It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a when single man in possession of a good fortune arrives in a new neighbourhood, all the mothers of that neighbourhood must be earnestly preparing to present their most beautiful daughters at the earliest occasion.

The coming of a certain Mr Bingley to Netherfield Park was certainly no exception to this truth.

Especially when it became known that he would be in attendance at the Meryton Assembly rooms.

On the very day of that Assembly, not far from Netherfield, over a few well kept fields, across a pleasant wooded area and a prettyish kind of a little wilderness, one particular mama, a Mrs Frances Bennet, could be heard through an open window loudly lamenting the misfortune that had befallen her most beautiful daughter.

"Oh! My dearest Jane, it cannot be!" she wailed, taking up her daughters hand and shaking her head in despair. "Mr Bingley would most definitely have fallen in love with you the minute he set his eyes upon you, I am sure of it. Now you will not even be at the assembly, all of my hopes are ruined!"

Jane smiled wearily from her bed ,her cheeks flushed and her ankle raised up on a soft fluffy pillow. It was swollen and sore but thankfully was not broken. Still, she was in a lot of pain. There was no question of her going to the Meryton Assembly that evening.

"Five thousand pounds!" Mrs Bennet continued, barely catching a breath, "and Lady Lucas will make the most of this occasion to snatch him up for Charlotte. Charlotte! You know she can never look anything but plain when you are in a room together! Now you will not be there, and it is she who will marry Mr Bingley. I cannot bear to think of it!"

"Mama!" A reproachful voice exclaimed from the other side of the bed.

Mrs Bennet's eyes flicked over to her second daughter.

"But it is true Lizzie! This was such a great opportunity for us all! How often do single young gentlemen move into our neighbourhood, I ask you?"

Elizabeth looked at Jane and saw her wince with pain. She was unsure whether this was caused by the sprain of her ankle, or the high pitched hysteria in her mothers voice as it pierced the eardrum, or both. In any case Elizabeth was certain that her mothers ranting and raving was doing no good for her injured sister so she answered decisively: "Do not fret, mama! Everything will turn out for the best. Mr White said that with a few days rest Jane's ankle will be much better!" Turning to Jane she added in a much softer tone, "Dearest, I will remain here with you tonight and I shall keep you so amused that you will forget your discomfort."

"You will do no such thing, Miss Lizzy!" Screeched Mrs Bennet. Both her daughters felt the high pitch again resonate in their ears. "It is bad enough that my beautiful Jane will not be at the assembly. We must now make the best of what we have. Mary will stay here with Jane. I dare say Mr Bingley would not look at her anyway. You, Lizzy, must do your duty. You have a certain charm about you and perhaps this Mr Bingley has a penchant for impertinent young ladies"

"I would much rather stay and look after Jane!" Elizabeth tried, and failed to keep the exasperation out of her voice.

"You will do as I say!" was all the reply Mrs Bennet gave her.

Elizabeth felt her lips twinge as she was about to object, but Janes eyes warned her not to go any farther.

"Do not worry yourself for me Lizzy." She reassured, "I will be comfortable here with Mary. If you go, you will be able to tell me every detail of what goes on. No one else can describe things as well as you do." She lowered her voice and then added, "and someone needs to keep an eye on Lydia!"

So it was that Elisabeth, Kitty and Lydia were the only Bennet daughters in attendance at the Meryton assembly that night.

While her two youngest sisters ran off to amuse themselves, ribbons and curls trailing behind them, Elizabeth was quickly accosted by her dear friend Charlotte whose concerned eyes asked about Jane's well being even before her mouth formed the question.

"I have been impatient to see you my dear Lizzy, is it true that Jane has broken her leg? Please tell me what happened?"

"Do not be alarmed, Charlotte! It is only a sprained ankle, with a few days rest all will be well.

"Oh, my poor, dear Jane! How disappointed she must be - assemblies are scarce enough as it!"

"Well, Mama is probably suffering more than Jane. She is certainly making more of a commotion about it all! "

Elizabeth proceeded to recount the events of that day, detailing how Jane had been unfortunate enough to fall through the bottom step as an untended crack had given way. She had managed to catch herself on the rail, but had twisted her ankle in the process.

The two friends were deep in conversation when at last the long awaited Netherfield party arrived at the assembly halls. Not wanting to appear too curious, Elizabeth schooled her features, outwardly pretending to be mildly indifferent but drinking in the smallest details of the new comers.

The party was made up of three gentlemen and two ladies.

"The gentleman to the left is Mr Bingley" Charlotte informed, with a slight nod. The man in question had every appearance of being a most amiable gentleman. Always smiling, but not a forced smile, rather one that seemed to naturally belong on his handsome face. Even through the noise of the crowd Elizabeth could make out his jovial laughter as he conversed with Sir William Lucas, eagerly seeking introductions.

