Love Happens - a pride and prejudice fanfiction

The Ball-1

It is said that when one waits for some particular event, the waiting period never seems to end. True to the statement, many of our beloved characters felt that Tuesday, that is to say, the day of the ball would never arrive.

But at last, it did. The day dawned bright and sunny, and every household in the neighbourhood was bursting with excitement. After all, it was not everyday that a ball was held at Stanfield. And believe me, a ball at Stanfield was no common business. The Simmons were particularly known for their exquisite balls.

The Bennets, specially were very excited. Oops, that statement calls for a correction. Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, Kitty and Mr. Collins were excited. I might say that even Jane betrayed some excitement to see Mr. Bingley again.

"Mama, but the ball is in the evening!" cried Lizzy, as her mother forced her to start preparing for the ball.

"You will do as I say, miss. Mr. Simmons might propose today!" her mother said, ignoring her pleas.

"Mama-" Lizzy was unceremoniously interrupted as Lydia giggled and said,

"Only if Mr. Collins doesn't propose first. Mama, you must have noticed how he singled Lizzy out."

"Yes, I noticed, my dear. It will not do. I talked to Mary. But she refuses to talk more with Mr. Collins. That child will end up an old maiden! I do not know what we shall do! We will lose Longbourn for sure!"

"Mama, please. Why are all your thoughts related to our marriage?"

"Tell me this when you have five unmarried daughters, Lizzy."

Lizzy didn't want to hear about Mrs. Bennet's good old nerves, and so didn't say anything more.

Mr. Collins got out of the carriage and helped all the ladies out. He held Lizzy's hand a moment longer than necessary. Lizzy pulled her hand out of his grasp and quickly started walking with Jane, intertwining their arms, lest Mr. Collins wanted to offer his arm.

Jane raised her eyebrows and giggled. Lizzy decided to ignore Jane's teasing looks, and they walked through the grand entrance, admiring the decor.

The hosts were at the door welcoming the guests. As soon as the Bennets entered, John forgot his duties and went on to escort them, or rather Lizzy, inside. He started praising lizzy on how beautiful she looked. Lizzy just smiled uncomfortably and looked out for Jane, but Jane had already began conversing with Mr. Bingley. Her eyes scanned the room desperately, trying to find some excuse.

Suddenly, she caught sight of William, and at the very moment he looked at her. Normally, they would either ignore each other or maybe frown and then ignore. But not this evening. They just simply stared at the other dumbfounded.

Why am I looking at him, she thought, and by his expression, he thought the same. She turned to Mr. Simmons and resumed her conversation with him, or rather tried to pay attention to his conversation.

The whole exchange was seen by none, except one, Richard. He saw his two favourite people, otherwise the great enemies, staring at each other. And their look was not one of contempt, he thought. Am I missing something here? He decided to ask William about it, but reconsidered. Maybe I should look out for more entertainment and then start the interrogation. Smiling wickedly, he planned to keep a watch on the two.

Soon, the opening set began. Lizzy took her position with John, trying very hard to ignore the snickering and gossiping matrons.

Mr. Simmons was a good dancer, and so Lizzy enjoyed her dance with him. Maybe he had understood her awkwardness, because he desisted from making any more flirtatious comments. In fact, he was making her laugh by telling her incidents from his childhood.