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Chapter 1
William awoke with a start. Oh G-d, it was just a dream... But it seemed so real. She was just beside him, the woman of his life, the one who had won his heart forever. He didn't know where she was, he didn't even know her name, but he knew that she lived somewhere and waited for him.
He sat on his large bed and tried to remember her face. He could not recall a detailed description of her, but would never forget her wonderful eyes. They sparkled with joy of life... Her lovely laughter still rang in his heart. Her hair, a cascade of dark curls, bewitched him. She was beautiful, intelligent and independent, so full of life and of love. In his dream, they were together at Pemberley. The house was so happy, full of laughter and joy. She was a wonderful mistress of their home, always smiling and generous. All around Pemberley, the sound of their children's steps echoed with delight. He was so happy! With her, life would never be dull and sad again.
But in the reality, his life was so sad. Since his sister's incident in Ramsgate, no, even since his father's death, Darcy knew that something was missing of his life. He had friends and family, but he had very few real close attachments. Now, he needed someone to love, someone who would love him back, a woman to share his bed, to share his nights, to share his dreams, to share is life. He wanted to have children and, at seven and twenty, he knew that it was the time for him to marry. But he would only marry for the deepest love and he had never been in love with someone. London was full of fortune hunters that only saw him as "Mr. 10,000-pounds-a-year" or as "the Master of Pemberley". But he wanted a woman who would see him as himself and love him for what he was. For some years now, he felt little hope that he would ever find such a woman. Fortunately, the goddess of his dream had given him some hopes. Who knew? Perhaps she really did exist?
He tried to go back to sleep but could not. She was still in his mind, overwhelming. She smiled at him, her eyes shining with love. Oh! He loved everything about her, her intelligence, the way she laughed, her patience, her graceful face, her burning eyes, her teasing smile, her lips...
"Stop that Darcy!" He was very warm. "You are actually falling in love with a dream! You are a man of responsibilities and you cannot lose your mind like a fool."
"You must sleep now! Next week, I promised to Bingley to accompany him to Hertfordshire. I shall need some rest if I am going to be able to bear Caroline Bingley a complete week! Anyway, I shall not stay there more than a week. This country society will be far beneath me and I have some business to attend in town. After that, I will probably go to Derbyshire a few days. Who knows? Perhaps this lovely woman will be there, waiting for me? After all, in my dream, she was at Pemberley with me..."
And he finally fell asleep...
Chapter 2
When he entered in the Meryton Assembly Room, William immediately heard a very familiar sound. It was the cascade of a clear, beautiful, melodious laughter. He could have recognized it anywhere. It was hers. Every night, since the first time he had dreamt of her, he could see her wonderful smiles, her bright eyes and her dark rebel curls in his most intimate dreams. She was always there, each night more and more present. How many time, since this first night, he had believed to have heard this musical laughter... to finally discover that he was still daydreaming.
But this time, it was not a delusion. He had really heard the woman of his dream's laughter, he was sure of that. And if he could hear her, perhaps...
William scrutinized nervously the room. Then, he saw HER!!! She was beautiful, wonderful, lovely. She was, to him, even more delightful than in his dreams. Her shining eyes, deep and dark, her rosy lips, her nice hair, her perfect body... He could still not believe that it was true, that it was really she! From this moment, he knew that he could not live without her. She was the only one woman for him and, now that he knew that she was real, he couldn't hide his own feelings much longer. He was head over heels in love with this beautiful stranger. "Oh yes, I love her, since the first minute I saw her. She's majestic, graceful, with her lovely smile and..." Here, William felt a pain inside him as he saw that she was actually smiling at another gentleman. "Oh, dear friend, I would like to be the only one to get in your smiles..."
"You're a fool, Darcy! How could she smile at you if she doesn't even know you? You must be introduced at once!"
Then, making the most of the moment when Bingley asked to be introduced into her circle, he went just behind his friend.
Since his first dream of her, he had always wanted to know what was her name. He had even tried to guess it, but had found nothing suitable to her. It should be lovely, witty and soft, but he knew that whatever was her name, it will be perfect to him.
"Who was she? Sir William Lucas entertained them with his descriptions of the neighborhood yesterday. He talked about some of the young ladies from the surrounding area... If I had known that she was here, in Hertfordshire... Anyway... Perhaps she was Sir Lucas's daughter? No, this man was too vulgar to be my love's father. Then, who did he also mention? Ha yes! The Bennets, I think! He told us that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet had five daughters and that their oldest one was very beautiful. She's certainly that!"