Elizabeth's mouth curved into an approving smile.

"It would appear, my dearest Charlotte, that Mr Bingley will be a very friendly neighbour. He will certainly be an improvement on miserable old Mr Penton."

"Well, that wouldn't be difficult, you two certainly weren't the best of friends!"

Both girls had to stifle a burst of laughter.

"He always insisted on reporting to mama all my unladylike conduct... but Netherfield always had the best trees for climbing, and I never could resist, after all I was but eleven years old!"

"I might venture to say that you still have difficulty acting with propriety when there is a tree to climb! Was it not last week that you tore your blue spencer?" As she spoke Charlotte shook her head in mock disapproval, and then added as an afterthought, "I wonder what the new owner of Netherfield would say if he was to catch you half way up the old oak!"

This time they both had a much more difficult time hiding their amusement.

"My blue Spencer, as you know very well, was torn by a stray bramble on my walk home from church! What do you know about the others in his party?" Elizabeth whispered, staring at the two overly adorned ladies, dressed to the height of fashion, feathers and all and who both looked as though they were going to Almacks, rather than a country ball.

"I believe the two ladies are Mr Bingleys sisters, and the gentleman over by the refreshment table is his brother in law"

"Indeed, Charlotte, you are an insatiable fountain of information this evening, so pray tell me who is the handsome man staring right through us all, evidently wishing himself somewhere else?"

"If I remember correctly his name is Mr Darcy, but I am afraid that is all I do know"

From the corner of her eye Elizabeth could see her mother waving her arm in a strange up and down motion while winking and nodding in an attempt to attract her attention. She left Charlotte with a gentle pat to her shoulder and wove her way through the crowd towards her increasingly agitated parent. Mrs Bennet's attempts at being discreet were lacking any real subtlety, and you the time Elizabeth reached her side she had managed to attract the attention of more than just her daughter.

"Why must you try my patience so, daughter? Hiding over there in the corner with Charlotte! We must see you are introduced to Mr Bingley!"

The formal introductions were soon performed and very quickly Elizabeth found herself very agreeably engaged in conversation with Mr Charles Bingley, who was every bit the friendly neighbour she had surmised.

"Such a pleasant gathering!" he smiled, looking about him in satisfaction, "my sisters were concerned about leaving town society, but a country dance such as this, what could be more refreshing?"

"You are very kind sir," Elizabeth smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she glanced towards Mr Bingley's sisters, "but I am sure that our small gathering can hardly compare to the elaborate events you attend in town?"

"Compare?" He raised an eyebrow, "No, Miss Elizabeth, you are quite right, this warm atmosphere, filled with neighbourly affection, and the heartfelt welcome I have received here, can NOT compare with even the most grandiose of events held in town... this is far more enjoyable!" He looked at Elizabeth with earnest and then, after offering another charming smile continued, "May I perhaps have the honour of dancing the first set with you Miss Elizabeth?"

A flush spread across Elizabeth's features. Usually it was Jane, who, as eldest daughter and most beautiful of the Bennet sisters, received such attentions. She had to admit to herself that it would be a delight to have such an agreeable partner and she nodded and expressed her pleasure quite as prettily as Jane would have done.

As Mr Bingley and Elizabeth stepped out to take their places for the dance, Elizabeth could feel the all eyes in the room upon her. It was a great distinction. Her friends looked mostly very pleased for her, though some eyes held a glint of jealousy, others surprise. Mrs Bennet was very vocal in her excitement. Her daughter being singled out in such a fashion only served to precipitate the wedding plans that were already forming in her mind. Further down the dance line Miss Bingley was obviously unimpressed by her brother's choice and as for the mysterious Mr Darcy who was standing opposite her, his expression revealed nothing.

The dancing began.

A more attentive partner, Lizzy had rarely had. Mr Bingley was interested in everything about his partner and his new neighbourhood. He listened attentively and took pleasure in her heartfelt expressions and twinkling eyes as she enthusiastically answered his questions about the places and people she loved best.

By the time they separated after the two dances, they both felt as though they had been friends for years.

As the evening progressed Elizabeth was rarely without a partner, and when eventually she did have to sit out a dance, she was thankful for the respite, and the chance to more closely observe those around her. Her first appreciation of the newcomers was confirmed. Mr Bingley had danced every dance so far and had soon gained everyone's approval as a true gentleman. He had engaged her again for the upcoming set, and at present was dancing with Mrs Long's niece. Across the room she caught a glimpse of Mr Hurst, again at the refreshment table. She smiled to herself. He was obviously more at ease amongst his own kind, and had been with the card players most of the evening. Tall, handsome Mr Darcy stood aloof not far from her. She was more or less hidden from his view by a group of older gentlemen standing between them, and so made the most of her chance to analyse the man without being observed. He was certainly very handsome. His clothing confirmed his status as a gentleman of some standing. So far He had danced only with the two ladies in his party. As far as she could tell, the rest of the time he had spent standing against the wall, his expression unreadable. She had heard the whispering around the room about how he had a grand estate in Derbyshire and ten thousand pounds a year.

