in town, her anger at Jane's pain became more directed at others. A glance around the room saw Caroline with a smile painted on her face as she received the attentions of that facile Mr Allen. He'd no doubt would delight in her à la mode ways, sycophantic inclinations, and more than adequate fortune. She could right now imagine Caroline claiming to Mr Allen a certain intimacy with the acclaimed young pianist currently playing, talking up her association with him in Hertfordshire. At her side stood Louisa, displayed at her best, showing almost as much interest in Mr Allen as Caroline seemed to be. It had been interesting to watch the sisters intermittently through the evening, trying to court the favour of those fashionable within the ton, with much the same attention as they had reserved for Mr Darcy whilst in Hertfordshire.

At the thought of Mr Darcy her face darkened once more, and she turned to find him still at her side, regarding her with a serious expression.

"Miss Bennet, may we talk," he asked holding her eye, accepting that, after seeing her this night, his struggle against his desires had been in vain - that his feelings could no longer be repressed. "I perceive that I may have done something to upset you."

The solicitous note in his voice brought a pricking of tears to her eyes, and she looked away, refusing to allow him to see how upset and effected she felt.

"Mr Darcy," she replied coolly, "I do not believe we have anything to say to each other."

"Miss Bennet," once more, keeping his voice low so as not to encroach upon Jonathon's performance. "I cannot leave things between us like this. You must know..." he began, then changed his mind before simply asking. "Will you not speak with me?"

"I do not think this is a conversation you would like to have in a crowded ballroom, Mr Darcy," she whispered sharply, as though to put an end to the matter, but found herself surprised as he then took her arm firmly, and led her away.

"Well then, we must speak elsewhere."

Outside of making a scene, Elizabeth had nothing to do but allow herself to be directed outside, to the cold of a balcony overlooking the garden. He would not find her so compliant once they obtained privacy.

"So why are we here?" she asked coolly

"I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why," he asked in exasperation, "my attentions are, all of a sudden, returned with such cold politeness?"

"Attentions! Is that what you call dragging me outside against my will."

"You know that is not what I mean Miss Bennet. Your coldness began before I brought you here. I am unable to perceive what has changed in the last half hour to make me so little worth even the endeavour of civility."

"Have you not considered, Sir," she replied, "that I might be simply returning kind for kind."

A small pang of guilt crossed his mind as he considered his distance at the Netherfield ball, and his removal to London; but these things, having taken place before their dance, did nothing to explain the strength and abruptness of her apparent change of heart. Something in his look must have spoken incredulity and disbelief, for Elizabeth answered his unspoken question.

"You would not call your boast to you cousin - a boast about separating your friend and my sister -- an act of 'civility', would you Mr Darcy. If you do, it must be some strange new usage of the word 'civility' of which I am not yet appraised.

"Miss Bennet, I am aware that there has been some hurt in this matter, But from the severity of that blame which you seem determined to liberally bestow, I shall hope to be secured, when you hear an account of my actions and their motives." Given Elizabeth's anger, the adoption of this defensive and patronising tone proved not to be the wisest approach.

"No motive can excuse the unjust and ungenerous part you acted there. You dare not, you cannot deny that you have been complicit in, if not the only means of, dividing them from each other, of exposing one to the censure of the world for caprice and instability, the other to its derision for disappointed hopes, and involving them both in misery of the acutest kind."

"I was not to know last month, that Bingley was so far smitten with your sister. I have often seen him in love before, and..." he paused for a moment, unable to say that his preoccupation with Elizabeth had made him inattentive to his friend's growing attachment to Jane. He sighed. How was he to explain himself? "It was not till the evening of the dance at Netherfield that I had any apprehension of his feeling so serious attachment. At that ball, while I had the honour of dancing with you, I was first made acquainted, by Sir William Lucas's accidental information, that Bingley's attentions to your sister had given rise to a general expectation of their marriage."

