Not until Eleazar entered the drawing-room at Netherfield did he wonder if Wickham would be present at the ball. He had assumed, presumed, Wickham to be present. As surely the man had not enough shame to shy away from a ball held by Mr Darcy's close friend, nor would he lose the opportunity to dance the night away. But now that he was standing in Netherfield's hall and searching the red coats for a glimpse of the man, came the thought upon him that Mr Darcy might have ensured Wickham could not be present that night.

It was not an entirely unpleasant thought, and though it was proved wrong soon after by Mr Denny, it was a fact that Wickham was not present at the Netherfield ball. Apparently business had called Wickham away or so Denny surmised, though, and Eleazar had to agree on that, Wickham surely should not have missed the evening had he not wished to avoid a certain gentleman's presence. Eleazar had never thought he would be this overjoyed by the continued presence of Mr Darcy in his life.

His patience for all things Mr Darcy was shortly after tested already, and proven to be inadequate. Mr Darcy's polite inquiries were too much for his frazzled nerves, neither his mother nor Mr Collins were subtle, and being more than polite to Mr Darcy was too much at the moment. The moment it was no longer impolite to leave, Eleazar turned away from Mr Darcy's conversation and went looking for Charlotte, as he had not spoken with her for far too long.

They had a joyful conversation that was unfortunately interrupted by Mr Collins' arrival to claim his first two dances. The pitiful look Charlotte sent Eleazar's way was kind, but not enough to help him through the mortification the first two dances with his cousin brought him. Mr Collins had not changed much since the last time they shared a dance together, he was still an awkward and solemn partner who did not know how to lead at all. Dancing with him was a chore Eleazar hoped he would never have to experience again.

The moment of his release from him was pure ecstasy.

After the first two dances Eleazar was on his way to where he had seen Mary last, when he was asked by an officer. The man in question managed to mention his admiration for Wickham, not once, not twice, but three times within the first two minutes of conversation. It should come as no surprise that Eleazar gave the excuse that he had already promised his hand to someone else.

His two dances with Mary were as wonderful as expected and Eleazar was actually beginning to enjoy the ball when they ended. He found Charlotte again and was having an animated conversation when Mr Darcy descended on them, asking for his hand for the next two dances. So overwhelmed with the unexpected encounter and question, he had already agreed to the dance when he realised what was actually happening. Mr Darcy too, was gone before Eleazar found his composure again, and he had only Charlotte to fret about his lack of presence of mind.

"I dare say you will find him very agreeable."

Charlotte always had too much imagination, and to think Mr Darcy could ever be agreeable to anyone, was preposterous.

"Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all! I do not wish to find him agreeable, and there is no reason for him to suddenly be after being so disagreeable during my stay at Netherfield."

There was nothing to it in the end, Mr Darcy arrived by his side when the music started to claim his hand, and Eleazar came without protest. Charlotte gave him one last cautionary warning before the dancing began, to not let his disdain for Mr Darcy give reason to appear unpleasant in the eyes of someone with such an higher standing than his own. He took his place opposite Mr Darcy with dignity, but could not miss the surprised faces of the people surrounding them at seeing him dancing with the unapproachable Mr Darcy.

Silence reigned their conversation, and for a moment Eleazar fancied they would spend the two dances in complete silence. Until he realised that the surest way to punish Mr Darcy for everything he had done, was to speak to him during his moment of silence. It had become clear Mr Darcy did not enjoy speaking with others, especially not about subjects of little value. Eleazar made a polite remark about the dance, Mr Darcy replied and was silent again. That simply would not do, if Eleazar had to dance with someone who thought he was 'hardly tempting', then the very least his partner could be was entertaining.

"It is your turn to say something now, Mr Darcy. I talked about the dance, and you ought to make some sort of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples."

Mr Darcy smiled and assured him that whatever he wished him to say would be said.

"Very well. That reply will do for the present. Perhaps by and by I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public ones. But now we may be silent."

There was no reason, after all, to have an actual conversation. The point was to only talk enough to deprive Mr Darcy of his precious quiet.

"Do you talk by rule, then, while you are dancing?"

Mr Darcy, clearly, had not understood his assignment.

"Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together; and yet for the advantage of some conversation ought to be so arranged, as that they may have the trouble of saying as little as possible."

