Disclaimer: Some of the characters and places belong to Squaresoft. The story itself has been based on 'Jane Austen's – Pride and Prejudice'.

Authors Note: A big thank you to the people that have reviewed so far. You guys keep me going! And a big thank you to those that have this marked for story alert…I'm touched! Enough of my babbling…its time for the festival party!

I hope you enjoy. JD

The Pride and The Prejudice

Chapter Three

Friday morning had finally arrived at 'Manor Farm', yet still the days leading up to the 'Autumn Festival Party' remained the main topic of conversation, much to Mr Caraway's dismay. Seeking refuge in his study at the first opportunity and leaving only breakfast and dinner the only time that he could not escape the constant twittering from his wife and siblings. Now it was the morning of the actual event itself, he could not wait for it to be over and done with. Then perhaps his two youngest daughters would then find another subject for their frivolous behavior and non-stop chatter. Shaking his head as he turned in his chair to look out of his study window. The leaves on the trees had only just begun to change to the warm colours of autumn. Yet some had already been forced to give up their leaves by the northeasterly wind that had blown through Galbadia. As Rinoa passed by his window giving him a smile and a wave, she set off once again for one of her usual early morning walks before breakfast.

She knew that he would be sitting in his study, such was his routine, and it had now almost become a ritual. But like him seeking refuge in his study, she in turn seeked the freedom of the open countryside. After smiling and waving her greeting to her father, she had decided to set off towards the town and admire the trees that lined the road. They always appeared stunning at this time of year and you could not appreciate them properly, when riding in a carriage. Stopping frequently along the road as she tried to identify a particular birds song or an insect that she had seen on a leaf. It was during such an investigation that Rinoa was startled when two men on horseback rode past her at such speed, that she was forced to take cover amongst the nearest hedgerow.

The two riders reduced their pace, as one of the men said to the other

"Should we not stop and see if the young lady is hurt?"

Turning quickly to see her removing herself from the hedge, he replied

"She is fine. Come we do not have time for country girls."

With that said, the two riders continued on their journey.

The shock of the incident was nothing in comparison to their lack of consideration for her well-being. Now with her shawl as well as her pride ruined. She could do nothing apart from walk back towards her home.

When Rinoa returned she found the Caraway house filled with great excitement, for they had taken delivery of Quistis' much awaited new dress. Their mother had insisted that she try it on again immediately to ensure that the alterations made were correct. Making the courier who had delivered it wait, in case he needed to return it once again to Mrs Valescas. As her mother and Quistis made their way up the staircase, Julia Caraway caught sight of Rinoa's disheveled appearance and asked

"Goodness child what have you been doing?"

Removing the shawl that she had been wearing and seeing that it was covered with leaves and pieces of twig that she had acquired from the hedgerow.

"Avoiding two gentlemen on horseback who were both riding at speed and had no regard for anyone but themselves. I was forced by their actions to take cover in a nearby hedge or risk being struck down by one of their horses. Although, from their behavior, I do not think the term gentlemen describes them at all," said Rinoa.

"Perhaps they did not see you in their haste," offered Quistis.

"I do not believe that is the case, for they slowed down only for a moment and I quite clearly heard the fair haired of the two say that he wanted to stop. But, his dark haired companion wished to continue their journey saying that they did not have time for country girls," said Rinoa.

Selphie asked, " Oh Rinoa, were you able to see if the two gentlemen were handsome?

"What sort of a question is that child?" Asked their mother.

Marianne offered, "A person can only be deemed handsome if"

Selphie interrupted by saying, "Oh shut up Marianne, no-one is interested in your dictionary definitions, and besides we are so short of handsome gentlemen. Perhaps they will attend the festival this evening, wouldn't that be exciting?"

"Ooh yes, and then you could dance with them and fall in love," said Alison.

"Really Alison! I fail to understand where you obtain these ideas of fantasy, for you surely have not listened to a word I have spoken. There was no time to notice if they were or were not handsome and from what I have seen of them, I think they would believe themselves too grand for our festival to attend." Stated Rinoa.

