5. Chapter 5

Chapter 4

Elizabeth and Jane arrived at their Aunt and Uncle Gardiner's with great relief and excitement and were received with equal amounts delight and anticipation. The Gardiner's had relocated to a more fashionable part of town from their previous home near Cheapside several years back. As the Gardiner's had not been blessed with children, Mrs Gardiner spent a lot of her time involved in various charities and Mr Gardiner spent much of his time overseeing his business ventures; although he had competent managers to oversee the day to day details of his business. The Gardiner's doted on their nieces, especially the two eldest; having developed a great rapport from the many visits they had made. For the past several years, Jane and Elizabeth had visited London every Autumn; traveling back to Longbourn with the Gardiner's before Christmas so they could enjoy the season with the family.

After being welcomed briefly by their Aunt, Jane and Elizabeth were shown to their rooms to refresh themselves from the journey. Heading downstairs, they met their Aunt in the small dining room for a light lunch.

"Oh girls! It is so wonderful to have you here again. I am so looking forward to these next few months. We are going to have a delightful time!" Mrs Gardiner rushed to embrace her nieces, suddenly overcome with giddiness.

Elizabeth laughed as she embraced her Aunt, relishing the close contact. She couldn't remember the last time she had been held by her mother, probably never. "We are very pleased to be here Aunt. We are looking forward to experiencing the delights of the season. Are we not, Jane?" Elizabeth turned to her elder sister with a sly look.

Jane cleared her throat, shooting a slight look of displeasure towards her sister "Of course we are."

Mrs Gardiner looked back and forth between her two nieces, sensing the slight tension. "Is something bothering you Jane?" Recognizing that Elizabeth would be more forthcoming she turned and said, "Lizzy?"

Elizabeth glanced briefly at her sister, silently asking permission to confide in their Aunt. After a brief nod from Jane, Elizabeth turned to her Aunt. "Jane and I are excited to see you and Uncle, but, well...we are both very nervous as well," admitted Elizabeth.

Looking confused, Mrs Gardiner responded, "What ever are you nervous about?"

Elizabeth responded with a tense laugh. "The season. We are unsure what to expect as we have never experienced one before let alone been in London during the season. Jane and I feel like ignorant country bumpkins, Aunt."

Mrs Gardiner laughed merrily. "Well, you may feel like country bumpkins, but you certainly won't look it!"

"What ever do you mean, Aunt?" Jane turned her beautiful blue eyes to her Aunt in confusion.

With a mischievous smile and a wink, she simply said, "You'll see. It's a surprise your father and I have planned. All will be revealed tomorrow. For now, let us enjoy the rest of our day quietly here at home. Would that suit you girls?"

Jane gladly responded in the affirmative. She became easily fatigued on carriage rides; even the relatively short three hour journey of good road between Longbourn and London left her exhausted and out of sorts. Elizabeth, on the other hand felt the need to stretch her legs after being seated for so long. Excusing herself, she wandered to the garden attached to the Gardiner's elegant Townhome.

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Miss Georgiana Darcy was not in the habit of misleading her brother. In truth, she confided in him about everything. Having lost her mother and father at the tender ages of four and ten respectively, she looked to her brother as more of a father figure than a sibling. Her cousin Richard shared guardianship with her brother and fulfilled the role of loveable, older brother admirably.

That morning, when asked what she had planned, she had evaded his question, not wanting to openly deceive her brother. Fortunately, he had been preoccupied, barely listening to her vague response. Lately he had been more distant than usual, more reticent. He always became morose around the New Year but this year his mood had been accompanied by a sense of despair and hopelessness. Usually retreating to Pemberley shortly after the new year, this year he had lingered in London. Normally she relished the time spent in London, what 15 year old young woman did not? But her brother's self-imposed exile had worried her exceedingly.

She had done the only thing she could think of. Not feeling comfortable confronting her brother on her own, she had expressed her concerns to Richard. It was shortly after his visit that her brother had come and apologized profusely for causing her worry. He had asked what he could do to make it up to her. Deciding that something extra special was needed, she had named her price. Her brother had to learn to play a duet on the piano with her and at some time in the future, play it before company. To most people, this would not be a terrible penance. But for her reticent brother, it was torture. Her brother was accomplished at the pianoforte but he never played for anyone but himself and occasionally for her, but only if she begged. But he had not complained and submitted to his punishment with humility.

