6. Chapter Six

The grand drawing room at Netherfield bore the unmistakable signs of preparations for a ball: garlands of flowers adorned the walls, while gleaming candlesticks and silverware lined the mantelpiece. Mr. Darcy stood by the window, looking out at the autumnal landscape that stretched before him. He was lost in thought, considering his increasing attachment to Elizabeth Bennet, when the sound of an argument between his friend Mr. Charles Bingley and the latter's sister, Caroline, reached his ears.

"Charles, I implore you to reconsider," Caroline was saying, her voice sharp with disapproval. "The Bennets are hardly a suitable connection for a man of your standing."

"Caroline, I will not be swayed by your opinions on this matter," Bingley replied firmly, his easygoing nature momentarily replaced by uncharacteristic determination. "I am deeply in love with Jane Bennet, and I shall ask her to be my wife."

Darcy turned his gaze back into the room, watching as Bingley stood his ground against his sister's opposition. His heart warmed at the sight of his friend's devotion to the gentle Jane Bennet, for he knew it to be earnest and true.

"Besides," Bingley continued, "the Bennet family, though not wealthy, is reputable; their family have been at Longbourn for over a century, and they are very well-regarded in the neighbourhood. I cannot see why we should not marry, despite Jane's small dowry; I have no need of more money."

Caroline's eyes darted towards Darcy, seeking support. "Mr. Darcy," Caroline appealed to him, her voice tight with restrained frustration. "I hope you will agree with me that my brother's intended match with Miss Bennet is most unsuitable. Surely you cannot support such an alliance?"

Darcy found himself in an uncomfortable position. While he could not deny his own initial reservations about the suitability of the match, he had seen firsthand the sincerity of the affection between Bingley and Jane. It was true that the Bennet family was not as wealthy as some, but they were reputable, and Jane was a gentleman's daughter.

"Miss Bingley," Darcy began slowly, choosing his words with care. "While I understand your concerns, I must confess that I can see no reason why your brother should not marry Miss Bennet. Her family may not be wealthy, but they are reputable, and she is a gentleman's daughter. Furthermore, there is very clearly mutual affection between the couple."

Caroline stared at Darcy in disbelief, her mouth agape. She had expected him to share her disdain for the Bennets and their lack of fortune, not support the match. Her cheeks flushed with indignation, and she struggled to find words to express her outrage.

"Surely you jest, Mr. Darcy!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in pitch. "You, of all people, must see the imprudence of such a pairing! I had thought you would share my concern for my brother's happiness and future."

"Miss Bingley, your brother's happiness is of great importance to me," Darcy replied firmly. "But I do not believe that happiness is solely dependent on wealth or social standing. Mr. Bingley himself has stated that he loves Miss Bennet, and I have observed their mutual affection. Why should you or I ask them to deny their affection, to undoubtedly be miserable without each other, without good cause?"

Caroline's eyes flashed with anger, but she could find no argument against Darcy's words. She was forced to accept his support of the match, however reluctantly, and retreated from the drawing room without another word.

"Ah, Darcy!" Bingley said, turning to face his friend with a beaming countenance. "I cannot express how glad I am to have your approval in my choice of Miss Bennet. Your opinion holds great weight in my esteem."

"Indeed, Bingley," replied Darcy, clasping his friend's shoulder affectionately. "I am truly delighted that you have found such happiness with a lady who is so eminently well-suited to you. Your good taste is unquestionable, and it seems fortune has smiled upon you."

As they engaged in conversation, Darcy could not help but reflect on the irony of the situation. Despite his own reservations about the social divide between their families, he had chosen to support Bingley's desires above Caroline's objections. The truth was, he could no longer deny the genuine love that existed between Jane Bennet and his dearest friend. Moreover, as he himself had begun to entertain thoughts of a union with a certain spirited sister of Jane's, he could hardly stand in opposition to Bingley's wishes.

"Miss Bennet is indeed a most amiable and accomplished young lady," Bingley continued, his voice filled with warmth and admiration. "And I believe her family, though perhaps not as elevated in society as some might wish, will come to hold a special place in my heart as well."

Darcy nodded in agreement, his mind wandering to the impertinent yet captivating Elizabeth Bennet. As much as he tried to suppress these feelings, she had somehow managed to capture his heart, and he could no longer ignore this fact. He knew that supporting Bingley's match might lead him to question his own prejudices and perhaps even consider a future with Elizabeth.

"Your happiness is of the utmost importance, Bingley," said Darcy earnestly. "And I am certain that you will find it with Miss Bennet and her family."

"Thank you, my friend," Bingley replied, his eyes shining with gratitude. "I cannot wait for the day when Jane becomes my wife, and we can begin our life together."

As they stood by the window, both men lost in their thoughts of love and the future, Darcy could not help but wonder whether he too would one day know the same joy as his friend. He hoped that, perhaps, if he allowed himself to embrace the changes in his heart, such happiness might also be within his grasp. With this thought filling his mind, Darcy vowed to seize any opportunities that may arise in the pursuit of his own felicity.

