N'4

Elizabeth thought for a moment before answering. “It is certainly complex, Mom. But I think there is more to him than meets the eye. »

Mr. Bennet, who had been listening in silence, intervened with an amused smile. “Lizzy, you are always looking for mysteries and secrets. Maybe Mr. Darcy is simply a reserved man. »

“Maybe,” Elizabeth agreed. “But I can’t help but wonder what who hides behind this cold facade. »

The conversation continued, but Elizabeth remained deep in thought. The ball of

Meryton had raised more questions than he had answered. THE

Mr. Darcy's intentions remained a mystery, as did Mr. Darcy's true feelings.

Mr. Bingley for Jane.In the following days, Elizabeth could not help but reflect on these events. She asked whether Mr. Darcy and Caroline Bingley had discussed Jane, and whether their reservations were founded. She also wondered if Mr. Darcy had feelings for her, or if he only saw her as a curious and impertinent young woman.

But despite these unanswered questions, Elizabeth could not deny that she found Mr.

Darcy more and more intriguing. Its mystery captivated her, and she found herself searching of the

Opportunities to see him again, to discuss with him, to discover the truth hidden behind his words and actions.

Thus, the Meryton ball marked the beginning of a period of questioning and discoveries for Elizabeth. She was determined to uncover Mr. Darcy's secrets,

hoping that Jane and Mr. Bingley would find the happiness they deserved. But she also knew that the path to truth and love would be strewn with pitfalls, and that he would require a lot of patience and perseverance to overcome the obstacles that arise. stood in their way.

The evening wore on and the Netherfield Ballroom was alive with music and performances.

laughter. The guests, caught in the excitement of the dance, formed colorful circles around the track, where the couples spun gracefully. Elizabeth Bennet, standing near

from the buffet, observed the scene with a certain satisfaction. Jane and Mr. Bingley seemed inseparable, dancing repeatedly and striking up conversations animated. Jane's happiness was evident, and Elizabeth was delighted to see her sister so radiant.

However, Elizabeth couldn't help but notice Mr. Darcy, who, although present, stood aside, showing little interest in the festivities. His expression was indecipherable, his gaze wandering over the crowd without really stopping on anyone. He seemed distant, almost detached from the hustle and bustle around him. This attitude piqued Elizabeth's curiosity. Remembering their previous conversation, she wondered why a man so rich and of such high social standing seemed so

reserved and reluctant to mingle with others.

Determined to find out more, Elizabeth made an impulsive decision. She approached Mr.

Darcy with an engaging smile, although tinged with a hint of challenge.“Mr. Darcy,” she called out to him, “it seems to me that you have not danced the whole time.

evening. Don’t you want to join the others on the track? »

Mr. Darcy looked at her, a slight frown betraying his surprise. “Miss Bennet,” he replied with cold courtesy, “I haven’t found a partner yet which suits me. »

Elizabeth, far from being intimidated by this response, continued with a mischievous smile.

"Is this a polite way of saying that you can't find anyone worthy of your attention ? »

He seemed to hesitate, searching for the right words. "Let's just say I'm difficult to satisfy. »

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, amused by his apparent arrogance. “Difficult to satisfy ? This is a statement that could discourage many young women here present. »

“Maybe,” he conceded, “but I prefer to be honest. »

She stared at him for a moment, weighing her words. Then, in a bold move, she said, “Hey

Well, Mr. Darcy, if you don't mind, I'd be curious to see if you are too hard to please on the dance floor. Will you grant me this dance? »

There was a moment of silence, during which Elizabeth could see the conflict in the eyes by Mr. Darcy. Finally, he spoke, in a measured tone. “I fear, Miss Bennet, that I

I am unable to respond to your request. I appreciate your offer, but I am not not willing to dance tonight. »

Elizabeth felt a wave of disappointment pass through her, mixed with slight irritation. " Not willing? Does this mean you don't want to dance with me? »He held her gaze, his features impassive. “It’s not a question of wanting or no, Miss Bennet. It's simply a personal preference. »

