Peers Pride and Prejudice
As the Sunday Mass ended and the people of Meryton filtered out of the Parish they congregated into groups of people. The married women of Meryton congregated near the gate of the parish, they talked and giggled like maids about the topics of their conversation. The younger ladies also went about and spoke with their peers; the Ladies of Bennet spoke with their friends including the Lucas'es and Long's. The gentlemen likewise did the same speaking with each other in their small circle of peers. This weekly event outside of the Parish would extend for a few hours or so until either Luncheon approached or they had nothing more to speak to each other about.
A few hours past and the groups started to dissolve and most families went their separate ways. The Bennet's specifically bade farewell to their friends as Mr. Bennet called upon all of them to return to their estate. The walk from the parish was a fair bit lengthy and most of the Bennet's would spend this time speaking to each other the things they have discussed amongst their peers.
"My dear Mr. Bennet, wonderful news" Mrs. Bennet said delightedly " Netherfield Park is let at last".
"Is it" Mr. Bennet replied sarcastically.
"Yes it is. For I just had it from Mrs. Long, and do you not want to know who has taken it?" Mrs. Bennet asked excitedly.
"You want to tell me and I have no objection to hearing it" replied Mr. Bennet.
"Why it is taken, by a young man of large fortune from the North of England" Mrs. Bennet delightedly informed "A single man of large fortune, my dear. He came down on Monday to see the place, His name is Bingley and he will be in possession by Michaelmas, and he has 5,000 a year. What a fine thing for our girls".
"How so? How can it affect them" Mr. Bennet asked confused.
"Oh Mr. Bennet how can you be so tiresome, you must know that I am thinking of him marrying one of them" Mrs. Bennet annoyed said.
"For a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife" Ms. Elizabeth Bennet sarcastically said, to the giggles of her sisters.
"Yes he must indeed" agreed Mrs. Bennet "And who better than one of our girls".
"What a fine joke if he chose me" Ms. Lydia Bennet jokingly said, to the juxtaposition of her sister Kitty.
"So that is his design in settling here" asked Mr. Bennet "To marry one of our daughters".
"Design, oh how can you talk of such nonsense? But you know that he may very likely fall in love with one of them" Mrs. Bennet contemptibly replied " Therefore you must visit him directly he comes"
"Visit him, oh no , I see no occasion for that" Mr. Bennet refused, to the shock and dismay of Mrs. Bennet "Go yourself with the girls, or still better by themselves".
"By themselves" protested Mrs. Bennet.
"Aye, for you are as handsome as any of them, Bingley might like you best of the party" Mr. Bennet sarcastically said, which elicited laughter from the younger Bennet's, to the reprimand of Elizabeth.
"You take such delight in vexing me so Mr. Bennet, but alas you cannot avoid it" Mrs. Bennet confidently said " William is also to return to Hatfield a few days past. It would be improper to call on one and not the other"
"Yes, it would practically be an insult to our new neighbors to call upon the Earl of Hatfield before them" Elizabeth sarcastically said.
"Yes it would" Mrs. Bennet said triumphantly "As such Mr. Bennet, will call Bingley, and you will all meet him"
"Then I will do it when William arrives, not a day earlier Madam" Mr. Bennet said finished as he disappeared into Longbourne.
The Bennet's arrive at Longbourne and they all shed their hats and other Sunday garments, afterwards continue to the Sitting Room. Each of them take their seats inside the room, with Mr. Bennet near the fireplace stoking the fire to light, and the Bennet sisters taking their seats, with Mrs. Bennet gleefully smiling from her own.
"With Will returning I think we should hold a party" Lydia suggested "It would be a great opportunity for him to be reacquainted with everyone. Surely after 5 years in university he would be bored and in great need of society"
"I doubt Mr. Bennet would allow such a party to be held" Mrs. Bennet said dismissively "Even the thought of meeting Bingley he holds in contempt"
That night the eldest Bennet daughters were speaking about the events of earlier. They went into conversation of the values of life and love. The various gossips about the people of Meryton and the knowledge that was spread through word of mouth, speaking about such topics of marriage and comfort afforded to them.
