Section I, Next Section

Preface

I was thinking that Mr. Darcy suffered much on his way to gain Miss Bennet's hand not because he was proud, but actually because he was rude! Here is a list of reasons why Elizabeth refused him:

- His comment at the Meryton Assembly.

- His slights of her and her family during her stay at Netherfield.

- He did not tell the truth about Wickham, thinking it "below him".

- His officious interference between Jane and Bingley.

- Finally, his "less-than-impressive" proposal!

Now, what do you think would have happened if he was proud, yes, but not rude? What if he avoided all these mistakes? Would the outcome have been different? Here is what I think!

Chapter 1

Mr. Darcy was a man of large fortune and superior understanding. At twenty-eight, he had nearly all what a man his age would want. He had everything except, perhaps, a companion. He wanted someone to share his life with, to share his thoughts, his happy moments and his sad moments. He required too much in his life companion. He wanted someone from the same class, who had some intelligence and did not want him for his money. He attended many social events, seen many ladies trying to gain his attention, led by Miss Bingley of course. What he had seen considerably decreased his opinion of all women. They were either superficial or shallow-minded, or even worse: both!

Darcy also had a predetermined opinion of all the lower classes. He cannot associate himself with any of them, since they are definitely after his money. Which young lady, who is not as wealthy as he is, does not dream of catching a husband like himself? He was proud of who he was. He was proud of his family. He was proud of his estate. And he wanted someone at least as good as he thought he is! This was his opinion, and he had lived with it for the last twenty years at least.

My reader will now imagine Mr. Darcy to be a cold-blooded uninteresting fellow when associating with people of lower classes. Surprisingly, that was not true. Mr. Darcy was very much liked by all people he met. The reason was that he was very polite with anybody and everybody. He may think meanly of others, but he did not let his thoughts prevent him from being polite to them, or even more, amiable. No one knew what he was thinking, since he was too polite to refuse a request by anyone, even complete strangers. People declared him to have a very amiable temper, though he was a little bit more serious than other young gentlemen.

Author's note: I apologize for taking too long to describe the new Darcy! All other characters are the same, so there is no need to give any description of them!

Miss Bingley and Miss Hurst were completely annoyed with the local people. Unlike Darcy, they did not have the tact to hide their opinion, and were soon figured by the perceptive people in attendance as an arrogant couple. Mr. Hurst was, well, Mr. Hurst! Miss Bingley had this irritating habit of interfering in the conversation between Mr. Darcy and other people, trying to put them off. Darcy was obviously annoyed by that, and so were other people.

Not before long, Mr. Bingley was lively talking and dancing with the most beautiful lady in the room, Miss Jane Bennet. He saw his friend's obvious discomfort, and went to him in the middle of the dance to try to persuade him to join.

"Come, Darcy," said he, "I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. Conversation is fine with me, but not in a ballroom! You had much better dance."

"I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it."

"I would not be so fastidious as you are," cried Bingley, "for a kingdom! Upon my honour I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life, as I have this evening; and there are several of them, you see, uncommonly pretty."

"You are dancing with the most handsome girl in the room," said Mr. Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss Bennet.

"Oh! she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you."

"Which do you mean?" and turning round, he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and said, "She is very pretty, I agree." Actually, he more than agreed with that! "But you know your lovely sister! I cannot stand up with another lady before her. She will kill my partner for sure, and I do not want to have that on my conscience! Seriously, Charles, you know your sister will force me to dance with her after that, and you know my feelings on that matter! You had better return to your partner and enjoy her company, for you are wasting your time with me."

Mr. Bingley followed his advice. Mr. Darcy walked off; and Elizabeth remained in her place, thinking that Mr. Darcy is a very interesting person. She did not feel like dancing that night, partly because her mother urged her to do so! Hence, she was not annoyed when he amiably turned down the offer to dance with her. She was, however, caught by his teasing manner, and his assessment of Caroline Bingley which happened to agree with hers. Her friend Charlotte Lucas also gave her a favorable opinion of his intelligent and amiable conversation.

When she looked up from her thoughts, she smiled as she found that Mr. Darcy has returned near her, and was at that very moment looking at her. Seeing an opportunity to entertain herself with some intelligent conversation, she walked towards him, and addressed him,

"Mr. Darcy!"

Chapter 2

Fitzwilliam Darcy was surprised by having this beautiful young woman address him without their being previously introduced. That was not considered a proper behavior from a lady towards a gentleman in his circle. He did not approve of such forwardness in behavior from anybody, but being the polite gentleman he is, he kept his feelings to himself, and replied with a smile,

"Miss...er...I do not think we were introduced. Maybe I was not properly concentrating when we were. Could you please forgive me and tell me your name?"

Elizabeth blushed deeply as she recognized her fault. She was utterly ashamed that she let her spontaneous feelings take control over her mind. She was speechless for a complete minute in front of an amused Darcy before she replied,

"I ...am extremely sorry Mr. Darcy. We were not properly introduced but I heard my friends talking about you. I should not have intruded on you like that. Pray forgive me...If you please excuse me."

Mr. Darcy was amazed at her telling him the truth, and even apologizing. Not any normal young lady would admit her error, especially since he provided her with a nice way out. He had to know more about her. Before she had a chance to walk away, he quickly said,

"No, I will not forgive you that easy, unless you tell me your name!" A large smile was on his face assured Elizabeth that he was not being cruel, so she regained part of her composure as she smiled and said,

"Oh! I cannot leave without your forgiveness! My name is Miss Elizabeth Bennet," and she curtseyed.

"It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Bennet." Darcy was thrilled as he saw the smile in her beautiful eyes.

"So, you forgive me now?"

"How can I not?" And it was Elizabeth's turn to feel thrilled by his nice manners.

"So, what do you think of our community, Mr. Darcy?"

Darcy was not very pleased with what she called 'their community', but again, his politeness prevailed.

"There are a lot of interesting people here, I can assure you."

Elizabeth was not very pleased with his reply, since she sensed he was not completely sincere. But given his nice behavior to her just a minute ago, it was hard for her to start a fight. Thus, she changed the subject.

"Do you really dislike dancing?"

"Do you, Miss Bennet? I hardly saw you dance tonight. I would for sure have noticed someone like you dancing!"

Elizabeth blushed as she said, "No, I do not like to dance! My mother always urges me to do so in order to catch a husband as she says! But I do not think a husband that I catch due to my skills at the dance floor will be a very good choice for me!" She blushed even deeper red for that reference to her mother and her matchmaking skills.

"I have to agree with you on that, Miss Bennet! Do you have any sisters?"

"Yes, I do have four of them. The lovely blonde over there dancing with your friend is my older sister Jane. The one sitting by the fire reading is my younger sister Mary. Those two dancing over there are the two youngest, Catherine and Lydia." Elizabeth was mortified at the scene her young sisters were causing, and she was even more mortified that Mr. Darcy witnessed it. She wondered why she cared.

