Darcy could take it no longer. As he made his way over to Elizabeth Bennett, he thought about his discovery. He loved her. That conclusion had been reached last night; indeed, he had been determined that it was just a passing infatuation, but upon much thought, realized that he was, in fact, deeply in love. This, of course, led to a long argument with himself as to how he should proceed. Did she love him? Could he marry her? Of course, she had no connections to speak of, but he didn't really need more. She had relatives in trade, but his best friend was the son of a tradesman. It would be mighty hypocritical of him to decide that tradesmen were beneath him now. She had no dowery to speak of, but really, he had enough wealth that he didn't need her dowery. In the end he determined that yes, he could marry her.

But the first question still needed answered. Did she love him? He was unsure. But after deciding that he loved her, and it wasn't a passing fancy, he concluded that he would begin to court her. Once he was more direct with his attentions, perhaps her feelings would become more clear. In that, he had an advantage over Bingley. He had been struggling with how Jane Bennett felt about him for several days now. Caroline Bingley had been trying to convince Bingley that not only did Miss Bennett not love him, but that he should abandon Netherfield after the ball and return to London. When Bingley had asked his opinion on the matter, Darcy had to admit that he didn't know the lady well enough to determine her true feelings on the matter. Miss Bennett was a very serene women, and she seemed to be in a constant state of contentment. Obviously, Mrs Bennett was of a very mercenary nature, and SHE expected an engagement, regardless of her daughters feelings on the matter. Fortunately for Darcy, Miss Elizabeth was much more forthcoming in her feelings. He was sure that once he was more direct in his attentions, he would be able to tell if she loved him in return.

With these thoughts on his mind, he reached Miss Elizabeth, who was speaking with her friend, Miss Lucas.

"Miss Elizabeth, if you are not already engaged, my I have the pleasure of dancing the next set with you?"

"Well, I... Well... of course, Mr. Darcy, it would be an honor," Elizabeth replied. Darcy bowed and turned to walk away.

"Oh, Charlotte! What bad luck! I was unable to come up with an excuse to refuse him!"

"Lizzy! Shame on you! Mr. Darcy does you a great favor by singling you out!"

"Yes, yes. You sound like my mother!" Lizzy exclaimed in frustration. "You know how much I dislike him! He's rude, arrogant, and now that I know how he treated poor Mr. Wickam! I'm afraid this may be the longest, most uncomfortable dance I've ever endured."

"Lizzy, have you already forgotten your dance with Mr. Collins?" Charlotte smiled as she tried to make her friend feel better. "Besides, you would be a fool indeed to slight a man like Mr. Darcy because of a story a poor foot solider told you. You have no proof of it!"

"Who could make up such a story! Charlotte, if its untrue, let Mr. Darcy refute it himself." Lizzy could feel herself getting angry, and took several deep breaths to calm herself.

Darcy could feel the air leave his lunges as he heard Miss Elizabeth and Miss Lucas's conversation. She hated him. There was now no doubt. Yes, he chuckled to himself. How lucky he was that Elizabeth didn't conceal her feelings. He was beginning to envy Bingley. At least he could still cling to the hope that Miss Bennett loved him. For him, there was no pretending or hoping any longer. How could he have so misunderstood every interaction they had had? What he had thought was flirty banter was obviously just a display of her cutting wit. What he had thought were teasing glances were instead looks of derision. What a fool he had been. How should he proceed now that he had this knowledge? He had to dance with her, and yes, it promised to be very uncomfortable. But what to do after? Could he hope to change her mind? He had a long, sleepless night ahead of him.