Pride and Prejudice

Ah so I went and fixed some of the mistakes. I was trying to decide between calling him Mr. Darcy or Mr. Malfoy but I decided to leave it Mr. Darcy with his first name being Draco. I guess I just forgot to go back and switch it out. Thanks for pointing that out.

This story will basically follow the plot line of Pride and Prejudice but with a few scenes added or changed. I really appreciate the reviews. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 3

“Oh, Ginny. That lovely Miss Bingley has written to invite you over to dine with her tonight. Hmm…too bad it seems Mr. Bingley will be out visiting friends.” Hermione, Ginny, and their mother were all spending a quiet afternoon in the front room. Clouds loomed overhead and only weak rays of sunlight managed to make their way through the window panes to fall on the threadbare carpet.

“Oh that’s exciting she really seemed sweet last night.” Replied Ginny as she cross stitched a dainty ivy pattern onto a handkerchief. Ginny shot her sister a look that said she didn’t quite agree with their mother.

Hermione rolled her eyes as she ran her fingers through Crookshanks’ matted orange fur as he lazily slumbered on her lap pawing at lint floating in the air. She thought Miss Bingley seemed more like a pissy rattlesnake than a sweet lady. In her opinion she was only slightly less stuck up than that…man she refused to think about. Although images of burning silver eyes and smirking looks would not stop flitting into Hermione’s mind. Hermione fidgeted uncomfortably on the sofa at those thoughts and Crookshanks hissed with displeasure before jumping down and padding off to torment some mice.

“Yes, she seemed so classy. I agree. And Mr. Bingley…what a wonderful personality and so handsome!” At this Mrs. Bennet fanned herself with the book in her hand and both girls giggled. But in a more serious tone she continued. “That Mr. Darcy though. I can’t get over him not dancing with any of the eligible girls. Egotistical! Such pride is so off putting.”

Hermione scowled at the mention of him. “He acted like a snooty, egotistical, rude, snobbish….ferret…” She trailed off at the end of her tirade and exhaled violently.

“Oh I totally agree. I’ll have to go help the maid get your best dress ready for this evening, Ginny,” mumbled Mrs. Bennet distractedly as she made her way out of the room and up the stairs.

Ginny looked at her sister quizzically before setting down her work and coming to settle next to her on the sofa. “What’s all this anger over Mr. Darcy? Did he say something to you in particular?”

With her chin in her hands, Hermione whispered, “At the ball I happened to be sitting in a chair when Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy started talking about…things…behind me. Bingley asked Darcy why he was not dancing with any girls. And he said that Bingley was dancing with the handsomest girl in the room…you of course, Gin.” At this a smile cracked Ginny’s face and Hermione patted her arm. “But then Bingley asked him why he didn’t dance with me and well Darcy said…well he said…that…that…” Hermione groaned in embarrassment and covered her face with her hands.

Ginny reached up and pried her sister’s hands from her face. “What did he say? Spit it out.”

“Well he said I’m not good looking enough for him and not his type at all. And he said that I’m not…curvy enough.” Hermione turned beet red at having to admit this to her sister. It all seemed even more embarrassing when spoken aloud. No matter how good looking he was with his gorgeous eyes, lush lips, and fabulous body filling out his breeches…no no she wouldn’t think of him that way. It didn’t matter anymore. After his comments it was obvious to Hermione that he could never be anything more than a pompous arse to her. “It was humiliating. He is so full of pride and ego that I’m surprised he fit into the ballroom.”

“Yes, I would have to agree. That’s pretty much the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. You are absolutely beautiful. Don’t let that horrid man make you think any differently,” Ginny said in a sympathetic tone.

Hermione could feel the burning of fresh tears behind her eyelids and looked down at her hands clasped in her lap. “I don’t know why I’m so upset. Miss Bingley was just as snobbish as he was. I feel sorry that you have to eat with her tonight at Gryffindor Manor.”

“Yes, well I agree that she was over the top but I need to go. It would be rude to decline for no reason. Besides if I want to see Mr. Bingley again than I have to be nice to his sister.” Ginny waggled her eyebrows at this and Hermione laughed lightly.

“You’re right of course. Now we need to get you ready so you look your best.” Hermione grabbed her sister’s hand and pulled her up the stairs to the room they shared.

A couple of hours later Hermione was putting the finishing touches on Ginny’s hair. She had brushed the copper locks until they shone and then twisted parts of it into an intricate pattern with small white flowers woven in and a jeweled clip holding it in place. Hermione had helped her sister to choose out an outfit that would fit the occasion. She donned a burgundy dress with a gold sash that highlighted her full breasts and shapely hips. “Well Ginny it’s too bad Mr. Bingley won’t be at your dinner party tonight. You look breathtaking.”

A light knock came from the door and the maid Fanny stuck her head into the room. “Mr. Bennet has your horse ready, Miss Ginny.”