Darcy was displeased also by Lydia and Catherine and their wild behavior, but as usual he chose not to show his disapproval.

"Your young sisters seem to be very energetic as I see!"

Elizabeth was anxious to change the topic of conversation again, so she exclaimed, "But Mr. Darcy, you never answered my earlier question! Do you really dislike dancing?"

"Not necessarily, but I do not like it either. And I try to avoid it completely in the company of certain people," he said, gesturing towards a certain Miss Bingley, which made Elizabeth laugh. "As you know, Miss Bennet, every savage can dance!"

"So what do you prefer to do when you have free time?"

"I prefer to read, or to listen to my sister playing the pianoforte. She is an excellent performer!" Darcy beamed with pride. "Do you play, Miss Bennet?"

"A little."

"I will be delighted if I had the chance to listen to you. I am sure you play more than a little! "

"I did not practice a lot, Mr. Darcy, so I am sure you will not be delighted to listen to my deficient performance. And what books do you prefer to read?"

They would have continued this conversation, if it was not for the interference of an angry Miss Bingley,

"Mr. Darcy, here you are! I was looking all over for you. How can you leave me for so long? Those people here do not have any idea of manners or fashion! Did you see the dress that..."

A grim look on Darcy's face made her recognize they were not alone. Though Darcy agreed with most of what she said, he could not approve of publicly criticizing other people or to the rude manner with which she interrupted his lively conversation with the lovely Miss Bennet. Seeing Miss Bingley's fake embarrassment, and wishing to avoid a scene with the sister of his friend, he said,

"Miss Bingley, may I introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet? Miss Bennet, Miss Caroline Bingley."

Elizabeth was extremely angry for the rudeness of Miss Bingley, and even more so for her interruption of her conversation with the mysterious Mr. Darcy. But she also did not want to spoil the party, so she curtseyed and said,

"Miss Bingley."

"Miss Bennet. Please forgive my interruption," she said with an insincere smile, "but I have to show Mr. Darcy something."

Darcy looked regretfully at Elizabeth as he said, "I hope to have a chance to talk to you later, Miss Bennet. Please excuse me."

Elizabeth watched him go with Miss Bingley, and she wished at that moment she could kill her!

Later that night, Longbourn

"Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet!" Mrs. Bennet shrieked. "we have had a most delightful evening, a most excellent ball. I wish you had been there. Jane was so admired, nothing could be like it. Every body said how well she looked; and Mr. Bingley thought her quite beautiful, and danced with her twice. Only think of that my dear; he actually danced with her twice; and she was the only creature in the room that he asked a second time. First of all, he asked Miss Lucas. I was so vexed to see him stand up with her; but, however, he did not admire her at all: indeed, nobody can, you know; and he seemed quite struck with Jane as she was going down the dance. So, he enquired who she was, and got introduced, and asked her for the two next. Then, ..."

"Oh please, Mrs. Bennet, say no more of his partners. Oh! that he had sprained his ankle in the first dance!"

"Oh! my dear," continued Mrs. Bennet, "I am quite delighted with him. He is so excessively handsome! and his sisters are charming women. I never in my life saw any thing more elegant than their dresses. I dare say the lace upon Mrs. Hurst's gown -- "

Here she was interrupted again. Mr. Bennet protested against any description of finery. She was therefore obliged to seek another branch of the subject.

"And you know what? He brought with him to the party a friend of his, a Mr. Darcy. A very handsome man! And so tall! And he has ten thousand a year. Imagine that, Mr. Bennet, ten thousand! What a fine match he will be for our daughters! I am surprised he did not dance with Jane, but again, he did not dance with anybody tonight. But I have to tell you that all were pleased by his manners. And he talked to Lizzy for some while, if I remember right! Oh, Lizzy, bad girl. How did you not force him to dance with you?"

Lizzy rolled her eyes and said, "But mother, how could I force him?"

"Oh, irresponsible girl. If it had only been Jane or Lydia with the man, they will for sure have forced him to ask. But you..."

And that was the end of all rational talk for the night!

Chapter 3

The next time they saw the Netherfield occupants was at a party at Lucas lodge. As soon as he entered the room, Mr. Bingley scanned it and looked for Jane, and he directly proceeded towards her, leaving an amused Darcy and angry Caroline behind. Elizabeth and Charlotte Lucas soon found each other, and they began talking about the relationship between Mr. Bingley and Jane.

"Your sister seems to have left quite an impression on Mr. Bingley!" Charlotte jested.

"I am so happy for her! She was very excited when I asked her about him last night. I think she is very well on the way of being desperately in love with him!"

"If she is, she should show him more of her feelings, then. She will not catch him if she does not show him how strongly she felt."

"Charlotte! You begin to sound like mother! Catch him indeed! And did I tell you what she told me the other night about Mr. Darcy? She quarreled with me because I did not force him to dance with me at the assembly. Force him, she said! If it had only been Jane or Lydia with the man, " she said, imitating her mother's tone.

Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley's attentions to her sister, and her mother's complaints, Elizabeth was far from suspecting that she was herself becoming an object of some interest in the eyes of Mr. Darcy. He began to find her very witty and intelligent, and the beautiful expression of her eyes certainly did not help! He found himself drawn towards her and her friend, and away from the irritating company of Miss Bingley. He was just next to her as he heard her last couple of statements, and he laughed in spite of himself as he heard her imitate her mother. This laugh, however, made Elizabeth very embarrassed as she noticed him so near. How long had he been listening? She wondered.

"Miss Lucas. Miss Bennet. I am glad to see you both again!"

Seeing her friend's discomfort, Charlotte replied, "Mr. Darcy! The pleasure is all ours. How are you and how is your friend Mr. Bingley?"

"We are fine. Thank you for asking. I think my friend is enjoying himself more this party than the previous one," Darcy replied with a smile to Elizabeth.

After exchanging pleasantries for some while, Charlotte tactfully excused herself from her friend and Mr. Darcy, having a feeling that the gentleman needs to talk to Elizabeth.

"Miss Bennet! I hope I did not cause you much trouble at home!"

Elizabeth was mortified at his reference to her previous statements, but seeing the genuine smile on his face, she regained her playfulness and replied,

"Oh yes you did! But I surely deserve it, after failing to drag you to the dance floor the other night!"

"It seems that you do not get on well with your mother, do you?"

"Mr. Darcy, as much as it pains me, but I was never her favorite daughter. I am always the worst at the art of catching husbands!"

"Not at all, I assure you!" Mr. Darcy bluntly said before he recognized his forwardness. He stammered for a few moments before recollecting himself. "I mean, all young ladies are good at that art."