Oh G-d, she's wonderful! And those burning eyes... so full of joy of life"
When he was glaring at his goddess, Darcy did not even notice that his friend, Bingley, was also, just like himself, grinning like a complete fool at an other nice blond girl, just beside them.
And when Sir William began to talk, he startled them both: "Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bingley would like to be introduced to you and your daughters..."
Chapter 3
"Here is Jane, my elder..."
At his right, Darcy saw a tall blond woman, who seemed to have already captured Bingley's heart.
"...and Elizabeth..."
"Oh yes, Elizabeth, it's perfect. It sounds like fire, like her eyes, those two shining eyes. Her dark hair fits magnificently with her white pale skin. How it must be soft... Stop those thoughts Darcy... You'll make a fool of yourself if you continue like that!"
Mrs. Bennet was still talking but he did not mind.
"Elizabeth Bennet... Miss Elizabeth Bennet... Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy... It sounds so well. How I would like to show her Pemberley... to show her my house...our house!"
"And what about you sir, do you not like to dance?"
Mrs. Bennet was actually talking to him. "Oh G-d, what did she said? Something about dancing?" Being caught off his guard, he replied: "Thank you Madam, but I dance rarely."
"Oh no! What have I done? She wanted that I invite her beautiful daughter and I refused. I missed the most important opportunity of talking with Elizabeth... How they must despise me now! How Elizabeth shall be vexed. You really are an utter fool, Fitzwilliam Darcy!"
He looked up at her and saw a sly smile on her lips. "What does it mean? She seems to laugh at me while she was supposed to be angry. What a disconcerting woman! What a wonderful, beautiful woman!"
Mrs. Bennet said something about the music, but he was too lost in thought to hear her. Puzzled, he bowed and left them.
Elizabeth had immediately spotted Mr. Darcy the moment he arrived. She had the strange impression that she had already met him somewhere. But she was certainly wrong. She had never left Hertfordshire except to go to London, and she could not have meet this Mr. Darcy in Cheapside.
He seemed to be proud and disdainful, but at the same time, sad and lost. He haughtily examined the room with his dark intriguing eyes.
Then, when she was talking with a gentleman from the neighborhood, Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy gaze in her direction. In fact, he was actually staring at her, mouth open. When she looked up at him, she colored instantly. His brown eyes were fixed upon her. But he seemed far away. His eyes, still on her, were deep and desperate, but when he looked up, she believed she saw a gleam of hope in them. What a strange man! Did he ever smile? He seems so serious! And he's still staring at me. Is he trying to find some fault in my manner? They are certainly not like those of the town fashionable ladies, but...
At this moment, the gentleman himself came near her, just behind his friend. Mr. Bingley looks like a little boy beside his talk dark friend... Lizzie smiled inwardly... But he seems so amiable. He could suit very well with Jane, my dear loved sister... They are both so fine and sociable. In fact, this Mr. Bingley seems to have already noticed Jane."
Then, Sir William Lucas introduced Mr. Bingley to them. Seeing the good catch for her daughters, Mrs. Bennet lost no time in introducing her family.
"Here is Jane, my elder..."
Lizzie saw that Mr. Bingley was breathtaking in view of her dear sister. She have also detected a tension from Jane side. "Oh my! It seems like love at first sight..."
"...and Elizabeth..."
She then saw Darcy looks up at her with a sigh. "Oups, he must find me very bad... But I don't mind! It's not a rich and proud man who will make me ill at ease here, at MY home... If he's not pleased, he has only to return in London with his society.
When the three other Bennet girls were introduced, Mr. Bingley asked Jane to dance. Then, Mrs. Bennet said something that humiliated her elder greatly and tried to redeem herself by saying, addressing to Mr. Darcy:
"And what about you sir, do you not like to dance?"
The expression in the man's face was so amusing. He sent a glance of confusion in Elizabeth's direction before replying:
"Thank you Madam, but I dance rarely."
Elizabeth smiled at his despair. What a strange man! He actually refused me but I didn't mind. He seems to think that I'll beg him to ask me to dance. What a fool! Even if he's the richest man in Derbyshire, he's arrogant and boastful and I don't like him. (hehe... you think Lizzie?)
Mrs. Bennet said something else but he bowed and left.
