Posted on: 2008-10-23

Chapter Two

To be the eldest girl of a girl's school is to be royalty, at least when the young lady in question is as pleasing as Miss Elizabeth Smith was. The inhabitants of Miss Gosford's fine institution were mostly tradesmen's daughters; a few had fathers abroad. One girl, who was suspiciously brown, had been born in the wilds of India, and her father had sent her home to England for her education. Another, likewise a tad too tan for complete respectability, hailed from the West Indies. They were mostly pragmatic children-- and even those who were destined to aspire above their stations recognized the power of Miss Lizzy's small fortune, and were somewhat attracted by the mystery of her birth. (For, of course, though no one mentioned it, even a girl of ten years knew that it must have been a rich man indeed who would be willing to squander away such a sum on an illegitimate child.) Though some might later in life frown on the likes of Lizzy Smith, as long as she was their connection to society outside of Miss Gosford's Seminary for Fine Young Ladies, they looked up to her, and aspired to match her beauty and wit.

Elizabeth's room (for as a paying boarder and no longer a student, she was entitled to some privacy) was separated by only a curtained doorway from the space where five or six of the younger girls slept. This arrangement was both by inclination and design, for Lizzy loved their company, they hers, and Miss Gosford could sleep easy knowing that Lizzy was close by, for she lived above, near the elder girls, out of hearing range of the younger, and the nursery maid was down a long hall with four of the youngest girls of them all.

So, it was without much fear of being caught that five or six sleepy girls thrust the curtain aside later that night to demand every detail of the dance at the assembly. Lizzy, who was undressing, with the help of one of the ladies' maids, who had likewise stayed up out of curiosity to hear the news, promised them ten minutes of stories, and quiet ones only, for it would not do for them to be out of bed for so long. Giggling, five or six night-gowned girls crawled on the bed, and begged Miss Lizzy to talk of lace and dances, and the mysterious Mr. Bingley, which, the maid volunteered, she had seen on an errand in town only the day before.

"Mr. Bingley is everything a young man ought to be. He dresses well, is extremely amiable, and has lovely taste, for he stood up with my Miss Bennet on two occasions."

"Is he handsome? He must be handsome." This was asked a Miss Temple, who many years later would marry a rather plain but respectable draper.

The maid nodded vigorously as she undid the back of Lizzy's gown.

Lizzy smiled and described Mr. Bingley's features in great length.

"And who else was in his party, Miss Lizzy?" asked the unfortunately named Miss Sneer, who never let anything but a smile cross her face.

"His friend, Mr. Darcy," said Lizzy. "His sisters, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, and Mr. Hurst as well. They were very fine people indeed, though none were so pleasing as Mr. Bingley." The little girls looked curious about the other additions to the company, but Lizzy would not be dissuaded from her choice of topic. "And do you know who Mr. Bingley asked to dance, only second to Miss Bennet?" He smiles gave no doubt as to who the receiver of Mr. Bingley's attentions were, and the squeals were such that Lizzy had to shush the lot.

"I am not surprised," declared the stout-faced Miss Boyle. "For you are so pretty, Miss Lizzy. Do you think he will marry you?"

Lizzy laughed. "I daresay he thought Miss Bennet was far lovelier. He danced with her twice and she is the prettiest girl in the county."

Assents were nodded and murmured. All the little girls sat in great awe of the beautiful Miss Bennet, who was so kind to them when she visited. A trinket from Miss Bennet was the greatest prize a girl in Miss Gosford's school could hope for. A question was then asked about that lady's gown. So Lizzy related the cut and color of every dress she could remember, until she could no longer contain her yawns.

"But now girls, I promised you ten minutes, and you have taken twenty, and I am tired. And Sally has done her duty, and I am ready for bed, so you should all return likewise."

"But you never even described the two other gentlemen in the party," pouted Miss Temple.

"No, I have not, but I do believe that they are too old for you anyways, Samantha."

Another round of giggles devolved into yawns and eventually the girls made their way to bed.

In the Bennet household, Mrs. Bennet was also describing the events of the night. The younger girls quickly retired to their room to discuss their partners, and Mary kissed her father on the cheek, and likewise went upstairs, leaving only Jane and her mother with the master of the house.

"And then, Mr. Bennet, do you know who he danced with? Why Miss Smith, that upstart! She danced four dances tonight; that is four more than your Mary. Who does she think she is?"

"Mama, you can hardly say that Lizzy put herself forward in anyway."

"I most certainly can. But I quickly took care of her. She will not worm her way into their society now. She will not compete with my daughters."

"Mama! Lizzy in no way competes with your daughters. She only danced when she was asked. And none of her partners showed a serious design on her."

"I agree Jane. Mrs. Bennet, Miss Smith is a clever sort of girl. And as most men prefer a silly wife, at least two of your daughters will find husbands before Miss Smith."

"Mr. Bennet, you do vex me! But I shall not be vexed. For tonight was a triumph for our family, Mr. Bennet! A triumph! Mr. Bingley danced with Jane more than any other girl in the room, and paid her the most attention. And his sisters! Such amiable women. And so fashionable. Though, I was less pleased with the other men of the party. Mr. Hurst is of no consequence, but Mr. Darcy is a single young man, and he would not dance at all! He would not even look toward Mary when Mr. Bingley asked Jane."

"Slighted my Mary, did he? Well, ‘tis no matter, for she would have refused him anyway." Mr. Bennet smiled. He could never decide if his favorite daughter's disinclination toward society was a fault or an attribute.

"Well then, he could have asked Kitty or Lydia, couldn't he have?"

"Mama, neither of your youngest was without partner at all this evening. You can hardly fault Mr. Darcy for not running them down at the end of a set."

"I certainly can. Why should he not? At least he did not see fit to dance with Miss Smith."

Mr. Bennet reached for a candle. "Well, I have heard enough of the dancing tonight to last me at least through Christmas. Jane, if Mr. Bingley appears in your girlish dreams tonight, be sure to pass along your mother's criticism of his friend. I am sure it will be much appreciated."

"Well, which part of Meryton society did you enjoy most, Mr. Darcy?" asked Miss Bingley, smiling, as the carriage rolled back toward Netherfield. "The officious Sir William? The vulgar Mrs. Bennet? Or perhaps the mysterious Miss Smith?"

"Now Caroline, everyone did their best to be welcoming," said Bingley, half-heartedly, for he was not paying much attention to his sister.

"Well I certainly hope your choice of partners was worth the scandal," scolded Caroline. "You should have followed Mr. Darcy and not danced until you knew something of the ladies with whom you were dancing."

Bingley smiled. "Ahh, but Darcy danced only two dances, and both with those he already knew. How was he supposed to find out about his neighbors if he was not to converse with them at all?"

"With gossips such as Mrs. Bennet, it is not very hard!" laughed Mrs. Hurst. "Had you waited another quarter of an hour, we could have warned you off Miss Smith."

"Miss Smith is a sweet and deferential young lady. She cannot help the accident of her birth."

"A woman of good character knows not to step out of her place," said Darcy gloomily, staring out the window. "Many a decent man has been entrapped by less than a dance, Bingley."

"Good god, Darcy!" cried Bingley. "I asked her to dance. We were not having clandestine meetings in the garden."

"They say that she has a fortune," laughed Caroline. "Mrs. Bennet was quite put out by that knowledge. Apparently, 5,000 pounds is enough to impress the like of the Bennets. No wonder why Mrs. Bennet was in such raptures when you danced with her daughter, Charles."

"Miss Bennet seems a sweet girl, Caroline," said Louisa. "I suppose that it is kind of her to befriend Miss Smith."

"Yes, very kind of her. What say you Mr. Darcy? Should Louisa and I find a Miss Smith to sponsor in society?

Bingley sighed. "Come now Caroline, with such a sum, it would be absurd to hide herself away."

"Which is exactly the problem, Bingley," said Darcy. "She should never have been given half such a fortune. With a small annuity, duty is done, without society having to absorb such scandal. It is in bad enough form that such dalliances occur in the first place."

"You are an honorable man, Mr. Darcy," said Bingley. "But Miss Smith's manners are pleasing, and she has genteel friends who recommend her. I cannot see the harm in being kind."

"You may always be polite, Bingley, without granting anyone special attention."

"Yes, because you were so very polite this evening, Darcy!"

"Mr. Darcy is always polite, Charles," said his sister firmly.

Bingley shook his head. "I concede Caroline. The three of you may think what you like. Hurst, how did you find the card tables this evening?"

Mr. Hurst was not wont to converse and eyed his brother-in-law hesitantly.

"Tolerable I suppose, but not high enough to tempt me."

Chapter Three

Miss Smith often visited her two closest friends. And so it was that she found herself at Longbourn in the company of them both the following day, and Miss Mary as well, for her father had banned her from the library as long as the guests were in attendance. It would be the last conversation Lizzy would have with them for nearly a week, for Miss Gosford's French master had a heavy cold, and she had volunteered her temporary services in teaching the girls.

"Not that my French is so very good, but the older class does not do well with unexpected vacations," laughed Lizzy sometime into their visit. "But I shall see you at your father's party, Miss Lucas. And then, Miss Bennet, you must tell me how your relationship with the Netherfield Party has developed."

"I am determined to like them, Lizzy. For how can I change their mind about you, unless they ask my opinion?"

