N'2

The Meryton ballroom was beautifully decorated, the chandeliers sparkled, and the music sounded joyfully. When they entered, the Bennets were immediately attracted by the commotion surrounding Mr. Bingley's arrival. He was there, surrounded by a few friends, including an imposing and severe-looking man, who attracted also the looks.

Mrs. Bennet didn't wait long before whispering to his daughters: "There's Mr. Bingley, and this man beside him must be Mr. Darcy, his friend. Aren't they impressive? »

"Mr. Bingley seems very friendly," Jane commented, observing the young blond man.

and smiling. “But Mr. Darcy seems a little… dour.” »

“Don’t be fooled by appearances, Jane,” Elizabeth replied, casting a critical eye.

to Mr. Darcy. "Maybe he's just reserved." »

The evening progressed, and soon Mr. Bingley was introduced to the Bennets. His courtesy and warm smile quickly made an impression. He danced with Jane, and they seemed get along well, which did not escape the watchful eye of Mrs. Bennett.

“I knew Jane would be perfect for him,” she whispered to Mr. Bennet, who nodded. distractedly while watching Elizabeth dance with another partner.

Elizabeth, for her part, was soon confronted by Mr. Darcy, whom everyone described as as being rich but proud. Their first meeting was, to say the least… cold. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” announced Mr. Bingley, introducing his friend,

“permit me to introduce you to Mr. Darcy. »

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said with a polite smile.Mr.

Darcy bowed slightly, his piercing gaze meeting Elizabeth's. “Miss Bennet,” he replied with cold courtesy.

Their conversation was brief and formal, and Elizabeth could not help but feel a certain arrogance emanating from him. She also noticed his scrutinizing gaze, as if he weighed every detail of his person.

After a few moments, Mr. Darcy walked away, leaving Elizabeth somewhat

disconcerted. “What a strange man,” she thought. “It is perhaps even more

proud than I thought. »

Mr. Bingley, on the other hand, seemed more and more captivated by Jane. They danced several times, and their complicity was evident to all who observed them.

“It’s a good start,” rejoices Mrs. Bennet talking with her neighbors. “Mr.

Bingley is truly charming, and Jane is simply resplendent tonight. »

The evening ended on a note of satisfaction for the Bennets. Mr. Bingley had done strong impression, and Jane seemed to please him as well. Elizabeth, despite meeting not pleasant with Mr. Darcy, was happy for her sister.

On their way home, the Bennet girls discussed their impressions.

“Jane, it’s obvious that Mr. Bingley likes you,” Elizabeth exclaimed, laughing. " YOU danced together so often! »

Jane blushed slightly. “He is very kind, Lizzy. But I don't want to overdo myself of illusions. »

“Don’t be so modest,” interjected Mrs. Bennet enthusiastically. “It is clear that he is under your spell. And you, Lizzy, what do you think of Mr. Darcy? »Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. “It’s certainly imposing, but I don’t know what to think of him. He seems cold and distant. »

Mr. Bennet, who had been listening in silence, added with a smile:

“Perhaps Mr.

Darcy just needs time to open up. Don't be too harsh with him. »

“I hope so, Dad,” Elizabeth replied. “But for now, I prefer to concentrate about Jane's happiness. »

In the following days Mr. Bingley paid several visits to Longbourn, always accompanied by Mr. Darcy. The conversations were often light and pleasant,

but Elizabeth could not help noticing Mr. Darcy's reserved attitude. She decided not to take offense and to continue observing, seeking to understand this mysterious man.

One afternoon, as they were walking in the garden, Mr. Bingley expressed his admiration for Longbourn and its surroundings. “It’s a really lovely place,” he said. to Jane, who smiled shyly in response.

“We love our house very much,” she replied. “She is full of memories happy. »

Mr. Darcy, who accompanied them, observed silently. Elizabeth, walking alongside from him, decided to start a conversation.

“And you, Mr. Darcy, what do you think of our village? » she asked.

He looked at her with an unreadable expression. “It’s a quiet place and picturesque,” he finally replied. “Very different from life in the city. »

“I suppose you prefer the city?” » asked Elizabeth, curious.“I find charm in both,” he replied simply. “But every place has its advantages and disadvantages. »

Elizabeth nodded, smirking. “You are a man of mysteries, Mr. Darcy. »

He looked at her intently for a moment, then looked away. " Maybe. Or maybe I'm just someone who doesn't open up easily. »

The weeks passed, and Mr. Bingley's visits became more frequent. Its relationship with Jane seemed to be strengthening, and Mrs. Bennet was over the moon. She already saw her eldest daughter married to a rich and loving man.

“Jane, you absolutely must prepare yourself for Mr. Bingley to propose to you,” she often repeated. “It will be such a beneficial marriage for all of us. »

Jane, always modest, replied calmly: “Mom, it’s too early to talk about it. We are still getting to know each other. »

Elizabeth, for her part, continued to observe Mr. Darcy with increasing curiosity.

Despite her apparent coldness, she couldn't help but feel that there was more in him than what he let appear.

One evening, while the Bennet family was preparing for dinner at the Lucas house, Elizabeth had the opportunity to speak at greater length with Mr. Darcy. They found themselves alone in the living room, and Elizabeth decided to address a subject that was bothering her.

"Mr. Darcy," she began, "I have noticed that you are often withdrawn during our meetings. Is there anything bothering you about Longbourn? »

He looked at her for a long time before answering. “No, Miss Bennet. There is nothing that disturbing here. But I am a man who prefers to observe before meddlingLer to conversations. »

“And what do you observe, if I may ask? » asked Elizabeth with a smile mischievous.

“A lot of things,” he replied, enigmatic. “People, their interactions, their intentions. But above all, I observe to understand. »

“Understand what? » she insisted.

“The truths hidden behind appearances,” he said softly.

Elizabeth looked at him, intrigued. She realized that it was much more complex than she had imagined. And yet there remained a mystery that she was determined to unravel. drill.

It was a moment of silence, interrupted only by the return of the others in the room.

piece. Mrs. Bennet, still enthusiastic, began to talk about the latest news from the village, and the evening resumed its course.

As the Bennet family went to the Lucas house, Elizabeth couldn't help but to think back to his conversation with Mr. Darcy. There was something about this man

which disturbed and fascinated her at the same time. But she also knew that, for the moment, her priority was to support Jane and observe how their relationship with Mr. Bingley would evolve.

The days passed, and despite Elizabeth's initial prejudices, she found herself searching opportunities to speak with Mr. Darcy. She was intrigued by his complex personality and felt that there was still much to discover. But she wasn't the only one to be fascinated by this enigmatic gentleman. Others in the community were starting also to question his intentions and his reserved behavior.One afternoon, while they were gathered for tea at the Lucas house, Elizabeth had a another meaningful conversation with Mr. Darcy. They were discussing literature, a subject that fascinated them both.

“I hear you are a great reader, Miss Bennet,” said Mr. Darcy, smiling slightly.

“Yes, I love books,” she replied. “They offer an escape and a perspective unique in the world. »

“I agree,” he said. “But I also believe that books can sometimes blind to reality. »

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, intrigued. " What do you mean ? »

“We can get lost in the ideas and ideals they present,” he explained. he. “Sometimes it is necessary to keep your feet on the ground and see things as they are.

that they are, without the filters of literature. »