The first dance began. For lack of partner, Lizzie sat down, still puzzled by this Mr. Darcy. "If he chooses to behave in such an abrupt manner, I shall not let him ruin my evening." Looked up at the ball room, she felt his gaze on her. Then, at her great surprise, she saw him came near her. After a slight bow, he said:
"Excuse me, Miss Bennet, but I would like that you forgive me for my rude behaviour toward you... I...
Chapter 4
Fitzwilliam Darcy moved towards the corner of the room. He heard the other guests murmur their disapproval in his direction. He was so ashamed of himself. "Mrs. Bennet must find me very arrogant now! And Elizabeth... What I have done?" He looked up at this moment and saw that his love was alone in the other corner of the room. "It's my chance to make amends. I must apologize for my impolite performance towards her."
"Excuse me, Miss Bennet, but I would like that you forgive me for my rude behavior towards you... I didn't... I didn't want to offend you or your family. I was just... just so..."
"...lost in thought..." Elizabeth completed with a smile.
William was so relieved... but was not sure if the beautiful woman in front of him was not actually laughing at him. And the little flame in her eyes intrigued him so much...
"Yes, lost in thought" he said, returning her smile. I was thinking of the most fabulous woman in the world... he said to himself.
In fact, Darcy wasn't so wrong in his assumptions. Elizabeth Bennet was very surprised when he had come to her with his excuse. It was rather funny to see this tall proud man apologizing to her. He must find it very degrading, a rich gentleman, to offer his excuses to a country nobody like me. She had difficulty containing her laughter. Mr. Bingley must have begged him to come to apologize, otherwise he would have never come.
Lizzie was now sure that Mr. Darcy would bow and leave her behind. She was therefore astonished when he sighed and plunged his eyes in hers. Their gazes were locked. I must admit that he is very handsome... those dark eyes... They are fascinating, so full of sadness and of wishes at the same time. But Lizzie was not able to hold his gaze any longer, and blushed deeply.
Regaining control on himself, Mr. Darcy then spoke. "Miss Bennet, may I secure the next dance?"
What? He wants to dance with me? What a curious man! First, he refused to invite me and now, he's here, claiming the next one...
"I'm sorry Mr. Darcy, but Mr. Brian had already asked the next."
"Oh!" Darcy was very upset. "Then, perhaps the second one?" he asked with hopes in his voice and in his eyes.
"Yes, the second one will be perfect." She replied with a smile.
He smiled, with his eyes especially, bowed and left.
Elizabeth was confused. She thought that Darcy had been forced to invite her. But when he persisted, she had no other choice than to accept him.
The next dance began and she was gotten of her thought when Mr. Brian claimed her hand.
Mr. Brian was a good man and a great conversationalist. He appreciated Miss Bennet's wit; it was why they were friends. But this time, he must have found Miss Elizabeth very boring because she not said a word, she didn't even reply to his questions. In fact, she seemed far away.
Fitzwilliam Darcy was so happy! He would, at last, dance with this graceful woman, the love of his dreams. Since the first time he had dreamt of her, many days ago, he tried to imagine her touch, her soft skin against his. Even if it was just a hand, it was enough to arouse a lot of feelings in him. Stop those thoughts Darcy...or it will be too late... But he was also very nervous. What will I say? I must absolutely correct her first bad impression of me. I could perhaps be funny...or romantic...or just be myself? Yes! I will just be myself. I must show her the man I really am, the one I am when I'm with Georgiana, at Pemberley, the man I could be with her...if only... Oh G-d, she's so wonderful! She's so intelligent, generous. She has a beautiful smile and a quick wit who, together, seem to tease me without rest. She was actually dancing with an short man from the neighborhood, smiling... What is this strange feeling inside me? Could it be jealousy? Oh yes it is... But what can I do? She's so lovely. I'm lucky that she wasn't married...or engaged... Could she be??? No, no, don't panic, Darcy! It's not the time...
The music ended. The little Mr. Brian conducted Elizabeth to the corner where Darcy was. The other piece began. William came to her, nervous. He bowed and offered his arm to her. She accepted it, blushing, and they moved toward the dance floor...
Chapter 5
They were face to face now. Fitzwilliam Darcy was certain that she had never been so stunning, even in his dreams. The first line of the refrain began, so it was the time to move.
When is hands brushed hers, so lightly, William felt something like fireworks. Happiness and pain at the same time. The electric current who came from his spine provoked such a longing inside him. But the dance continued and he had to retain himself.