Eleazar usually enjoyed chatting with his dance partners, having a conversation was even the best part of any dance if you asked him. Though he could not deny that with some people, silence was by far the preferred alternative to having to speak with them.

"Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you imagine that you are gratifying mine?"

Mr Darcy was firmly into one of those categories, and Eleazar saw little need for him to move to the other one.

"Both, for I have always seen a great similarity in the turn of our minds. We are each of an unsocial taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb."

It did not matter that when Mr Darcy applied himself, he was a very entertaining gentleman with great intellect.

"This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure. How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. You think it a faithful portrait undoubtedly."

Eleazar certainly did.

"I must not decide on my own performance."

Mr Darcy did not answer and they once danced in silence again, and it was not until they had gone down the dance that he had asked Eleazar if he and his sisters often went to Meryton. Eleazar nodded his head and could not stop himself from asking Mr Darcy about Wickham.

"When you met us there the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance."

The effect was immediate, in very much the same manner Eleazar had observed when Mr Darcy had come face to face with Wickham. His face turned a deeper shade of hauteur, but he did not say a word. Eleazar was starting to feel bad about bringing it up when Mr Darcy spoke up, in much the same way Eleazar might have said if someone asked his opinion regarding Wickham, if he had been in a favourable mood.

"Mr Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends—whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is less certain."

The chance of Mr Darcy being the man Wickham had spoken so unfavourably about had risen again, and Eleazar felt for the man, but it did nothing to his general dislike for Mr Darcy.

"He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship, and in a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life."

It also did not stop Eleazar's sharp tongue from staying silent for once.

Mr Darcy seemed uncomfortable with the way their conversation had turned out, and did not look at Eleazar as he appeared to be thinking about a new topic that had little to do with Wickham. It was at that moment that Sir Lucas arrived and gave a generous bow to Mr Darcy and complimented him on his dancing and choice of partner.

"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Eli," (glancing at his sister and Bingley) shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to Mr Darcy: —but let me not interrupt you, sir. You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young gentleman, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me."

Though the latter part of Sir Lucas' monologue did not seem to register with Mr Darcy as he stared at Mr Bingley and Jane. Eleazar did not like it at all, but before he could attempt to catch Mr Darcy's attention himself and relegate the intense eyes of Mr Darcy as far away from Jane as possible, Mr Darcy broke the silence himself.

"Sir William's interruption has made me forget what we were talking of."

Eager for anything that was not related to Wickham nor Mr Bingley's interest in Jane, Eleazar quickly answered Mr Darcy's vague inquiry.

"I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could not have interrupted two people in the room who had less to say for themselves. We have tried two or three subjects already without success, and what we are talking of next I cannot imagine."

Everything was a safer topic than the one they had already pursued, so everything was alright as far as Eleazar was concerned.

"What think you of books?"

Eleazar was not going to let himself get distracted by Mr Darcy's handsome smile, no matter how much it might transform his face into someone he could imagine would get attention as an eligible bachelor.

"Books—oh! No. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings.

Eleazar did not remember seeing Mr Darcy read anything of interest, nor did he ever imagine it would happen.

"I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. We may compare our different opinions."

That would end disastrously. They had already had several disagreements, and Eleazar was ready to forget any of this had happened. There was no reason to add any more fuel to the fire that was Mr Darcy with an opinion.

"No—I cannot talk of books in a ballroom; my head is always full of something else."

Mainly the pleasant, or, unpleasantness of his dance partner.

"The present always occupies you in such scenes—does it?"

What could be more important than the present, especially in a moment of joy or sadness.

"Yes, always."

Eleazar had learned to treasure the present, the joy he felt while dancing with Mary, or the cold anger at seeing an officer of questionable character come too close to his younger sisters. The present was the most important part of his life, it was the only part he had any influence on.

His mind had wandered, and almost without thinking, he made his next inquiry with little regard for their previous conversation topic.

"I remember hearing you once say, Mr Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unseasonable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created."

"I am."

"And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?"

"I hope not."

Eleazar was barely able to hide his incredulous look of disbelief at Mr Darcy's firm tone.

"It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first."

To let your initial judgement of someone colour your every interaction, no wonder Mr Darcy always looked so sour.