"Miss Bennet, you are too good."

"But goodness has its rewards," laughed Charlotte. "For Mr. Bingley seems to like you a great deal Jane. What say you Mary?"

"I agree that Mr. Bingley paid her attention," said Mary dully.

"So you must encourage him Jane."

"Encourage him! Before she is unsure of his character or even his opinion?" Lizzy was aghast.

"Why yes, of course. She should not throw away an eligible match out of an overdeveloped sense of prudence."

"Is it possible to have an over-developed sense of prudence?" asked Mary in a rhetorical manner to no one in particular.

Jane laughed. "Now, now. I like him. I like him a great deal. But it will not do to have my heart on my sleeve."

"Certainly not," said Lizzy. "For I imagine the Bingley sisters can smell butchered meat from a mile away."

"Lizzy! But no, you may say what you may. They were horribly cruel to you. But I am still sure it is only because they don't know you."

"Of course, Miss Bennet. They just assume the worst. As they should. Do not worry though. They have made it clear that they wish me to avoid them, and I will have no problem doing so. I just hope my distance from Mr. Bingley will not keep me from ascertaining his feelings towards you."

"Do not mind that, Lizzy," said Charlotte laughing. "All of Meryton will be watching his every move."

"Now what of Mr. Darcy?" asked Jane, trying to change the subject. "He seemed shy and reserved."

"Shy? I think rather he thought himself rather above his company, but so he should he. A great estate and 10,000 a year," smiled Charlotte.

"He is a well-looking man," said Mary in such a dull voice, that her sister was uncertain whether she thought so herself or was only agreeing with the general opinion.

"Aye, that he was," said Charlotte. "What do you think, Lizzy? You are unusually quiet, but you were the only one of us to converse with him."

"It was hardly a conversation. I do not know what to think of Mr. Darcy," said Lizzy nonchalantly.

"Well, we know that he is a Derbyshire man," said Jane. "That should interest you, Lizzy. Is Lambton far from Pemberley?"

"The house is not more than a couple hours walk, I should think," said Lizzy carefully. "But it has been ten years, so I don't remember very much about that estate."

"Have the Gardiners really been married a decade?" asked Jane, who sensed her friend's discomfort at the direction of the conversation. They very rarely discussed Lizzy's life before she came to London.

"Yes," said Mary. "For I remember thinking that a new Aunt was my eighth birthday present. And I was upset because I wanted a certain book."

"Mary, you are the only girl I know who prefers books to people," laughed Charlotte.

"Well, I like Aunt Gardiner well enough now," cried Mary in a petulant tone.

"Miss Mary, I confess you were not the only one upset at the prospect of their marriage. I was not thrilled at the idea of sharing my dear Miss Adams with anyone, least of all a husband. But I have also since changed my mind."

"Thank you Lizzy," said Mary firmly, and neither Jane nor Charlotte dared to laugh.

Neither Miss Smith nor Miss George saw any reason to return home to the school much before dinner time, given that the former had very few duties at all, even as a temporary French mistress, and the latter would be suspending her classes for some time in any case. They thus tarried in the shop as long as they dared. Lizzy bought herself a new pair of gloves, and Miss George stopped to look over the lace, though she was not permitted to buy anything more than she had been explicitly allowed. They were pouring over a selection of hats when they were surprised to hear the door open and subsequently Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley conversing behind them.

"By all means, Bingley, buy your gloves. How your valet can lose so many of them is a mystery to me."

"Oh, ‘tis not Tallridge's fault. I have only myself to blame. Besides, I cannot visit Meryton without paying a visit to Ford's. Or so I have been told. Miss Bennet told me yesterday that Ford's was the only place to shop in Meryton."

"I have no doubt to the truth in Miss Bennet's words," said Darcy, his voice tinged with scorn.

Mr. Bingley only laughed.

It was at this point that the two men noticed Lizzy and her companion. Lizzy curtseyed. Darcy nodded his head in acknowledgment. Bingley gave a deeper bow.

"Miss Smith, delightful to see you again." He spoke warmly and with politeness.

"Mr. Bingley," acknowledged Lizzy, who was disappointed to see the man did not mean to speak with her longer. It was no more than she expected but less than she had hoped. She turned back to her companion and did not anticipate speaking to the gentlemen again.

However, Ford's was a small shop, and not at all well-organized. Thus for Darcy to continue to speak to his friend while Bingley tried on gloves, he had to stand nearly next to the two ladies. Twice, he brushed against Miss Smith, and twice he had to acknowledge her presence. Finally, though it was only after two or three minutes, he was quite determined to wait in the street. He excused himself to Bingley, and, in turning towards the door, found himself face-to-face with Lizzy and her companion. There was an awkward silence.

Lizzy finally decided to put the man out of his misery by speaking with him, whether he return the favor or not.

"Mr. Darcy, perhaps you can help us. Miss George is to return to her family in London tomorrow. But she is not at all convinced that this hat is still considered the fashion. What is your opinion?"

Darcy colored. "Miss Smith, I do not know why you think I am an expert in Ladies' fashion." There was a short pause, until he turned away, a move which unfortunately brought him into eye contact with Miss George.

She was only about fourteen and tears welled in her eyes at his dismissal of her concern. Lizzy blanched. In her haste to speak to Mr. Darcy, she had underestimated how stiflingly shy her companion could be around those she did not know. Miss Smith was about ready to rescue the girl when Mr. Darcy suddenly softened.

"In this case, however, Miss," he said in a kind tone, "it is fortunate that I know my sister Georgiana possesses a hat very nearly like that one. She often wears it when she is out in London. And I consider her quite a young lady of fashion."

"Thank you, sir," stuttered Miss George in a near whisper.

"Not at all, have a safe trip to London, Miss George. Good day Miss Smith." The latter was added in a less friendly voice, but even amidst her guilt at upsetting her young companion, Miss Smith considered the acknowledgment a triumph.

Lizzy looked back to her charge once Darcy had stepped out of the shop.

"Shall you take it?"

The girl was beaming. "Oh yes, Miss Smith! I think it is the very thing."

Mr. Ford looked up. "I shall help you as soon as I finish with Mr. Bingley's gloves, Miss."

"I am finished now," announced that gentleman smiling. I shall take this brown pair and carry it out myself. Thank you, Mr. Ford. Good day ladies."

"Mr. Bingley," smiled Lizzy.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" he cried, turning suddenly at the door. Miss Bennet tells me you will be at Lucas Lodge tomorrow?"

"I shall. Miss Gosford and I will both attend."

"Will you be arriving with the Bennets?"

"I am afraid there is not room for all the Bennet family and Miss Gosford and myself. But it is no effort for the school to hire horses for the night."

"Nonsense. If you do not mind arriving early, I shall send my carriage by. My own sisters prefer to be late, and it should not take more than a quarter of an hour to return to Netherfield. I would propose we all go together, but it will not see seven."

"I thank you, sir, for Miss Gosford and myself. You are very kind."

"Not at all, Miss Smith. Now, I must get to Darcy, lest he think I am a dandy buying up all the gloves in Meryton."

"Good day Mr. Bingley," said Lizzy, curtsying low to hide her pink cheeks.

Chapter Four

Posted on: 2008-10-27

Mr. Bingley did not disappoint. The carriage arrived, not so early that they would be the very first to enter, but not so late that the Netherfield party would subsequently be considered unfashionably tardy. It was a splendid carriage, and Miss Gosford was exceedingly pleased with the gesture.

"But you should be careful, my dear," she said kindly to her charge. "For Mr. Bingley cannot follow such a compliment with many others."

Lizzy smiled. "I take your meaning Ma'am, but I do not think it was me he was trying to please."

Miss Gosford, who was fifty if she were a day, looked rather askance.

"My friend, Miss Bennet," smiled Lizzy, "said that she would speak highly of me to the Netherfield Party. She feels I was snubbed by Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley's sisters. I believe Mr. Bingley's offering the carriage to me tonight is his paying special attention to her wishes, not my own."

Miss Gosford smiled. "They would be quite well matched. Well, I hope you are correct, for Miss Bennet is a sweet girl."

"The sweetest and the best," agreed Lizzy.

"The best? What about your other friend, Miss Lucas?"

"I look up to Miss Lucas like a sister. But I am afraid that Miss Lucas will insist on my playing and singing in public. Thus she cannot be as sweet at Miss Bennet, who would never force me to do anything."

Miss Gosford affected a sigh. "Seven years you have spent with me, and you have not yet learned to curb that tongue, Elizabeth. I can only pray that your wit will not offend."

Lizzy laughed, for she quite adored Miss Gosford, and understood the feeling to be mutual. "The fortunate part of my being in limited society, ma'am, is that there are a limited number of people that I may offend with my sharp tongue. I have known Miss Bennet for ten years, and Miss Lucas for seven. If they do not despise me now, I do not believe they ever shall."

"And the Netherfield party?"

"I believe I may safely promise you, my dear Miss Gosford, that with the exception of the kind-hearted Mr. Bingley, they will arrange it so that I will never find a chance to offend them. They are superior, and I am invisible, and I shall content myself with other company."

"Fair enough, Lizzy. But you must promise me to not make a public issue of their rejection."

"And embarrass Miss Bennet in front of Mr. Bingley? Never, I promise you."

