[Open RP] -- A Ball at Pemberley

[good_opinion]

For all his faults, let it not be said that Fitzwilliam Darcy was anything less than a most gracious and generous host. For almost a full two weeks and several hundred pounds out of pocket, he had managed to organise a ball of some magnificence as to almost reach the standards of his aunt, Lady Catherine (though he suspected that fully achieving

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[bitunlikely]

Jenny was rather pleased with the dress she found on Trevalon. The man in the store had assured her it was a direct replica of a Regency era evening dress. Either way, she had fallen in love with it the moment she had seen it.

And, she thought, it made her blend in quite well with the other guests at Darcy's ball. The only thing that possibly stood out was the stolen vortex manipulator on her wrist. But it was the only way to meet up with Ryan in 21st century Arizona, and then teleport to Pemberley.

Still, as she watched the festivities with a brilliant smile on her face, Jenny was certain that it was worth it.

[good_opinion]

When Darcy finally spotted her in the middle of the laughing, dancing, drinking crowd, he confessed (and only to himself, of course) that he was quite taken aback. If not for the characteristic smile he found all too dazzling, he might never have recognized her. Truly, he was quite stunned. And he most certainly was not the only one who had noticed her.

"Now there is a most handsome specimen," one of the soldiers dressed in brilliant scarlet regimentals nudged him with an elbow, nodding in Jenny's direction. "Not even you could say no to that, Darcy."

He did not offer a reply beyond tightly snapping shut the jaw that he hadn't realized had been gaping. He bowed distractedly, excusing himself from the conversation and, with the faintest of smiles, went to greet her.

[bitunlikely]

Her grin widened when she saw Darcy approach. Just like with Martha's masque, she had tried to do a little (if not sloppy) research on the time period she was pretending to be from. Curtsies, it seemed, were the manner in which a female was to introduce herself here. That, though, she could pick up just from watching the crowd.

So, gracefully, Jenny gave him her best curtsy. As she lifted her head back up, she beamed brightly at him.

"Hello, Mister Darcy."

[good_opinion]

He bowed deeply in return, as was expected of a gentleman, appearing to those around them to be as formal and stiff as ever, though there was the most minuscule quirk of the lips that only she could see.

"Miss... Jenny," he replied, somewhat awkwardly. He had forgotten that she claimed to have no last name. "I hope I find you well?"

[bitunlikely]

His smile made hers grow when she noticed it. Jenny had been watching him for a little while now and had noticed his stiffness. The very fact that it was something considered a smile by some enthused her.

It was nice, too.

"You do! It's absolutely gorgeous, Mister Darcy. Pemberley and the people and everything!" Jenny's eyes shone with delight as she talked. "I hope my dress is appropriate. It was my favourite in the shop."

[good_opinion]

"I am glad you approve," he said, glancing about the room as though to ensure that everything was indeed worthy of her praise. "And I daresay that there will be more than one woman envious of you choice this evening."

It was indeed a beautiful gown, one that had charm and sophistication but did not scream its expense in a mass of gaudy feathers and jewels. In fact, it quite reminded him of something that Miss Elizabeth Bennet might wear... He distracted himself with a sip of wine, determined not to think of that woman for the rest of the evening. It was why he had organised such an event, after all.

"If it is your intention to stay in this part of the country for a time," he continued, hoping she hadn't noticed his distraction, "perhaps you would care for a tour?"

[bitunlikely]

That was a compliment, wasn't it? That other women might actually be envious of her choice? Jenny certainly hoped it was, at any rate, given the giggle and small blush that had followed his words. It was nice to know that, so far, her choice in clothing has been relatively correct.

A blush that became a little more prominent when he suggested her intention of staying in England for a while. She shrugged and hoped herself that he hadn't noticed.

"I, oh, I hadn't thought of that! I came for your ball because I so very much wanted to go to one," she answered quickly, "but I didn't think of actually staying. I'd love a tour, though. If I could find a place to stay while here."

There was only so much jumping through time Jenny could stand, after all.

[good_opinion]

"You are more than welcome to stay here," he said, with a nod towards the ceiling, indicating the upper floors. "We have space enough to accommodate you."

And there really was. It was why, whenever Darcy did stay at Pemberley, something which had occurred less and less frequently over the last two years, he often brought with him a large party of acquaintances. He did not like to see Pemberley Hall - a building of such magnificence and reputation - so devoid of life when once it had had so much. He would be glad of the company, even if he did not express as much.

[bitunlikely]

She gazed upward, suddenly curious to see what the rest of the building looked like. Jenny blinked and looked back at Darcy, her face happy and sincere.

"I think I'd like that. A whole lot."

But curiosity was getting the better of her. She scanned the room quickly, trying to judge for herself whether her next question would be appropriate. In the end, Jenny found herself not caring: "Do you think you could give me a tour of the estate?"

[good_opinion]

He bowed his head, partly to acknowledge her acquiescence and partly to hide his quiet but no doubt noticeable smile. "I shall send for a maid to prepare your rooms. Feel free to stay as long as you like."

He raised an eyebrow at her next question. "Now?" He too glanced in the direction of his other guests. "Think what people might say if Mr Darcy abandoned his guest to entertain a young lady in private," he smirked. "I doubt it should reflect well on either of us."

[bitunlikely]

Jenny blinked, surprised by his question. She vaguely remembered reading something on social etiquette for this time period.

Vaguely.

"Does it matter what they think?"

[good_opinion]

"Yes, of course," he said, adding quietly so as to avoid anyone overhearing. "Unfortunately."

He didn't much care for the good opinion of others if he were honest, except for the strict necessity of it. Having connections in society was the only way to survive within it.

"But I give you my word that as soon as I am able, you will be treated to the fullest tour of Pemberley."