"If I could love a man, that would love me enough to take me for a meager 50 pounds a year, I shall very well pleased"
Elizabeth pondered "But such a man could hardly be sensible, you know I can never love a man that would be out of his wit"
"Oh Lizzy, A marriage where either partner can neither love nor respect the other. That cannot be agreeable, to either party" Jane stated.
"As we have daily proof" Elizabeth sighed in agreement "But beggars you know, can't be choosers"
"We are not very poor Lizzy" Jane assured.
"With father's estate entailed away from the female line, we have little but our charms to recommend us" Elizabeth stated "One of us at least will have to marry very well. And since you are five times as handsome as the rest of us, and of the sweetest of disposition, I fear the task will fall on you to raise our fortunes"
"Lizzy, I would wish" Jane hesitantly said "That I would so like to marry for love"
"And so you shall" Elizabeth cheered "I am sure, but take care that you fall in love with a man of good fortune"
"And I will surely try, to please you" Jane said "What about you?"
"I am determined, that nothing but the very deepest love will induce me into matrimony" Elizabeth said "So. I will end an old maid and teach your 10 children to embroider cushions and play their instruments very ill"
"Oh Lizzy, upon further contemplation we are not that disadvantaged in society" Jane enthusiastically said "With William as our childhood friend, I am sure he will help you find someone suitable"
"It has been years since we last saw each other, I doubt he would still see us in the same light" Elizabeth disheartendly said "We ourselves have grown much these past years, and likewise William"
"Oh Lizzy it seems that the years have truly been cruel to you" Jane chastised "Was it not the same William that told you not to let prejudice dictate the way one would interact with another"
"Quite right Jane" Elizabeth said "But- , never mind Good night Jane"
That night the Longbourne household was quiet and its inhabitants slept peacefully. The arrivals of new and old people in the neighborhood still the topic in their minds throughout most likely.
The morning was quaint, the sun was brightly shining outside and the temperature was neither too hot nor cold. The Bennets were enjoying the morning in their Sitting Room, with Mr. Bennet reading his newspaper with an appraising eye towards his family, Mrs. Bennet still sulking from Mr. Bennet's refusal to call upon Bingley, their three eldest daughters contentedly embroidering and or reading in their seats.
The peace of the morning was interrupted when the youngest Bennet daughters burst through the doors of the Sitting Room, both with excited smiles plastered on their faces.
"Mr. Bingley has come to Netherfield-" Lydia stated.
"And Sr. Lucas has called on him" Kitty interrupted.
"Save your breathe I will tell mama" Lydia said.
"I do not wish to know, what we should care about Mr. Bingley since we are never to be acquainted with him" Mrs. Bennet said resentfully to the protestation of the youngest Bennet daughters. As the two listed the things known about the Mr. Bingley after being met by Sr. Lucas and the enumeration of the guest that would be attending the party.
"Oh Lydia, I beg that you stop, for we are never to be acquainted with Mr. Bingley and it pains me to hear of him. I am sick of him"
"I am sorry to hear that, if I had known as much, I would not have called on him" Mr. Bennet said "I am afraid we cannot escape the acquaintance now"
"Oh Mr. Bennet, how good you are to us, oh girls is he not a good father, and never to tell us what a good joke" Mrs. Bennet gleefully said "Oh and you shall all dance with Mr. Bingley"
"I hope he has a strong constitution Mama" Elizabeth said.
"And a fondness for silly young women" Mr. Bennet indignantly said.
"Oh Mr. Bennet nothing you say shall ever vex me again" Mrs. Bennet informed.
"I am sorry to hear it" Mr. Bennet said.
It was a fine evening in Meryton, the moon shone with an unnatural brightness and the town was in cheers around the Assembly Hall. Men were enjoying the music outside the Hall, with drinks in their hand and smiles on their faces, the odd footman joining them from the people inside.