They were silent. She moved gracefully with the soft melody, and he had still enough presence of mind to follow her. He was thankful just to be near her, allowing sometimes the laces of her dress to touch his arm or her slim shoulders to brush his. He took the time to reflect about how this dream had changed his life. He had been so unhappy lately, almost desperate. But since his first dream of her, since this blessed night when he had seen this fantastic woman for the first time, in his toughs...and in his heart, he had regained some hopes. Each day, with all his problems and burdens, he longed to retire for the night, where he could find refuge in his lady's dark eyes. She was his joy, his strength, his dream. Until just some hours ago, he had never thought that he could, one day, find her or someone like her, so full of life, so beautiful, so generous, so perfect. He had never dared to hope that she really existed, and now, there he was, dancing with his goddess! She was real! And he, Fitzwilliam Darcy , the one who had dreamt of her for so long, had now the honour to brush her hand , to gaze at her, to hear her laughs, to talk to her... Oups...to talk to her... And just at this moment, she broke the silence that surrounded them.
"I believe we must have some conversation, Mr. Darcy," said she. "A very little will suffice."
"You should say something about the dance. I might remark on the number of couples," she continued when they met up again.
Oh my! I have to find something to respond to those malicious eyes...
"I'm at your service Madam."
She raised an eyebrow, puzzled by his meaning.
He continued "Personally, I find that this dance is really nice. I have always loved this music and I must admit that the orchestra perform it remarkably well tonight."
Elizabeth nodded and smiled, satisfied with his answer. I never thought that this man could gives himself the trouble to say so much words in a row. He is able to be quite interesting when he wants, and one may add... quite handsome...
"And concerning the number of couples, Miss Bennet, you must agree that it is rather surprising to see so much dancers in a small place like your Assembly Room..."
She answered him with a glare. "Certainly, Sir, our Assembly Room is not as grand as the ballrooms in London, where you should attend often, but it's just wide enough to our little country society and we are quite satisfied with it."
Darcy did not miss the little sarcasm in her voice. Oh God! Look what I have done! Now, she'll certainly think that I'm disdainful of her circle and that I find myself above her. You are such a fool Darcy! How could you think that you can earn the love of such a woman! Oh! Dear friend! If only you knew how superior to me you are...
"Excuse me, Miss Bennet, I did not want to offend you! You misunderstood my meaning. No, I just meant that I went, once, at a ball in an Assembly Room in Derbyshire, near my house, and it was never as popular as it is here. It must be agreeable to you neighbourhood to have such common events here!"
Her smile returned "Yes, yes it is. You know, Hertfordshire is often qualified as the "dancer's country", so we have to protect our reputation!"
"You seem to be very attached to your region..."
"Oh yes, I am. You know, all is so peaceful here. And there is always a new path to explore or a new mountain to discover. The landscape is wonderful over the mountains, particularly at the sunrise."
"So you wake up to see the sunrise each morning?" he asked.
"No!" She said with a laugh. "Not each morning, but as often as I can." She then described the magnificent views offered by the countryside in the sunrise. It was told with such ardour that Fitzwilliam Darcy was mesmerised, almost forgetting that he was actually dancing.
She is so wonderful, so passionate, without artifice. Elizabeth, I love you so much! I love you more with each minute, with each smile. How my heart shall bear so much love? You are kind and true, true to yourself and to your strong ideals.
They talked while dancing, sometimes separated by some other dancers, both always impatient to find each other to pursue their conversation.
And so they talked. Elizabeth enumerated the beauties of her homeland when Darcy detailed with animation the Derbyshire's treasures.
Unfortunately, the last lines of the refrain were heard, far to soon in the mind of the two dancers.
Oh no! Darcy thought with a sigh. Not now! Elizabeth, I can't leave your side. I waited you for so long, my love. I want to hear your voice, your melodious laughs. I long to touch your hand again, to feel this sweet pain inside my whole being. Never I have seen a smile like yours, a smile that reach your eyes to light this little flame that I love so much. You are my only joy!
A thought then entered his mind.
"Miss Bennet, I would like very much to continue this discussion, so, if you didn't already promised the next dance to someone else, would you grant me this favour?"
Please, say that you will dearest...
Elizabeth Bennet was all astonishment! It was true that she had greatly enjoyed her dance with the arrogant M. Darcy (who was may be a little lest arrogant that she recognized ) But she had never thought that he would actually ask her the next one! I have never seen such a strange man before...I know that I should not accept... but I really enjoy his conversation. He talk with passion and intelligence...and to dance with him is quite better than to sat alone in the corner...ah! And after all, why not?
