Pride And Prejudice

2

Phoebe and Daisy hadn't talked about anything else since their older siblings arrived back home and informed them that they all had been invited to a ball. The rest of the week was primarily dedicated to dress talk and whether Mr. Horan would invite the regiment that was currently positioned outside town.

Louis stayed out of it but when Saturday arrived he put on his evening wear and accompanied his family to the ball. The youngest, Doris, and Ernest stayed with the maid.

The Netherfield's had been transformed into a fairylike mansion with lights and flowers everywhere. Everyone in town was there, including the soldiers to Louis' sister's delight. They were giggling and whispering to each other. At least Lottie kept her composer and Louis was glad to have her as an ally.

Mr. Horan came over to greet them as soon as they stepped inside the ballroom. Mr. Styles was following him closely behind. Louis gave him a quick once over. He looked even better in a tuxedo. Harry bowed his head quickly as a greeting but he didn't utter a word. Niall on the other hand was very talkative and complimented everyone on their dresses while he asked if they wanted something to drink. Mr. Horan was good-looking and gentlemanlike; he had a pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners. He asked all four Tomlinson girls for a dance and even extended a hand for Jay but she declined in a friendly manner.

Louis kept his mother company while he watched his sister Lottie dance once more with Niall and again after that. Fizzy, Daisy, and Phoebe were all dancing with Officers. They all seemed to have a marvelous time.

Louis found himself glancing at Mr. Styles repeatedly. He couldn't help but notice that Harry had turned down everyone that asked him for a dance and just stood there tall and too proud for his own good. Louis excused himself to find the restroom, leaving his mother with her friend Alice.

When he returned shortly thereafter his mother was dancing with one of the older gentlemen in town. He let his eyes sweep over the crowd just to find Mr. Styles nearby.

The song ended and a cheerful Mr. Horan joined his friend. Louis couldn't help but overhear the conversation that took place right in front of him.
"Come, Styles, 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. There is no one in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with." Harry answered dryly.

I would not be so fastidious as you are. 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. I know they're no interest for you but there must be a man here you could ask to dance?" Niall replied and looked around.

Louis wised up. This conversation took an interesting turn.
"You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room," said Mr. Styles, looking at the eldest Miss Tomlinson, ignoring Niall's remark.

"Oh! She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But her brother is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Why don't you ask him for a dance?" Niall suggested.

"He is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young men 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." Harry snorted.

Niall followed his advice. Louis didn't know how to feel about the situation and turned to talk to the officer next to him instead, a sympathetic man by the name of Liam Payne.

The evening altogether passed off pleasantly to the whole family and they returned home when the ball ended. Louis stayed up with his mother and recited the conversation he had overheard between Mr. Horan and Mr. Styles. They both laughed and then proceeded to discuss Lottie's evening with Mr. Horan. It seemed like they both enjoyed each other's company even if it was too early to tell if their feelings would deepen. Louis hoped for the best. Niall was a wonderful man despite his bad taste in friends.

Louis couldn't stop thinking about Mr. Styles when he had gone to bed later on. He replayed the conversation between him and Mr. Horan in his head. Maybe he should feel offended but he just found it ridiculous. It was his usual luck. When he finally met someone else who preferred men that person had to be insufferable.