"May I ask, to what these questions tend?"

"Merely to the illustration of your character. I am trying to make it out."

It was entertaining enough for the time being, until the end of the two dances, and if it made Mr Darcy feel slightly unsettled, it was all the better for it.

"And what is your success?"

"I do not get it at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly."

What Wickham had told him was likely completely unreliable, but the fact remained that it was in line with Eleazar's own observations. On the other hand, Mr Bingley seemed far too nice to ever want to associate with someone that vile.

"I can readily believe that reports may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Mr Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is to reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either."

It was well spoken, but Eleazar desired to give one more small jab at Mr Darcy's self-esteem before the end of the dance.

"But if I do not take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity."

Eleazar let a coy smile play along his lips, and slightly looked down at Mr Darcy through his eyelashes.

"I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours."

Mr Darcy did not return Eleazar's smile, and his voice was cold. They finished their other dance in silence and parted ways, Eleazar feeling far from satisfied, though sure he had given Mr Darcy more to feel dissatisfied about then he had received in return.

******************************************************************************************************************

They had not long separated when Miss Bingley approached him, her smile cold and calculating. This conversation was not going to be pleasant, though Eleazar could not think of a thing that Miss Bingley might have come up with since they last saw each other.

"So, Mr Eli, I hear you are quite delighted with George Wickham! Your sister has been talking to me about him, and asking me a thousand questions; and I find that the young man quite forgot to tell you, among his other communication, that he was the son of old Wickham, the late Mr Darcy's steward. Let me recommend you, however, as a friend, not to give implicit confidence to all his assertions; for as to Mr Darcy's using him ill, it is perfectly false; for, on the contrary, he has always been remarkably kind to him, though George Wickham has treated Mr Darcy in a most infamous manner. I don't know the particulars, but I know very well that Mr Darcy is not in the least to blame, that he cannot bear to hear George Wickham mentioned, and that though my brother though he could not well avoid including him in his invitation to the officers, he was excessively glad to find that he had taken himself out of the way. His coming into the country at all is a most insolent thing, indeed, and I wonder how he could presume to do it. I pity you, Mr Eli, for this discovery of your favourite's guilt; but really, considering his descent, one could not expect much better."

The easy use of his nickname by Miss Bingley left a bad taste in Eleazar's mouth, and was almost enough to distract from the veiled accusations at Wickham's address that were shared with him. None of it was new to him, but he was surprised that Miss Bingley, of all people, knew something about that whole affair. On the other hand...

"His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the same, for I have heard you accuse him of nothing worse than being the son of Mr Darcy's steward, and of that, I can assure, he informed me himself."

Miss Bingley was certainly not here to warn Eleazar, no there was another reason for her veiled warnings. Apart from the fact that she seemed to be under the illusion that Eleazar was favouring Wickham, and felt affection for him.

"I beg your pardon, excuse my interference—it was kindly meant."

It certainly was not kindly meant, but Eleazar could at the moment not figure out what the purpose had been. Nor did it seem all that important at the moment, he was not planning to spend much time with either Wickham or the residents of Netherfield Park.

Now free of any pressing obligations once more, Eleazar looked around the ballroom for Jane. And once he found her did he ask her about her time with Mr Bingley.

Jane was delighted and very much in love with Mr Bingley, that was very clear to Eleazar. He felt overjoyed that his sister had found a love match with someone that could provide for her, and give her the life they had always dreamed of. Eleazar shared his thoughts on the matter with Jane, who herself, felt less sure about her own feelings and Mr Bingley's. But Eleazar had seen the two interact, and knew the truth that both parties were more than interested. Shortly after telling Jane just that, did Mr Bingley join them and did Eleazar retreat to where he saw Charlotte, leaving the two lovebirds on their own.

He had barely replied to Charlotte's inquiries after his last dance partner, when Mr Collins intruded on their conversation.

"I have found out, by a singular accident, that there is now in the room a near relation of my patroness. I happened to overhear the gentleman himself mentioning to the young lady who does the honours of the house, the names of his cousin Miss de Bourgh, and of her mother Lady Catherine. How wonderfully these sort of things occur! Who would have thought of my meeting with, perhaps, a nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in this assembly! I am most thankful that the discovery is made in time for me to pay my respects to him, which I am now going to do, and trust he will excuse my not having done it before. My total ignorance of the connection must plead my apology."