Stepping down from the carriage on Piccadilly, she made her way purposefully to Hatchard's, her brother's favorite book shop with her companion, Mrs Annesley.

Georgiana was at Hatchard's Book Store to find the ideal gift for her brother's upcoming birthday. Normally she gifted him with handkerchiefs, embroidered with his initials. But this year she wanted to find something even more special, something that would raise his flagging spirits. She thought the perfect book would be just the thing.

She entered the book store with a little trepidation, unused to being there without the steady, reassuring presence of her brother. Mrs Annesley indicated her desire to wait in the chairs provided for the customers. Nodding her head in acknowledgement, Georgiana went further into the shop. Not knowing where to start, she stood uncertainly looking around the vast store. Biting her lip, she tried to recall where her brother usually looked for books, but could not remember. As she was considering her options she heard a familiar voice address her.

"Miss Darcy?"

Georgiana turned to the young woman in obvious pleasure. "Miss Elizabeth! It is good to see you!" The two young women curtsied to one another, exchanging greetings. "I had heard from my Aunt that you and your sister were to come for part of the season. When did you arrive?"

"Only yesterday. Our Aunt surprised us with several new ball gowns and we are out shopping for trimmings, new gloves and other sundries. I needed a break so I asked to come here while Jane and my Aunt visited the haberdashers." With a playful gleam in her eye, Elizabeth leaned forward, "There is only so much lace I can take in one day!"

Georgiana laughed merrily. Miss Elizabeth was a new acquaintance, having met her at Aunt Eleanor's last Autumn when she and her sister were visiting their Aunt Gardiner. Normally reserved and timid in new company, Elizabeth had endeared herself to Georgiana with her open manner and happy disposition. She had instantly warmed up to the young woman. Her sister Jane was also very kind and warm. Georgiana had been so delighted with her new acquaintances she had written her brother, extolling their many virtues.

Elizabeth smiled at her young friend. "What brings you here? "

Georgiana turned excitedly to Elizabeth. "Maybe you can help me! I am choosing a book for my brother's upcoming birthday and I don't know where to start."

"Hmmm...Well, what are his interests?" Elizabeth turned in a circle perusing the various sections of the shop.

Georgiana shrugged her shoulders helplessly. "I don't know. He has very diverse tastes. He is a voracious reader. I am afraid whatever I choose he'll have read it already."

Elizabeth headed to a section of the store. Quickly perusing the shelves, she spied a book and with an impish smirk presented it to Georgiana.

Georgiana took the book from Elizabeth. Upon reading the title, she burst out laughing. Remembering she was in a public place, she quickly moderated her volume. Chuckling, she handed the book back to Elizabeth with a shake of her head and a wide grin. "I don't think my brother would find this very amusing. Besides, his behavior is impeccable. "

Taking the book, Elizabeth gaily replied. "He doesn't have a sense of humor?"

"Oh, he does! I just don't think that is the book for my brother. I want something special. He's been very down lately and I want something that will cheer him up."

"You mean, The Gentleman's Book of Etiquette: Rules for Perfect Conduct is not something special?" Elizabeth replied teasingly. " I don't know Miss Darcy, I think it is just the thing. It will definitely bring a smile to his face."

Shaking her head, she said, "No, I want something that is different, something that will make his eyes light up with interest and appreciation."

Never one to turn down a challenge, Elizabeth said, "You must have a very fastidious brother Miss Darcy. Well, let's see what we can find."

Elizabeth headed in the opposite direction towards the History Section. As she scanned the shelves, she shook her head in frustration. As Georgiana patiently waited, she could hear Elizabeth quietly mumbling, "No, no that won't do."

She turned to Georgiana, dissatisfaction plain on her face. Suddenly Elizabeth's eyes lit up. "Ah! I have just the thing. Now if only they have it..." She quickly walked up to the proprietor and quietly asked a question before following him to a section in the back of the store. He pulled out a book and handed it to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth in turn handed the book to Georgiana with a flourish. "Here is the perfect book for your brother. I can almost guarantee he hasn't read it. It is not terribly well known as it is not yet translated in English. You have to read it in French or the original Chinese.

Georgiana looked at Elizabeth in astonishment and a little alarm. "Chinese?" Georgiana knew her brother didn't speak Chinese.