The Assembly Hall likewise was enthusiastically lit, with moonlight washing inside from the windows and the various chandeliers and lamps. The music was also lively and the band seemed very glad in their performance, smiles were also on their faces as they played their pieces wonderfully for the event. The stepping tunes and claps of the guests were also with fervent glee as they danced to the music with their partners, some idly watching with a happy expression on the side lines, or chatting amicably to each other.
"Lord William we were not expecting you, truly this is a pleasant surprise" Sr. Lucas said surprised at the arrival of William to the assembly "I thought you would not arrive until Saturday, and I am gladly mistaken"
"It has been an exceptional journey here, and the weather has permitted extended bouts of travel" William said "But Sr. Lucas truly it has not been that long, that you would refer to me as 'Lord', once more I must insist on being called William around long time friends"
"Yes indeed, Lor- I mean William welcome back to Hertfordshire" Sr. Lucas happily said "Come you must see how your neighbors have grown"
"I am most happy to oblige Sir" William said enthusiastically "If you don't mind that I come a smidge under dressed"
"Absolutely not" Sr. Lucas insisted "You have been away for five years, and something as simple as clothing shall not keep you from us, come inside"
"Ah here we are, you remember my daughter Charlotte and my wife" Sr. Lucas said.
"Charlotte, madam, I am very glad to be back in Hertfordshire" William said and bowed in greeting "Tell me all about Hertfordshire whilst I have been away"
William went about the evening chatting between the families and groups of people in the assembly hall, the Lucas'es, Long's and various other families present that day. He asked about Hertfordshire and told about Oxford, he spent much of his time gathering information about the current state of each and every family friend he so dearly missed.
The very last family he approached was that of the Bennets, since they were practically family he held that they would not be disappointed if he did not go to them first. The Bennets still accepted him warmly, always led by the eccentric Mrs. Bennet
"Oh William how I missed you" Mrs. Bennet gleefully said "Look how much you have grown, a handsome gentleman in every regard"
"Surely you exaggerate Mrs. Bennet, my degree of handsome is nowhere as great as Jane or Elizabeth has been" William teased "They are practically the most beautiful young women in this entire room"
"Thank you William, surely we are not deserving of such praise" Jane seemingly embarrassed said.
"Surely you look to low upon yourself to think of us more handsome than you William" Elizabeth sarcastically said.
"But surely if I looked higher upon myself then the beauty of you both would be rivaling that of Aphrodite" William said "And we all know the gods to be fickle beings"
"Surely not a face to launch a thousand ships" Elizabeth said "Don't mistake my meaning William, but how come you are here already, we expected you to arrive in a few days, we were even planning on hosting a party when you arrive"
"The weather permitted for hastier travel, and thus I am here" William stated "If not a little under dressed, but present in all other regards"
"I am sure your attire will not be a hindrance" Jane assured "You are in the presence of friends"
"If it is not too forward amongst friends, then may I ask the next dance with you Jane" William asked "And if she allows me, the next with you Lizzy"
"Hmm, I do not know if my pride can bear to be seen dancing with you dressed as such" Elizabeth jokingly stated.
"I myself naked then" William stated which elicited a laugh from the Bennets.
"Scandalous reply" Elizabeth sarcastically gasped.
The Bennets and William danced with the rest of the assembly. William gregariously danced with all the ladies in the room. The minutes passed and dances came and went as, William visibly tired from the continued dancing. To rest himself he chose to sit near Mary Bennet, and engage her in a short bout of Philosophical debate to pass his breathe.
Their little debate lasted a few minutes, and Mary had a visible smile on her face. With William seemingly caught his breathe. He bowed and left Mary, herself seemingly still pondering, and returned to the eldest Bennets and Charlotte standing to a side.
"It would seem Mary has met her match" Charlotte said "Though I am not much surprised, since we were little you were always the cleverest of us"
"No, we were all clever in our own regards" William said "Charlotte was more clever in practicality, Jane at emotions, and you with your wit"
"Take the compliment William, it's not we were in any case simple minded" Elizabeth said "You always did have a problem with accepting compliments, even now you retain it"
"Truly William, you still shun compliments" Jane said "It is not Patronization, but true admiration for your abilities"
"We are not those women who swoon over everything you do" Elizabeth stated "We are your friends"
The group continued to chat amongst themselves for a few minutes, laughing together and in general enjoying themselves.