Elizabeth was aware of his discomfort, but she chose to ignore it as she playfully said,

"You are severe on us. It makes me wonder why! You do not expect all young ladies to be dreaming of catching husbands, do you?" She teased.

"It will be her turn soon to be teased," interrupted Miss Lucas. "I am going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know what follows."

"You are a very strange creature by way of a friend! Always wanting me to play and sing before any body and every body! If my vanity had taken a musical turn, you would have been invaluable, but as it is, I would really rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit of hearing the very best performers." She smiled to Mr. Darcy as she referred to his sister. On Miss Lucas's persevering, and a polite request from Mr. Darcy, however, she added, "Very well; if it must be so, it must!"

Her performance was pleasing, though by no means capital. But she sang with great feeling that left Mr. Darcy catching for his breath. Her performance was not equal to that of his sister, to be sure, but there was something about her that he could not quite get hold of; that made her uncommonly interesting.

After a song or two, and before she could reply to the entreaties of several that she would sing again, she was eagerly succeeded at the instrument by her sister Mary, who was not so pleasing. After boring the audience with a long song, she changed to playing a light tone, at the request of her younger sisters, who, with some of the Lucas's and two or three officers, started to dance in a very improper manner.

Mr. Darcy stood near them in silent disapprobation. How could the same family generate the two pleasing eldest daughters, and at the same time, those improper youngest? He wondered. He was looking at that display as he saw Elizabeth going to her sisters trying to urge them to behave. He admired her more and more with each passing second, that he had to remind himself of her low connections and his family pride to remain in control of his feelings. While he was thinking of her, he was approached by Miss Bingley.

"I can guess the subject of your reverie."

"I should imagine not."

"You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this manner, in such a society; and indeed I am quite of your opinion. I was never more annoyed! The stupidity and yet the noise; the nothingness and yet the self-importance of all these people! What would I give to hear your opinion of them!"

"Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind was more agreeably engaged."

Miss Bingley was surprised, and entreated him to tell her of what he was thinking, but he did not want to tell her. He was considerate enough to know that telling her would hurt her feelings, and though he did not like her, he did not want to hurt anyone's feelings.

Miss Bingley was vexed that he would not tell her, and she went to more desperate measures to gain his attention. As she saw Elizabeth passing by them, she called,

"Miss Bennet!" Elizabeth looked at her in surprise. "It is a great pleasure to see you again. I was asking Mr. Darcy about what he was thinking of now, and he refused to tell me. I saw him talk to you for a great deal this evening so I thought you might have an idea!" Now that I think of it, he really spent a long time talking to this Eliza Bennet, she thought.

"Why Miss Bingley, you are his friend for many years now, and certainly you can force him to say what you want! Excuse me, I have to look for Charlotte," she said with smile at Mr. Darcy as she said that. This interchange was not lost on Miss Bingley, and she was left steaming with anger after Mr. Darcy excused himself as well.

Later that night ...

Five people were thinking that night before they slept, trying to sort out their feelings.

For the less complicated characters, Jane and Bingley, it was simpler. They both recognized as they were about to sleep that they do care for each other, nay, that they love each other. They both slept dreaming pleasant dreams.

Elizabeth was at loss as to what to think of a certain Mr. Darcy. He was polite beyond belief, since she had not seen many of his circle behave as he did. Miss Bingley certainly did not! And he was also good at conversation, and she enjoyed his company so much. And she felt in her heart that he was kind and considerate. She also felt he was a little bit proud, but his politeness and kindness by far outweighed that. Did she feel more for him? And did he feel anything for her, or was he just being his nice self? She could only think that a man of his position could not possibly allow himself to be associated with the lower classes. Regretfully, she tried to repress any feelings she might have for him. She slept restlessly for the remainder of the night.

Mr. Darcy was also thinking of a certain Miss Bennet. He knew he enjoyed her company, and that she was different from all the vain ladies he knew before. Even if she was more playful and opinionated than his taste, he could not but feel appreciation for her nice qualities. He remembered with pleasure her performance at the pianoforte and her lively song. He could not remember when he had been more excited in his life. But her family and connections? Her wealth, or lack of? These were nothing to be pleased at. His family pride could not allow him to consider connecting himself to such people. Did he just say connect himself ? How? The obvious answer is to marry her. Did he just say marry ? No, this is not to be borne. He owed his family more than that. Pleasing as she is, lovely as she is, beautiful as she is, she is still beneath him and he knows it. He is not allowed to marry into such a family, that he knew for sure. He also slept restlessly for the remainder of the night.

Miss Bingley was thinking of Darcy and Eliza. Eliza and Darcy? This nobody and my Darcy? This cannot be. Something needs to be done soon. She saw how he looked at that person the other night, and she knew she needs to act soon, before it becomes a lost case for her. She slept with a wicked smile on her face as she completed most parts of her devilish plan.

Chapter 4

Miss Bingley woke up early in the morning, which was something she was not used to do. She went on to execute the first part of her plan. She dispatched a letter to Jane Bennet inviting her to come and dine with her and her sister that very night, as she knew her brother and his friend are going to dine with the officers at the time. Oh, and Mr. Hurst too! I always forget him, she smiled.

Her plan was simple. All she needed was to know as much as she can about the connections of those Bennets, and use this information to alienate Darcy from that Eliza! She knew Darcy too well - or at least she thought she did - to know that he could not bear to associate himself permanently with the lower classes. Jane Bennet was such a sweet girl, and she could not refuse to answer any of her questions about their low connections. She was also too good to think that Caroline had any ulterior motives. Poor Jane, Caroline thought. She could not imagine I will use her information against her family! And if I can manage to scare my brother and keep him away from her as well, then better and better! She laughed as she thought of poor Jane!

Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, together with Mr. Hurst, left in the afternoon for the officers. Caroline then had time to tell her sister of her intentions. Mrs. Hurst, though not very pleased at the idea that Eliza Bennet was a threat to Caroline in the first place, told her that they had better be cautious than lose Darcy forever. They patiently awaited for Jane to arrive.

About half an hour later than the appointed time, a very wet Jane arrived at Netherfield. Caroline was appalled at the thought that she came on horseback. Reluctantly, Caroline asked one of her maids to let her guest change to one of her own dresses. When Jane returned to the dining room, she was apparently pale and sick, but Caroline had no scruples in asking her all the questions she needed, regardless of her increased illness. She soon knew all she needed to know about the low connections of those Bennets. The unsuspecting Jane told her that they have an uncle who works in trade in the Cheapside area in London, and another uncle who works as an attorney in Meryton. She also learned that they were not rich, and that their estate was entailed to Lady Catherine De Bourgh's clergyman. Mr. Bennet's other relations were fine gentlemen and ladies, but there is no need to tell Mr. Darcy of that!