Elizabeth laughed. "Of course, this is the French version. I am assuming your brother speaks French?"

"Oh, of course." Georgiana took the book, opening the book to read the title. "L' Arte de la Guerre? (The Art of War)" She looked up surprised. "I think this will be just perfect Miss Elizabeth! I don't believe my brother has ever read this," Georgiana continued elatedly. "But with my cousin in the army, it is possible he has heard of it," Georgiana paused her rambling dialogue. "Although...Richard is not a very great reader, so maybe he hasn't."

Elizabeth grinned. "Well, I don't know a man who is not interested in warfare. And even if he isn't, he should still find it of interest. I found it immensely fascinating. My father and I had many heated discussions over this book."

"Well, I can't thank you enough Miss Elizabeth. You have been a tremendous help."

"It was my pleasure Miss Darcy. I hope that he enjoys it. I am sure he will be very impressed."

"I will be sure to give the credit to you."

"Don't you dare!" Elizabeth feigned a horrified expression. "It would not do for an unknown woman to make book recommendations to a man she has never even met!"

With a laugh, Georgiana went to make her purchase. Elizabeth waited while the shopkeeper wrapped the book. Taking the package, Georgiana and Elizabeth headed to the door together. Elizabeth exchanged brief pleasantries with Mrs Annesley, then said her farewells and turned to leave.

"Oh! Wait!" Georgiana said loudly, then blushed. She really needed to learn to moderate her tone in public. More calmly, she continued. " I would love to have you, Miss Bennet and Mrs Gardiner for tea soon. Would the day after tomorrow be alright?" Georgiana looked expectantly at Elizabeth.

With an apologetic smile, Elizabeth responded. "Unfortunately, we are attending Sir Reginald Lynton's Ball that night. I know Jane especially doesn't like to have many engagements on the day of a ball."

"Oh, of course. I should know that. I heard my brother and cousin speak of it just last night."

"How about Saturday? I believe we have no engagements that day."

Georgiana gave a brilliant smile. "That would be perfect. Thank you. I'll send a card with the address later today."

After a brief farewell and Elizabeth's promise that she would share everything about the ball at tea on Saturday, the two young friends parted ways.

FEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Darcy sat at his desk, staring vacantly out the window; his mind equally empty of thought. Leaning forward, he rested his head in his hands. This melancholy had to end. He was a grown man of almost seven and twenty. He needed to get a hold of himself!

Standing abruptly, he started pacing the familiar length of his study. He felt restless and on edge. Being in London always made him that way. Normally at this time of year he would be at Pemberley, overseeing the spring planting. At the thought of his home, a sudden longing to be there welled up in his breast, leaving an ache in his heart. He wanted to be back at Pemberley, riding over the land, free and unburdened, not attending social events! He took his duties as Master of Pemberley very seriously, the lessons of honor and responsibility instilled in him early on by his father. Your father was not the only parent who taught you valuable lessons. Darcy paused in his pacing, forcing his thoughts down another path, any path but that one.

But his thoughts seemed to have a will of their own, as they tumbled down unfamiliar paths previously excluded from his mind, and his heart. Mother. Her very name caused overwhelming grief and pain to nearly consume him. Even eleven years later, the very thought of her caused overwhelming heartache. After her death, he had shut off all thought and memory of her. It was too painful, too raw. The days following her death, he had watched his father sink slowly into despair. Someone needed to stay strong and take control of the family. At four years of age, Georgiana didn't fully understand that her mother was gone, never to return. She is the lucky one, Darcy thought bitterly. No doubt the passing years had erased any vague memories she might have had.

During the six subsequent years, Darcy had watched his father sink further and further in despair until he too had simply stopped breathing. The loneliness he felt at the death of his parents had been directed to one single person. Her. She was the last link to his mother. If not for the hope of finding her one day, he felt that he too would have succumbed to despair. If he could find her, then everything would be alright. She would heal and close the gapping wounds that had festered since that fateful day in August.