She looked at him, incredulous. “Personal preference? You find my company if unpleasant ? »

Mr. Darcy seemed slightly unsettled by this direct question. “That’s not what

I meant. I find your company interesting, but… I prefer not to dance. »

Elizabeth felt a surge of anger, but she quickly contained it. " I understand,” she said in a calm voice. “You are free to choose, Mr. Darcy. But be aware that your refusal could be misinterpreted. »

He looked at her, a glint in his eyes. “I don’t care what other people think, Miss Bennett. I do what I believe is right. »

Elizabeth nodded, forcing a smile. “Very well, Mr. Darcy. I wish you a Have a good evening. »

She turned away, feeling her cheeks heat up with frustration and embarrassment. Elizabeth was not used to this kind of refusal, especially from someone like Mr. Darcy. She had always been proud of his wit and charm, and being thus rejected stung her to the quick.

Returning to her family, Elizabeth tried to hide her mood. Jane, always gentle and empathetic, immediately noticed her trouble.

“Is everything okay, Lizzy?” » Jane asked, concerned. “You seem upset. »

Elizabeth shook her head, smiling weakly. “It’s nothing, Jane. Just a little disappointment. »Jane didn't seem convinced, but she didn't push it. “If you want to talk about it, I’m there. »

Elizabeth felt a surge of affection for her sister. “Thank you, Jane. But really, this is not important. »

Still, Elizabeth couldn't help but think back to her conversation with Mr. Darcy. His distant attitude and refusal to dance disturbed her. Was he just shy, or was there something else? Something deeper, perhaps linked to a misplaced pride or prejudice?

While lost in thought, Elizabeth heard Caroline Bingley, nearby from there, make a derogatory remark about his family. “The Bennets are charming, of course,” said Caroline in a sweet tone, “but you have to admit that they lack… refinement. »

Elizabeth felt a wave of anger rise within her. She was used to criticism veiled from Caroline, but tonight it touched her more deeply. Maybe it was

Mr. Darcy's refusal made her more sensitive, or maybe it was just the accumulation of judgments in recent days.

She turned back to Caroline, ready to answer, but Jane beat her to it.

“Caroline, I

"I think my family is full of admirable qualities," said Jane with gentleness.

farm. “We may be different, but that doesn't make us any less worthy of respect. »

Caroline seemed taken aback by Jane's calm but determined defense. “Oh, good

Sure, Jane. I didn't mean that in a negative way. It was just an observation. »

Jane smiled, but there was determination in her eyes. “I understand, Caroline.

But I hope we can all see beyond first impressions. »Elizabeth felt proud of Jane. Her sister had always been kind and generous.

exemplary patience, and seeing his ability to defend his family with such grace and strength was inspiring.

The evening continued, and although Mr. Darcy refused to dance, Elizabeth found herself chat with other guests. However, his mind kept coming back to him, asking what was hidden behind his cold and distant facade. She wondered also whether his refusal to dance was an act of pride or prejudice, or if there was a a more personal reason that she was unaware of.

Eventually the evening ended and the Bennets returned to Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet was delighted with the evening, talking incessantly about Mr. Bingley and his kindness to Jane. Mr.

Bennet listened with amusement as the younger sisters discussed the dresses and dances.

Elizabeth, however, remained silent, lost in thought. The behavior of Mr. Darcy intrigued him more and more. His refusal to dance with her seemed more significant than a simple lack of interest. Was it a question of social class?

Or

Was there something else, something more personal and deeper?

Before going to bed, Elizabeth promises herself to find out the truth about Mr. Darcy. She was determined to unravel the mystery of this man, even if 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 so easily. She had the intention to understand him, to understand his motivations and to discover what is happening hid behind this impenetrable facade.

The autumn days had settled in Longbourn, bringing with them cool winds

and a fine rain that seemed to never stop. The Bennets were getting used to this

rhythm of the season, but social life did not slow down. The recent visit of Mr.

Bingley at Netherfield had been a source of continuing excitement for Mrs. Bennet, who stopped praising the merits of the kind gentleman.