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Elizabeth glanced across the table to see Jane and Mr Bingley deep in conversation. Jane’s eyes sparkled as she laughed softly at something Mr Bingley had said, her cheeks flushed with pleasure. Mr Bingley leaned in, his attention wholly captured by Jane’s words.

The room hummed with an undercurrent of excitement and nervous energy. Elizabeth could feel the weight of expectations - both spoken and unspoken - hanging in the air like an invisible mist.

Elizabeth found herself increasingly aware of Mr Darcy’s presence throughout the evening.

Where once she had found him proud and disagreeable, now she noticed a certain warmth in his gaze, a gentleness in his manner that stood in stark contrast to Mr Collins’ obsequious fawning or even Colonel Fitzwilliam’s easy charm.

She found that she really enjoyed being in the Colonel’s company.

He seemed to make every conversation he was involved in more interesting and entertaining.

She laughed hard throughout the meal and could hardly remember a meal that she had enjoyed more.

He seemed to be enjoying her company as much as she was his.

“Miss Elizabeth,” Mr Darcy interjected smoothly, just as Colonel Fitzwilliam opened his mouth to speak, “I recall you mentioning your fondness for poetry. Have you read Wordsworth’s latest publication?”

Elizabeth couldn’t help but notice the change in Mr Darcy’s demeanour. Gone was the haughty pride she had witnessed in Hertfordshire. In its place was a man who seemed… almost eager for her good opinion. The transformation puzzled her, even as she found herself warming to this new side of him.

During a lull in the conversation, Elizabeth caught Jane’s eye across the table. Her sister’s subtle smile and slight nod spoke volumes - Mr Bingley’s attentions were not unwelcome.

As the Colonel regaled her with tales of his travels, Elizabeth couldn’t help but imagine a life filled with such adventures. The thought was quickly followed by a pang of regret as she remembered the life that awaited her at Hunsford.

The gentle clink of cutlery against fine china mingled with the low murmur of conversation, punctuated occasionally by Lord Matlock’s hearty chuckle .

As the conversation around them swelled, Mr Darcy leaned closer to Elizabeth. “I hope you’re enjoying the evening, Miss Elizabeth,” he said softly, his eyes searching hers. “Your presence has certainly made it more… illuminating for me.”

Before Elizabeth could formulate a response, he had turned away, leaving her to wonder at his meaning.

Elizabeth’s resolve to maintain her distance wavered as the Colonel’s eyes met hers, twinkling with mirth. She felt torn between the pleasure of his company and the duty that bound her to another.

Several times throughout the evening, Elizabeth caught Mr Darcy looking at her with an expression of barely concealed agitation, as if there was something he desperately wanted to say but couldn’t find the right moment.

It was only after the ladies had withdrawn into the drawing room that she remembered that she needed to be more careful, she was after all engaged to Mr Collins.

The last thing she needed was to be falling in love with someone when she was already promised to someone else, however little she wanted the marriage to take place.

She resolved quietly to be more guarded in her conversation with the Colonel.

Mrs Bennet took Elizabeth’s arm as they left the dining room and leaned close to Elizabeth, whispering excitedly, “Did you see how Mr Bingley looked at Jane just now? I declare, we shall have a wedding before the year is out!”

Lady Milton came and sat down by her and asked her about her engagement.

Mrs Bennet had mentioned it to her during the meal.

Elizabeth thanked her for her interest and told her a little of Mr Collins, careful to make him not sound as ridiculous as she found him.

Lady Rowena was also sitting near them. She said “Oh, so you will be living very close to our aunt then? Lady Catherine?”

“Yes, I believe the parsonage is very close to Rosings Park. ”

“I will be very glad of your company at my aunt’s, our visits are not as often as she would wish. But they are always very dull.” Lady Rowena told her.

“She is not that bad Rowena.” Lady Milton said, “Anne is sweet and in need of more companionship herself.”

“I wish our aunt would let her come and stay with us.”

On the other side of the room Lady Henrietta was trying to talk Miss Darcy into playing for them, “But Georgiana you play so well, you must entertain us?” Miss Darcy had gone quite a bright shade of pink.

“No really Henrietta I would much rather not.” Miss Darcy said, looking around in panic.

Elizabeth caught Jane’s eye, nodded in understanding. “Lizzy did you not promise Miss Darcy that you would play for her this evening?”

Miss Darcy looked very relieved. Lady Rowena said, “Yes Miss Elizabeth Bennet, please you must play for us? I have heard so much about how well you play from Darcy.” She smiled.

Elizabeth blushed. “He has grossly overestimated my talents, but if you wish, I will play.”

She sat down and looked through some of the music resting on the top of the instrument. Miss Darcy joined her and she looked for a song she knew. Miss Darcy presents her with one.

“I believe this is a favourite with my cousins, do you know it?”

“It is a song I have heard before and it is not too difficult.” Elizabeth said, relieved as she began to play.

After she had finished the song, she was pleased with her performance.

She had played as well as she could given the circumstances.

Miss Darcy asked her to play again and was soon joined by the other ladies.

However she was spared playing again at that moment by the arrival of the gentlemen and the tea and coffee .

“Miss Elizabeth,” Mr Bingley said warmly as the gentlemen moved into the drawing room, “I hope you’re enjoying the evening as much as your sister seems to be.” His eyes flickered to Jane, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Mr Darcy joined his sister where she stood with Elizabeth. “I understand that I missed you playing Miss Elizabeth, would I be able to persuade you to play again?” he asked her.

“I believe I am done playing for the evening Mr Darcy, perhaps another time?” She replied and was thankful when he dropped the subject.

Miss Darcy moved away to get some tea and Elizabeth expected Mr Darcy to go with her, however he remained by her side. She was even more surprised when he addressed her in a very serious tone.

“I have a confession that I need to make to you Miss Elizabeth, but I believe it would be better to speak to you alone.” His voice was low and slightly unsteady. “May I speak to you tomorrow in private?”