Darcy went over to his wall safe and for the first time in over a year removed her picture. He had framed the drawing many years ago as he had been fearful that his constant handling would damage it beyond repair. Gazing at the face he knew so well, he lightly traced her face. Where are you? He attended his Aunt's Twelfth Night Ball each January full of hope and confidence that she would be there. But each passing year without meeting her left him more and more despondent. He didn't know if he could take it anymore. He often wondered what his life would be like it his mother had never told him about her dream or showed him the drawing of his perfect match, his soul mate. Would he already be married? Have children? Likely, he'd be married to one of the women of the ton he so despised. Most certainly he'd be miserable shackled to a woman he could not love, let alone admire or respect.

Despite his melancholic state of mind, he felt nothing but gratitude that he would not suffer the fate of so many of his station, a marriage of convenience. He had her. Following Richard's advice had been difficult. But he was right. He needed to take action and initiative in finding her. Realistically, he knew it was not possible to find her after only two balls. What were the chances? But even with the odds stacked against him, he had hoped. One more. Only one more ball and then he was done. He would retreat back to the refuge of Pemberley until next January and hope that she would be there.

Darcy's somber thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of his sister, Georgiana. An involuntary smile appeared on his face. Georgiana had been his salvation, his reason to keep living after the death of their parents. She was a deterrent to his ever-increasing hopelessness; a ray of sunshine to pierce his gloomy thoughts.

Hastily covering the drawing, he came to his feet and approached his sister. "Georgiana, dearest. What have you been up to this morning?" Placing a light kiss on her forehead, he looked at her with evident affection.

Georgiana smiled brightly at her brother. She would have to be sneaky. She didn't want him to suspect her mission that morning. She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, "Nothing much." Deciding it was best if she evaded his question with one of her own, she quickly asked, "Would it be alright if I invited guests for tea on Saturday?"

Darcy raised his brows. This was unusual. It was unlike his usually reserved sister to invite company, other than family to tea. She was too much like him, he thought wryly. "Whom would you like to invite, dearest?"

Without thinking, she blurted, "Well, I've already invited them." Oh no, how am I going to explain this? Georgiana waited, holding her breath.

Darcy looked closely at his sister, then narrowed his eyes. She was hiding something. "Oh? And when did you invite them?" This should be interesting. He smiled encouragingly at his sister.

"Well, uh...you see..." Georgiana began shifting nervously from foot to foot.

Taking pity on his sister, he said reassuringly, "Yes, you may invite company to tea on Saturday. I will likely be out with Richard, so you will have to host them alone. Can you do that?"

"Oh yes! It will be no trouble, I assure you. Thank you brother!" Giving her brother a quick hug, she literally skipped from the room.

"Georgiana, wait." Darcy stopped his sister. "You didn't tell me who you invited."

Stopping at the door, she turned in surprise. "I didn't? Oh, I invited the Miss Bennet's and their Aunt, Mrs Gardiner." With that revelation, she left the room with a dazzling smile. She had an invitation to send.

Darcy slumped in his seat and groaned. Those confounded nieces! Yes, he definitely would be absent on Saturday. Maybe Richard would want to go fencing.

FEFEFEFEFEFEFE

The day of the ball began bleak and wet. Elizabeth gazed out at the rain drenched garden and signed heavily. She needed a distraction or she would go mad. She was disappointed with herself for feeling so anxious over a ball! She had attended them before. But not like this one. She silently chided herself. These thoughts would do nothing to relieve her mind. If only she could walk out of doors. She always thought better when her legs were moving and she was breathing fresh air. Although the air in Londonis not so fresh, she thought wryly.

With a final, longing look outside, she turned from the window, her gaze resting on her sister. Jane was the picture of maidenly sensibility and decorum. Currently she was engaged in some sewing, her expression serene; indicating that she had nothing more troublesome to worry over than which color thread to choose from. But she knew her sister. Her calm demeanor belied her inner anxiety.

Sitting on the sofa, she turned to her sister and waited. She didn't have to wait long.

With an almost inaudible sigh, Jane placed her sewing on her lap, and with a slight smile, said, "I am well Lizzy. Do not fret."

"Jane, I know what you are feeling. It would help if we could express our concerns."

With a raised brow, Jane put aside her sewing and turned to face her sister, giving her full attention. "Very well, you go first."

"You go first, you're older."

"It's because I'm older that you should go first. It is my duty to give my dear younger sister advice."

Elizabeth laughed. She looked at her sister, not knowing where to start. She stood and began pacing trying to organize her jumbled thoughts. After a moment of steady pacing Elizabeth stopped and looking at the ground, said haltingly, "Do you ever feel the weight of our family's expectations for us?"