"But my dear, should Miss Bennet become the wife of Mr. Bingley, are you prepared to accept that you will not be able to be on such familiar terms as you are now?"

There was a long pause.

"If Miss Bennet were to find happiness, Miss Gosford, I would not begrudge her her situation for the world."

Miss Smith looked so distressed that the older lady reached out to pat her hand in comfortab. "Enjoy yourself while you can, my dear. You need not stay in Meryton when all of your friends marry. Neither the Gardiners nor your guardian would allow a social girl such as yourself to be abandoned to a lonely retirement in the country."

Lizzy allowed herself a small smile. "A comfortable lonely retirement, Miss Gosford."

The elder woman laughed "A most comfortable lonely retirement my dear."

"I shall be the envy of all the lonely retired ladies in the country!"

With this predictive statement, the carriage came to a standstill.

"Are you ready to face the music, Miss Gosford?"

"As long as you are not the one playing the pianoforte, Miss Smith."

Lizzy was laughing as the door opened. "And you wonder why my tongue has only grown sharper over the years."

The gathering at Lucas Lodge in many ways resembled Sir William himself. Very little stood out about it in terms of style or fashion. While it aspired to pomposity, the natural genial nature of the thing meant that friendliness would trump self-importance. Lizzy adored the ancient ramshackle house that Sir William had named in his own honor. While Charlotte had come to despise the pretentious shabbiness of the décor, and was some days desperate to become mistress of her own domicile, Lizzy saw in it a family's charming home, unencumbered by any attempt at perfection. During the day, when the various members of the Lucas household would fight loudly, several dogs baying in commiseration, Lizzy would be amused at their familiarity, while Charlotte would more often long for contented solitude. On this evening, with the chairs pushed back, and the youngest children upstairs (two of the young men would sneak downstairs, and neither Father nor Mother would insist on them returning to bed), the drawing rooms reflected some semblance of their original grace, and while admittedly out of fashion, they served as an excellent backdrop for a familiar and friendly gathering of neighbors and friends.

Miss Gosford and Lizzy, used to the constant companionship of some twenty young ladies, were certainly happy the find themselves in the company of their adult neighbors, but the same could not be said for four out of five of those arriving from Netherfield. While Sir William did not sense their superior attitude, Lizzy certainly could, and before they arrived she went to ask her friend Miss Bennet how the meetings of the previous days had gone. Miss Bennet, being the kind soul that she was, dwelled only briefly on the apparent change of heart of the two ladies towards herself when not in the company of Miss Smith, and instead mostly blushed so prettily, that Lizzy knew that she was thinking of Mr. Bingley, and only Mr. Bingley. That Bingley had sent his carriage for Lizzy only made Jane smile more, and she was practically beaming (albeit in her normal serene fashion), when Mr. Bingley walked in the room. Lizzy quickly retreated to a corner when the Netherfield party was announced, satisfying herself with the company of old Mrs. Bates, who was quite deaf, and only sometimes aware of who exactly her conversation partner was. Miss Smith only excused herself from this regrettable conversation partner when she was satisfied that she was distanced enough from Miss Bennet for this dearest friend's future prospects.

In the course of the evening, Lizzy was quite satisfied to see that Mr. Bingley was paying every ounce of attention he could to her Jane, so after thanking him again politely for the use of his carriage, she left him alone, and spent most of the latter part of the party conversing with Charlotte and Mary. She tried to pay no mind to the superior sisters, as she had nicknamed them in her mind, for at many points they glared at her and whispered from across the room. As for Mr. Darcy, he said nothing, but stood near enough to her on several occasions that her curiosity was once again peaked, as it had been at the ball, and she glanced several times at his personage, taking in every element of his looks.

At one point, his silent eavesdropping became so apparent, that she retreated again into the corner. Charlotte joined her some moments later.

"Whatever is the matter, Lizzy?"

"What is it that Mr. Darcy means, listening to my conversation with Colonel Forster? I know that he thinks it beneath him to talk to me, but it does not follow that Colonel Forster feels the same way."

"Oh Lizzy, do not fret, perhaps he was as amused by the story as the Colonel appeared to be. You are a very amusing girl."

"He did not smile. He merely stared. Why should he stare?"

"Lizzy,must I tell you that you are quite pretty as well?" asked Charlotte, affecting a sense of bother at Lizzy's discomfort.

"Charlotte, if he indeed is examining my looks, I am sure it is not for beauty."

"Well I am sure it is not to find fault."

Lizzy privately thought that Darcy might be staring at her for an entirely unrelated reason to the two presented, but she would not speak of it, or even allow herself to believe its possibility, and vowed to think no more of Mr. Darcy for the rest of the evening.

The ladies were soon called to entertainment. Being once the most accomplished student in a girl's school, Lizzy was often called on to play and tonight was no exception. She played very fine, having had formal education at the instrument, and sang well enough, but she did not like to perform, especially as certain members of the company would not applaud, and gladly turned over the piano to Mary Bennet, who having been her father's favorite, also had had the benefit of a master, and also played quite well-- though she did not sing. After her performance and at her younger sisters' prodding, Mary set to play a variety of Scottish and Irish airs so that some couples could dance. Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia led the set with a few of the young officers, and given the amount of strong wine that had been passed around, it was only a matter of moments before the room resembled a small ballroom. Lizzy sat near the pianoforte, tapping her toes, and enjoying the merriment (for she had no reason to be embarrassed by the behavior of anyone present, though she was certain that there were several families that did), and when she looked up she was surprised to see Mr. Darcy once again in the very near proximity.

Sir William, having imbibed slightly too much himself, was trying to engage the dour man in a conversation about the merits of dancing. Lizzy smiled at Darcy's answer, for she thought herself that there may have been some savage-like behavior in the room tonight, and very nearly missed Sir William's next line.

"Well, it is your turn, Mr. Darcy. You see your friend Mr. Bingley dancing. You might as well grab the nearest young lady and go to it."

Darcy grimaced. "That is a rather singular way to go about choosing a dance partner, Sir William," he said in a most understated manner.

"It works well enough, I assure you! The energy that you might save in looking can go toward your dance. Now, who is closest? My Maria was just... now where did she go?"

If Lizzy was not mistaken, the corners of Darcy's mouth were struggling not to turn upward. She could not blame even him for smiling, for Sir William was quite ridiculous. "Is that your daughter, sir?" he asked, for Maria Lucas was rather engaged in hastily downing a glass several feet way."

"It is indeed. She must have been thirsty, eh? But my theory still stands, sir. Now who is closest? Why, Miss Smith of course. You might dance with her. A darling girl. My eldest daughter is quite fond of her, you know. Lizzy is around so often, she is practically a family pet!"

If Sir William had been less intoxicated, Lizzy would have been angry. As it was, she was only horribly mortified, and quickly muffled her embarrassed cry with her hand.

"Sir William, I may test your theory, but in the meantime, you might wish to see to Miss Maria."

"Yes, of course, sir. Good of you to notice. Enjoy your dance with Miss Smith. Capital! Capital!" The man stumbled off, but his last lines were so loudly uttered that the most sober of the guests could easily make them out.

"Miss Smith," Darcy said softly. "I am sorry that you had to be privy to such a display."

"You need not apologize for something you were not at fault for, sir."

"Well, shall we?"

"Pardon me?"

"Dance, Miss Smith. Would you do me the honor of dancing a reel?"

"Sir, I have no expectation of dancing this evening. You need not feel obligated to me in any way."

He managed a small smile. "I am afraid at this point the obligation lies with you. Sir William has made it clear to the room that you have already agreed to a dance. To refuse me now would be a slight. It would be unpardonable."

Lizzy did not know what to make of his words.

"I am sorry, sir. I did not realize. Of course, I shall dance if I must. But you must know that I only wish to do what is proper."

"It is apparent that propriety in this room has been generally breached already, Miss Smith," said Darcy dryly.

Lizzy eyed the proffered hand in distrust and glanced back at Miss Gosford, who appeared to be half-asleep in the corner. Finally, she held out her own hand and rose, and allowed herself to be led to the center of the room.

The dance was a lively one, and despite her better judgment, Lizzy found herself enjoying it. For someone who did not dance at the assembly, Darcy was surprisingly nimble, and led her around officers and children with easy confidence. Lizzy saw Bingley smiling as they moved down the line.

"Darcy!" he cried. "I have not seen you dance so since last year's harvest ball at Pemberley. The master once again condescends to his inferiors, hey?"

Darcy merely nodded to his friend, for both his eyes were on his partner, who felt suddenly very warm. The sound of the single piano seemed dreadfully loud. The wine, the wildness of the usually sedate company, and an over-awareness of the man before her, caused a rosy hue to appear up and down her face and neck. After a quarter of an hour, she begged to sit, and he led her away from the others, and to Miss Gosford, who was making arrangements to leave.

"Mrs. Long is leaving, Miss Smith, and has offered us the use of her carriage home, so we do not have to inopportune Mr. Bingley again."

"That is excellent news, Miss Gosford, for I am quite tired. Thank you for the dance, Mr. Darcy," managed Lizzy who was feeling quite wobbly.

"A pleasure, Miss Smith," said Mr. Darcy, who had once again reverted to his coldest voice. "Miss Gosford." He bowed and was gone.

