Prejudice and Pride
CHAPTER 1
A hush fell over the ballroom of the Meryton Assembly room, as the Bennet family was introduced. Theirs was a fine family that descended from nobility if the circulated particulars were true. They had come to let Netherfield Park in the hopes that the country air would improve the constitution of Mr. Bennet. The Bennet family only had but one child, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Whilst the family's estates were entailed to the male line, Miss Bennet still had thirty thousand pounds to recommend herself upon marriage. The addition of a family so fine to Hertfordshire had brought much excitement and provoked curiosity about how fine the features of Miss Bennet must be, condescending from such a lineage as hers; how grand Mrs. Bennet must be in her mode of dress and indeed how superior in consequence they would find Mr. Bennet's society.
After the appropriate introductions to the principal people in the room, Miss Bennet was led out to the first set of a country dance. The hum of the crowd reported fastidiously, "I say Lady Lucas, Miss Bennet has a decided air of fashion."
"Yes, Lady Anne, indeed. Not very tall nor elegant, but her countenance appears very agreeable."
"What a fine thing for my boys! I daresay she will be handsome enough for one of them."
"Aye, and rich enough too I imagine. I heard that Mr. Bennet has both homes in town and in Bath, the latter doing nothing to improve his constitution, and so he has decided to retire to country life."
"She is not quite as young as we thought, perhaps that will hasten her desire to marry. You know she is their only child! And poor Mrs. Bennet, with no heir to speak of."
Lady Anne Darcy was the daughter of the late Earl Fitzwilliam. Despite being a fine lady, she was a woman of mean understanding, little information and an uncertain temper. Whilst she had married a gentleman, she was a silly woman and much in the habit of spending more than she ought to befit her rank.
"Dear Lady Lucas, Mr. Darcy has already paid a call to our new neighbours, indeed I daresay they shall return our call this week! Oh look! There is Fitz now taking her to a set."
Elizabeth Bennet was very pretty, amiable and had well-bred manners. She had a liveliness in her eyes that betrayed her superior understanding and observation. She was not shy, but her manner was that of reserved observation. It was clear that the Bennet family's arrival had made her somewhat of an object. Everyone sought introductions and indeed her dancing card was full for the night.
"Miss Bennet, thank you for the honour" Mr. Darcy was tall, good-looking, and gentlemanlike.
"The pleasure is mine." She lowered her eyes and curtsied before allowing him to lead her on to the dance floor. He was certainly the most handsome man in the room; he had such a pleasant countenance and easy unaffected manners! They danced after a while in silence and Elizabeth observed his fine figure and the lightness of which he danced.
"Have you enjoyed your time in Hertfordshire thus far?"
"Oh immensely, the change of air is quite pleasant and the society so cordial." She smiled up at him to emphasize the latter. "Indeed, I have had the pleasure of making so many kind acquaintances today."
"I see. Have you been introduced to Mr. Bingley? He is an old school friend of mine, having grown up together."
She nodded, "Yes, both him and his sister."
"That is capital. We are planning a picnic outing next week, Miss Bingley will be sending out invitations shortly, and perhaps you would like to accompany the group as to better familiarise yourself with your neighbours?" He spoke with great spirit and seemed earnest in his interest of her attendance, describing the various amusements to be expected.
"I should like that very much. My mother has said recently that I should make an effort to do something of the sort." She did not mention that the something were directions to read over the history of the county along with an overview of the natural flora and fauna. She looked over in the direction of Mrs. Bennet, who was very pointedly observing their progress. Mrs. Bennet sat very straight on the edge of her chair, appearing both haughty and reserved, not desiring to make many acquaintances at the ball. Whilst untitled, Mrs. Bennet sat and behaved as though she was a grand duchess. Quietly ostentatious, her face arched with a noble mien, Mrs. Bennet was very little disposed to be complacent with anyone or anything.
They danced on in silence once again. Each trying to take the measure of the other and simultaneously feeling the esteem for the other rise upon such a pleasant encounter.
"Do you have any brothers or sisters, Mr. Darcy?"
"Yes, I am the eldest of three. My younger brother is Captain George Darcy, of whom you shall have the pleasure of meeting next week. The youngest of us is Mr. Andrew Darcy who is away at Oxford as he intends the church to be his profession."
"I am delighted to hear that. I imagine it must have been great fun growing up with three boys running around." She laughed as if conjecturing that they must have been great instigators.
"It was, until my father passed, leaving me with less time for leisure." He smiled to lightened the previous statement, "Now, it seems I am to be responsible for every Darcy in the county! As they are constantly devising ways to provoke me." Before she could respond, the music had ended and Mr. Darcy was leading her off the dance floor.
"I'm relieved to hear you such a gentleman, taking after your family in such a fashion."
"Are you? Did you expect otherwise? Indeed, it is not as if they deserve such attentions." He laughed.
"Oh no! I prefer to reserve judgement as to when one's character can be properly ascertained."
"Should I be flattered or insulted, upon my word, I am not sure."
She could not help but smile at such a teasing manner, such an affectation of candour. "It was not my intention to do either, I assure you." Her face heightened with colour and implied otherwise. Such coquetry, a little more and she might be in danger of paying him too much attention!
"I see you mean to make a character study of me. How do I fair?"
"Not at all. We have only just been introduced. It is sadly too common for society to precipitant into injudicious sensibilities or judgements. I am afraid I will need to spend more time in your company to make it a proper study." She gazed up at Mr. Darcy with a sly smile.
He hid his smile and put on a grave face, "Then, I am afraid you must." With that Mr. Darcy led her to the refreshment table. "Does your family intend to stay at Netherfield for a long time?"
"I cannot say. It will depend upon my father. We have travelled many times this year alone in search of better air for all of his effusions about his condition." She was trying to be amusing, but it was quite true. "I should certainly prefer to stay in one place."
"I see, however, you have the advantage of such varied society and novel amusements."
"Indeed, if one so desires it, such pleasures can be found anywhere."
"Miss Bennet, you are all politeness! I do hope Hertfordshire will bring you and your family such enjoyment. May I have the honour of reserving another set with you?"
"My apologies, I regret that I have no vacancies." She curtsied away at the nod of his head.
Mr. Darcy returned to where his mother was seated thinking of Miss Bennet with some complacency.
"I see you have been dancing with the lovely Miss Bennet! Why with thirty thousand pounds, I say I would take a far less fair creature! My dear, you know that it is the time for you to marry, and you will need to produce an heir soon. How wonderful for you the Bennet family has moved into Hertfordshire!"
"How is it wonderful for me? How does it affect me?"
"Do not be so tiresome Fitz! You know that I am thinking that one of you boys must marry their daughter."
"Ah, is that their design in coming here?"
"Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so! Being so handsome, it is very likely that she may fall in love with one of you and being the heir, I think it very clear that she should have you – you are in sore need of her fortune."
"Lower your voice, madam!" Darcy looked about, in hopes that no one could hear her expose herself further.
However, it was already too late. The celerity of Lady Anne's marriage arrangements was heard by Mrs. Bennet who sat only a small distance away. "I say, it will not be borne. Never in my life have I been exposed to such vulgarity!" Mrs. Bennet expostulated to her sister Mrs. Phillips, who was already living in Meryton and who had recommended Netherfield Park.
"I agree; I could hardly keep my countenance! I cannot comprehend why Lady Anne would imagine that an alliance from our family could be made to one such as hers, disgraced as the Darcy's are."
"That woman is excessively odious and without manners. I will speak with Elizabeth. You may be sure that every effort will be made to prevent that connection."