After the dinner was over, Jane was too sick to move. Caroline was frustrated, since that means she will stay until her brother and Mr. Darcy come back, and she did not want to let them know she invited Jane that day. But it was useless to worry, since there was nothing she can do about it. Stupid girl, coming on horseback? She thought.

Later in the evening, when Bingley and Darcy returned, they were grieved about Jane's condition, and Caroline had to reluctantly offer Jane to stay for the night, since there was nothing else she could possibly do.

After Jane retired for the night, Caroline started her unwarranted attack on the Bennets, and her usual flattery of Mr. Darcy.

"Oh, Mr. Darcy. We were so bored without you! We invited poor Jane to dine with us, since she is nice indeed. So sad she has such a family!"

"What do you mean, Caroline?" A very displeased Bingley asked.

"Oh, brother, you cannot be serious! You sure saw her mother and younger sisters and how they behaved at the assembly. Or maybe not, since you were too busy with sweet Jane! What do you say of them, Mr. Darcy?"

Mr. Darcy was angry for this attack on people in their absence, though he agreed with Caroline's opinion on Mrs. Bennet and the younger sisters.

'A true gentleman is always polite, son. It is not a virtue to be polite when you are calm, but the real virtue is to remain polite even when provoked,' he remembered his late father telling him. Thus, he tried to change the subject without offending Caroline.

"Miss Bingley, why do you worry so much about other people?"

"Oh Mr. Darcy, you are too kind to me. I am not worried. I am just sad for poor Jane. She cannot marry well with those low connections of hers! Did you know that she has an uncle that works in trade in Cheapside? Cheapside! Nice place, isn't it? And another uncle who works as an attorney in Meryton, with the grand courts they have there! Oh, poor sweet Jane!"

Her sister assisted, "Not to mention, my dear, that they are practically penniless. Once their father dies, their estate will go to that boring clergyman of Lady Catherine De Bourgh, about whom we heard much in London!"

Caroline again faked concern for Jane. "Poor Jane! Her chances of marrying well are nonexistent, don't you think, Mr. Darcy?"

Darcy was indeed appalled at the hypocrisy of Miss Bingley, making fun of someone who works in trade. Where did she think her money and that of her brother came from?

'If you find yourself too angry and about to say a rude statement, think about it once more. If this fails, take a deep breath, and count from one to ten. A true gentlemen should never lose his temper' he again remembered the words of his late father.

One... Two... Three... ... Ten. Oh, here I am. But how can I find something polite in reply to that question?

"Miss Bingley, you concern yourself too much about the marital felicity of others. Why don't you entertain us with some music for now?" Here I did it. That was close!

Caroline was sure her message reached Mr. Darcy, even though he did not show his emotions. Now he knows all I wanted him to know about those Bennets. And he even asked her to entertain them with some music! She was more than glad to oblige.

As she played in her artificial manner, Mr. Darcy could not help but remember the delightful performance of Miss Elizabeth the other night. With Caroline's playing, it is going to be a long night, he thought.

Next Morning, Longbourn

Elizabeth was very much worried about her sister when she did not come on the previous night. She was also very angry of her mother boasting of her 'lucky idea' to send Jane in the rain on horseback. When I have children of my own, I will never do that to them, she promised herself. Not that there is a chance of her having children soon, she told herself!

Her anxiety increased as she got a letter from Jane over breakfast, trying to set her at ease. She knew her sister too well not to trust her words. If Jane says there is nothing to be alarmed about, she is just being considerate to her family, not wanting them to worry about her. Elizabeth thus resolved to go and visit Jane that very morning, regardless of all the objections of Mrs. Bennet.

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

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

"Is this a hint to me, Lizzy," said her father, "to send for the horses?"

"No, indeed. I do not wish to avoid the walk. The distance is nothing, when one has a motive; only three miles. I shall be back by dinner."

Mrs. Bennet intervened, "Oh my poor nerves! How can you do this to your mother, selfish girl! You cannot be seen by Mr. Darcy in such a state as you will be when you arrive!"

"And what does Mr. Darcy have to do with my visiting Jane?" asked a surprised Elizabeth.

"Why do you have to be so stupid? I knew this is not going to work! You were making good progress with the man the other night! If he sees you like this, he will not consider marrying you. How can you catch a man with your wild ways?! Oh my nerves! I wish it were Jane or Lydia who caught his fancy, but alas, it has to be you, so that I can be vexed and distracted! How can you have no compassion for your own mother?"

"But mum, Mr. Darcy's fancy was not caught by me. He was just being polite." Why did it hurt when she said that?

"Oh, impertinent girl. Do whatever you want. Oh my nerves! Stop coughing so, Kitty!"

Elizabeth was glad to get away from the house and walk towards Netherfield.

Chapter 5

In this state, she made her appearance into the breakfast-parlour, where all but Jane were present. Her appearance, as expected, created a great deal of surprise.

"What could she be thinking? Walking three miles in the dirt? And for what? To visit Jane? How insupportable?" Were the thoughts of Miss Bingley.

"How delightful of her to think of her sister!" An ever-optimistic Bingley thought.

"I have never seen such fine eyes before!" Were the thoughts of a certain person we all know. "Please help me God!"

Elizabeth was unaware of the thoughts that were crossing the minds of people in front of her. She anxiously inquired after Jane, and was given unfavorable answers to her inquiry. She forgot all her weariness from the walk and eagerly asked to be immediately taken to see Jane.

Jane was delighted at her sister's entrance, and Elizabeth was glad to see her sister, but sad that she was so ill. She attended her and her every need. When the breakfast was over, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst came for a visit, and were soon talking about how they will feel so bad if they become ill themselves! I wish you do, Elizabeth could not help but think.

The doctor Bingley sent for came to examine the patient. He said that she had a violent cold, and that she must rest and take some drugs. Jane's fever increased by the minute, and Elizabeth could not leave her side for a moment.

At about three, Elizabeth felt she had to go, so as not to use Mr. Bingley's kindness too much. She went downstairs to where the gentlemen and ladies were seated and reluctantly told them she was leaving. Miss Bingley was too glad and even offered her the use of their carriage to carry her back to Longbourn. Mr. Bingley, however, did not want to hear of it, and eagerly asked her to stay for the sake of her sister. Having left Jane asking her to stay, she could not reject the request of Mr. Bingley, whose concern for her sister touched her heart. A servant was sent to Longbourn with a letter from Elizabeth to inform the Bennets of the situation and bring back some clothes for Jane and herself. She promptly returned to her sister who was too glad to know that her sister is staying with her.

Meanwhile...

Miss Bingley was too vexed that the Bennet girl will stay with them. She was afraid that Mr. Darcy still enjoyed Eliza's company, but there was not much she could do about it for the time being, except, perhaps:

"Did you see how frightening Eliza Bennet looked this morning, brother?"