"And why would handsome young gentlemen not attend, when it is one of the most talked about festivals in the county? Especially when the new owner of 'Galbadia Hall' himself will be attending and I am sure he would have invited his associates from Deling," said their mother.

When Quistis caught sight of something on Rinoa's hand she said

"Rinoa there is blood on your hand?"

Looking first to her hand and then back to her sister. Rinoa replied,

" It is nothing more than a scratch from the brambles, but I fear that my pride has been hurt more."

"Rinoa ask Mrs Higgins to look at that before it becomes infected." Turning then to Quistis their mother continued, "Now hurry up Quistis, for we do not have all day and you need to try on your dress."

"Yes mother", replied Quistis, as she headed towards her bedroom with her mother following closely behind.

Rinoa looked at her scratched hand once again and sighed, before heading to the kitchen to find Mrs Higgins.

The rest of the day had run quite smoothly, despite all the quibbling and giggling between Alison and Selphie, which was not unusual. But the time had come for them to take the family carriage into town and attend the 'Autumn Festival Party'.

Quistis of course looked very elegant in her new dress in fact it highlighted her already existing beauty. Yet despite her quiet shy nature, she was honestly looking forward to attending the festival. As she checked the front of the dress, once again convinced that she was displaying way too much cleavage to feel comfortable. If only she could have worn one of her other dresses. When she looked back up she saw Rinoa smiling at her from the seat opposite. Returning only a halfhearted smile, for she felt guilty that her sister had not also obtained something new to wear. Instead she had chosen her favorite oatmeal dress, with its simple square cut neckline, straight sides and a slight pleating of the skirt that ran to her ankles. Despite its plainness, Rinoa made it look beautiful.

Looking next to her sisters Alison and Selphie, as they sat next to Rinoa. Dressed almost identically in their white and lilac floral print dresses. Their new bonnets had been made to match quite well with the addition of ribbons and flowers. Both sat unusually quiet for once and obeyed their father's request for peace at least during the journey. No doubt they would make up for the silence when they arrived, for they looked fit to burst as they held in their excitement.

Only their sister Marianne looked out of place as she sat at the end of the seat holding a few sheets of paper and a pencil. She did not like to participate in these festivals, for she did not like to dance. Preferring instead to sit or stand near to the musicians in the hope of obtaining the names of the pieces being played and then acquiring the sheet music at a later date.

Quistis turned slightly so that she could glance at her mother as she sat next to her. She looked very handsome indeed. Dressed in her two-tone dress with its burgundy bust and cream coloured skirt. Completing her outfit was a single ostrich feather coloured to match her dress and set in her platted and tied back hair.

Finally their father sat next to their mother, dressed in his fine beige trousers, crisp white shirt that was covered by his black waistcoat. The three silver buttons down the front had been polished along with his silver pocket watch that was only just visible by the chain hanging from his top pocket. Unlike their mother who was holding her cream shawl, he had opted to wear his matching black jacket. Quistis could only dream of ever meeting a man like her father. But her thoughts were soon interrupted, when the carriages rhythmic movement had come to an end and the door opened by Peterson.

Taking a breathe of the fine autumn air as he stepped from the carriage. That simple action itself helped to clear his mind from his earlier concerns, as he offered a hand to escort his wife Julia down to the ground beside him. With their children following behind, they made their way towards the large double doors of the Galbadia Church Hall, where one Gias Potts stood on guard outside.

"Lovely evening Mr Caraway, Mrs Caraway," he said as he opened the doors and let the sound of the music inside hit their ears.

"Yes it is Potts, but we don't usually have a man on the door," replied Mr Caraway.

"No sir, but Lord Loire insisted that I greet the new owner of 'Galbadia Hall' and his guests when they arrive and then escort them into the festival."

"Well your doing an excellent job Potts, so I'll be sure to let Lord Loire know when I see him." Stated Mr Caraway.

"Thank you sir,' he replied as they walked past him.