"And so you took it upon yourself to end it," Elizabeth interrupted to finished for him, finally turning to look accusingly to his face, "because Jane's fortune was not grand enough for your particular friend. An 'imprudent' alliance. I believe that was what Colonel Fitzwilliam said, and some utter nonsense about Jane wishing to settle for money."

His complexion became pale at her anger, and the disturbance of his mind was visible in every feature. He was struggling for the appearance of composure, and would not open his lips, till he believed himself to have attained it. The pause was to Elizabeth's feelings dreadful, and she almost wished she had not spoken so strongly. At length, in a voice of forced calmness, he said,

"I will be heard. Her fortune had nothing to do with the matter."

Elizabeth shook her head in disbelief, but he continued on.

"That night I observed my friend's behaviour attentively; and I could then perceive that his partiality for Miss Bennet was beyond what I had ever witnessed in him. Your sister I also watched. -- Her look and manners were open, cheerful, and engaging as ever, but without any symptom of peculiar regard."

"Oh, this is intolerable. That you would stoop to lay this at the feet of my sister's 'insensibility'! She has been fighting melancholy and disappointment since Mr Bingley left. How dare you accuse her of lack of feeling!"

Darcy, noticing her shivering in the cold, removed his coat and placed it around her shoulders before pressing on with his explanation. Elizabeth would like to have refused this gesture, but she was very cold, and his attention to her comfort touched her.

"I do have faith in your superior knowledge of your sister, and now admit my error, but I shall not scruple to assert that the serenity of your sister's countenance and air was such as might have given the most acute observer a conviction that, however amiable her temper, her heart was not likely to be easily touched."

I would have been nice to accept his admission of his ill-judgement, and she may have if not for the other accusation laying on her mind.

"And why, might I ask Mr Darcy, would my sister simply affect an interest she did not feel?"

"Both Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst were of one mind in a belief in your sister's indifference," he said lamely

"Miss Bingley at least, seemed to have her hopes set of another for her brother," Elizabeth threw back meaningfully, watching for Darcy for any signs that might betray a similar motive in him, "and you have still not answered my question as to why Jane might do such a thing as pretend attachment where none existed."

Feeling uncomfortable under such scrutiny Darcy replied with a desperate exasperation.

"In the light of certain revelations tonight, I can now see that my assumptions were misguided, but surely you accept that women will do much more than this to secure a wealthy husband." The defensive words were out there before Darcy really considered the offence Elizabeth might naturally take on womankind's behalf. He winced as he saw the flash in her eyes and waited for the ire which he suspected was about to come at him.

What did come, however, was calm, sad, and far, far worse than her anger could have been.

"I see...

'Matrimony's but a bargain made
To serve the terms of interest and trade;
Not out of love or kindness, but designs
To settle lands and tenements like fines'.

Mr Darcy changed colour; but he listened without attempting to interrupt her while she continued.

"I suppose you now see the Bennet family as quaintly naïve for believing differently."

"No, Elizabeth, that is not the case. You must understand I only sought to protect my friend."

"Yes, to protect him from my mercenary and manipulative sister, and I've no doubt you also sought to shield him from our low connections, but somehow tonight, with the revelation of who our mother now is, everything can be put to right, and Jane suddenly becomes a suitable wife for your friend, and his sisters go from disdaining her company to courting her friendship."

"I would be grateful if you did not twist both my words and meaning," he added thinly, trying desperately to maintain his composure against her accusation. "So you choose to judge me solely on this error."

Elizabeth, feeling all the more upset at how these reflections pointed as much to his opinion on her as to his thoughts on Jane, bit back at this.

"You are mistaken, Mr Darcy, if you believe I am simply reacting to one event. From the very beginning, from the first moment I may almost say, of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form that ground-work of disapprobation. I know see that it was only foolishness on my part that persuaded me to be convinced otherwise, to ever let myself grow to esteem you in such a way..."

The tears were enough for them both to know they were no longer speaking of Bingley and Jane. A sudden embarrassment over what she had just revealed rushed over her, leaving her with only enough presence of mind to thrust the coat in his direction before fleeing from the balcony.

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