"I did not notice anything! It was so good of her to come and visit her sister during her illness!" Bingley replied.

Mrs. Hurst tried to help. "She looked disgusting with all that dirt on the bottom of her skirt! What was she thinking? Go three miles in that dirt to visit her sister?"

Miss Bingley added, "it shows too much independence on her part. Very improper of any lady indeed. Those country people have no manners at all. How insupportable! They think themselves so important, and go about doing whatever they wish to do. What do you say of that, Mr. Darcy? For sure you do not wish your sister to make such an exhibition? And with all that dirt on her gown?"

One... Two... Three... ... Ten Darcy fought against his wish to hit Miss Bingley and force her annoying smile to disappear forever.

"Miss Bingley, what is a little dirt for such a nice cause! But since you mention my sister, I have to finish my letter that I was writing to her this morning. Please excuse me."

Elizabeth could not help but hear the last question and answer, as she was coming to the drawing room after Jane has slept. She was very angry for Miss Bingley's rudeness, but she was charmed by the gallantry of Mr. Darcy having defended her so. I know for sure he is a very polite gentleman, she happily thought. I really admire him. I really like him too much, but I have to remember not to be in his company for long. I may fall in love easily with him, and this cannot be good for me. He will never think of associating himself with someone like me, and I will be left with my broken heart to nurse, she regretfully thought.

Her sentiments were of course opposite to those of Miss Bingley, who was angry at her being dismissed by Darcy who did not agree with her views. She was even more angry as she saw the object of her vehemence enter the room. But she was not about to surrender, and she closely followed Mr. Darcy so as not to let him go away from her sight for one second.

Mr. Darcy, however, was very sensitive to the presence of Miss Bennet, whose beauty and wit have really caught his fancy! Stop it, Fitz. Get hold of yourself. Remember what you owe to your family. You cannot associate yourself with someone like her. You cannot even think of her. An uncle in trade! Another an attorney in Meryton! Estate entailed to that absurd Collins man! She is not even interested in you, so stop it now.

He was rescued from his reverie, however, by the unwelcome interruption of Miss Bingley who asked him some stupid question about his letter to his sister. It is going to be another long night, he thought. How much of those I can take in a row?

Chapter 6

After dinner, Elizabeth returned to nurse Jane in her room, leaving Caroline to show her lack of manners to Mr. Darcy even more. She continued with her sister in her criticisms for Elizabeth and her country manners and low connections. It took all his restraint to stop him from saying something impolite to her. He tried to look very busy with his letter to spare himself the necessity of replying. Bingley was none too pleased as well, and when he had enough, he reminded his sisters that they need to check on the patient. They finally left, leaving the two friends together.

"I am sorry Darcy. I do not know what happened to Caroline today. She never spoke for so long about one person. I wonder why she hates Miss Elizabeth so much. She always found other women beneath her that they do not deserve more than one minute of criticism! I am absolutely ashamed of her. Miss Elizabeth did nothing to provoke that kind of behavior."

"Do not make yourself uneasy, Charles. I think my father would have been proud of me today. My temper control was perfect today, and I enjoyed the challenge!"

"Darcy, you are too good for me!"

"But you have been neglecting me lately and leaving me at the mercy of your lovely sisters! Does it have to do with a certain sick lady?"

"Oh, Darcy! She is an angel. I know that you think I am inconsistent, but I think this is the one I have been waiting for all my life," Bingley said with a dreaming smile on his face.

Darcy was astonished, since this was the first time he heard his friend describe a lady as the one for him. He was not too pleased with her low connections, and he thought his friend could do a lot better, but he did not voice his opinion to his friend.

"What do you think of her, Darcy? Don't you think she is lovely? Do you think she has some feelings for me, as I know I do for her?"

"Charles! Yes, I think she is lovely. As for your other question, you are a better judge of that, since it was you who spent all that time with her, leaving me to your sister!" Darcy did not see any particular regard from Jane to his friend, but he did not think he should be the one to judge on that. They were silent for a while, until the room was invaded again with Caroline and her sister.

Caroline started again to talk to Mr. Darcy, and he was praying for a quick relief. Mr. Hurst suggested playing cards, and seeing this as a possible way to shut Caroline up, Darcy agreed. He, Mr. Hurst, Caroline and Mrs. Hurst participated in the game, leaving Bingley dreaming about a certain lady while apparently taking care of some business letters. Caroline did not shut up, however, and continued to talk to Mr. Darcy about how clever he was, and making stupid mistakes in the game in his favor. Darcy was appalled to no end, and it took all his self-restraint again to stop himself from extracting her tongue from her mouth. Please God, I do not want to commit a crime. Darcy silently prayed again for relief.

The relief, however, did not come until some time later, when Bingley awoke from his dreaminess and joined them in their game. He started to enquire from his sister about the health of his Jane.

"Poor Jane!" Caroline said. "She is doing really bad. Oh, I hope I never have such an illness. But I am grateful that I do not have such a vulgar sister to nurse me. It would have made my situation even worse. Did you see that Louisa? She was treating her sister like a baby! She really got to my nerves with that silly childish story she was narrating to poor Jane. I could not stand it."

'I am sure you do not have such a sister to nurse you. I am sure many people will be happy for your illness, and none will try to end it early!' These were Darcy's thoughts at the moment, but as my dear readers know by now, he was too polite to say it aloud.

Bingley however did not feel so good about his sister. "I think Miss Elizabeth is doing a great job with her sister. It is nice of her to nurse her sister, don't you think, Darcy?"

Darcy was pleased to get back at Caroline without being rude. "I agree completely, Charles. Not many ladies will go through all this inconvenience to nurse a sick sister!" He said, trying to get out of his mind a picture of Elizabeth treating her sister like a baby.

It was at that moment that Elizabeth entered the room. She was again charmed by Mr. Darcy and his defense of her. She was sure this last comment was directed against Caroline, and the red face of the latter was certainly a proof.

Bingley was anxious as soon as she entered the room to get any news of Jane, since he could not get any from Caroline.

"Miss Bennet, how is your sister?"

"She is asleep now," Elizabeth said with a smile as she remembered her sister's angelic face. "She is still ill, but I am optimistic that she will improve soon." And her smile took Darcy's breath away.

As she entered the drawing-room, Elizabeth found the party assembled at playing cards, and she declined a half-hearted invitation from Caroline to join them. She said that she would amuse herself with a book for the time she was going to spend with them. Mr. Hurst looked at her with astonishment.

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

"Miss Eliza Bennet," 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," cried Elizabeth; "I am not a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things."

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

Elizabeth 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.

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

Elizabeth assured him that she could suit herself perfectly with those in the room.