At this Ginny blanched and turned to Hermione. “Horse? Why aren’t they letting me take the carriage?” The two girls fled down stairs to the sitting room where the entire family was gathered waiting to see Ginny off to her dinner.

“You look lovely dear,” said Mrs. Bennet fondly.

Hermione stared in disbelief at her parents. “Father, how can you make Ginny take the horse to Gryffindor Manor? Clouds have been gathering all day. She will never make it there.”

Mr. Bennet nervously rubbed the bald patch on his head as he set aside his book “I’m sorry, girls. Your mother thinks it is best that Ginny takes the horse. I can’t persuade her otherwise.”

Mrs. Bennet sniffed saying, “There’s no point in taking the carriage out for just a dinner. Ginny will be fine.”

Hermione was baffled by her mother’s attitude. However, there was nothing that could be done so she grabbed her sister’s reticule and helped her up onto the horse. As Ginny galloped off down the dirt lane Hermione looked up and sighed at the black clouds gathering in the left half of the sky.

Forty-five minutes later Hermione stood staring out the window as rain beat against the panes and lightning shot across the sky. Turning around, she glared at her mother and pointedly asked, “Well are you happy now? Ginny will be soaked through. You should have just let her take the carriage.”

Mrs. Bennet had a self-satisfied look as she warmed herself by the fire. “She’ll be fine my dear. Mothers know best. This rain will keep her at the Manor for a while and perhaps Mr. Bingley will return before she leaves.” There was a certain maddened glint in her eyes that set Hermione ill at ease.

“Well I just hope she doesn’t get sick from having to ride in the freezing rain.” A loud clap of thunder caused Hermione to jump nervously and she moved away from the window rubbing her arms to warm herself.

Many hours later Hermione was still staring out the same window into the inky black night. Ginny should have returned home hours ago from her dinner and Hermione was worried. She could see her mother by the light of a candle rocking back and forth in her chair with a troubled look on her face. Sheets of rain continued to pour down from the sky but for a second Hermione thought she saw a lone rider making his way up to the house.

A huge bolt of lightning shot across the sky and lit the front of the house for a moment. Hermione jumped up now sure that someone was coming and ran to the front door. Wrenching open the huge oak door, she felt drops of rain sting her face as she ran out into the yard. Puddles had formed and muddy water soaked the hem of her nightgown.

The rider tried to settle his horse in the weather and handed a damp letter down to Hermione. “From Miss Bingley. You had best get inside the house, Miss. This weather isn’t expected to die down any time soon.”

Hermione thanked the man and he turned around back in the direction he came from. She ran back into the house and quickly shut the front door. She broke the seal and scanned the contents. She crumpled the parchment in her fist as anger coursed through her. “Oh good mother. Miss Bingley writes that Ginny fell from her horse because of the weather and injured her leg. They have called the doctor in but he says she cannot be moved tonight.”

Mrs. Bennet snatched the letter from her hand and unfolded the crinkled page. “I never meant for Ginny to be harmed…I just wanted her to stay at Gryffindor Manor for a while. The doctor thinks she is going to be fine though and Miss Bingley has assured us that Ginny is welcome to stay at the Manor for the night…now she will be sure to see Mr. Bingley.”

“Ugh mother is that all you can think of? Getting Ginny married off? Well I hope she doesn’t take a turn for the worse.” At that Hermione stomped off up to her room.

The next day at breakfast another letter arrived but this time it was from Mr. Bingley. He had returned in the wee hours of the morning and was horrified to find out that Ginny was ill. He wrote that an infection had set in and the doctor felt that she should not be moved for fear of it getting worse. Hermione was pleased to hear that he assured the Bennets that their daughter was more than welcome in his home for however long was needed and he would personally ensure that she got the best care. Mrs. Bennet had nearly swooned at this news and had been in a wonderful mood for the rest of the day.

After a week Hermione received a letter from Ginny. Her sister wrote about how wonderful Mr. Bingley was being. He often came in to sit with her since she could not share dinners with the rest of the household and many times they would talk for hours. She said that Miss Bingley was being nice enough although Ginny still felt like an intruder. Mr. Darcy was there as well but Ginny had not really seen him enough. Still she felt alone without any of her family there and with permission from Mr. Bingley she had written to invite Hermione to come stay at the Manor during her convalescence. The letter said that a carriage would be sent for Hermione the next day.

A whirlwind of washing clothes, ironing, and packing began as Hermione prepared for the trip at such short notice. The morning arrived and she dressed in a dove grey gown for the ride with her hair tied back in a French braid secured with a velvet ribbon. The ride was hot and bumpy and her dress stuck to her body uncomfortably. She was thankful when the journey was over and she climbed out of the carriage. Some small curls at her temple had escaped her braid and Hermione tried to smooth them back as she entered the Manor. She was self conscious of her sweaty and disheveled appearance. The butler ushered her into the sitting room where Hermione was dismayed to find Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy waiting for her arrival.