"No, M. Darcy. Nobody had secured the next, so it will be a pleasure."
Thanks God! Darcy thought Oh! When your smile reach your eyes, my love...hmmm...sweet pain.
So, when the music stopped, Elizabeth and William stayed in the line, waiting for the next dance to begin. If it had been almost funny to see the neighbourhood's surprise when Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourne danced a first dance with M. Darcy, now better knew as "M. 10000 pounds a year" of Derbyshire, it was altogether ridiculous now! Everyone gazed at them with an half-open mouth, each mother murmuring against this Miss Elizabeth and trying to find her some faults. In fact, the only one in this room that was not affected by this second dance was probably Mrs. Bennet. Yes, Mrs. Bennet...because in this story, and I hope that you, dear readers, will not be too distressed, Mrs. Bennet's goal in life was not necessary to marry her 5 beautiful daughters... She was still angry with this M. Darcy for having disdained her second daughter in the first time, and now, if he was finally decided to invite Lizzie, she was just happy that the man showed at last a little bit of judgement.
Soon, the dance began. Darcy bowed, Lizzie curtsied, and they carried on their conversation. They talked of some childhood memories, of their trips, and soon, they were talking about their family.
"I think that you mentioned a sister, sir. How old is she?" Lizzie asked.
"Yes, yes I have a sister, Georgiana, and she's 16. She's a very kind and sweet girl, you know, and I love her with all my heart. But I fear that I don't always listen her like I would like to. I would like to be more present to her..."
He said that with such tenderness that Elizabeth was sure that he was a wonderful brother. And now his eyes were fixed upon her in such a way that she soon have to look away, blushing.
"Oh! I know what you mean...I have exactly the same problem with my sister Mary. She's an intelligent young lady with strong ideals, but she is always alone and misunderstood. Look at her now..." They both turned and looked at her sister's direction. "She is alone, lost in her sheets or in her sermons. But I know that she is very generous and agreeable...if only she was not so rejected..."
William was very touched by her concern. He knew that she was certainly a wonderful with her sisters, even if her 3 younger seemed rather strange. And he was sure that she could be fantastic with Georgiana! And Georgie would be so glad to have her as a sister. Oh my love, how I would like to have you with me, to share my life, to share my nights, to share my burdens and my family. You would be a wonderful mistress of Pemberley, with your generous heart and your so fabulous eyes.
The second dance soon ended, far to soon for him, and he had no other choices but to take her out of the dance floor. He thanked her, offering his better smile, and turned his head to see who was banged him on the shoulder. Unfortunately, it was Miss Bingley, obviously green with envy of his attentions. Oh no! Please, Caroline Bingley, not now!!!
"M. Darcy, I think the next dance should be mine now!?!"
What??? Are you mad?
Distressed, he turned toward Miss Bennet, only to see that she was just gone. He understood that it was the time for her to go, and thanked God again that she was real and so marvelous. Good by my love...until tonight in my dreams... he thought, a smile on his face.
Miss Bingley noticed his lost air and insisted "So, Sir, my dance???".
Darcy then caught sight of Miss Mary Bennet, alone in the corner of the room, and remembered Elizabeth's words...she's an intelligent young lady with strong ideals, but she is always alone and misunderstood. He then excused himself to Miss Bingley with a polite "Sorry, Madam, but I have already someone who wait for the next one..." And with that, he moved towards the other corner of the room were Miss Mary Bennet was.
Chapter 6
Now that he had found that the only one woman he could ever love really existed, and after the two wonderful dances that he had danced with her, Fitzwilliam Darcy was on cloud nine. Her smiles were beautiful, her burning eyes were ravishing, and more than all, she was real! She was intelligent, beautiful, generous, soft, and her laughter was without a doubt the eighth wonder of the world. Perhaps she had been, at first, reticent toward him, mocking him with her bright witty eyes, but it was all his fault. He had made a real fool of himself, so stunned was he to find that the object of his desires was real, was in front of him, that he had even refused to invite her to dance. You're an imbecile Darcy! But it was so miraculous to have HER in front of me! Even now, I can't believe that I found her. I love her from so long. Since the first night, in fact, when my dream brought her in my life, I was bewitched, lost like a complete fool on the road of love... Hmmm... But could it be another dream? No!! No, it can't! Now that I have found her, I never want to let her flew again. I want her.