Their attentions were diverted when a group of unfamiliar people arrived. A group of three gentlemen and two ladies arrived at the assembly hall. One of the gentlemen had a smile on his face as he entered; the other two however seemed less so impressed. Both ladies likewise shared the same face of indifference in regards to what they saw.
"Mr. Bingley, allow me the pleasure of welcoming you to our little assembly here" Sr. Lucas happily stated.
"Sr. William, I am very glad to see you" Mr. Bingley happily said "There is nothing I love better than a country dance"
The music returned and the dancers once more take to the center of the hall.
"Those two ladies there, do you know who they are Charlotte" asked Lizzy.
"Mr. Bingley's sisters I understand" Charlotte explained "One of them is married to the gentleman there a Mr. Hurst, the shorter one"
"The ladies look very elegant" Jane stated.
"They look better pleased of themselves, than what they see I think" Elizabeth said.
"Oh come now Lizzy, it might simply be their countenance, such prejudice is uncalled for" William injected "We have yet to meet them, but you already judge them"
"I agree with William" Jane said "They might change upon closer acquaintance"
"Our mother calls to us, Excuse us" Elizabeth stated.
The two Bennets were called upon by their mother and excused themselves.
"Charlotte do you know of the other gentleman there" William asked.
"Ah, a Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley's oldest friend, he owns a great estate in Derbyshire, and very wealthy I am told" Charlotte stated.
"A great estate in Derbyshire, I cannot remember if it is Pemberly, that I recall the name Darcy" William tried to remember.
"Nothing returns to me at which estate they mention or if they did" Charlotte stated "They are to be our neighbors for a while so we might still come to understand which"
"Then come Charlotte our answers lie over there amongst the Bingleys" William said. "Oh come, no use being shy, they are to be our neighbors soon"
William and Charlotte walked over to the Bingleys, but opportunity was away as Sr. Lucas brought Mr. Bingley and the Mr. Darcy to the Bennets. The duo still continued on though and arrived to the contemptuous looks from the Bingley sisters.
"Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, Ms. Bingley, a pleasure to make your acquaintance" William happily said "Oh and may I present my dear friend Charlotte Lucas, daughter of Sr. Lucas"
"Welcome to Meryton" Charlotte shyly said.
"Charmed, Mr.?" Ms. Bingley said.
"Mr. William, but if you wish you can call me Will" William stated smiling.
"Mr. William indeed, I would wager that you have been reveling much, you attire seems to be very off" Ms. Bingley stated.
"I have exerted myself quite a lot earlier" William asked "Do you like dancing Ms. Bingley"
"Oh yes I find dancing quite enjoyable, especially with the right partner" Ms. Bingley answered to the agreement of Mrs. Hurst.
"Ah then, would you do me the honor to ask you to dance the next set with me" William asked.
"Uhm…, of course" Ms. Bingley hesitantly answered. "Only for one set, I am still quite tired from travel"
"Understood" William happily said "Excuse us"
"Oh my Lord, they are coming over smile girls, smile" Mrs. Bennet hurriedly said.
"Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bingley has expressed a wish to be acquainted with you and your daughters" Sr. Lucas stated.
"Sir that is very good of you" thanked Mrs. Bennet "This is Jane my eldest, and Elizabeth. Mary sits over there, Kitty and Lydia dancing" "Do you like to dance yourself Mr. Bingley"
"There is nothing I love better, madam. And if Ms. Bennet is not otherwise engaged, may I be so bold to claim the next two dances" Mr. Bingley happily offered.
"I am not engaged sir" Jane answered to the delight of Mr. Bingley
"Oh you do us great honor sir" Mrs. Bennet thanked "Thank the gentleman Jane"
"And you Sir, are you fond of dancing as well" asked Mrs. Bennet towards Mr. Darcy.
"Oh I beg your pardon, may I present my friend, Mr. Darcy" Mr. Bingley said.
