I. FIRST IMPRESSIONS

CHARM WAS A SCHEME TO MAKE STRANGERS LIKE AND TRUST A PERSON IMMEDIATELY, NO MATTER WHAT HE HAD IN MIND.

Elizabeth Bennet was twenty years when her parents died, she was a only child; no sisters or brothers to turn to. Her mother's relations had all gone to America some years now and the only relation from her father's side was located somewhere in Derbyshire. There weren't options or hopes for Elizabeth's future, but to accept that finding a single man who's in possession of a good fortune must become her husband as soon as possible. But, that wasn't easy, for she hadn't been out in society long enough and Hertfordshire wasn't a place for eligible bachelors. Her father's solicitor sent a letter to the relations informing them about the situation and asking kindly to take her under their protection, but before doing so, she advised her not to get her hopes too high, for there was a great possibility that they may not accept.
One day, he stopped by Mr. Lucas' house, the place she now resident for the time present and informed her about the good news, that her relative who lived in England had accepted to be her guardian and that she was expected in Pemberley as soon as possible.

The journey for Derbyshire was long and Elizabeth was not in the mood to read any book, because she reminded it her ofher loving father and the hours they spent together reading in his studying room. Reading was one of the few pleasures she had in life and now there wasn't but a painful reminder of what she had lost. Instead, she kept reading Mr. Fitziwilliam Darcy's respond over and over again and tried to imagine how he might be. She knew nothing of him, only that he and his sister was the richest people in the area, and she expected -as it was natural- that he was an unpleasant man, with no compassion. It was his letter that made her dislike him immediately 'I understand that the girl has no other close relatives, therefore I am obliged to welcome her in my estate and act as her guardian until she finds a suitable husband. I do not expect it to happen in short time, for her conditions in life are so decidely below the circle of my connections. I cannot do anything else but remain hopeful'

When Elizabeth stepped out of the carriage, she forgot to breathe for a moment. She expected to be a large estate, but her imagination didn't match the reality. The only grant estate she had ever seen in her life was Netherfield Park, when last year Mr. Bingley rented the place and invited them there frequently, for he and her father discussed books. But, Pemberley was far larger and more beautiful than Netherfield if that could be possible. She took a few steps back to observe the architecture better, when she felt a present next to her. A tall man was standing next to her, with his hands on the back and a serious look on his face, almost like a greek statue. He had dark hair, beautiful features and intensive hazel eyes and he was not older than thirty years old.

'You are here at last' he coldy said. 'I am Fitzwilliam Darcy...your cousin.'

Elizabeth curtsied 'I'am pleased to make your acquaintance, sir'

But before she could say anything else, she heard quick steps behind her and turned to see a beautiful girl no more than sixteen. As it was expected this was Georgiana Darcy, who looked nothing like her brother. She had a smile on her face and as soon as they both curtsied, she hugged her and expressed her excitement to have a sister at last. She took her by her hand and almost dragged her into the house to give her a tour. Darcy remained speechless of his sister's welcoming manners and couldn't help but observe Elizabeth's figure better.

Dinner was a pleasant affar; the dishes were delicious but Elizabeth was too nervous to enjoy them. Georgiana was extremely kind and engaged her to conversation at every opportunity, but she was still very uncomfortable in front of Mr. Darcy, who didn't said a word since they sat at the table. Most of the time he stared at her and when she turned to meet his gaze, he looked away, making think that he found something fault in her appearance.

'Do you play Elizabeth?' Georgiana asked.

'Yes, but I don't want to excite your anticipation. My performances are poorly'

'I'd love to hear you play. My brother bought me a new instrument last week.'

Elizabeth turned to look at him and for the first moment their eyes met 'You must be very fond of music and play very good from what I understand, isn't that so Mr. Darcy?'

'Yes, indeed' he replied coldly

'You're too kind, brother. I'm not very good but I dearly love music.'

'My sister is extremely modest. Her performance is exquisite. If she wasn't my sister I wouldn't say with such liberty that she is one of the few women of my acquintance that are so accomplished.' Mr Darcy said as forked his next bite

'You must comprehend a great deal in the idea' Elizabeth replied with astonishment.

Mr Darcy stopped and turned to look at her with a severe look 'I do. She must have a thorough knowledge of singing, drawing and dancing. Speak French and German but above all, improve her mind by extensive reading.'

'Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't know any'

'Are you so severe on your own sex?' he asked

'I never saw such a woman. She would certainly be a fearsome thing to behold'

'Perhaps you haven't moved in society enough' Darcy replied and moved his right eyebrow

'Perhaps not.' she said and her gaze was more intense at ever

'It's a great opportunity that you are here with us now, Elizabeth' Georgiana said unexpectadly, but none of them looked at her. They kept staring at each other, almost as they were wolfs looking at their next meal. Elizabeth finally looked at the young lady and smiled poorly, Darcy on the other hand tried to read her expression.

When dinner was finished, Elizabeth insisted to hear Georgiana play and praise her as her brother previously did. Of course, she obeyed. Darcy was sitting at the sofa across the pianoforte, so he could have a better view of his sister and Elizabeth, who was seated to the chair diagonally.

'Indeed you're right, Georgiana is excellent at the pianoforte' she said, trying to start a conversation. Darcy without looking at her, he agreed. 'Does she practices alone?' Darcy once again replied without taking his eyes from his sister. 'Are you so taken with this piece Mr Darcy or are you deliberately want to show me your annoyance by attempt to start a conversation.'

'Not at all, I assure you' he replied

'As far I am concerned, I have not Medusa's gift. Certainly you can look at me when we speak Mr. Darcy'

'You judge the company severly, madam' he said but this time, turned to look at her eyes

'I'm just describing what you were thinking'

'Allow me to think for myself'

'Gives me leave to do the same and come to a different conclusion.' she paused 'Will you give that to a woman?'