Jane looked at her sister with astonishment. "What do you mean Lizzy? What expectations?"

Elizabeth looked at her sister incredulously. "What expectations? Jane! How can you not know of what I am speaking? Our mother reminds it of us daily."

"You mean to marry well?" Jane shrugged her shoulders. "I am not worried Lizzy. Father is in good health and I have no doubt that we will make good matches."

Elizabeth gazed at her sister. She didn't understand. How could she? Daily she had heard their mother extol her beauty and accomplishments, firm in her belief that Jane, her perfect Jane would save the family from certain destitution. Elizabeth had no such assurances. She had heard nothing but how she would be lucky to marry at all, let alone marry well.

Elizabeth knew her limitations. She was too outspoken, too opinionated. She was the opposite of Jane's golden beauty. Elizabeth's most defining physical attribute was brown. Brown hair, brown eyes, brown complexion, which to her mother equaled mediocrity. As a child, Elizabeth let her mother's daily insults wash over her. She was confident of her father's love and approbation. She didn't need her mother's affection. But as she became older, and she approached the age that marriage was expected and desired, she had started to listen to her mother's insults. And they stung. Because she came to realize that what her mother said was true. She was not beautiful or particularly accomplished. She had nothing to offer a man except for her 'pert opinions and fine eyes.' She tried to hide her pain through witty remarks and an indifferent attitude, but the strain of pretending had begun to wear on her.

She felt that if she could marry well, she would redeem herself in her mother's eyes. She could do that at least. But she doubted herself. But her lack of eligibility to a gentleman was not all that occupied her thoughts on the day of her first real ball. Elizabeth felt restless. Although that didn't adequately describe what she was feeling. She felt she was on the edge of a great change. Of what, she didn't know. And that left her feeling confused and aimless.

Elizabeth looked at her sister with obvious affection. What would she do without her dear Jane? Despite her mother's disapprobation, she had Jane's constant affection and support. She wanted to make Jane understand, but she needed to handle it delicately.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and attempted to convey her inner turmoil. "Jane, I know you will make a brilliant match. How could you not? You are everything a man would wish for in a wife. You are kind, loyal, generous, accomplished. Not to mention beautiful, graceful..."

"Lizzy, stop! Please. I know what I am and I know what I am not. This is why I am so anxious. I want a man I can respect as well as love. I am afraid that all a man will see is my beauty, not caring who I truly am. I am afraid of being taken in by a handsome face, blind to the blackness in his heart. I am..."

Elizabeth grasped Jane's hands. "Enough Jane. That will not happen. I won't let it. Nor will our Aunt and Uncle."

Jane gazed unwaveringly at her sister, and said gently, "What are you truly feeling Lizzy?"

"I hardly know Jane. My mind is full of doubt and confusion. I try to drown out Mama's negative comments, but I find it difficult."

"Oh Lizzy. I feel that I have failed you in so many ways." Jane's eyes filled with tears.

"No Jane. You have done nothing wrong. You are not responsible for the vindictiveness of our mother."

"But I should have defended you better, made her stop saying those horrible things to you."

"It would not have made any difference. Her malice is fixed against me." Elizabeth stood up to begin pacing again, needing movement to still her troubled thoughts.

"But why Lizzy? I have never understood her behavior towards you. Have you ever asked Papa?"

"Yes. Once." Elizabeth's thoughts wandered to that unpleasant memory. She had been twelve. Her mother had been particularly spiteful that day. Elizabeth's lively, high-spirited attitude had always irked her mother and that day had been no exception. Everything Elizabeth did that day was wrong. It had come to a head during supper and the haranguing began; Elizabeth ate too slowly, she ate too fast, she didn't eat enough, she ate too much. In exasperation, she had impertinently responded, "Well maybe I won't eat at all. Then you will have nothing to complain about." Her mother had simply shouted at her to leave the table.

Later that night she had gone to her father. Never before had she approached him with this particular question. She had simply asked him why. Why did her mother treat her with so much disdain? Up until that moment, her father had always answered her questions. In fact, he relished her questions, which often led to debates as their opinions often differed. But that particular question caused such a change in her father's countenance, his usually open and easy manner abruptly became closed and forbidding. He had firmly told her to never ask again. Not wanting to risk her father's ire, she had obediently acquiesced. She never asked him again.