It was quite late indeed when the party returned to Netherfield.

"I hope you had your share of country manners, Charles," smiled Mrs. Hurst.

"I had a delightful time sister. Though I shall have a horrible headache in the morning, I'm afraid. Darcy, you must excuse me if my shot is complete rubbish tomorrow."

"He shall be in no better state I think!" laughed Caroline. "Sir William must have been serving a very strong wine indeed that would cause the master of Pemberley to dance a common jig with Miss Smith of Hertfordshire!"

"'Twas a reel, Miss Bingley," said Darcy dryly. "Now, if you will excuse me, I believe we all should be headed to our quarters."

"Yes, of course, Mr. Darcy," laughed Caroline derisively. "Enjoy your hunt tomorrow."

"I shall. Thank you. Goodnight," said Darcy.

"Goodnight Darcy," replied the master of the house, rather absently, for his mind was engaged in more agreeable thoughts.

"Miss Bingley, one more thing."

"Yes, Mr. Darcy?" The woman turned back towards the doorway.

"I did not drink the wine tonight."

Posted on: 2008-11-05

Chapter Five

It was not too many days later that Miss Smith was walking in Meryton, only to see the three youngest of the Bennet daughters in conference on the opposite side of the street.

"Oh, there is Lizzy!" cried Lydia, pulling her sisters along with her. "Kitty and I were just to call on Aunt Philips. Would you like to come?"

"I would Miss Lydia, but does it follow that you are to leave Miss Mary standing in the street?"

"No," said Kitty. "Jane is ill at Netherfield and Mary is to visit her. Though we do not know why. Mary cannot stand a sickroom. She turns quite white."

"It is my duty to see Jane, since our parents will not bother," said Mary stoically.

"But, you have left some part out!" cried Miss Smith. "How came Miss Bennet to be ill at Netherfield? Is she in any danger?"

After three or four confusing statements from the girls, Lizzy finally had straight the series of events. "She says it is a trifling cold," finished Lydia. "Only Mary thinks there is any concern. Papa said the horses are needed on the farm, so Mary is determined to walk there."

"Oh dear. And it is quite another two miles from here. Do you need company, Miss Mary? I am sure Mrs. Philips is not expecting me and would not be at all upset if I were not to appear."

Mary nodded gratefully. Lizzy determined her own clothing suitable for the walk, and set off beside her, only taking the time to inform the maid at the school as to their destination."

Miss Mary Bennet was naturally quiet, but she did not feel tongue-tied around Lizzy, and except for the few times the former attempted to moralize about the latter's family situation, the two got along quite well. Mary was used to her own father's humor, which was much like Lizzy's, and although she was not a lively girl herself, she was likable enough, and the girls managed to converse the entire way to Netherfield.

"Well then, you can see the house from here and I think we managed to avoid the worst mud," said Lizzy cheerfully some time later. "Let me re-tie your hair, or I am afraid you will not be fit to be seen. I do hope you find Miss Bennet well."

"But you are not coming in with me?" asked Mary, as she submitted to Lizzy's ministrations.

"I am not sure I would be welcome at Netherfield," said Lizzy through the hairpins currently perched between her teeth. "For, I am quite below their society. There! You are neat as always. Just tie your bonnet back up. And I must brush the mud off your skirts as well."

"But Mr. Bingley sent you his carriage and you danced with Mr. Darcy," said Mary, as the two girls removed their gloves and worked at her skirt as best they could with their bare hands.

"And it is neither Mr. Bingley nor Mr. Darcy who would greet us! Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst have made it clear that they will not speak to me," said Lizzy in what she hoped was a neutral tone of voice. "And I can hardly go around to the side entrance when you call on the front."

"You would not go around to the side, anyways, would you Lizzy?"

"No, but if it were just I visiting, I would merely apply to the housekeeper to ask after Miss Bennet. I would not bother the ladies of the house."

Mary frowned. "I do not care what they think of me! You must come with me, Lizzy. I should be afraid to make such a call by myself."

Miss Smith saw the fear in her friend's eyes. The girl was not used to making calls alone, and seemed terrified by the prospect. "Very well," she sighed. "Will you help me look presentable at least?"

Mary nodded, much relieved, and helped Lizzy retie her own hair and bonnet, even going so far as to locate a rock for them to scrape their boots against. Satisfied that they were almost fit to be seen, they made their way towards the house.
They were shown into the breakfast-parlor, where all but Jane were assembled, and where their appearance created a great deal of surprise. That Mary should have walked three miles so early in the day, in such dirty weather, and with only Miss Smith for company, was almost incredible to Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; and Elizabeth was convinced that they held Mary in contempt for it. She was surprised, however, that Mary was received very politely by them; and in their brother's manners there was something better than politeness; there was good-humor and kindness. Mr. Darcy said very little, and Mr. Hurst nothing at all.

Mary's inquiries after her sister were not very favorably answered. Miss Bennet had slept ill, and though up, was very feverish, and not well enough to leave her room. The women were glad to be taken to her immediately; and Jane, who had only been withheld by the fear of giving alarm or inconvenience from expressing in her note how much she longed for such a visit, was delighted at their entrance. She was not equal, however, to much conversation, and when Miss Bingley left them together, could attempt little beside expressions of gratitude for the extraordinary kindness she was treated with. Lizzy silently attended her.

Mary, however, as her younger sister had noted, was quite uncomfortable in sick rooms, and as her face gone rather white, she moved as close to the window as she could without giving offense to her sister or friend. Jane, though unwell, noticed her discomfort.

"Lizzy, do tell Mary to go down to the other company. She shall make herself more ill than I presently am, by merely sitting in this room," she managed in a soft voice.

So it was that when breakfast was over and they were joined by the sisters, Lizzy explained Miss Mary's affliction, and even began to like the sisters herself, when they showed Mary their understanding. Mrs. Hurst led the suffering girl downstairs for some tea, where she was much recovered. Miss Bingley remained above, and showed Jane much affection and solicitude, and Lizzy was grateful, despite the few words exchanged between them. The apothecary came, and having examined his patient, said, as might be supposed, that she had caught a violent cold, and that they must endeavor to get the better of it; advised her to return to bed, and promised her some draughts. The advice was followed readily, for the feverish symptoms increased, and her head ached acutely. Miss Smith did not quit her room for a moment, and Mary visited as much as she dared. The sisters continued their kindness: the gentlemen being out, they had, in fact, nothing to do elsewhere.

When the clock struck three Mary felt that they must go, and said as much. Miss Bingley offered her the carriage, and she only wanted a little pressing to accept on behalf of her and her friend. However, when Jane testified such concern in parting with the women, Miss Bingley was obliged to convert the offer of the chaise into an invitation to remain at Netherfield for the present.

Miss Mary was not a selfish girl, but she had done her duty, and being quite aware that she was a useless nurse, and a burden both above and downstairs, very much wished to go home. Lizzy saw this truth, and longed to stay to comfort her friend in Mary's place, but it was not her place to say a word beyond the offer, and she waited for further instruction. Eventually it was agreed to Lizzy's contentment that Mary might go, but Miss Smith would stay, and a servant would be sent to Miss Goddard's for a supply for clothes. This arrangement left everyone satisfied, for both Jane and Mary were relieved, Lizzy willing to be of help, and the Bingley sisters were, it must be confessed, not at all concerned one way or another about the acquisition of such a guest.

At five o'clock, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst retired to dress, leaving Lizzy to wonder if she was to eat with the family or in the sick room. At Jane's urging, she did dress out of her newly arrived bundle of clothes, and did not know to be relieved or frightened when at half-six she was summoned to dinner.

At dinner, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst made again polite inquiries about her friend, which were answered with equal kindness, and then she would have been left to eat in silence were it not for Mr. Bingley's warm grievances regarding Miss Bennet's condition. This attention to her friend left Lizzy satisfied, though the subsequent indifference shown by the sisters when Jane when not immediately before them, frustrated her to no end.

Used to being the listening party at dinners, Lizzy herself said little and amused herself by observing. Mr. Hurst paid her no attention and appeared to have little to say in general. She noted the enjoyment he took in eating all before him, and smiled, for he ate as the girls at the school did when they were at a certain difficult age in growth. She could imagine Miss Gosford's admonishments to him, were he a girl at her school, and this pleased her to no end. Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, seemed too preoccupied to enjoy his food, and was no more engaged with the constant attentions of the Bingley sisters, who apparently regarded him with much favor. This would have been comical had he seemed to enjoy the company, but Lizzy regarded it as even more humorous that he did not. As for Mr. Bingley, he made a few attempts to engage her in conversation about the goings-on in Meryton, but for the most part, seemed preoccupied with Jane's illness, and while all politeness, paid her little more attention than the others.

Supper was almost finished before another asked her a direct question. She was surprised that it was Mr. Darcy. They had been discussing sport, and he had made a comment about the benefits of exercise for ladies. "Do you not agree, Miss Smith?" The other women glared at her, and Lizzy searched for something to say.

"In my own experience, the girls at Miss Gosford's do better in their studies when there are times set aside for active play, Mr. Darcy."

"No doubt their parents think this encouragement of play, as you call it, excessive," said Miss Bingley dryly. "I would think there should be discouragement of too much activity, as it was at our school, don't you agree Louisa?"