He then pinched himself, just to be sure that all was true. Ouf! You are not dreaming now Darcy! It's the real life, Elizabeth Bennet is truly the name of the woman that was haunting your nights since so long. Hmmm... Elizabeth, how that sounds well... You are fantastic my love. Exactly like in all my intimate dreams. Even more extraordinary, I think. You are so generous, without artifice. I never thought that there was still a woman like you in the world. What I have done to win the chance to meet you tonight?
Here he was in his thoughts when he arrived in front of Miss Mary Bennet. Even if she seemed rather odd, William remembered Elizabeth's words. ... If only she was not so rejected... So he took his courage in both hands and invited Miss Mary Bennet for the next dance. In this way, not only he would learn to know the Bennet family, and his Elizabeth, better, but more, he will get rid of Miss Bingley for another half an hour.
It's easy to understand that Miss Mary Bennet was greatly surprised to be invited by the gentleman... Not only she was rarely invited to dance, but by the most worthy bachelor of the room!!!!! So she accepted gladly the invitation with the biggest smile ever seen in her face.
Another time, the third of that night, the dance began for Darcy. And like all the other time, he was moving gracefully, following the rich music. On her side, even if she was not the greatest of dancer, Miss Mary was going along very well. And she had never been looked at by so many people!!! For the first time, she felt that she really was someone.
William was really lost in his thoughts. I would like to know if she had already visited Derbyshire... Did it was the first time that she heard about Pemberley tonight? I'll never forget my first dream of her... She was with me, in our house. I was so happy, with all those children around us... our children... When he remembered that he had to make some conversation with his partner, the first thing that came to his mind, after the casual questions, was,
"Do you believe in premonitory dreams, Miss Bennet?"
And here we go! For once in her life, someone asked the opinion of Miss Mary Bennet without just being polite. And not anybody, but M. Darcy himself, the most cultured man of the room. It's unnecessary to say that she was really flattered. So she answered him with great energy... If she had been a romantic nature, she would have fallen for this dark gentleman. He was so kind, listening every word she said with such an interest!
But she knew better... Miss Mary Bennet was not blind. She had seen earlier the strong look of love and longing in the face of M. Darcy when her sister Elizabeth had left him. And when he had seen Lizzie the first time... My Goodness , it was as if he was in front of a ghost. His eyes were lost in her face, following her every move. Yes, thought Mary, I think that this man is head over heels in love with my sister! She's so lucky! Just to think about how many books he must possess... But I'll have to dream about it later. Now, I must prevent this nice M. Darcy from stopping dancing and stand in the middle of the room like a complete fool. Why? Only because Elizabeth is actually entering the row of dancers with M. Bingley, and now that he had seen her, my partner is not even able to follow de music anymore!
"Do you believe in premonitory dreams?"
Oh, Darcy, why did you just say that? You're acting like an imbecile, letting your heart control your mind! It's not because you was asking yourself this question that it mean that you should share it with every in the room! And it's not the kind of conversation you are supposed to have with a new acquaintance, and certainly not with Elizabeth's sister! What if Miss Mary was to repeat it to her family? What will they think of you?
It was to late now. He had said it and had to suffer consequences. But he was surprised by her answer. Her voice, shrill at first, became almost soft, and her face lit up... Even if her opinion sounded more like a sermon than something else, it was an astonishing point of view, and Fitzwilliam Darcy enjoyed it. Miss Mary Bennet was definitively intelligent, may be only too much influenced by Fordyce and those of is kind! Elizabeth was perfectly right, all she needs is a little bit of attention. And as soon as her name entered his mind, he was lost heart and soul again. Fresh memories of her last smiles, when they parted after the second dance, made him almost cry of joy! He had found her! She was real! And she was even more generous and wonderful than in his dreams! Hot joy flushed through his veins. The sweet pain that had tortured his nights for so long was now invading him! He was very warm.
While dancing with her sister, he scanned the ballroom. William needed to see her, to be really sure that all was true. But he didn't found her. Where is she? Elizabeth, my love, I can't be in the same room as you without seeing you. You are my only joy!!! Panicked, he turned back toward his dance partner only to find out that Elizabeth was actually entering the row of dancers with Charles. Oh my God, I didn't see her for five minutes and forgot how beautiful she is!
The dance offered many occasion to exchange partners, and Darcy realised with an indescribable joy that it will soon be his turn to make her waltz. He gave gently Miss Mary's hand to Bingley, and with a big smile, took Elizabeth's.
