ing. "It is certainly complex, Mom. But I th

th an amused smile. "Lizzy, you are always looking for myste

I can't help but wonder what who

, but Elizabeth remained d

more questions than

mained a mystery, as did

hether Mr. Darcy and Caroline Bingley had discussed Jane, and whether their reservations were founded. She al

d questions, Elizabeth coul

Its mystery captivated her, and

scuss with him, to discover the truth

eriod of questioning and discoveries for Elizabeth

that the path to truth and love would be strewn with pitfalls, and that he would require

etherfield Ballroom was alive

nce, formed colorful circles around the track, where the

y seemed inseparable, dancing repeatedly and striking up conversations animated. Jan

ecipherable, his gaze wandering over the crowd without really stopping on anyone. He seemed distant, almost detached from the hustle and bustle around him. T

luctant to ming

Elizabeth made an impulsive

int of challenge."Mr. Darcy," she called out to him, "

want to join the ot

s surprise. "Miss Bennet," he replied with cold cour

midated by this response, cont

ng that you can't find anyone

for the right words. "Let's jus

rrogance. "Difficult to satisfy ? This is a statement

ded, "but I prefe

t, weighing her words. Then,

ious to see if you are too hard to please on t

uld see the conflict in the eyes by Mr. Darcy. Finally,

st. I appreciate your offer, but I a

willing? Does this mean you don't want to dance with me? »He held her gaze, his features impas

. "Personal preference? You fi

unsettled by this direct

pany interesting, but...

understand," she said in a calm voice. "You are free to choose, M

don't care what other people think, Miss

le. "Very well, Mr. Darcy. I wi

th was not used to this kind of refusal, especially from someone like Mr. Darcy. She ha

o hide her mood. Jane, always gentle and e

zy?" » Jane asked, conce

Just a little disappointment. »Jane didn't seem convinced, but

for her sister. "Thank you, Jane.

s distant attitude and refusal to dance disturbed her. Was he just shy, or was there

a derogatory remark about his family. "The Bennets are charming, of course," said

he was used to criticism veiled from Caroline, bu

sitive, or maybe it was just the accu

line, ready to answer,

olin

of admirable qualities,"

but that doesn't make us a

ck by Jane's calm but det

that in a negative way. It

determination in her eyes

ressions. »Elizabeth felt proud of Jane. H

ability to defend his family with s

his mind kept coming back to him, asking what was hidden behind his cold and distant facade. She wondered also whether

ngbourn. Mrs. Bennet was delighted with the evening, talkin

t as the younger sisters disc

rcy intrigued him more and more. His refusal to dance with her seemed more s

else, something more

it meant confronting unpleasant truths about him, or even about herself. For now, she could only speculate, but she knew she wasn't ready to give up s

tled in Longbourn, brin

d to never stop. The Benne

social life did not slow d

ontinuing excitement for Mrs. Bennet, who sto