"I think we attended quite a different school, Caroline. A school that is mostly made up of the children of tradesmen might need to be a bit more active. Out of necessity, of course."

"But I was speaking of more grown up ladies, Miss Bennet," pressed Darcy. For you walked here today. Two miles, was it?"

"Yes, Mr. Darcy. Though I did not do so for the exercise, but out of necessity."

"'Twas very kind of you and Miss Mary," said Bingley.

"Yes, Miss Mary is a sweet girl," pronounced Miss Bingley. Here, the conversation went in another direction, and Lizzy turned her attention back to her plate.

When dinner was over, she returned directly to Jane, and Miss Bingley began abusing her as soon as she was out of the room. Her manners were pronounced to very bad indeed, a mixture of impertinence and vanity; she had no conversation, no style, no taste, no beauty. Mrs. Hurst thought the same, and added---

"She has nothing, in short to recommend her, but being an excellent walker. And even there, she is surpassed by Miss Mary Bennet. They both looked quite wild when they arrived here today."

"They did indeed, Louisa. I could hardly keep my countenance. Very nonsensical to come at all. What was Miss Mary thinking, scampering about the countryside, because her sister has a cold? And to bring along some little chit to force into our company! What is her mother thinking, to allow such an association?"

"You may as well have wondered what Miss Smith's mother was thinking," commented Mrs. Hurst, a wicked smile on her face.

"Oh, too true," laughed Caroline.

"Now Louisa, that is too much!" cried Bingley. "I do note her situation, but she is a sweet girl to visit her friend so."

"A sweet girl, perhaps, but the Bennets would do well to keep their distance. They are low enough at it is. You would not want your sister traipsing about the countryside with a Miss Smith, would you Mr. Darcy?"

"Certainly not."

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

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

"But then, of course," observed Miss Bingley, in a half-whisper, "our company may hardly fault Miss Mary for her familiarity, when we ourselves send carriages and dance with the likes of Miss Smith. Mr. Darcy, you must regret your dance now that you have seen Miss Smith in her natural state."

"Not at all," he replied; "Miss Smith is a very pretty girl, and a natural state suits her." A short pause followed this speech, for it could have many meanings, and Mrs. Hurst began again--

"I have an excessive regard for Jane Bennet; she is really a very sweet girl, and I wish with all my heart she were well settled. But with such a father and mother, and such low connections, I am afraid there is no chance of it."

"I think I have heard you say that their uncle is an attorney in Meryton."

"Yes; and they have another, who lives somewhere near Cheapside."

"That is capital," added her sister, and they both laughed heartily.

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

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

To this speech Bingley made no answer; but his sisters gave it their hearty assent, and indulged their mirth for some time at the expense of their dear friend's vulgar relations.

With a renewal of tenderness, however, they repaired to her room on leaving the dining-parlor, and sat with her till summoned to coffee. She was still very poorly, and Lizzy would not quit her at all, till late in the evening, when she had the comfort of seeing her asleep, and when it appeared to her rather right than pleasant that she should go down stairs herself. On entering the drawing-room she found the whole party at loo, and was immediately invited to join them; but suspecting them to be playing high, she declined it, and making her friend the excuse, said she would amuse herself for the short time she could stay below, with a book. Mr. Hurst looked at her with astonishment.

"Do you prefer reading to cards?" said he; "that is rather singular."

"Miss Eliza Smith," said Miss Bingley, "despises cards. She is a great reader, and has no pleasure in anything else."

"I deserve neither such praise nor such censure," said Lizzy quietly; "I am not a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things."

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

Lizzy thanked him from her heart, and then walked towards a table where a few books were lying. He immediately offered to fetch her others -- all that his library afforded.

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

Miss Smith was so much caught up by the mention of Pemberley as to leave her very little attention for the books before her; and instead she drew near the card-table, and stationed herself between Mr. Bingley and his eldest sister, to observe the game.

"It ought to be good," he replied; "it has been the work of many generations."

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

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

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

"I wish it may."

"But I would really advise you to make your purchase in that neighborhood, and take Pemberley for a kind of model. There is not a finer county in England than Derbyshire. Miss Smith, you have not traveled, but I assure you that it is a fine place."

"I must agree, for I have seen it, Miss Bingley. At least from the outside."

At this pronouncement, the whole company stopped their conversation to stare at the girl, who wished she had not said the thing at all. Mr. Darcy seemed especially surprised.

"And how came you to see Pemberley, Miss Smith?" he asked.

"I spent my childhood at Lambton, sir."

He peered at her with such an expression that Lizzy did not quite know where to look.

"At Lambton!" he said with great emotion. "That is not five miles away from Pemberley. But now you are here, in Hertfordshire! Of all places. With what family did you live?"

That he was so shocked by her admission only raised more curiosity in Lizzy, for she was sure that some previous knowledge of her background has caused his earlier attentions. "I was raised by Mrs. Adams, sir. The curate's widow. He daughter Miss Adams later became Miss Bennet's Aunt, Mrs. Gardiner. It is through Mr. Gardiner that I came to be recommended to Miss Gosford's school."

"Reverend Adams! Yes, of course." Darcy said, more to himself than the others. "My father liked him well and wished that he had been able to raise him farther in the church before his passing. I know that my father provided for the widow."

These were more words than she had ever heard him before speak, and he said them in such a friendly manner that she did not quite know what to say. "I believe he did, sir. When I was with her, Mrs. Adams never seemed at want for funds."

Lizzy realized all the possible implications of this statement as soon as she said it, and Darcy himself looked rather red.

It was genial Mr. Bingley that saved them both. "The Darcys have always been generous. Mr. Darcy and his sister both do great work for the poor."

"Miss Darcy is indeed a dear!" cried Miss Bingley, thankful to draw the conversation away from the scandalous past of her guest. "Is she much grown since the spring? Will she be as tall as I am?"

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

This statement caused Lizzy to look up again at Mr. Darcy in surprise. She caught his eye, blushed heavily, and forced her attention back towards the game in front of her.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Then," observed Lizzy, whose thoughts were moving too fast to censure herself, as she normally would have, "you must comprehend a great deal in your idea of an accomplished woman."

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

"Oh! certainly," cried his faithful assistant, "no one can be really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half deserved."

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

That this statement silenced Bingley's sisters for a moment did not go unnoticed by Miss Smith, who desperately sought to fill the stillness with conversation. "I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. Miss Gosford tries to impart all this on her students on a regular basis, and it does not often take."

"Are you so severe upon your own sex as to doubt the possibility of it taking?"

"I only know what I see."

Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley both cried out against the injustice of her implied doubt, and were both protesting that they knew many women who answered this description, at least from that group of ladies that came out of the better schools, when Mr. Hurst called them to order, with bitter complaints of their inattention to what was going forward. As all conversation was thereby at an end, Lizzy soon afterwards left the room.

"Lizzy Smith," said Miss Bingley, when the door was closed on her, "is quite the surprising girl. To think that she now seems to hail from Derbyshire! No doubt she will use this familiarity to try to worm her way into your graces, since she is the type to always assume friendship with her superiors."

"Undoubtedly, neither of us will wish to stress the connection," replied Darcy, to whom this remark was addressed, "though I have found that the simple wish to improve one's company is hardly evidence of the type of guile you imply. In fact, usually such cunning is far more apparent to those it is directed against." Miss Bingley was not so entirely satisfied with this reply as to continue the subject.

Lizzy joined them again only to say that Jane was worse, and that she could not leave her. It was agreed among the company that Mr. Jones should be sent for early in the morning, if Miss Bennet were not decidedly better. Bingley was quite uncomfortable; his sisters declared that they were miserable. They solaced their wretchedness, however, by duets after supper, while he could find no better relief to his feelings than by giving his housekeeper directions that every possible attention might be paid to the sick lady and her friend.

Chapter Six

Lizzy passed the chief of the night in Miss Bennet's room, and in the morning had the pleasure of being able to send a tolerable answer to the enquiries which she very early received from Mr. Bingley by a housemaid, and some time afterwards from the two elegant ladies who waited on his sisters. In spite of his amendment, however, she requested to have a note sent to Longbourn, desiring Mrs. Bennet to visit Jane, and form her own judgment of her situation. The note was immediately dispatched, and its contents as quickly complied with. Mrs. Bennet, accompanied by her two youngest girls, reached Netherfield soon after the family breakfast.

Had she found Jane in any apparent danger, Mrs. Bennet would have been very miserable; but being satisfied on seeing her that her illness was not alarming, she had no wish of her recovering immediately, as her restoration to health would probably remove her from Netherfield. She would not listen, therefore, to her daughter's proposal of being carried home; neither did the apothecary, who arrived about the same time, think it at all advisable. After sitting a little while with Jane, on Miss Bingley's appearance and invitation, the mother, two daughters and friend all attended her into the breakfast-parlor. The Bingleys attended their guests with all of the politeness they might show in such a situation.

Mrs. Bennet did not hesitate in giving thanks to the entire party for her daughter's comfort. "And to accommodate Lizzy as well, for I am sure it must be a bother. But she is of use to Jane I am sure."

"I am sure Miss Bennet gains great comfort from Miss Smith's company," replied Bingley. "And we are happy to have her."