"This is a man who believes himself far above our country society" she muttered under her breath.

A familiar voice brought her out of her reverie and she started at the realisation that the dance had ended and Mr Bingley had come to speak with Mr Darcy.

She was near enough to hear the conversation, and after a brief battle with her conscience she determined that It was not wrong to listen.

"Darcy, there you are!"

"I see you are making a reputation for yourself, Bingley. You have managed to dance every dance. Have you at last had enough? Mr Darcy asked.

"No, not at all! In fact I am looking for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She has promised me the next set."

"A second set? Are you serious Bingley? You will raise expectations!"

"Nonsense my friend! I find Miss Elizabeth most exceedingly agreeable company"

"Well, I do not see her. Maybe she is with her mother." Mr Darcys tone was slightly mocking.

Elizabeth blushed slightly at Mr Bingleys words and then cringed as she realised her mothers shrill voice could be heard all the way from over the other side of the room. A sudden burst of laughter amongst the gentlemen nearby prevented her from hearing the next words they spoke but as it died down she was surprised to hear Mr Bingleys tone change.

"Come, Darcy," he said "I must have you dance. I hate see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much better dance."

"I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and there is not another woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with."

"I would not be so fastidious as you are," cried Mr. 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, "

"Uncommonly pretty? I think not. You are to dance with the only handsome girl in the room, I will admit this: Miss Elizabeth has beautiful eyes. Go! Find her and leave me to my thoughts."

Mr Bingley made his way across the room in search of Elizabeth, and she quickly used the opportunity to distance herself from Mr Darcy. She felt a flush of embarrassment creep up her neck and cheeks at having heard the private conversation. "The only handsome girl in the room!" "Beautiful eyes!" She had barely time to compose herself when Mr Bingley came towards her with a grin and an outstretched hand.

"There you are! I believe this is our dance, Miss Elizabeth"

"I have been looking forward to it" she managed a smile, and they took their places in the quadrille.

As they danced she noticed Bingley regularly looking with concerned eyes over at Mr Darcy, who was still standing in the same spot. She could not help herself from doing the same.

"Have you been long acquainted with Mr Darcy?" she inquired at last, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Darcy and I have been friends for years, we met at Cambridge. He was in his last year, I was in my first"

"Oh!"

"You are surprised?"

"Well, he seems to be a proud sort of a man, you seem so very different"

The dance obliged them to separate for a few moments, and when they found themselves back together he answered.

"Proud? Mmm, maybe he is, but not in the way it might appear"

"Well I am afraid he does not appear to be enjoying his evening as you do, I fear he looks decidedly uncomfortable."

Mr Bingley glanced over at his friend and shrugged, "Ah! Darcy is never at ease with a large crowd, he is no more at ease in London than he is here. ". He gave her a conspirational look and whispered, "Too many matchmaking mothers"

Elizabeth felt a pang of embarrassment thinking of her own match-making mama, she was about to open her mouth to speak when Bingley continued his explanation, "He would prefer to marry with genuine attachment, and when he steps into a ball room and hears the murmur of his fortune and has every unwed daughter pushed upon him, well, he puts up his defences, and lets no one through. Please, do not be misled by his solemn appearance. He is a good friend, he has been of precious help to me on many occasions"

"I will concede that you know him better than I do, but it seems a shame he will not dance when it is plain to see that men are in short supply, and so many ladies are without a partner. We are not all looking to compromise him! Some of us just enjoy dancing!"

Bingley creased his brow and looked thoughtful.

"My friend has not been himself these last few weeks. I beg you do not form a hasty judgement"

"Please accept my apologies, I do not judge your friend, only, I am very fond of sketching people's character. I take great pride in quickly discerning them, but I am afraid Mr Darcy remains a mystery to me."

Elizabeth head was full as she made the short carriage ride home. She was flattered to have danced two sets with Mr Bingley but it was when she thought of Mr Darcy and his overheard compliments that she felt a flush of heat in her cheeks. He was certainly a proud man, he had offended more than one of her neighbours that evening by his silence. The other members if the family were too tired to be their usual loud selves. Elizabeth stared out to the dark outdoors. Moonlight shone down and the silhouetted tree branches moved slowly in the wind. She had certainly many things to tell Jane.