Hermione tried to smooth the wrinkles out of her dress as she took in the appearance of the other two occupants of the room. Miss Bingley was dressed in a coral gown that accented her creamy complexion with her long blond hair framing her pretty face. The deep v neckline of the gown displayed her ample goods. And Hermione was left with no doubt that Miss Bingley was the curvy kind of woman Mr. Darcy seemed to prefer.

Mr. Darcy on the other hand was dressed in tight fitting tan breeches and a dark blue jacket that set off his unique eyes. There was a serious look on his face as he stared blatantly and un-smilingly at Hermione. She fidgeted under the attention and was shocked when she felt the strange urge to brush her mouth against his lips to see if they were as soft as they appeared. She quickly averted her attention to Miss Bingley and greeted the women. Her coolness was apparent and the greeting was barely civil. There was no avoiding having to greet Mr. Darcy. So gritting her teeth she extended her hand to the man. Surprisingly he bent and brushed his cool lips against her hand. Flames seemed to lick her skin and she felt a corresponding tug and flood of warmth.

“It’s good to see you again, Mr. Darcy.” The man wouldn’t stop staring into her eyes.

“Yes, Miss Bennet. It’s a pleasure to see you once again. You’re looking well.” She barely kept herself from snorting at that one. Obviously he was full of it. She knew what he really thought of her.

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Miss Bingley, I can’t express how thankful I am for being able to come visit my sister. Would it be possible for me to see her?” She still felt the heat of his eyes burning through her back.

“Of course. Let me show you to her room.” Hermione followed her out of the room saying a quick good bye to Darcy. She still felt his gaze on her back. Miss Bingley led her through the carpeted halls adorned with beautiful paintings and stopped at a door on the second floor.

“She is in there. I will leave you two to visit. The butler, Gerard, will come get you in a few minutes to show you to your room which is just down the hall. I’ll see you at dinner.”

Hermione thanked her and watched her sway down the hallway no doubt going back to the sitting room and Mr. Darcy. Hermione pushed thoughts of the man out of her mind and she opened the door peering into her sister’s room. She could hear light laughter coming from inside. She found her sister reclining on a beautiful cherry wood four poster bed laughing at something the dark haired man seated at her bedside had said. Mr. Bingley sat on a chair next to the bed with his hand wrapped around Ginny’s.

At the sound of foot steps she saw him drop her sister’s hand back to the bed and a look of disappointment stole across Ginny’s features until she saw who had entered the room. Smiling hugely she exclaimed, “Oh Hermione! I’m so glad you came. I’ve missed you terribly.”

Mr. Bingley stood from his position near the bed and greeted Hermione warmly. He left explaining that he didn’t want to interrupt and that he would come to visit Ginny again later. “Your sister is still not able to get up for dinner in the dining hall but I am hoping you will join us for dinner.” Hermione assured him that she would be happy to join him for dinner and at that he left the bedroom.

Hermione grabbed her sister into a huge hug. “Oh I’ve been so worried about you. Let me see your leg.” There was a large gash covered in gauze on her sister’s left leg and the calf was a sickly red color. Hermione was dismayed to notice that her sister’s face was flushed and beads of sweat were forming at her brow. She spied a bowl of cool water with a cloth. So she wet the cloth and laid it across her sister’s brow. “You are worse than I thought. I can’t believe this happened.”

Ginny grabbed her sister’s hand and held it with tears in her eyes. “It’s really not that bad. Mr. Bingley has been so kind to me. He comes and sits with me all the time. He brings me all my meals personally. It’s very overwhelming.”

Hermione’s eyes widened at this and she sat down on the side of the bed. “Really…well it sounds as though he is smitten with you.”

A blush spread across Ginny’s already flushed face. “I don’t know about that. He is just being a good host.”

“I think it’s a little more than that. How have Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy been treating you?”

Ginny rolled her eyes saying, “Well Pansy, as she asked me to call her, has been nice enough but she is so full of herself. I did manage to get up one night to sit in the den with them. She was hanging all over Mr. Darcy. It was embarrassingly obvious.”

Hermione tried to pretend that her stomach did not get queasy at the thought of the other beautiful woman hanging all over Mr. Darcy. “Well she seems his type with her curvy body and cleavage almost up to her eyeballs.” Hermione put particular emphasis on the word Mr. Darcy had used himself and Ginny laughed. The two sank into a discussion of their time apart until the butler came to take Hermione to her room to get unpacked and cleaned up for dinner. Hermione bid her sister farewell with a promise to visit her again after the meal.

Hermione tried to wipe as much sweat and dust from the trip off as possible. She brushed her hair out until it was glossy again and twisted it up into something more appropriate for dinner. She changed into a soft emerald green gown with silver embroidery and slid on soft kidskin slippers. The green gown she new clung just right since she had received compliments on it before. She could never rival Miss Bingley but Hermione was satisfied with her appearance. A knock came at the door as the butler arrived to escort her to the dining hall. Hermione patted her hair one more time and followed the man down the hall with butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

A/N: Ok this was longer than the other chapters. If you liked it then please leave a review.