"You are very welcome to Hertfordshire I am sure Sir, I hope you have come here eager to dance as your friend has" Mrs. Bennet said.
"Thank you madam, but I rarely dance" Mr. Darcy said plainly.
"Well let this is one of the occasions Sir, for I wager you would not easily find such lively music or such handsome partners" Mrs. Bennet insisted, at which Mr. Darcy turned around and left.
"Umm, pray excuse me madam" Mr. Bingley nervously said.
As both gentlemen walked towards Mr. and Mrs. Hurst the Bennet ladies once again found themselves together.
"Well, did you ever meet such a proud and disagreeable man" Mrs. Bennet loudly stated, to the attempts of discouragement of Elizabeth "Oh I do not care if he does, and his friend is so very agreeable and every bit charming. Who is he to think himself so far above his company"
"Well the very rich can afford to give offense wherever they go, we need not care for his good opinion" Elizabeth stated to the agreement of Mrs. Bennet "Perhaps he is not so handsome after all"
"Certainly nothing at all to Mr. Bingley" Mrs. Bennet stated indignantly.
The Assembly continued with its merriments, the dances continued and Mr. Bingley obviously preferred Jane's company and repeatedly danced with her, Ms. Bingley however seemed uncomfortable with her dance with William, all others seemed to enjoy themselves. The evening went on and the married women of Hertfordshire congregated around Mrs. Bennet as she told her experiences to them, Mr. Darcy worriedly looked on as the crowd repeatedly looked in his direction with disappointed faces.
"Lizzy, Mary why are you not dancing" asked William "The night is young! And all of your sisters seem to be enjoying themselves"
"I wonder at Kitty and Lydia why they are so fond of dancing. I take little pleasure in a ball" Mary said.
"I would take more pleasure in this one, if there are enough partners as agreeable as Jane's" Elizabeth stated.
"Then stand and dance Lizzy and Mary, find the agreeable partner you seek" William said "If none is found, then dance with me, I would be very happy to the following sets"
"I believe the rewards of observation and reflection are much greater" Mary stated.
"But what is there to reflect upon if one only observes, the full measure of reflection is lost to inadequacy of personal experience" William said "Dance Mary, take full measure of the action, only after reflect upon it"
"It would seem the next set is starting and your current partner awaits" Elizabeth pointed towards Ms. Bingley who was looking cross at William.
"Excuse me then, before her scorn burns through my skull" William jokingly said.
And so William left to dance once again with Ms. Bingley. Mr. Bingley was absent in the set and went to his friend Mr. Darcy, who was standing adjacent to where Mary and Elizabeth were seated.
"Come Darcy, I must have you dance, I must, I hate seeing you standing there in a stupid manner" Mr. Bingley scolded his friend "Come you must better dance"
"I certainly shall not, in an Assembly such as this, it would be insupportable" Mr. Darcy dismissed "Your sisters are engaged at present , I am perfectly aware that it would be a punishment for me to stand with any of them"
"Good God Darcy, I would not be as fastidious as you are for a Kingdom" Mr. Bingley surprised at Darcy's outburst "On my honor, I have never met so many pleasant girls in my life, so uncommonly pretty"
"You have been dancing with the only handsome girl in the room" Darcy stated.
"Darcy she is the most beautiful creature I have ever beheld" Mr. Bingley proudly stated "Look there, there is one of her sister, she is very pretty too, I dare say very agreeable"
"She is tolerable I suppose, but she is not handsome enough to tempt me" Mr. Darcy frustrated said "Bingley I am in no humor to give consequence to young ladies slighted by other men, go back to your partner and enjoy her smiles"
The set ended and Mr. Darcy finds himself alone once more observing the events taking place in his vicinity. Darcy slightly startled when William approached him.
"Mr. Darcy, an honor to make your acquaintance" William said smiling.
"Mr. William I believe" Darcy stated.
"Yes, I believe Ms. Bingley informed you" William asked.
"Oh no, I merely deduced from what I overheard from a few loud individuals" Darcy said.