Days later, the long-awaited Netherfield ball had finally arrived. The grand hall buzzed with animated conversation and laughter as couples gracefully paraded around the polished dance floor. However, amidst the gaiety of the evening, Caroline Bingley's sullen expression stood out like a dark cloud threatening to eclipse the sun.

"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth greeted him as he approached her, her eyes sparkling with mirth and excitement. "I trust you are enjoying the ball?"

"Indeed, I am, Miss Elizabeth," he replied, a small smile gracing his lips as he took in her radiant beauty. Her dress, though not as ostentatious as those worn by other ladies, displayed both elegance and taste, accentuating the natural loveliness that had so captured his attention. Tiny pearls and crystals threaded into her dark hair shimmered in the light of the candles, and she seemed almost to glow as he gazed at her. "And may I say, you look particularly enchanting this evening."

"Thank you," she said, a hint of a blush dusting her cheeks. "How charming Netherfield looks tonight!"

As they spoke, Darcy could not help but steal glances at Caroline, whose narrowed eyes were fixed upon them with thinly veiled resentment. He knew that his attentions towards Elizabeth would only serve to fuel Caroline's ire, yet he could not bring himself to feign indifference to this lovely, intriguing young lady.

"Miss Elizabeth," he began hesitantly, feeling an unfamiliar nervousness take hold. "Might I request the honour of the next dance?" His voice was low, almost a whisper, as if he feared that the mere utterance of his desire would shatter the fragile hope that had taken root within his breast.

"Mr. Darcy, I would be delighted," Elizabeth replied, her eyes shining with genuine warmth and pleasure. The simple words, spoken without any hint of artifice or pretence, sent a thrill through Darcy.

As they joined hands and stepped onto the dance floor, Darcy could not help but notice the sullen expression on Caroline's face grow even more severe. Her jealousy was palpable, yet he found himself unable to summon any sympathy for her plight. Although he knew that propriety and societal expectations demanded a certain level of civility towards Miss Bingley, he would not feign affection where none existed. Caroline had not made it a secret that she had hopes of being the next mistress of Pemberley, but Darcy had never given her cause to think he might entertain such an idea.

The world seemed to fall away as Darcy danced with Elizabeth, leaving only the two of them in a realm of their own creation. In between the elegant turns and sweeping steps, Elizabeth glanced up at him, her eyes bright, and began to speak, raising a topic Darcy would much rather not address.

"Mr. Darcy, I must ask your opinion on a matter," she began. "I recently had the opportunity to converse with Mr. Wickham. He made certain claims about your character, which I admit left me somewhat perplexed."

Darcy's brow furrowed momentarily, his mind whirring with the potential implications of Wickham's deceitful tongue. He took a steadying breath before responding, his voice tinged with restrained emotion.

"Miss Elizabeth," Darcy began, trying to maintain equilibrium despite the anger which flooded through him at even the mention of Mr. Wickham's name, "I must confess that Mr. Wickham possesses a certain charm which has long beguiled those around him. He is skilled at making friends with great ease, much to the sorrow of those friends when they inevitably find themselves betrayed by his true nature."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow archly. "Indeed, sir? It seems then that his charm serves as both a gift and a curse."

"Quite so," Darcy replied, his gaze briefly darkening with recollections of Wickham's past indiscretions. "In truth, I would not wish anyone to be unfortunate enough to cross paths with Mr. Wickham, for it is only a matter of time before they discover the extent of his duplicity."

"A tragic outcome indeed," Elizabeth said sombrely. She leaned a little closer then, an absolutely bewitching smile touching her lips. "Do you think I should intervene?" She nodded towards the side of the ballroom.

Darcy glanced across to see Bingley leading Jane Bennet out onto the darkened terrace, both of them obviously attempting to remain unobserved.

"Absolutely not," Darcy said firmly. "I have reason to believe Bingley has a particular question he wishes to put to your sister, and certainly I do not think an audience would be required."

Had he thought Elizabeth's smile bewitching before? In that moment, Darcy wished for nothing more than to see that smile before him every day, for the rest of his life.

The entire ballroom seemed to hold its breath as Mr. Bingley and Jane stood in the centre, their hands clasped and eyes filled with the tender glow of love. A murmur of anticipation rippled through the throng of guests as Mr. Bingley raised his voice, addressing the assembly.

"Dear friends," he began, his expression somehow both overwhelmed with joy and incredulous at his own good fortune, "it is with great happiness that I announce my engagement to the lovely Miss Jane Bennet."

A symphony of congratulatory exclamations burst forth as the news was met with delight, and the couple found themselves besieged by well-wishers eager to offer their felicitations.