"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!"

'Won't that woman ever learn to shut up!' Those were Darcy's thoughts at the moment, for the hundredth time this evening.

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

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

At least she is now talking about 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 neighbourhood, and take Pemberley for a kind of model. There is not a finer county in England than Derbyshire."

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

"I am talking of possibilities, Charles."

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

Elizabeth was so much caught by what passed, as to leave her very little attention for her book; and soon laying it wholly aside, she drew near the card-table, and stationed herself between Mr. Bingley and his eldest sister to observe the game.

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

"I think she will. She is now about Miss Elizabeth Bennet's height, or rather taller," Darcy said with a smile at the dismay he was giving Caroline by mentioning another woman.

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

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

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

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

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

Elizabeth was surprised at hearing such an arrogant statement from the nice Mr. Darcy. Was I deceived in his outward politeness? She wondered.

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

"Then," observed Elizabeth, trying to hide her disappointment, "you must comprehend a great deal in your idea of an accomplished women."

"Yes; I do comprehend a great deal in it," answered Darcy, oblivious of Elizabeth's discomfort.

"Oh! certainly," cried Miss Bingley, "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."

"Everything you said is good, but it is not very important, Miss Bingley," added Darcy. "An accomplished lady must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading." He said this last statement with a smile towards Elizabeth that nearly stopped her heart, as she understood what he meant by his earlier statement.

"I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women, Miss Bingley. I rather wonder now at your knowing any . Mr. Darcy, however, I am sure can find many satisfying his relaxed criteria!"

Miss Bingley was vexed to no end by Darcy's reference to reading, as well as by the insolent way she was being addressed by this country girl. "Are you so severe upon your own sex, as to doubt the possibility of all this?"

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

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, 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, Elizabeth soon afterwards left the room.

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

"Undoubtedly," replied Darcy, to whom this remark was chiefly addressed, "there is meanness in all the arts which ladies sometimes condescend to employ for captivation. Whatever bears affinity to cunning is despicable. But, I do not think Miss Bennet meant that at all!" Here, that serves you right, Caroline!

Miss Bingley was not so entirely satisfied with this reply as to continue the subject.

Elizabeth joined them again only to say that her sister was worse, and that she could not leave her. Bingley urged to send for the doctor immediately. Elizabeth complied with that opinion. The doctor came, and gave some advice and medication for Jane, and Elizabeth spent the night awake by her sick sister's side.

Chapter 7

As Mrs. Bennet did not see her daughter in any danger, she did not worry much about her. She thought, on the other hand, that if she allowed Jane and Elizabeth to stay, they may returned to her engaged to Bingley and Darcy. This made her refuse to consider what Elizabeth told her about moving Jane to Longbourn. Foolish, stupid girl. She knows absolutely nothing about the art of catching husbands! were the thoughts of Mrs. Bennet as she went downstairs with her daughters, leaving Jane asleep. As they entered the drawing room in which the Netherfield party was assembled, Mrs. Bennet encountered the enquiries of Mr. Bingley, who was with hopes that Mrs. Bennet had not found Jane worse than she expected.

"Indeed I have, Sir," was her answer. "She is a great deal too ill to be moved. The doctor says we must not think of moving her. We must trespass a little longer on your kindness."

"Removed!" cried Bingley. "It must not be thought of. My sister, I am sure, will not hear of her removal."

"You may depend upon it, Madam," said Miss Bingley, with cold civility, "that Miss Bennet shall receive every possible attention while she remains with us."

Mrs. Bennet was profuse in her acknowledgments.

"I am sure," she added, "if it was not for such good friends I do not know what would become of her, for she is very ill indeed, and suffers a vast deal, though with the greatest patience in the world; which is always the way with her, 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."

Darcy was amazed at the ability of that women to talk non-stop for so long. You and Miss Bingley are two of a kind. I wonder if you are related! He smiled inwardly at the thought, but being the gentleman he is, he did not say it aloud. He left his friend to reply to the question he was asked.

"Whatever I do is done in a hurry, 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."

"That is exactly what I should have supposed of you," said Elizabeth.

"You begin to comprehend me, do you?" cried he, turning towards her.

"Oh! yes - I understand you perfectly.".

"I wish I might take this for a compliment; but to be so easily seen through I am afraid is pitiful."

"That is as it happens. It does not necessarily follow that a deep, intricate character is more or less estimable than such a one as yours."

"Lizzy," cried her mother, "remember where you are, and do not run on in the wild manner that you are suffered to do at home." Mrs. Bennet was disturbed that her daughter was hurting her chances with Mr. Darcy. Little did she know about the feelings of that gentlemen, who did not remember when he was more amused before.

"I did not know before," continued Bingley immediately, "that you were a studier of character. It must be an amusing study."

"Yes; but intricate characters are the most amusing. They have at least that advantage."

"The country," said Darcy, "can in general supply but few subjects for such a study. In a country neighbourhood you move in a very confined and unvarying society."

"But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever."

Mrs. Bennet did not take offense at what Mr. Darcy said about the country, but she was extremely annoyed with her daughter for arguing with him. How could I have a daughter like that! She is driving him away with those manners. Had it only been Lydia to catch his fancy!

"Oh shut up, girl. Do not argue with the gentleman! I am extremely sorry, Mr. Darcy. She is not always like that, I assure you."

Nothing but concern for Elizabeth could enable Bingley to keep his countenance. His sister was less delicate, and directed her eye towards Mr. Darcy with a very expressive smile. Darcy was furious against Mrs. Bennet, but he did not comment on her last statement, in fear of losing his temper. Elizabeth, who was utterly embarrassed for this public scolding, tried to turn her mother's thoughts by about Charlotte Lucas. Her mother, however, continued her embarrassing talk by belittling Charlotte's beauty.

"She seems a very pleasant young woman," said Bingley.

"Oh! dear, yes; but you must own she is very plain. Lady Lucas herself has often said so, and envied me Jane's beauty. I do not like to boast of my own child, but to be sure, Jane - one does not often see any body better looking. It is what every body says. I do not trust my own partiality. When she was only fifteen, there was a gentleman at my brother Gardiner's in town, so much in love with her, that my sister-in-law was sure he would make her an offer before we came away. But however he did not. Perhaps he thought her too young. However, he wrote some verses on her, and very pretty they were."

"And so ended his affection," said Elizabeth impatiently. "There has been many a one, I fancy, overcome in the same way. I wonder who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love!"

"I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love," said Darcy, with an impressive smile.

"Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Every thing nourishes what is strong already. But if it be only a slight, thin sort of inclination, I am convinced that one good sonnet will starve it entirely away." This was said by Elizabeth after catching her breath again. His smile made wonders to her heart!