Eleazar wanted to hit his head against a wall, anything to escape his idiot relative.

"You are not going to introduce yourself to Mr Darcy!"

Mr Darcy's opinion about his family was bad enough already. Not that Eleazar cared all that much about Mr Darcy's opinions, but his influence over Mr Bingley was big enough that he might advise against a marriage with Jane if that meant welcoming people like Mr Collins into the family.

"Indeed I am. I shall entreat his pardon for not having done it earlier. I believe him to be Lady Catherine's nephew. It will be in my power to assure him that her ladyship was quite well yesterday se'nnight."

Eleazar did everything in his power to dissuade Mr Collins from his plan to introduce himself to someone who was so undeniably his superior, but was unable to change Mr Collins' mind. Giving up on a pointless crusade, Eleazar ceased speaking, which Mr Collins took as a sign to continue with his monologue.

"My dear Mr Eleazar, I have the highest opinion in the world in your excellent judgement in all matters within the scope of your understanding; but permit me to say, that there must be a wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst the laity, and those which regulate the clergy; for, give me leave to observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in point of divinity with the highest rank in the kingdom—provided that the proper humility of behaviour is at the same time maintained. You must therefore allow me to follow the dictates of my conscience on this occasion, which lead me to perform what I look on as a point of duty. Pardon me for negotiating to profit by your advice, which on every other subject shall be my constant guide."

He left after giving a low bow to Eleazar and Charlotte, who both watched him leave and approach Mr Darcy with morbid curiosity. This could only end badly, even though Eleazar had no idea how it was going to end, that it would be unfavourable for Mr Collins was a certainty.

Mr Darcy's surprise at being approached like this, and then talked to, was clear for all to see. His wonder at meeting someone so socially inept, and obtuse to being dismissed. That was, of course, before a scowl made its presence known on Mr Darcy's face, and he only made a shallow bow while dismissing Mr Collins before demonstrably turning away.

Mr Collins, having no idea what just transpired, walked back to where Charlotte and Eleazar were pretending not to see anything, to tell them all about his successful introduction to Mr Darcy.

"I have no reason, I assure you, to be dissatisfied with my reception. Mr Darcy seemed much pleased with the attention. He answered me with the utmost civility, and even paid me the compliment of saying he was so well convinced of Lady Catherine's discernment's to be certain she could never bestow a favour unworthily. It was really a very handsome thought. Upon the whole, I am much pleased with him."

Eleazar and Charlotte promptly ignored him, and found solace on the other side of the ballroom until Charlotte was called away. It gave Eleazar time to observe Jane and Mr Bingley once more, and what he saw cemented the belief in his mind that Jane would be very happy. A love match with someone rich enough to give her anything she desired. When the inevitable marriage would take place, Eleazar was even willing to play nice with Mr Bingley's sisters, to make Jane happy he was willing to put up with the most irritating people.

His mother was clearly following the same stream of thought, and Eleazar decided to try and stay clear from her as best as he could. He had no desire to hear his mother boast about the upcoming nuptials of her eldest daughter. It was therefore that he felt deeply saddened at being seated near her, and within hearing distance. It gave him the chance to hear her talk to Lady Lucas about nothing else than her certainty that she would see her daughter married before winter. It was not the absolute worst thing that could have happened, it was close, when Mrs Bennet told Lady Lucas that she hoped that she too would soon be blessed with a husband for her daughters, though she was certain that was not likely to happen anytime soon.

In vain did Eleazar try to persuade his mother to change the topic, or, to at least speak not as loud, but there was nothing to it. He could see that Mr Darcy too could hear his mother perfectly and was not amused with what he heard. His mother did not care who heard her, let alone Mr Darcy who had insulted her son.

"What is Mr Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing, he may not like to hear."

"For heaven's sake, madam, speak lower. What advantage can it be for you to offend Mr Darcy? You will never recommend yourself to his friend by so doing!"

It was to no avail, his mother would speak on the same volume that could clearly be understood by anyone in the room. Eleazar felt his face steadily redden as he could do nothing but watch his mother embarrassed herself and their family. The worst part was that Eleazar could see Mr Darcy's eyes on his mother almost as much as he could feel the gentleman's stare on himself. Mr Darcy's expression slowly changed from indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity.