The simple brush of her hand against his make him shivers. Then, when he placed his other hand on her petite frame, he was completely lost. This simple gesture aroused so many feelings in him. All he wanted was to kiss her, to love her with all his soul. Her eyes right on him covered his heart with bliss. It was as if each smile wounded one by one all the pains he had lived, all the year of suffering since the death of his mother, so long ago. He didn't speak. Words were unnecessary. Just to hold her and to look in her eyes was enough for him right now. He knew that with her smile, she wanted to thank him for inviting her sister. But thanks were useless. For him, her eyes were worth for anything. He made her turn, one minute, one hour, he was not sure. The time had vanished. He looked in her eyes the whole time. At first, she blushed, yes, but continued to meet his dark one's all the same.
Soon, Bingley banged him discretely on the shoulder. Darcy knew that it was the time. He let go of her hand and took Miss Mary's. Another time during the dance, his intent gaze crossed her amused one. Finally, the dance ended. Darcy escorted a radiant Miss Mary in the corner where her mother was, bowed and left with a big smile.
The rest of the evening passed smoothly. After those tree dances, Darcy didn't invite someone else.
Elizabeth, now, after her two dances with "Mr. 10 000 pounds a year", was very popular in the ballroom, and was dancing every dance. Even Mary received some offers of dancing, and she was really shining with happiness!
Even if he wanted more than anything to invite the woman of his life another time, Darcy restrained himself. He knew perfectly well that he couldn't do such a thing without asking first at least one daughter from each family to dance with him. So, he seated in a corner and occupied himself by following discretely Elizabeth's every moves. Evidently, he was far from doubting that he was actually analysed by Miss Mary Bennet, who was by the time surer than ever that the gentleman was head over heels in love with her second sister.
On her side, Elizabeth Bennet was now completely astounded by this M. Darcy. If their TWO dances together had been really unexpected for a man as proud as himself, the fact that he was now dancing with her sister Mary was quite astonishing! More than all, he had refused to dance with Miss Caroline Bingley only to turn back and ask her sister. Elizabeth was extremely puzzled. Why did he ask Mary? Could it be because of what I said about her earlier? And why is he so much concerned about our family, about doing a good impression on us? What a strange man! Look at them now! Mary is radiant! How generous of him!
She was soon invited by M. Bingley for the next dance. They were a little bit late but entered the row of dancers all the same. M. Bingley was such a wonderful gentleman. He was so friendly, having always a good word or a smile for everyone. He seemed almost childlike, with his blond curls and big blue eyes. Lizzie knew that Jane had loved him at first sight. It was so evident! And he could be perfect for her dear sister.
They had danced the two first dances together, and both were all smiles after that. And by the number of time when Bingley mentioned her oldest and beloved sister in their conversation, Elizabeth knew that Bingley was totally bewitched by Jane.
So after talking about Jane, about her family, about Jane, about Meryton, about Jane again, then about Netherfield, each time separated by the other couple, Elizabeth was suddenly really surprised to find herself in the strong arms of M. Darcy again. Still smiling while remembering the foolish grin on Bingley's face when he mentioned her sister, Lizzie met Darcy's eyes. Her look was met by such an intent gaze that she couldn't look away. His eyes sent a chill down her spine, she was mesmerised. Oh my! Why such a glare? Hmmm... He really had fascinating eyes... I could easily loose myself in this look. It makes me feel weak. It's almost a chance that he held me so tightly. I'll fall on the ground if he continues. Ho, stop those foolish thoughts Lizzie! What improper!
Soon they have to return with their partner. Elizabeth was really happy to come back with M. Bingley and his big smile. His tall friend was intimidating her too much with his intent glare. Ouf! I'm so warm! I must be very tired tonight. And with this proud M. Darcy who do all what he can to make me ill at ease. But I'll not let him ruin my evening! Certainly not!
The dance ended and she received so many invitations to keep her busy until the end of the evening. But she was not blind... It was only because she had danced with M. Darcy that every gentleman in the room seemed to rediscover her. Even her sister Mary seemed to be victim of this influence. But for that, she was really happy and for the first time, thought about this "arrogant" M. Darcy in a less severe way.
Soon, the ball ended and the Bennet family departed. Just before entering her carriage, Elizabeth turned one last time toward the little Assembly Room, only to see M. Darcy gazing longingly in their direction...
Merry Christmas!!!