Darcy only smiled, and the general pause which ensued made Elizabeth tremble lest her mother should be exposing herself again. She longed to speak, but could think of nothing to say; and after a short silence Mrs. Bennet began repeating her thanks to Mr. Bingley for his kindness to Jane with an apology for troubling him also with Lizzy. Mr. Bingley was unaffectedly civil in his answer, and forced his younger sister to be civil also, and say what the occasion required. She performed her part, indeed, without much graciousness, but Mrs. Bennet was satisfied, and soon afterwards ordered her carriage. Upon this signal, the youngest of her daughters put herself forward. The two girls had been whispering to each other during the whole visit, and the result of it was, that the youngest should tax Mr. Bingley with having promised on his first coming into the country to give a ball at Netherfield.

"It would be the most shameful thing in the world if he did not keep it," said Lydia.

His answer to this sudden attack was delightful to their mother's ear.

"I am perfectly ready, I assure you, to keep my engagement and when your sister is recovered, you shall if you please, name the very day of the ball. But you would not wish to be dancing while she is ill."

Lydia declared herself satisfied. "Oh! yes - it would be much better to wait till Jane was well, and by that time most likely Captain Carter would be at Meryton again. And when you have given your ball," she added, "I shall insist on their giving one also. I shall tell Colonel Forster it will be quite a shame if he does not."

Mrs. Bennet and her daughters then departed, and Elizabeth returned instantly to Jane, leaving her own and her relations' behaviour to the remarks of the two sisters. She was not afraid, however, of their brother of his friend, whom she heard defending her more than once.

Later that morning

Darcy and Elizabeth again were in deep trouble trying to understand their own feelings.

"You know she is not suitable, Darcy. You know what you owe to your family and friends. What makes you think of her so often, then?"

"Stop it Lizzy. You were never so affected. You know he is polite to you, nothing more. He would never consider you as anybody except an acquaintance."

"You saw her mother, and her younger sisters. Nobody can be more foolish. Not only are her connections pitiful, but her own family is a disgrace!"

"So why do you think of him so often, Lizzy? You cannot let these thoughts continue."

"But you know that it is not her fault. She did not choose her relations, not any more than I chose mine. If I had a chance, I would not have chosen Lady Catherine! And Elizabeth is ..."

"He is a nice man, I am sure. His smile takes my heart away. And he is intelligent. And he is polite. And he is handsome. Please God, help me!"

"She is witty and intelligent. She is genuine and kind. She is polite and modest. She is lively and breathtaking. What is that feeling I have inside?"

"Why am I having such thoughts about him? What are my feelings exactly?"

"Is this ... love?"

"Is this ... love?"

It was a wonder that they both had this last thought at exactly the same time...

Chapter 8

Elizabeth was troubled with the thought that she was in love with Mr. Darcy. She tried to deny it to herself, but her inner thoughts kept going on in her mind, confirming what she had feared for long.

Here you go, Lizzy. You always wanted an intelligent gentleman, and now you are in love with one who is not interested in you, and does not belong with you or with your family. That is what you deserve for not being satisfied with your lot in life.

He will never considering marrying someone like you, so you'd better put this thought out of your mind for now, stupid girl. Oh, why does he have to be so good?

As she sat by her sister's side, she reached a decision not to let herself be carried away in conversation with Mr. Darcy, since she will be in danger of revealing her true feelings to him and to others if she did. That would be too embarrassing for her. She tried to keep all thoughts of that gentleman from her mind for the time being, and kept herself busy with her sister.

Jane woke up about noon, and was thrilled to see her sister's face while she was placing some cold water on her forehead.

"Lizzy! How wonderful to see your face first thing after I wake up!"

"I bet you wished to see the face of someone else instead of mine!"

Jane blushed. "Lizzy, how can you say that? He is just an acquaintance."

"Who mentioned any he here? Certainly not me!"

"Stop it Lizzy! I am still weak and laughing will be too much for me to take."

"Fine, Jane! But he is really a nice man."

"And what about your Mr. Darcy?"

It was Elizabeth's turn to blush. Though Jane was just teasing her sister, she could not help but feel that there is something wrong behind her sister's red face.

"Lizzy, what is wrong?"

"Oh, dear Jane! I am in deep trouble."

"Why?" Asked a worried Jane.

"I love him," Elizabeth stated simply.

"And why are you in trouble then? Mr. Darcy is perfect for you, sister."

"But I am not! I am not perfect for him. He will never think of me except as a passing acquaintance. And I know I will never love someone else."

"Do not worry, Lizzy. Have faith, and everything will be fine. Now what did the doctor say?"

Meanwhile...

Mr. Darcy was walking around his room after the surprising discovery he made.

In love with Elizabeth Bennet? No, this is not to be borne! How could I have possibly fallen in love with her? She certainly did not try the arts of Miss Bingley! And why her from all the women I know?

But deep in his heart he knew that she was not like other women. She did not seek his attention or agree to every word he said. This was in addition to all her nice qualities.

But what am I going to do about that love? I cannot certainly consider marrying her. She is beneath me, and my family and my pride cannot take it. How shall I face society if I marry from such low connections? I will try to conquer that love. I will try not to spend much time talking to her. This will be too dangerous, and I may reveal my feelings to her if I do. I should go and seek the company of others now.

And so he did.

As soon as he entered the drawing room, he regretted his decision when he saw the face of Miss Bingley.

"Mr. Darcy! We were here waiting for you. We were worried that we did not see you since this morning. Oh, that horrible Mrs. Bennet! I know she is the reason that drove you away for so long."

She is certainly not the only reason, Caroline! And how can I find a polite statement as a reply to you?!

"You worry too much, Miss Bingley. I assure you I am perfectly well."

"That is a pleasure to know. You could not possibly imagine how lonely we feel without you!"

Darcy was saved from the need to reply by a suggestion from Bingley to go for a walk around the park. But that was not the end of the Caroline everlasting nonsense, since she joined them in their walk. What did I do to deserve the company of such a woman? He wondered. It is your fault, Darcy, since you wanted to get rid of thoughts of Elizabeth Bennet. Caroline is your due punishment!

In the Evening

After Jane went to sleep again, Elizabeth joined the party in the drawing room. Mr. Darcy was writing a letter to his sister, 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 playing cards, 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 perpetual commendations of the lady either on his hand-writing, or on the evenness of his lines, or on the length of his letter, with the perfect unconcern with which her praises were received, formed a curious dialogue, and was exactly what she expected from someone like Miss Bingley.

"How delighted Miss Darcy will be to receive such a letter!"

He made no answer.

"You write uncommonly fast."

"You are mistaken. I write rather slowly." Take the hint and shut up, woman!

"How many letters you must have occasion to write in the course of the year! Letters of business too! How odious I should think them!"