Caroline Bingley's carefully composed smile hid a tempest of vexation and disappointment as she watched the scene unfold. She had schemed and plotted, hoping to dissuade her brother from this match, only for her efforts to come to naught. Now, she was forced to face the reality that she would be forever connected to the family she deemed so inferior.

"Dearest Jane," Caroline uttered through clenched teeth, approaching with a practiced air of grace and warmth, "allow me to offer you my most heartfelt congratulations on your engagement."

"Thank you, Miss Bingley," Jane replied, her gentle countenance radiating sincere gratitude, seemingly oblivious to the insincerity that lurked beneath Caroline's words.

As Caroline retreated from the happy couple, her thoughts were consumed with bitterness and envy. In her mind's eye, she envisioned herself as the bride-to-be, standing beside Mr. Darcy with the admiration of all those in attendance. This was the future she had desired, the future she believed she deserved, yet it slipped further from her grasp with each passing moment.

"Miss Bingley," said Mr. Darcy, appearing at her side, "you have been most gracious in offering your felicitations to your brother and Miss Bennet."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy," Caroline replied, her voice strained as she struggled to maintain her fa?ade of composure. "It is only fitting that I extend my best wishes to them, for they are to be joined in holy matrimony, after all. Jane will be my sister."

"Indeed," agreed Mr. Darcy, his keen gaze betraying an understanding of the turmoil that roiled within Caroline's heart. "May their union be a testament to the power of love and the importance of finding one's equal in both mind and heart."

Caroline could barely contain her ire at these words, for they served as a reminder that Mr. Darcy, the object of her affections, had deemed the match between her brother and Jane Bennet as suitable and worthy of praise. As the celebrations continued around her, Caroline found herself adrift in a sea of discontent, unable to shake the sense that the future she had envisioned was slipping through her fingers like grains of sand. Those horrible Bennets! Here came Mrs. Bennet now, that plain creature, coming up to congratulate her stepdaughter. Scheming, dreadful woman!

"Mr. Bingley, my dearest Jane," Charlotte said, "may I offer my most sincere congratulations on your engagement. Your love for one another is evident to all who know you, and Mr. Bennet and I are delighted at the prospect of your union."

"Thank you, Stepmama," replied Jane, her cheeks flushed with happiness. "Your kind words mean a great deal to us both."

"Indeed," agreed Bingley, his face the picture of contentment. "We are most fortunate to have found each other."

"Fortune, perhaps, played a part," Charlotte said thoughtfully, "but it is your own good hearts that have brought you together. Now, if I may be so bold as to make a suggestion?" She paused, a twinkle in her eye, before continuing, "It would be most fitting, I believe, for your wedding to take place before Christmas. The season lends itself to joy and celebration, and such an occasion would only serve to enhance the festivities."

Bingley's eyes brightened at the thought, and he turned to Jane, seeking her approval. "What do you think, my love? A Christmas wedding would indeed be a magical event."

Jane's smile grew even wider, and she nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, Charles, I can think of no better time to begin our life together. A Christmas wedding would be perfect."

"Then it is settled!" declared Bingley, the excitement evident in his voice. "We shall be married before Christmas."

Caroline wondered if she was going to be ill. Turning away from the sickening sight before her, her gaze fell on a face almost as discontented as her own; that silly clergyman cousin of the Bennets. Wondering what displeased him about the match, she moved a little closer, thinking perhaps to at least find an ally to listen to her displeased sentiments. Mr. Collins was just approaching Elizabeth Bennet at that moment, however, soliciting her hand for the dance. Caroline watched with amusement. Seeing Elizabeth get her toes stepped on would be some small consolation for the miseries of the evening.

"I thank you, Mr. Collins, but I find myself quite done in," Elizabeth said quickly. "The excitement of the evening, you know. Have you made your congratulations yet to Mr. Bingley and Jane?"

"An impressive match indeed for your sister," Mr. Collins said, "but I confess I have my reservations as to its suitability. Surely you must agree that the disparity between Jane's modest background and Mr. Bingley's generous fortune is a cause for concern?"

Caroline smiled as she listened. An unexpected ally indeed! But Mr. Collins was no match in wit for Elizabeth Bennet, and the minx very nearly laughed in his face.

"Mr. Collins," replied Elizabeth, with that disgusting arch smirk on her face, "I would like to remind you that Mr. Bingley is a gentleman, and Jane is the daughter of a gentleman. Their match is perfectly appropriate, and any concerns about their union are unfounded."

Mr. Collins humphed and folded his arms.

"Indeed," Elizabeth added, "what matters most is that they are well-suited in temperament and love each other dearly. Surely even a man of your esteemed position can appreciate the importance of such qualities in a marriage?"

The expression on Mr. Collins' face shifted from indignation to discomfort as he stammered out a response, clearly taken aback by Elizabeth's reasoning. He sought refuge in the crowd, leaving behind an air of satisfaction among the gathered family… and a furious Caroline Bingley, vowing to find a way to disrupt her brother's plans if it was the last thing she did.