No mistake, the Church Hall had been lavishly decorated this year. Great floral displays had been placed around the large room, with a corner set aside with tables filled with pastries, cakes and gathered fruits. Not to mention the bottles of wine, a keg or two of ale and a large silver bowl filled with fruit punch. The chairs and benches that normally filled the hall had been placed along the two long walls, to allow a weary dancer rest from the festivities under the corn dollies dressing each wall. Lastly, the musicians played on their violas and flutes, cello and piano at the very top of the hall. It was a splendid sight indeed.

While Mr and Mrs Caraway greeted their friends and acquaintances. Alison and Selphie made haste to the dance floor by first passing their new forgotten bonnets to a protesting Marianne and then acquiring two willing dancing partners on their way. Marianne took the bonnets with a disgruntled look on her face and making her way towards the musicians, found herself a seat and placed the two bonnets under the protection of the chair. Thinking 'It would not be my fault if someone steps on them, in fact serve them right if they do!' With nothing more than a quick fleeting glance towards the dancers, Marianne redirected her attention towards the musicians pencil and paper at the ready.

Meanwhile Quistis's anxious look did not go unnoticed despite her attempts to try and appear happy. Rinoa knew her sister well enough to know that she felt uneasy. The simple grip on her arm had got tighter since they entered the hall.

"Quistis, do not worry so, for these are all friends that we are acquainted with and they will only see you in a beautiful dress," offered Rinoa.

"That is the trouble. I don't you see this dress is too beautiful and I fear that I am greatly overdressed for this occasion. I shall worry all night for fear of spilling something down it!" Replied Quistis.

"You worry too much my dear sister, for everyone here is wearing their best attire and probably thinking the same as yourself. Why you think that you would spill something, I do not know, for I have yet to see you drop a single item on any garment you have worn in all the years I have known you." Stated Rinoa.

Quistis replied, "You are too kind to me and I know that you meal well, but I do not think I can stop worrying until the night is over."

"Look there is our dear friend Susannah and her sister Maria! Let us go over to them and let them know that we are here," said Rinoa.

Making their way to the other side of the room, Susannah Loire turned and said

"Quistis, Rinoa, I am glad to see you and I trust that you are both well?"

"Very well and yourself?" Asked Rinoa.

"Well thank you, but a little anxious as I see my father is once again going around the room and trying to persuade everyone to dance. He said it will give a good party atmosphere for the new owner of 'Galbadia Hall'," replied Susannah.

" I don't see anyone that I do not recognize, perhaps he is not coming," stated Quistis.

Susannah looked around the room before replying.

"He has not yet arrived, but he is supposedly bringing his two sisters. One of which is married to a wealthy businessman, who will be accompanying her tonight. There is also another gentleman, who is supposed to be his good friend from Deling that will attend also."

"You seem to be well informed. Have you already been introduced to them?" Asked Rinoa.

"I have not, but father went down this morning to greet them and invite them to our house for one of his dining and music evenings. You and your family will of course also be invited. So I am afraid that like yourself, I too will have to await my turn to be introduced," said Susannah.

When they turned once more to look about the room, they could see Lord Laguna Loire standing in front of their sister Marianne.

"He will have great difficulty in trying to persuade our Marianne, to get up on her feet and dance, for he will be there all night and not succeed." Said Rinoa.

"Rinoa really!" Said Quistis as she could not help but join in the laughter of Susannah and Maria.

It was only when everyone on the dance floor had ceased in their actions and now stood transfixed, as they looked towards the door. When the music also stopped, everyone's attention throughout the hall was then drawn in the same direction.

Standing before them in the most elegant finery, stood two extremely handsome men.

Both equally dressed in cream pants, white high collared shirts, jackets of a deep blue and a white cravat tied at the neck. The man with short-cropped fair hair was smiling as he took in all his surroundings.

However, the other darker haired man seemed displeased with everything, as he stood with a hand on his hip, surveying all before him. As he caught the eye of everyone present for the briefest of seconds. Not stopping until he reached Quistis and then Rinoa, as his gaze seemed locked with hers.

A/N: Well I hope you enjoyed the start of the actual party…more will be revealed in the next chapter. As always please let me have your comments……JD