After far too many minutes did Mrs Bennet's audience leave for better prospects, cold ham and chicken, and Eleazar momentarily thought that his family was done with embarrassing themselves for the evening. It was not to be.

Mary had opened the pianoforte, and though Eleazar enjoyed her concert, he knew that he was one of the few who did. And the people who would ridicule her for her performance, outnumbered him with many. The Bingley sisters, in particular, did not try to hide their disdain at Mary's mediocre performance, something neither Mr Bingley nor Jane noticed as they were too absorbed by each other's company. Mr Darcy, on the other hand, saw everything and did not react in either way, which, in and of itself, was already showing his lack of enjoyment of Mary's concert.

Before any of his family members could further embarrass themselves, did Mr Collins, who Eleazar refused to see as much more than a temporary attachment, stood up to do it for them.

"If I were so fortunate as to be able to sing, I should have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the company with an air; for I consider music as a very innocent diversion, and perfectly compatible with the profession of a clergyman. I do not mean, however, to assert that we can be justified in devoting too much of our time to music, for there are certainly other things to be attended to. The rector of a parish has much to ode, in the first place, he must make such an agreement to tithes as may be beneficial to himself and not offensive to his patron. He must write his own sermons; and the time that remains will not be too much for his parish duties, and the care and improvement of his dwelling, which he cannot be excused from making as comfortable as possible. And I do not think it of light importance that he should have attentive and conciliatory manners towards everybody, especially towards those to whom he owes his preferment. I cannot acquit him of that duty; nor could I think well of the man who should omit an occasion of testifying his respect towards anybody connected with the family."

And with a bow to Mr Darcy did he conclude his speech, that had been spoken at such a loud volume, that no one could have missed even one word of it. Many stared, many smiled—Mr Collins had made certain that no one who had attended the Netherfield ball would forget him—but none of them had quite as much fun as Mr Bennet. Mrs Bennet loudly proclaimed what a sensible, well spoken young man Mr Collins was and whispered to Lady Lucas that he was such a remarkably clever, good kind of a young man.

It had to be said, that if Mr Collins and several of his other family members had made an agreement together to act as embarrassing as possible, they could not have played their roles with more vigour. Eleazar did not worry too much about his own social standing, and they way it had been damaged by his relatives during the ball, he could handle it, but his heart went out to Jane and their younger sisters. They needed a good and sturdy reputation when saddled with parents who, for at least the majority of the time, did not seem to care in the least what would happen to their offspring after their passing. Even Mrs Bennet, who at least understood what it meant, did not care enough to actually change her own behaviour for the better. The judgemental looks of Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley's sisters, though worrisome, were not the most damaging in the long run.

The rest of the ball did not go well for Eleazar, Mr Collins was very insistent in staying close, making it impossible for Eleazar to dance with anyone else. Which was something inconvenient that was easier to focus on than the solidifying realisation that William Collins was not going to let himself be persuaded to leave Eleazar alone. Charlotte was kind enough to take some of his attention on herself, and made polite conversation with the clergyman during the rest of the evening.

At the very least, he was saved from any more attention from Mr Darcy. The gentleman made no more moves to have a polite conversation and would only stand near Eleazar, but never enough to spark an impromptu conversation.

The less said about the time waiting for their carriages after his mother machinated for them to be the last one to leave, the better. Eleazar already had to endure enough embarrassment for a lifetime, and did not need to remember anything more. The only important part was that Mr Bingley was invited to have dinner at Longbourn after his return from London at the earliest convenience.

It was clear that Mrs Bennet couldn't be happier during their ride back to Longbourn. Eleazar could see the calculations take place behind her eyes, the sure knowledge that in a month of three, maybe four, Jane would be married and living at Netherfield. And, though Eleazar was not in agreement with it at all, having another child of her married to a certain Mr Collins. Eleazar knew his mother would not take it lightly when he rejected Mr Collins again, and though he had been prepared for the greater part of his life to marry someone he did not love, he was not yet desperate enough to truly consider Mr Collins. If he was going to settle for the good of the family, it would not be with someone that intellectually uninspiring, no matter how dire their situation might get in the future