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Mr. Darcy had no desire to attend a ball at which he would know no more than the six ladies of his own party. He found no enjoyment in dancing with ladies that he was not previously acquainted with, and the mere thought of it subjected him to a wave of anxiety. However, Darcy was well aware that it would be highly improper if he, a close friend of Mr. Bingley, was the only member of his party not to attend the assembly. It is by this train of thought that Mr. Darcy found himself obliged to attend.
The ball was lively and loud. Mr. Darcy danced with Bingley’s two sisters, whose company he enjoyed despite Miss Bingley’s consistently flirtatious behaviour, then found himself standing alone, with a very strong desire to return to Netherfield. Yet he could not. Although he was offered many introductions, Darcy declined each of them. He truly detested attempting to properly make someone’s acquaintance in such a busy setting as this, and constantly feared embarrassment.
Mr. Bingley, in a manner thoroughly contrasting to that of Mr. Darcy, danced amiably with many ladies, and participated in as much of the merrymaking as he could. The time spent watching his friend enjoy the evening, and the knowledge of how proud he himself must seem, left Darcy in even more of a sour mood. He was very unhappy to see Mr. Bingley saunter towards his refuge at the side of the dance floor.
Mr. Darcy had spoken with Mr. Bingley en route to the ball, and had explained his distaste to him quite thoroughly. Yet, Bingley, in his state of excitement for the upcoming festivities, had been quite unable to accept this point of view that so blatantly countered his own. He had pestered Mr. Darcy incessantly the entire coach ride, causing Mr. Darcy to enter the ball in no mood for the slightest attempt at socialising with those he had not previously met. He had been acting in a way that was just proper enough, and was not looking to renew his conversation with Bingley.
He was also thoroughly aware of the presence of the young lady seated near to him, whom he had been stealing glances at throughout the evening. Darcy did not wish for her, with her stunning eyes, to hear him nagged by his companion. At the point of Bingley’s arrival by Darcy’s side, the latter had no tolerance for the discussion he knew would ensue. He wished only to depart, or if not that, to be left alone, but did not wish to appear rude or unpleasant before the lady; who he knew would overhear the discussion.
As Mr. Darcy stewed in his discomfort and embarrassment, Mr Bingley began to speak. "Come, Darcy," said he, "I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much better dance.”
"I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and there is not another woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with.”
"I would not be so fastidious as you are," cried Mr. Bingley, "for a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening; and there are several of them you see uncommonly pretty."
"You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room," said Mr. Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss Bennet whom he had seen Bingley spending much time with. He thought that perhaps this reminder of his partner’s beauty might inspire Bingley to return to her side.
"Oh! She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you."
"Which do you mean?" Mr. Darcy was flustered. Of course he knew exactly who Bingley spoke of, but he did not wish to acknowledge his vulnerability in the gaze of the lady, or have her know of the anxiety he had been feeling all evening. Turning round he looked for a moment at the lady behind him, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said: "She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me."
Immediately, Mr. Darcy regretted his rash words. Surely, he had not betrayed his true sentiments, but by the red flush of the lady, whom he now knew to be a Miss Bennet, he was certain that she had heard him, and his speech had been unfathomably rude. At least, he thought, Bingley may now finally leave him to his peace. He turned on his heel, and continued to pace the assembly, thinking then of nothing besides his horrid blunder.
Mr. Darcy’s supposed pride had caused considerable damage to his reputation in Longbourne that night, but he worried only about how he had spoken of Miss Bennet. He had simply wished to dispel of Bingley, not to harm a handsome lady’s view of himself. The knowledge that he should most certainly be obliged to see her again, as Bingley was clearly infatuated with her sister, caused him immeasurable distress. He could only hope that the next time they should meet, he may redeem himself.