36 Questions to love

The premise that 36 questions can lead to love has always intrigued me. Will the same be true for Darcy and Elizabeth?

This will be a series of short chapters describing their answers to each other.

The questions are based on the 36 questions that supposedly lead to love. Enjoy.

Chapter 1: Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

Elizabeth's rather sudden arrival at Netherfield had left both parties rather surprised- in more ways than one.

Caroline Bingley had been absolutely horrified at the disarray and lack of orderliness in Elizabeth's appearance; she was convinced that today's "spectacle" had successfully blemished Darcy's admiration of her "fine eyes". Smiling smugly, she was contently seated at the dining table- always the most attentive host and ready to carry the talk of the dinner that was proceeding this evening.

Bingley, in complete contrast to his sister, was elated. Having his beloved Jane's sister here meant that Jane would be aided in recovery- something he hoped would allow him to spend more time with her. Her being confined upstairs for most of the day had left him without his usual bright cheer.

Darcy and Elizabeth, unbeknownst to themselves, were thinking of the respective other.

To his uttermost surprise, Darcy had found Elizabeth to be even more brightened by the exercise. Though keeping the appearance of nonchalantly eating his meal at the table, every now and again he threw glances at Elizabeth; appreciatively remarking her rosy cheeks and how they so strikingly make her clear, brown eyes the most prominent of her beautiful features.

Elizabeth was rather distressed by Darcy's attention towards her. Whilst calmly discussing Jane's current health position with Bingley, she noticed Darcy's eyes flitting over her-too often than appropriate. If she hadn't felt uncomfortable before, being in a gentleman's house uninvited with an overcritical sister, having Darcy disparage her aesthetics made her completely restless.

She was sure his glances were only to find fault within her since she was- as he had so charmingly stated at the ball- not handsome enough to tempt him.

Bingley, still a little deflated by Jane's absence, wishfully commented," This dinner would be even merrier if Miss Bennet had been able to dine with us tonight."

"Of course," Caroline agreed, seeing this as an opportunity to further her courtesy towards Jane in order to please her brother, "She is the ideal dinner guest for anyone who desires refined company."

Amused by Caroline's elaborated compliment towards Jane, whose faults (despite the lack of them) Elizabeth knew too well, she quietly chuckled.

Her action was not as discreet as she had hoped, however, and Darcy asked her aloud to share her thoughts.

"Well," she finally said. " I only find your choice remarks upon your character, Caroline, that you are easily pleased. For though I agree that Jane is by far the most genial person I know, there must be many more of your acquaintances so far that are more congenial to your tastes of character. We all know, of course, of how much you pride yourself on being known and knowing all."

Both Darcy and Bingley subtly chuckled at Elizabeth's evident quip whereas Caroline, convinced Elizabeth was the most impertinent of people she would ever come across, sat seething quietly.

Captivated by her fiery spirit, Mr Darcy could not stop himself from eagerly inquiring about more of her sentiments, which he surprisingly found himself so intrigued by.

"Whom would you want to dine with, Miss Bennet?"

Rather uncomfortable from his attention again, she tried to deflect.

"Given my limited number of acquaintances," she began. "I'm afraid I wouldn't be able..."

"Given the choice of anyone in the world," He interrupted her quickly, picking up on her attempt to divert the room's focus away from herself.

Elizabeth sighed quietly and cleared her throat, her discomfort now very apparent. "I would choose myself."

"Yourself?" Caroline Bingley asked, her eyebrows raised in obvious disapproval at Elizabeth's choice. "It is that egocentric manner of people in such society...". Darcy quickly interrupted, sensing that Caroline's next words would be anything but flattering. "To test your character. To see whether all that you claim of yourself is indeed true," Darcy voiced his observations out loud as he pensively reflected on Elizabeth's response. "To discover your true nature ."

To both Darcy and Elizabeth's surprise, she found her lips gradually curling up in a smile. Who would have known that it was Mr. Darcy out of all the people in this room that had so effortlessly understood her answer?

The rest of the dinner passed swiftly after that, with both Elizabeth and Mr Darcy only making brief remarks to the trifling conversations that followed afterwards.

Mr Bingley was the first to excuse himself to leave for the night, seconds later followed by Mr Darcy, who strolled out in long, brisk strides. Only a few feet from the exit, however, he unobtrusively lessened his speed as he passed by Elizabeth's chair, whispering so gently that only she could hear, "I would choose the same".

It is only later, after she had retired to her bedchamber, that Elizabeth wondered whether he had meant her or himself.