And so they stood, side by side, hand in hand, watching their family, knowing that whatever storms had come before, the weather had settled at last into something clear, warm, and lasting.
The End
Locked at the Netherfield Ball- Bonus Story
By Layla Johnson
This work is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Locked at the Netherfield Ball
Copyright © 2026 by Layla Johnson
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any format whatsoever.
Chapter 1
Netherfield Ball, past midnight.
Elizabeth entered the library, closing the door carefully.
The darkness, the cold and the silence made it feel like she was in another world. The music could still be heard from afar, but it was less annoying.
Never in her life had she felt as ashamed and miserable as on that evening. Although she had looked forward to the ball and she had the pleasure of even Mr Wickham attending, the entertainment soon turned into the deepest embarrassment.
Her entire family seemed determined to make a spectacle of themselves, in every possible way. Her mother speaking loudly of her expectation of Jane marrying Mr Bingley and all the advantages of such an alliance; then Mr Collins introducing himself to Mr Darcy and being received with the utmost disdain; Mary performing as ill as ever and her father stopping her as rudely as always.
Then she heard Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst expressing their revulsion regarding the Bennets and their hope that their brother would leave Netherfield for London and never return to that inferior company. Elizabeth was not even certain if theywere oblivious to her presence or quite the contrary, they spoke precisely knowing she could hear them.
Earlier, after two miserable dances with Mr Collins, she had to bear Mr Darcy’s company for a set. She was puzzled why he had invited her to dance, since he had stared at her and her family with disdain and condemnation. She suspected that he intended to make her even more uncomfortable as he had seen her talking to Mr Wickham.
In truth, her only moments of comfort were while she conversed and danced with Mr Wickham. She had rarely met such a pleasant, handsome and amiable gentleman and his strength and dignity in the face of all the difficulties he had suffered at Mr Darcy’s hand was truly admirable. She could not deny that she was flattered by his apparent preference for her, which that evening was obvious to everyone, as he had asked her for two sets.
And each time, she saw Mr Darcy’s countenance grow darker and more resentful. What a horrible man—to have disregarded his father’s wish, to have ruined his childhood friend’s life and now to be angry that Mr Wickham had finally found good employment and new friends.
Mr Wickham had just told her that Miss Darcy—of whom the Bingley sisters spoke with such utter admiration—had grown to be as proud and unpleasant as her brother. As a true gentleman, Mr Wickham spoke nothing ill of the young lady, who he had not seen in recent years, but for whom he confessed having a brotherly affection in her childhood.
In the solitude of the library, Elizabeth finally calmed herself. She dreaded returning to the ballroom, as she expected to be again assaulted by Mr Collins’s attention.
Mr Collins’ interest in marrying one of his cousins was common knowledge. His decision to pursue the second daughter came after he was informed that Jane was expected to become engaged soon. As annoyed as she was for herself, Elizabeth felt grateful that Jane was spared from dealing with their cousin. Sweet, gentle, kind-hearted and devoted to her family, Jane might have allowed herself to be convinced to accept a tedious marriage proposal in exchange for her mother and sisters’ secure future.
Elizabeth was prepared to face an argument with Mr Collins, but for the time being, she preferred to avoid the subject. She observed his increasing civilities towards her, heard his frequent attempts at a compliment on her wit and vivacity, but chose to not take the hint and therefore postponed a serious dispute both with him and with her mother. After all, Mr Collins might never make the offer, and until he did, it was useless to quarrel with or about him.
In the dark and cold library, Elizabeth sat on the couch, which was turned to face the window, with her back to the door. The stars and the moon, as well as the fire burning, were the only lights in the room. She closed her eyes, enjoying the peace for a moment longer, as she knew she had to return. It was supper time and people would certainly wonder about her.
She startled when she heard the door opening, then steps and two angry voices.
“What do you want, Darcy? I have come at Mr Bingley’s invitation to all the officers!”
“Because Bingley does not know what a snake you are, Wickham! I hoped you would have enough decency to stay away, but your impertinence is only matched by your effrontery!”
“Why should I stay away, Darcy? You know I have never refused a good opportunity for entertainment! What surprised me was seeing you here! And even more—seeing you dancing truly astonished me! I know you never dance if you are not forced to!”
“I shall not begin such a conversation with you, Wickham. You should not play games with my patience. I wish to know what your intentions are. I am trying to keep my calm and give you a chance to justify yourself.”
“I have nothing to justify. Here, you have little power. You might not know but everybody in this county despises you, while I am universally liked. There is nothing you may say or do against me to make people approve of you. Quite the contrary.”
“As I said, Wickham, you should not tempt me. I have shown you too much generosity and too much indulgence over the years. Far more than you deserved.”