"My Jane is so kind to Lizzy, and so she would be, for she has, without exception, the sweetest temper I ever met with. I often tell my other girls they are nothing to her. You have a sweet room here, Mr. Bingley, and a charming prospect over that gravel walk. I do not know a place in the country that is equal to Netherfield. You will not think of quitting it in a hurry, I hope, though you have but a short lease."

"Whatever I do is done in a hurry," replied he; "and therefore if I should resolve to quit Netherfield, I should probably be off in five minutes. At present, however, I consider myself as quite fixed here."

"But you must prefer the country!" said Mrs. Bennet. "So why should you not stay?"

"When I am in the country," he replied, "I never wish to leave it; and when I am in town, it is pretty much the same. They have each their advantages, and I can be equally happy in either."

"That is a happy temperament, indeed, is it not Lizzy?"

"Very much so, ma'am."

"But you are not like this yourself, Miss Smith? Surely you must have some opinion of your own," said Darcy.

"I find myself in agreement with Mr. Bingley, though my experience is quite limited. I lived three very happy years in town, just before I came to the school, but I was quite young at the time."

"Oh, what do you know of the town? You certainly were not out in society. Lizzy lived on the charity of my brother for a time in town, Mr. Darcy. So kind of him to take her in."

Lizzy blanched, for whatever her affinity for the Gardiners, she had never lived on any charity but that which was granted to her at birth. "My guardian has always provided for me, Mrs. Bennet," she finally said softly.

But that lady had moved onto another bit of conversation, and only Mr. Darcy was still listening to her answer. While his general countenance was grim, he granted her a small smile of acknowledgment. This pleased Lizzy greatly, and she began to renew her earlier suspicions, and indeed, wondered if Darcy would continue to acknowledge her, even as he continued to show his disdain for Hertfordshire company in general.

The conversation continued for a half an hour and Lizzy and Mr. Darcy both sat in silence until the end of it, when Mrs. Bennet decided to call for her carriage. Her leaving was not accomplished, however, until her youngest daughter had secured from Mr. Bingley the promise of a ball when her sister should feel better.

The day passed much as the day before had done. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley had spent some hours of the morning with the invalid, who continued, though slowly, to mend; and in the evening Elizabeth joined their party in the drawing-room. The loo-table, however, did not appear. Mr. Darcy was writing, and Miss Bingley, seated near him, was watching the progress of his letter and repeatedly calling off his attention by messages to his sister. Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley were at piquet, and Mrs. Hurst was observing their game.

Elizabeth took up some needlework, and was sufficiently amused in attending to what passed between Darcy and his companion. The dialogue between them was enough to make Lizzy embarrassed for the gentleman, though she was glad to see that he did not endure it well. She was also drawn in by the fact that he was writing to his sister and as she wished to know more of Miss Darcy, she continued to listen to the conversation.

However, the conversation did not long continue on the subject of Miss Darcy but instead moved onto a more general disagreement between Mr. Bingley and his dearest friend. Lizzy kept silent but Bingley, looking for allies (for his sisters would side with Mr. Darcy), called upon her.

"Miss Smith, I assure you that, if Darcy were not such a great tall fellow, in comparison with myself, I should not pay him half so much deference. I declare I do not know a more awful object than Darcy, on particular occasions, and in particular places; at his own house especially, and of a Sunday evening, when he has nothing to do."

Mr. Darcy smiled; but Elizabeth thought she could perceive that he was rather offended, and therefore checked her laugh.

Miss Bingley warmly resented the indignity he had received, in an expostulation with her brother for talking such nonsense.

"Come now Miss Smith, you must join me," he cried. "They are all of them against me."

"It is not my place to accuse Mr. Darcy, though I may defend you, Mr. Bingley, as a good guest might."

"But if it were your place to accuse me, Miss Smith, what would you say?" asked Darcy.

Lizzy smiled. "I do not know how you act in your own home on a Sunday night, Mr. Darcy, but I do know that you are quite the awful object, as Mr. Bingley puts it, in a public ball room on any other day of the week.

To her surprise, he laughed. "Now, Miss Smith. You may only speak for one or two days of the week. I will have you know that I dance with all and a sundry on Mondays and Tuesdays."

"Mr. Darcy dances when he wishes to, and his whims in doing so are neither predictable, nor are they often a sign of his personal regard," said Miss Bingley sharply.

"I must question such a thing!" cried Lizzy. "When Mr. Darcy actually makes the choice to dance, I believe he would do so with the person he wishes. Though many of us may simply dance because we feel a pressure to do so." Mr. Darcy's not disapproving look at this double defense of him encouraged her.

"And, who, exactly, is pressuring you to dance, Miss Smith?" asked the other woman, a savage tone in her voice.

"Well I for one certainly will, when I give my ball" said Bingley, sensing that the conversation had gotten completely out of hand. "I understand that there is a regiment of officers in Meryton these days. We will need all the young ladies to stand up with them, if the ball is to be a success."

Lizzy was buoyant, by both Bingley's gallantry, and Darcy's conversation with her, so she was sad to see that Darcy said little again, until he had finished his letter.

When that business was over, he applied to Miss Bingley and Lizzy for the indulgence of some music. Miss Bingley moved with alacrity to the pianoforte and seated herself, without sparing a look to the other girl. Mrs. Hurst sang with her sister; and while they were thus employed, Lizzy could not help observing, as she turned over some music books that lay on the instrument, how frequently Mr. Darcy's eyes were fixed on her. She wondered what he was thinking, and could only hope that they might be sharing thoughts. His personality was such a mixture of cold reserve and occasional gallantry, that she did not know what to make of him, and could not see herself inquiring of him the information she most wanted.

After playing some Italian songs, Miss Bingley varied the charm by a lively Scotch air; and soon afterwards Mr. Darcy, drawing near Lizzy, said to her --

"Do not you feel a great inclination, Miss Smith, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?"

She smiled in confusion, but made no answer. He repeated the question, with some surprise at her silence.

"Oh!" said she, "I heard you before, but I could not immediately determine what to say in reply. You seem to be acting in reply to my earlier statement, in that you may have danced with me only out of pressure. Now, you wish to show me that you dance with me willingly, or perhaps you are merely trying to prove to me that you might dance on any night of the week, and not simply Mondays and Tuesdays."

"But we are not in a public ballroom, Miss Smith. So I prove to you nothing."

Elizabeth, having rather expected to affront him, was amazed at his gallantry; but there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her otherwise humble manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody, and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. He really believed that, were it not for the complete lack of her connections, he should be in some danger.

Miss Bingley saw, or suspected enough to be jealous; and her great anxiety for the recovery of her dear friend Jane received some assistance from her desire of getting rid of Lizzy.

She often tried to provoke Darcy into disliking her guest, by talking of her supposed affection, and planning his happiness in such an alliance.

"I hope," said she, as they were walking together in the shrubbery the next day, "for your sake that her father turns out to be nothing less than a Lord, or you shall have a time getting her introduced in society. Or perhaps you may retire to Pemberley so she may be near the home of her youth. The people of Derbyshire would be so proud that you have chosen one of the local stock."

"Have you anything else to propose for my domestic felicity?" he asked grimly.

"Oh no! For I may be over planning for you future. There is no reason to believe that she expects marriage after all." That Miss Smith might be willing to take part in another arrangement entirely was implied in the statement, and Mr. Darcy begged to be excused from her musings. Miss Bingley, realizing that she had overstepped, stood alone for a moment until, at that moment she were met from another walk by Mrs. Hurst and Lizzy herself.

"I did not know that you intended to walk," said Miss Bingley, in some confusion, lest they had been overheard.

"You used us abominably ill," answered Mrs. Hurst, "running away without telling us that you were coming out."
Then, taking the arm of her sister, she left Lizzy to walk by herself. The path just admitted two. Lizzy immediately felt their rudeness, but was relieved for it gave her an excuse to walk about happily herself. Saying her goodbyes, she then ran gaily off, rejoicing, as she rambled about, in the hope of being at home again in a day or two. Jane was already so much recovered as to intend leaving her room for a couple of hours that evening.

It was some time later that she very nearly stumbled into Mr. Darcy, who had his back turned to the garden she had just come out of.

"Excuse me, sir, I was just headed back to the house."

"Not at all, Miss Smith, allow me to escort you."

They walked along in silence. Lizzy wanted to ask him a number of questions but his stormy silence did not permit it, and she very nearly despaired of them conversing at all, until he suddenly asked her.

"Tell, me, did you have a happy childhood in Lambton?"

"Very happy. Mrs. Adams was a good and kind woman, a perfect clergyman's wife. She loved me, I believe, like her own daughter. And I tried to act as such."

Darcy seemed relieved at this statement. "And we have not met before?"

"I do not believe so. I saw your mother once, I believe, in an open carriage. If you will excuse me, I thought her quite beautiful." Lizzy did not share the pointed, pained look that the woman had given her, or the whispers she had heard.

"She was."

"I did not make the connection at first, between your name and Pemberley. Your parents were usually referred to as simply ‘the Master' and ‘Lady Anne.' It never occurred to the child that I was that they would have had children themselves."

"I knew many of the village children as a boy---but I am sure you would have been young enough to escape my notice."

"Probably. I wonder did you know Mrs. Gardiner? Miss Adams must have been close to your age, perhaps a little older."

"By sight, perhaps. It would have been far more likely had she a brother."

"No. There was no brother."