'It must depend on the woman and what she thinks of me

'I think I ought to remain silent'

'That would be also preferable, madam' he said

'I'm happy that we agree at that at least' she smiled, trying to show her polite manners.

'Yes indeed'

Elizabet's room was far larger than her own in Longburn and the bed more comfortable, but it wasn't the accomodation that toubled her sleep. She was afraid to close her eye; she couldn't shake that feeling that something bad was going to happen if she did. She stood by the window for some time to look at the surroundings, just to bring her peace but it didn't. Her thoughts often focused on the Darcy family and what the future would be. Georgiana was a loving creature, so kind and caring and from the first moment of their acquaintance she knew she could be the sister she never had. On the other hand, Mr Darcy was the most disagreable man she had ever met. He was stiff and rarely show any expression rather than his severe look and everytime he looked at her, she knew that it was to judge her. She could nevertheless thank him for all the kindness he showed, allowing her to stay with them, something that she didn't express when she had the change. She was determined to do so the next day, given the opportunity. Just as she was about to return to bed, she saw a moving figure walking across the garden. At first she couldn't say if it was a man or a woman, not until he approached the house a little more and Elizabeth could see clearly that it was Mr. Darcy.

CHAPTER 1.2 HOT BLOOD

All things truly wicked start from innocence. -Ernest Hemingway

Everything was still new to Elizabeth; she first opened her eyes and wondered for a moment where she was, but then she remembered that now Pemberley was her new residence and this large room - with it's own writing desk and arm chairs- were hers. Everything was perfect beyond imagination. If she wanted to stay there for the rest of her life, she could. Her room was in the second floor as well as the guest rooms, while her cousins were on the third, but she didn't mind. It was closer to the library and she could easily go at the restless nights when she couldn't sleep.
Soon after she was up, a young girl entered her chambers and introduced herself as her private maid, she helped her pick up a dark grey dress with little flowers on the cleavage and sleeves and she after made her hair in the most fashionable style, 'as Miss Georgiana would style them'. When Elizabeth finally looked herself at the mirror, she barely recognised herself. She acknowledged her beauty, not with vanity but pride, for she hadn't looked so flawless in a while.

'The breakfast will be served soon, madam' the young girl said as she went close to the door.

'But, it's still very early'

'The master wakes up early in the morning and takes his breakfast alone, Miss Georgiana doesn't rise until eight'

'Ohh don't they take breakfast together?' she was astonished.

'No, the master only joins the miss in the breakfast room at around nine.'

'Inform him that I'll be joining him today, please'

'As you wish'

When Elizabeth entered the room, it smelled like her home kitchen; fresh baked bread and pie. She loved cooking and sometimes she begged the cook to let her help her, even though she knew that the lady of the house would be furious afterwards. The first thing she noticed before she started eating, was the newspaper next to Darcy's dish, but she was hesitant. It was better to wait and as civility would demand ask for it, but when she was almost finished and realized that he wasn't coming, she decided to take it.

She wasn't sure if he deliberately chose not to join in her for breakfast, even though he was informed. Of course, it was deliberate, she thought and smiled ironicaly. He hated her, she could see it from the way he looked at her; critical and all disapproval. It was obvious that he expected a pretty girl with golden hair or better no one at all.

Some minutes later, the door opened and Darcy entered the room and without saying anything he sat down. 'I see that you're quite fin- What are you doing?' he asked all astonishment.

'Pardon?' she said looking down at her plate and then she looked at this eyes to find the direction. 'Oh I'm sorry, this is yours.' She folded the newspaper nicely and left it on the table for him to take.

He didn't move 'The Times is not suitable for young ladies'

She laughed as though it was the funniest thing in the world and he looked at her amazed. 'Pray tell me why.'

'Most things written there could shock a woman. After all your role in the society is very precise and whatever happens in the rest of the world is not your concern'

'I believe you and I live in the same world, don't we? You are a gentleman and I am a gentleman's daughter.' She raised one eyebrow. 'If you are concerned about what happens in the rest of the world, so am I. I do not see why that should be different.'

'You are right Miss Bennet. You cannot find wrong in my attempt to protect you. He paused for a moment. 'I did not mean to offend you. I only wanted…to treat you as I'd treat Georgiana.'

'But you're not my father.' She protested.

He was serious, more than the first time she saw him. 'There are some limits in this house. I do not always expect my orders to be followed but some of they must.'

'I see' she replied without taking her eyes from him

'I believe that I'm guardian now, am I not?'

'And do you plan to act as one?' She mocked

His expression immediately changed and she could clearly see his annoyance in his face. His beautiful features were harsh now. 'If your father had put you some boundaries, perhaps I shouldn't need to.'

She stood up and placed loudly both of her hands at the table. 'How dare you?' Darcy could never imagine how a pretty face could transform so quickly into something fearsome. She burnt from rage like fire.

She then stormed out of the room leaving him speechless, the same time Georgiana was at the door. She tried to address her but Elizabeth ran so quickly that disappeared from her sight.

'What happened?' the young girl asked

'Nothing' he said as though he was angry 'Please sit Georgianna' . They continued their breakfast in silence and he then went to his private study and asked not to be disturbed.

He knew that he shouldn't said what he said. He did not really mean it, but that woman could test his limits to the fullest. She certainly did not deserve the incivility he showed her earlier. She challenged him like no one had ever before and that annoyed him. He always knew even from an early age that everything was at his feet, people treated him with respect and he had learned that patience was a virtue. But, with her, he could lose all the control.