"What did he say?"

"He refused to answer." Elizabeth turned toward the fireplace, not wanting her sister to see the pain apparent on her face.

Jane sat silent, lost in her own thoughts. She was selfish. She was worrying about falling for the wrong man when her beloved sister had real concerns, real pain. She quickly stood and went to her sister, embracing her with a fierceness which belied her delicate frame. "I don't care what Mama says Lizzy and you should not heed her vicious words. They are not true," she ended emphatically.

Elizabeth returned her sister's embrace with equal fervor. "I can't help but believe them Jane. They are ingrained in my brain. I hear them even in my sleep! " Elizabeth laughed, subtly wiping away her tears.

"Don't do that Lizzy. Don't hide your tears from me."

Elizabeth laughed again. "It's a habit, I suppose. My only defense: never show weakness in front of Mama. No sense in giving her further cause to complain!"

"What else is on your mind Lizzy?" Jane instinctively knew her sister needed to talk of something else. Elizabeth was silent for so long, Jane almost repeated her question.

"I hardly know Jane. It is difficult to put in words when I don't fully understand it myself." Elizabeth returned to the sofa, then stood immediately and resumed her pacing.

"Try." Jane's gentle invitation was all that was needed.

"Do you ever feel that change is coming? " At Jane's confused look, Elizabeth added, "That something important is going to happen. Something that will change your life or you, forever?"

Jane's eyes widened. "What do you think is going to happen Lizzy? Nothing bad, I hope?"

Upon seeing Jane's distress, Elizabeth quickly reassured her sister. "No, no, nothing bad. But I feel..." Elizabeth struggled to find the right word. "Expectant, hopeful. Does that make any sense?"

Jane smiled, then laughed. "Not at all. But it sounds wonderful. Maybe something will happen tonight?" Jane said teasingly.

Elizabeth laughed with true delight. "Hmmm...maybe my Knight in Shining Armor will come and sweep me off my feet? Or knock me off my feet, more like!"

Jane joined in her sister's bright laughter.

Their merriment was interrupted by their Aunt coming into the room, exuding palpable excitement. "It is time to ready ourselves for tonight girls. Come."

FEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Darcy sat in his chair, currently being attended to by his faithful and diligent valet. He waited patiently while his valet finished up his shaving, carefully removing the last of the shaving cream with brisk and deliberate movements.

"Thank you Stevenson." His valet's pleasure was apparent. Well at least one of us is excited about tonight.His valet had despaired of Darcy ever entering society as a man of his station was expected to do. Darcy's announcement that he would attend some balls this season was received with obvious relief and a rare smile from his aging valet.

Darcy was already dreading tonight's ball. One more. With a weary sigh, he stood and with the assistance of his eager valet, dressed for Lynton's ball. At least the man giving the ball was a close acquaintance of Darcy's, if not a close friend.

Sir Reginald Lynton was a leading member of the ton, despite being only a Baronet. He was born the second son, so had not anticipated assuming his late father's role. He had gone by his surname, Lynton since his days at Cambridge due to a decided dislike of his given name. Upon the unexpected death of his elder brother, he had assumed the title. But he remained Lynton, instead of the customary, Sir Reginald. He refused to be called anything else. In fact, he would customarily ignore anyone who addressed him as anything but Lynton. Lost in his thoughts, Darcy did not hear his valet. "What was that Stevenson?"

"Is there anything else I can do for you, Sir?"

"No, that will be all. Thank you."

"Very good, sir. Have a pleasant evening."

Barely refraining from rolling his eyes, Darcy swiftly left his room.

His knowing valet grinned at his Master's retreating back. One of these days, something, or someonewill make him appreciate a ball, he thought.

FEFEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Elizabeth sat on the side of the ballroom, catching her breath and resting her aching feet after a rather energetic country dance with a very enthusiastic, if not accomplished dancer. Her Aunt was standing nearby talking with an acquaintance. She took in the magnificence of the ballroom and closed her eyes in appreciation as the beautiful strains of the music washed over her. She thought how she would describe the evening and her surroundings to her father. Smiling slightly, she mentally penned a letter to her father, describing her evening thus far.

