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As their carriage rumbled to a stop, Elizabeth leaned forward, eager for her first glimpse of the Middleton residence.

The house loomed before them, a grand Georgian mansion that seemed to glow in the fading winter light.

Elizabeth caught the faint strains of music drifting from an open upstairs window.

With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, Elizabeth and Jane alighted from the carriage. The cold winter air nipped at their cheeks as they made their way to the entrance, their elegant gowns rustling with each step.

Elizabeth entered the Middleton house with Jane at her side. Both sisters were very nervous, they had never been to a ball in town before. They were happy to be inside again, the evening was turning very cold and there was a light snow falling from the sky, but nothing to be worried of just yet.

As they entered the grand foyer, Elizabeth’s eyes widened, taking in the splendour around them. The house was alive with the bustle of arriving guests and the soft glow of countless candles.

Mr and Mrs Middleton greeted them, both very pleased to see them.

There were a great many people, more than Elizabeth would have thought and all of them very finely dressed.

Music was drifting through the open doors which lead to the ballroom.

People were beginning to walk into the ballroom in groups.

As Elizabeth and Jane hesitated, unsure of where to go next, a familiar face approached them.

Lady Rowena greeted them warmly, enquiring briefly about their journey. Elizabeth responded politely, her eyes scanning the room for familiar faces.

Colonel Fitzwilliam joined them, his easy manner a stark contrast to Mr Darcy’s reserve. “Miss Elizabeth,” he said warmly. “I understand you’ll be leaving us soon?”

“Yes, we return to Hertfordshire tomorrow,” Elizabeth replied.

“Then we must make the most of this evening,” he said with a smile. “I hope you’ll save a dance for me later?”

They were joined then by Lady Henrietta, who ignored both Elizabeth and Jane. “Rowena there you are, I have been looking for you. Did you see that the Granges are here?”

“Yes Henrietta, I did.”

“Miss Elizabeth I believe I see Miss Darcy over there.” Colonel Fitzwilliam pointed to where Miss Darcy stood and behind her stood her brother. “I know she would be more eager to speak to you.”

Her gaze soon fell upon two figures she recognised immediately, causing her heart to quicken its pace.

Elizabeth was pleased by the attention from the Colonel and Lady Rowena.

She thanked him, before leading Jane over.

Jane was still looking around for Mr Bingley.

Miss Darcy smiled when she saw them and greeted them very kindly.

Mr Darcy bowed to them, but allowed his sister to do the talking.

Before Elizabeth could engage them in conversation, another voice joined their small group.

“What an agreeable evening this is for a ball. Just cool enough that we shall be dancing all night.” Mr Bingley grinned broadly.

Elizabeth watched as Jane’s eyes lit up at Mr Bingley’s approach.

Her sister’s usual serenity was tinged with a subtle urgency, her smiles more deliberate.

It was as if Jane had awakened to the precariousness of their situation and was resolved to secure not just her own future, but Elizabeth’s as well.

They entered the ballroom, Jane on Mr Bingley’s arm, Elizabeth and Miss Darcy on Mr Darcy’s.

As Elizabeth observed Jane and Mr Bingley, she noted a marked change from their interactions at Netherfield.

Gone was Jane’s careful reserve; now, her sister seemed to lean into every word Mr Bingley uttered, her usual composure replaced by an almost palpable eagerness.

Elizabeth watched with pleasure as her sister spoke to Mr Bingley, her mother was right.

All he was waiting for was a chance to speak to her alone.

If he did not get the chance tonight, then she was sure he would when they had all returned to Hertfordshire.

The music began, Mr and Mrs Middleton took to the floor to open the ball, waiting for the other couples to join them.

Mr Bingley led Jane out onto the floor as Mr Darcy led Elizabeth, leaving Miss Darcy to Lady Rowena’s care.

Both the ladies were smiling at them. Elizabeth noticed, however, that they were not the only young ladies taking an interest in them.

Both Miss Bingley and Lady Henrietta were frowning at them.

They danced in silence for a while, both remembering the last time that they had danced and how differently things seem now. She had been mortified after her dance with Mr Collins.

“I would like to thank you, Miss Elizabeth,” He said after a while.

“Whatever for?” She asked .

“For being as kind as you are to my sister,” he glanced at Miss Darcy. “And for listening to me the other afternoon.”

“I had misjudged you, allowed what others said to cloud my judgement. You do not need to thank me.”

“And agreeing to dance with me this evening.” He paused. “I know that it cannot be more than a dance, although-” he stopped speaking suddenly, his eyes on the door. “Lady Catherine? Why is she here?”

Elizabeth turned her head slightly to look, but her attention was caught not by the woman who stood by the door, but by Mr Collins who stood slightly behind her.

Elizabeth felt her stomach lurch, a mix of surprise and dismay flooding through her.

Her fingers tightened reflexively on Mr Darcy’s arm as she struggled to maintain her composure.