They were back at the house. Darcy again had reverted to silence, and Lizzy curtseyed shyly.

"Thank you, sir. I should return to Miss Bennet now."

"Miss Smith."

When the ladies removed after dinner, Lizzy ran up to Miss Bennet, and seeing her well guarded from cold, attended her into the drawing-room, where she was welcomed by her two friends with many professions of pleasure; and Elizabeth had never seen them so agreeable as they were during the hour which passed before the gentlemen appeared. Their powers of conversation were considerable. They could describe an entertainment with accuracy, relate an anecdote with humor, and laugh at their acquaintance with spirit.

But when the gentlemen entered, Jane was no longer the first object; Miss Bingley's eyes were instantly turned towards Darcy, and in hopes of resolving her earlier affront, had something to say to him before he had advanced many steps. He addressed himself directly to Miss Bennet, with a polite congratulation; Mr. Hurst also made her a slight bow, and said he was 'very glad'; but diffuseness and warmth remained for Bingley's salutation. He was full of joy and attention. The first half-hour was spent in piling up the fire, lest she should suffer from the change of room; and she removed at his desire to the other side of the fireplace, that she might be farther from the door. He then sat down by her, and talked scarcely to any one else. Lizzy, at work in the opposite corner, saw it all with great delight.

When tea was over, Mr. Hurst reminded his sister-in-law of the card-table -- but in vain. She had obtained private intelligence that Mr. Darcy did not wish for cards; and Mr. Hurst soon found even his open petition rejected. She assured him that no one intended to play, and the silence of the whole party on the subject seemed to justify her. Mr. Hurst had therefore nothing to do but to stretch himself on one of the sofas and go to sleep. Darcy took up a book; Miss Bingley did the same; and Mrs. Hurst, principally occupied in playing with her bracelets and rings, joined now
Miss Bingley was obviously bored, and after several attempts at conversion, got up and walked about the room. Her figure was elegant, and she walked well; but Darcy, at whom it was all aimed, was still inflexibly studious. In the desperation of her feelings, she resolved on one effort more, and turning to Elizabeth, said --

"Miss Smith, let me persuade you to follow my example, and take a turn about the room. I assure you it is very refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude."

Lizzy was surprised, but agreed to it immediately. Miss Bingley succeeded no less in the real object of her civility: Mr.

Darcy looked up. He was as much awake to the novelty of attention in that quarter as Lizzy herself could be, and unconsciously closed his book. He was directly invited to join their party, but he declined it, observing that he could imagine but two motives for their choosing to walk up and down the room together, with either of which motives his joining them would interfere.

Miss Bingley's first thought was to look to her companion, but remembering the identity of the girl, she decided to instead asked the man directly to explain himself.

"I have not the smallest objection to explaining them," said he, as soon as she allowed him to speak. "You either chuse this method of passing the evening because you are in each other's confidence, and have secret affairs to discuss, or because you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage in walking; -- if the first, I should be completely in your way, and if the second, I can admire you much better as I sit by the fire."

"Oh! shocking!" cried Miss Bingley. "I never heard anything so abominable. How shall we punish him for such a speech?"

It was a rhetorical question, so Lizzy knew she must not respond. Nonetheless, she was forming an answer when Darcy himself spoke.

"It is hardly the most shocking suggesting I have heard today, Miss Bingely, I assure you."

Caroline was torn between apology and defense. "Now, now Mr. Darcy. I am sorry, I am sure. But you simply must learn to laugh at yourself!" Seeing a flash of anger across his face, she finally turned to his companion and said lightly. "Miss Smith, Mr. Darcy must not be laughed at. For he will simply not allow it."

"Mr. Darcy is not to be laughed at?" asked Lizzy, who for own safety, wished to mediate between the lady and gentleman, though she did not know the source of their argument. "That is an uncommon advantage, and uncommon I hope it will continue, for it would be a great loss to me to have many such acquaintance. I dearly love a laugh."

"Miss Bingley," said he, "has given me credit for more than I am. The wisest and the best of men -- nay, the wisest and best of their actions -- may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke."

"Certainly," replied Lizzy, once again quite conscious that he was not talking directly at her -- "there are such people, but I hope I am not one of them. I hope I never ridicule what is wise or good. Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can."

"Well then, Miss Smith, you would have found Miss Bingley's speech this afternoon quite amusing. Perhaps, you might share the joke, Miss Bingley."

"I'm not sure she would enjoy it, Mr. Darcy."

"Yes, Mr. Darcy, I am sure I would not!" cried Lizzy, who felt that she was being used. "A joke might be enjoyed in one moment, but made unfunny the next, by too many repetitions."

"Yes, indeed, sir. You must understand Miss Smith's objection," said Miss Bingley. "For I know that you are a man without fault, and would not have her told what she would not wish to hear."

"No," said Darcy, "I have made no such pretension. I have faults enough, Miss Bingley, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding -- certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost is lost forever."

Lizzy found her arm in great pain, where Miss Bingley's nails had suddenly dug into it.

"Do let us have a little music," cried Mrs. Hurst, seeing her sister's great discomfort. The sudden tension in the room lessoned, but there remained a palpable anger on Darcy's part. He would not look at Miss Bingley for the rest of the evening, but Lizzy found herself rather distressed that he would not look at her either, and the seeming steps they had made that afternoon were lost.

The next morning, Jane had Lizzy write to her mother, to beg that the carriage might be sent for them in the course of the day. But Mrs. Bennet, who had calculated on her daughter remaining at Netherfield till the following Tuesday, which would exactly finish Jane's week, could not bring herself to receive them with pleasure before. Her answer, therefore, was not propitious, at least not to Lizzy's wishes, for she was impatient to get home. Mrs. Bennet sent them word that they could not possibly have the carriage before Tuesday; and in her postscript it was added that, if Mr. Bingley and his sister pressed her to stay longer, she could spare her very well. Against staying longer, however, Lizzy was positively resolved -- nor did she much expect it would be asked; and fearful, on the contrary, as being considered as intruding themselves needlessly long, she urged Jane to borrow Mr. Bingley's carriage immediately, and at length it was settled that their original design of leaving Netherfield that morning should be mentioned, and the request made.

The communication excited many professions of concern; and enough was said of wishing them to stay at least till the following day to work on Jane; and till the morrow their going was deferred. Miss Bingley was then sorry that she had proposed the delay, for her jealousy and dislike of one friend much exceeded her affection for the other.

The master of the house heard with real sorrow that they were to go so soon, and repeatedly tried to persuade Miss Bennet that it would not be safe for her -- that she was not enough recovered; but Jane was firm where she felt herself to be right.

To Mr. Darcy it was welcome intelligence: Lizzy had been at Netherfield long enough. She attracted him more than he liked -- and Miss Bingley was uncivil to her, and more teasing than usual to himself. He wisely resolved to be particularly careful that no sign of admiration should now escape him, nothing that could elevate her with the hope of influencing his felicity; sensible that if such an idea had been suggested, his behavior during the last day must have material weight in confirming or crushing it. Steady to his purpose, he scarcely spoke ten words to her through the whole of Saturday, and though they were at one time left by themselves for half an hour, he adhered most conscientiously to his book, and would not even look at her. The confusion that his lack of attention caused was acute, and Lizzy despaired of ever being in his company again.

On Sunday, after morning service, the separation, so agreeable to almost all, took place. Miss Bingley's civility to Lizzy increased at last very rapidly, as well as her affection for Jane; and when they parted, after assuring the latter of the pleasure it would always give her to see her either at Longbourn or Netherfield, and embracing her most tenderly, she even shook hands with the former. Lizzy took leave of the whole party in lively spirits, though her reproachful glance at Mr. Darcy was enough to put him in a bad mood for several hours.

Lizzy was welcomed home very cordially by Miss Gosford and the little girls, and listened pleasantly to her news of
Meryton's comings and goings. The biggest news was of the best kind. Colonel Forster was going to be married.

Chapter Seven

Posted on: 2008-11-10

It was a few days later that Lizzy was called on by three out of four of the Bennet girls. For Miss Mary, they volunteered, had chosen to stay at home, and with her was a Mr. Collins, to whom Mrs. Bennet was determined see her married.

"And shall he have a hard time of it?" asked Lizzy, after it was explained to her who exactly Mr. Collins was.

"Our Mr. Collins is not the most aware of men," said Jane kindly. "We are not sure if he understands our Mary's dislike of company. She would stay home, so he would stay home with her, and I imagine she will not say six words to him when we are gone. Indeed I feel quite bad for him, for I think he came determined to marry one of us, and I do not think he is suited to any of us."

The younger girls did not have such restrained opinions, nor did they wish to remain inside when there were officers about, so Lizzy got her wrap and the four walked along the street, talking of this and that, as young ladies are prone to do.

