In many romantic stories, the hero and heroine meet at a dance and fall in love at first sight. What happens to Darcy and Elizabeth at the ball in Meryton?

Answer: At the Meryton Hall ball, Elizabeth's prejudices against Darcy begin.

Explanation:

While the hero and heroine usually fall in love at first sight, this is not what happens with Elizabeth and Darcy in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

At the Meryton ball, Elizabeth overhears the conversation that Darcy has with Bingley. Bingley confesses to Darcy that Jane is 'the most beautiful creature' and suggests that Darcy should dance with Elizabeth. Darcy, however, refuses this suggestion and mentions that there are no women pretty enough for him to dance with at the ball. Elizabeth finds this remark rather insulting and is convinced that Darcy is too proud. Meryton ball represents the beginning of Elizabeth's misjudgment of Darcy.