Self-control, Darcy. Remember your father's advice. One... Two... Three... ... Ten!

"It is fortunate, then, that they fall to my lot instead of to yours."

"Pray tell your sister that I long to see her."

One... Two... Three... ... Ten! Darcy was really struggling with an overwhelming need to slap Caroline.

"I have already told her so once, by your desire."

"I am afraid you do not like your pen. Let me mend it for you. I mend pens remarkably well."

Again, Darcy resisted putting his pen in her eye.

"Thank you - but I always mend my own."

"How can you contrive to write so even?"

He was silent. One... Two... Three... ... Ten!

"Tell your sister I am delighted to hear of her improvement on the harp, and pray let her know that I am quite in raptures with her beautiful little design for a table, and I think it infinitely superior to Miss Grantley's."

Darcy remembered Elizabeth's presence just in time to prevent him from being completely rude to Miss Bingley.

"Miss Bingley, I will tell her so when I see her. These are not the topics I usually write in letters."

"Oh! it is of no consequence. I shall see her in January. But do you always write such charming long letters to her, Mr. Darcy?"

One... Two... Three... ... Ten! I know this is my punishment for preferring your company to that of Elizabeth!

"They are generally long; but whether always charming, it is not for me to determine."

"It is a rule with me, that a person who can write a long letter, with ease, cannot write ill."

Elizabeth was much amused as she noticed Mr. Darcy's inner struggle. Though she had resolved not to enter into conversation with Darcy, she took pity on that gentleman after ten minutes of the Caroline invasion, and tried to indulge Miss Bingley in conversation, so as to leave the poor man a chance to write his letter.

"And are your letters long, Miss Bingley?" Elizabeth asked. Darcy was about to burst into laughter, but caught himself at the very last moment. Oh, father. I wonder if you know how hard it is to be a gentleman!

"Er... No ... Ye ... No ... I mean, yes of course. I write long letters."

"This means that your letters are charming! I personally do not write very long letters. A page or two are usually enough!"

She then proceeded to ask Caroline about her opinion of the latest fashions and music, and that left Darcy time to concentrate on his letter.

After the letter was finished, Darcy asked Miss Bingley and Elizabeth to entertain them with some music. Miss Bingley moved quickly to the instrument, and started to play at once, with Mrs. Hurst singing with her. Bingley was still playing cards with Mr. Hurst. This left Darcy and Elizabeth together in companionable silence. Neither of them wanted to start a conversation, lest they reveal their feelings. Elizabeth found herself forced to move from the proximity of the gentleman and take a book to read. And Darcy pretended he was concentrating with the music, which was a difficult task with Elizabeth so near, and the fact that it was Caroline playing. He could not prevent himself from thinking of the woman he loves.

After the ladies retired for the night, and Hurst fell asleep on the sofa after heavy drinking, Darcy was left alone with his friend.

"Why are you so quiet tonight, Darcy?"

"I am fine, Charles!"

"You seem to take a great interest in Miss Elizabeth. I saw you looking at her tonight, and I was wondering..."

Darcy was surprised that Bingley observed his behavior. He could not lie to his friend about his feelings. His father told him that gentlemen do not lie. But he was not about to confess his love to his friend, either.

"It seems that lovers see admiration all around them! How is your Miss Bennet?"

This distracted Bingley from his previous thoughts, and he continued for some time talking about his Miss Bennet.

Chapter 9

It was soon time for the sisters to return to Longbourn. Bingley insisted that they use his carriage, and told them he was going to call on them the next day.

When the sisters returned, they found Longbourn excited about the arrival of a Mr. Collins from Kent. Since he was the man to whom Longbourn was entailed, Mrs. Bennet was not very pleased about his visit. But that changed when Mr. Bennet read his letter to the family. Mr. Collins, from his letter, was not a very intelligent sort of a man, but Mrs. Bennet did not mind that one bit. All she was thinking of is the fact that he hinted he wanted to marry one of her daughters.

Now Mrs. Bennet was in a dilemma. Which daughter should she recommend to Mr. Collins? Jane was Bingley's, that much she was certain of. And Elizabeth seemed to be going along well with that Mr. Darcy, and even if she had a small chance, Mrs. Bennet was willing to risk, so she was out as well. So that left the three younger daughters. After some time, she decided to let the man decide for himself, to the dismay of Kitty and Lydia.

Mr. Collins was punctual to his time, and was received with great politeness by the whole family. Mr. Bennet, indeed, said little; but the ladies were ready enough to talk, and Mr. Collins seemed neither in need of encouragement, nor inclined to be silent himself. He was a tall, heavy looking young man of five and twenty. His air was grave and stately, and his manners were very formal. He had not been long seated before he complimented Mrs. Bennet on having so fine a family of daughters, said he had heard much of their beauty, but that, in this instance, fame had fallen short of the truth; and added, that he did not doubt her seeing them all in due time well disposed of in marriage. He continued on and on during dinner about his profession, his noble patroness, his house and garden and what his noble patroness did for them. Mr. Bennet and Lizzy, who were amused at first, got bored. Kitty and Lydia did not listen to him at all after the first few sentences. Mary and her mother were the only ones attentive to him at all. After more hints to Mrs. Bennet about his desire to marry one of her daughters, he retired for the night, thinking of Miss Jane, who was the oldest and the most beautiful.

Next morning, however, Mrs. Bennet chatted with him for a short while, and told him deliberately that Jane and Elizabeth are attached, but that her other daughters are not, and are available. She even went as to hint that she did not mind his choosing any one of them to marry if he so desires. Mr. Collins had to change his mind from Jane, and from what he saw of the family the previous afternoon, he settled for Lydia. He thought that Lydia is next in beauty to her two older sisters, and that her liveliness will be an asset to him and his noble patroness. He told Mrs. Bennet about his intentions and she encouraged him to go on with her youngest.

At breakfast, Lydia suggested a walk to Meryton, and all her sisters except Mary agreed to go with her. However, when Mr. Collins told them he would be happy to join them, Mary changed her mind, hoping to catch the attention of her cousin.

In pompous nothings on his side, and civil assents on that of his cousins, their time passed till they entered Meryton. The attention of the younger ones was then no longer to be gained by him, though he was very attentive to Lydia, much to her dismay. Both she and her sister Kitty were looking in the street in quest for officers, and silly fashions.

As they glanced some red coats along the street, Lydia and Kitty dragged the others to meet them. They found two of the officers they knew, a Mr. Denny and a Mr. Carter, but all the female eyes were on the third gentleman they did not know. All were affected by his air and handsome face, and the younger sisters were affected by his red coat. Anxious to get to know that new officer, Kitty and Lydia introduced their relations to those gentlemen. In return, introductions were made, and they all got to know the new gentleman, a Mr. Wickham.

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