But the attention of every lady was soon caught by a young man, whom they had never seen before, of most gentlemanlike appearance, walking with an officer on the other side of the way. The officer was the very Mr. Denny, concerning whose return from London Lydia came to inquire, and he bowed as they passed. All were struck with the stranger's air, all wondered who he could be; and Kitty and Lydia, determined if possible to find out, led the way across the street, under pretence of wanting something in an opposite shop, and fortunately had just gained the pavement when the two gentlemen, turning back, had reached the same spot. Mr. Denny addressed them directly, and entreated permission to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickham, who had returned with him the day before from town, and he was happy to say had accepted a commission in their corps. This was exactly as it should be; for the young man wanted only regimentals to make him completely charming. His appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address. The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation -- a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the whole party were still standing and talking together very agreeably, when the sound of horses drew their notice, and Darcy and Bingley were seen riding down the street. On distinguishing the ladies of the group the two gentlemen came directly towards them, and began the usual civilities. Bingley was the principal spokesman, and Miss Bennet the principal object. He was then, he said, on his way to Longbourn on purpose to inquire after her. Mr. Darcy corroborated it with a bow, and was beginning to determine not to fix his eyes on Lizzy, when they were suddenly arrested by the sight of the stranger, and Lizzy, happening to see the countenance of both as they looked at each other, was all astonishment at the effect of the meeting. Both changed color; one looked white, the other red. Mr. Wickham, after a few moments, touched his hat -- a salutation which Mr. Darcy just deigned to return. What could be the meaning of it? -- It was impossible to imagine; it was impossible not to long to know.

The girls continued to Mrs. Philips, where they entreated her to make her husband call on the new gentleman, so that they might all come together for a game of lottery tickets and a hot supper at the Philips home a few nights later.

As the sisters walked Lizzy back to Miss Gosford's, she told Miss Bennet of Mr. Darcy's reaction to Mr. Wickham. Jane supposed Miss Smith must be mistaken, for she knew her friend to be awfully confused on the subject of Mr. Darcy in general.

Though she had mixed with them little, Lizzy was a favorite among the lower officers. She was not unused to the idea that her pretty face and 5,000 pounds might go a long ways with that crowd, and she was happy to see that the same was true of Mr. Wickham. She knew not to allow herself to be taken advantage of by any of them, but as a lively girl it did her good to know that they appreciated her company, especially after her five generally vexing days at Netherfield.

It was thoughts of that place that led to her asking Mr. Wickham if he had yet met Mr. Bingley and his guests. After some back and forth, they found out their shared history in Derbyshire, and Lizzy was thrilled to see that Mr. Wickham and she had some mutual acquaintances.

"But you have not spoken with them in some time?" he asked.

"No indeed," she said. "I am afraid it has been ten years since I have been at Lambton."

Mr. Wickham smiled, showing a row of well-placed teeth. "It has been some time for myself as well, as I am no longer welcome at Pemberley."

"But why?" she asked, out of more confusion than sympathy.

The narrator must confess that while Lizzy was distressed by her new friend's subsequent tale, there were other parts of his story that interested her more, and she quickly led him back to those details.

"Old Mr. Darcy was a generous man, indeed," she said, smiling. "A living is a significant gift."

He nodded. "Indeed, I believe he was generous with all. As far as I am concerned, he was the best man I have ever known. ‘Tis a pity that his son is not like him."

"A great master and a good manager," said Lizzy, again ignoring Wickham's discussion of the son. "He expanded the estate when other men gambled theirs away. Someone who always looked out for his inferiors. These seemed to be the general assumptions about the Master when I was a girl."

"I have no doubt."

"The perfect man, then?"

Here Mr. Wickham gave her a long look. "All men have some faults, Miss Smith. Tell me, do you have a special interest in the Darcy family?"

She blushed. "Around here, sir, I am a girl without a past. You must understand that it follows that my past is in Derbyshire. Lately I have been wondering much more about it. Especially since meeting Mr. Darcy. I do not know if you ever heard those rumors that surrounded me as a child."

"Ah! I began to take your meaning. You have a large bequest, do you not?" At Lizzy's hesitation, he smiled. "What I mean to say, ma'am, is that there are not many men in Derbyshire that both could and would give such a gift. Hence your interest in my godfather. Am I correct?"

Lizzy had never been so frank with anybody, but encouraged by his own story, and his disinclination to shyness, nodded.

"There have been such stories, ma'am, about many men, and I do not know of any about Mr. George Darcy---I myself am a student of the faults of his son. However, I cannot but tell you that Lady Anne was habitually ill and that the couple was often separated. Men will be men, Miss Smith, but you, of all people, know that truth well enough."

She nodded. "That I do. Thank you for your honesty, Mr. Wickham."

"Not at all, ma'am."

At this point the two were interrupted by Miss Mary, who having tried to escape from Mr. Collins by speaking to no one at all, as was her preference, had finally had to seek out company more agreeable to her than his.

"Lizzy," she hissed, in a breathless voice more reminiscent of her younger sisters than herself, "if I hear one more word of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, I shall scream."

"Miss Mary, you have met Mr. Wickham, have you not?"

"Yes, of course, Mr. Wickham. I am sorry to interrupt."

"Not at all, Miss Bennet. It is too bad that Mr. Darcy is not here, for as Lady Catherine's nephew, he might be able to deflect some of your cousins' attentions." Lizzy looked at Wickham in surprise. "Oh yes, Miss Smith, they are related. And rumor has it that Mr. Darcy is to wed Miss de Bourg."

"This is all very interesting," said Mary impatiently. "But Mr. Darcy is not here."

"Never mind, Miss Bennet, I shall distract him for a time, and give you a rest. Miss Smith, I hope to continue our conversation some other time."

Lizzy smiled at Mr. Wickham's gallantry. He had indeed walked straight over to the clergyman and appeared to be happily conversing with him. She caught his eye, and he gave her a wink. Shocked but amused, she blushed for the second time in as many minutes.

"I am quite indebted to Mr. Wickham," said Mary happily.

"He appears quite the genial sort, doesn't he?" said Lizzy.

That evening when the little girls awoke to gather around Lizzy, she could only smile and say that she was quite tired and would tell them stories of officers and whist at a later time. As she went to sleep, her head was a jumble of thoughts. Mr. Wickham had been kind and amiable, and he had paid her much attention. But far more important than Mr. Wickham's attentions were the feelings about her own identity. His words had confirmed at least the possibility of her suspicions. The corroboration of rumors about the relationship between the master and herself. For the first time, even in her mind, she gave words to them.

Was it possible that Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy was her brother? And if he was, how could he have been so singularly cruel?

The promised invitation to Mr. Bingley's ball came, and the days passed slowly until the date. Lizzy's costume and hair were for many hours debated by all the girls in the school, for it was determined that nothing quite so exciting had ever happened before. Lace and trim were proffered in abundance and at least a dozen girls volunteered to help Lizzy prepare. The stories of older sisters and mothers were offered up as reverent guidance, and Miss Smith could not walk down a hall, without a young girl slipping in beside her, in hopes, it must be assumed, that invitations to balls might be catching.

Thus, when Lizzy entered the ball on the evening of the sixth of November, there was no other girl in Meryton that had been so pampered and prepared. She looked in vain for Mr. Wickham, but he was not to be found, a fact later confirmed by Mr. Denny, who subsequently asked her to dance.

The plethora officers meant that no girl was at a loss for partners, and Lizzy was no exception. She quite lost track of how many lieutenants and captains that asked her to dance, and she enjoyed herself immensely. She did not flirt, for she recognized the delicate state of her reputation, but she was friendly. It was unfortunate, she recognized, that the officers that might have formed serious designs on her had to be rejected in her mind for any number of reasons, where the officers respectable enough for her own standards had pressures of another kind that kept her from being more than a dance partner. Mr. Wickham, perhaps, walked a fine line between the two. He was from a respectable background, and might actually require her fortune for good reason. And he was both handsome and friendly, and not at all affronted by her own parentage. But Mr. Wickham was not in attendance. For one moment, she allowed herself to consider the fact that life was terribly unfair.

She found herself hesitant to tell Wickham's story to Charlotte, however; for in her own desire to know Mr. Darcy better, she could not find herself wanting to think ill of him. They were otherwise carrying on a conversation, when the man himself, came up to ask her to dance.

That this was the third he had asked her to dance was not lost on Lizzy or Charlotte, and the latter commented on it. "He plays you a great compliment by singling you out so."

Lizzy was also singularly confused. Had there been no Derbyshire connection, she would have been complimented, though also leery, for a man so far above her paying her such attention could do no favors for her reputation. Yet, the possibility of such a connection gave a surreal nature to the prospect of dancing with him, especially if there was a suspicion on his side as well. It was all very puzzling, and his own conflicting manners, and Wickham's story only added to her bewilderment.

"You must watch him Charlotte, and tell me how he looks when we dance."

"I would Lizzy, but I am to dance with Mr. Collins next, and based on his past performances, I know I will have to pay attention to my feet."

"The poor man. He seems rather ridiculous, but it is painful to see Miss Mary reject him so."

"I must confess that the Bennet girls are all frustrating me greatly," laughed Charlotte, only half facetiously. "Jane needs to encourage Mr. Bingley so much more than she does. And Mary, given the chance for a comfortable home and to keep her estate in the family, will not even consider the match."

"Charlotte, you must allow for differences in situation and temper. There is no question that the match will occur between Miss Bennet and Mr. Bingley, even without barefaced encouragement, and as for Miss Mary, could you imagine that lady happy as a clergyman's wife? Such a social position to have!"

"Perhaps you are right, Lizzy. In some ways, I envy you. You may be independent, and there is no pressure to be otherwise."

Before Lizzy could respond, however, their partners came to claim them for the next dance.