The glittering candles from the chandeliers reflect off the sumptuous jewels of the resplendent women; arrayed in an abundance of lace, feathers, and haughty expressions.Unfortunately, all their finery cannot hide their lack of intelligent conversation, or ignorant opinions.I even overheard one woman express the opinion that Napoleon would make a much better ruler than our Regent because the French are so dashing!And the men are not much better.Nearly all my dance partners talked of the same things; the weather, the ball, and most importantly (considering the amount of time spent on the subject), hunting, horses, and dogs. Truly father, if I didn't have such an array of human folly to amuse me, I should go mad!But balls are such an immense source of amusement, don't you agree?

She paused and considered her last observation. One of her partners had stood out from the rest. Sir Reginald Lynton was everything a gentleman should be, handsome, kind, engaging, and exceedingly charming. Even his conversation had delighted her. She smiled as she thought of their introduction and his insistence that he be addressed as simply Lynton. She had been shocked, then amused as she heard his explanation.

Her musings were interrupted by a slight disturbance to her left. She turned her head to see what captured her attention. Her eyes immediately rested on one of the tallest men she had ever seen. He was surrounded by an array of young misses and their escorts all vying for his attention. Elizabeth was immediately struck by his obvious discomfort, indicated by his stiff posture and blank expression. How odd.What man doesn't like the fawning of beautiful women? And many of them were indeed very beautiful. But he appeared to be ignoring their blatant attempts to get his attention. His gaze steadily scanned the ballroom intently as if he were looking for something, or someone. She felt a sudden and unexpected stab of longing to be so sought after by such a man. She let her eyes wander over the many occupants of the ballroom, trying to see who was the object of such intense searching.

His clenched jaw and forbidding expression was the only indication that he was aware of the many women surrounding him. His displeasure was obvious. But displeasure of what? Maybe he felt the company beneath him? Shaking her head, she silently admonished herself for her unflattering thoughts. She determined not to make a quick judgment. It was clearly apparent that he was uncomfortable with the attention. She felt sudden pity for all those young women who clearly wanted his attention. She wondered briefly what type of woman he would deem worthy of his attention.

Her eyes drifted back to the man and she shamelessly perused his handsome features. His near black hair was slightly curly and rested just above the collar of his well tailored jacket, emphasizing his broad shoulders and narrow waist. Her gaze lingered on his face. His overall appearance was very disarming. He had a strong, defined jaw, with high cheekbones, a well-sculpted nose, and his lips...Elizabeth blushed and averted her eyes in embarrassment, grateful no one had observed her blatant perusal of the gentleman.

His bearing was noble and confident. Here was a man used to being in control. Although he clearly is not in control now. She readily admitted that he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. His chin has a dimple, she observed as an afterthought. She wished she knew the color of his eyes...

Her perusal was interrupted by Sir Reginald Lynton coming to ask her for a second dance. She happily accepted and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor.

FEFEFEFEFEFEFE

Darcy was tired. So tired. Mentally weary from one inane conversation after another. He had made an effort, dancing with several of the ladies present. He didn't want to shame his host by stalking the borders of the ballroom as Richard so succinctly put it. The night was not even half over and he was ready to leave. To make matters worse, Richard had not yet arrived. No doubt, his duties at the War Office kept him occupied. Darcy closed his eyes and wished himself miles away, preferably in his bed, asleep, dreaming of her. He scanned the ballroom again, searching every face, young and old. With each pass his eyes took of the ballroom, his sense of hopelessness increased. She was not here.

Darcy turned to leave when an unmistakable, almost imperceptible voice urged him to turn and look. Closing his eyes, he thought Why not? So he turned back around and immediately his gaze rested on Lynton. He frowned. He was standing in front of a chair, effectively obscuring the person from his sight. He knew it was a woman as he could see part of her white silk gown. Lynton suddenly stepped back to allow the woman to stand, offering her his arm. He felt his pulse suddenly pick up, and his breath caught as he gazed at the vision before him. It was her.

A/N: Please don't hate me? I know that is a horrible place to end, but I couldn't help it. I am evil, I know. If I had a moustache I'd be twirling it right now while laughing. I was going to post this as two separate chapters, but decided not to as you guys have been so overwhelmingly supportive and appreciative of my story. Thank you again for everyone who reviewed.

Please review! They feed my muse!