"I myself overheard that you do not dance" William said "I doubt the veracity of the claim, from a man of Chatsworth"
"Pemberly not Chatsworth, but I can see where the confusion lies, they are very similar" Darcy surprised stated "Tell me how do you know of my estate, I have told none"
"I spent some time in the Northern half of Derbyshire, when I toured the lake country, as such when I heard you were from the Derbyshire and of a great estate, it was either Chatsworth or Pemberly" William stated.
"Chatsworth has been the home of House Cavendish for centuries" Darcy suspiciously said "Pemberly although similar is not the seat of the Duke of Devonshire, I doubt your claim at mistaking the two"
"But-, I admit I knowingly mistook your estate to be Chatsworth" William admitted.
"What would be your purpose as to feign ignorance of such, surely it is of no consequence" Darcy questioned.
"It is Mr. Darcy" William explained "I feigned ignorance to measure your wit and intellect, and sense your level of agreeableness"
"Tell me then, how do you find my measure" Darcy challenged.
"I find that Mr. Darcy is, a man of adequate intellect and wit, with a level of agreeableness of very well" William stated.
"The entirety of the room would probably tell you the contrary" Darcy questioned.
"I find not very attuned to the soft and childish measure of agreeableness current know to society" William answered "Your measure of agreeableness is hard, practical and uncompromising, the kind of man for this century needs"
"But yourself seems very agreeable to the eyes of this room" Darcy challenged.
"It is because agreeableness is not a measure of gregariousness or social competence Mr. Darcy" William stated "And I feel, that you Mr. Darcy needs to practice social competence"
"I do not see any inadequacies with my countenance, simply the willful misunderstanding of others" Darcy stated.
"It would seem that we must add Pride to your inadequacies" William said.
"Vanity and Pride are different, though used synonymously. Pride relates to our opinion of ourselves, Vanity the opinions of others" Darcy scolded.
"Then let me adjust to the proper nomenclature of your condition Mr. Darcy" William stated "Vainglory. But who am I to claim an understanding of a man I have barely known for less than an hour. Nonetheless Mr. Darcy think upon my words"
After the little verbal skirmish William left Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy stood there with a face of anger mixed with contemplation fidgeting nervously. William though walked away from Mr. Darcy with a queer smile on his face
That evening in Longbourne, we find the Bennets in the Sitting Room speaking to Mr. Bennet about what transpired in the Assembly Rooms.
"Oh Jane was so admired, there was nothing like it" Mrs. Bennet delightedly said.
"Lydia and I danced every dance" Kitty informed "Mary danced a couple of times"
"Oh and Mr. Bingley favored Jane above every other girl" Mrs. Bennet delightedly explained "For, he danced the first two with her, and the next with Charlotte Lucas which vexed me so, but though in the very next nothing would please him than to stand up with Jane again, and then he danced with Lizzy, would you guess what he did next"
"Enough please madam, for God's sake let's hear no more of his partners, should he have sprained his ankle in the first dance" Mr. Bennet pleaded.
"Oh and his sisters, such charming women, so elegant and obliging, oh I wish you have seen them, I daresay the lace on Ms. Hursts gown" Mrs. Bennet happily reminded.
"No lace, Mrs. Bennet I beg you" Mr. Bennet pleaded.
"But the man he brought with him, a Mr. Darcy as he calls himself is not worth our concern. Though he may be the richest man in Derbyshire, the proudest most disobliging, oh and he slighted Lizzy you know, and flatly refused to stand up with her" Mrs. Bennet venomously said.
"Slighted my dear Lizzy did he" Mr. Bennet asked.
"I did not care for him either father, so it's of little matter" Elizabeth said.
"Another time Lizzy, I would not dance with him if he would ask you" Mrs. Bennet stated.
"I believe mom, that I can safely promise you to never dance with Mr. Darcy" Elizabeth stated.
The evening in Netherfield was easier, with the occupants having tea in their Sitting Room, with Mr. Hurst snoring away the night on the cushions.
"And so none of the Hertfordshire ladies could please you Mr. Darcy" Ms. Bingley inquired.
"Well, I have never met with more pleasant people or more handsome girls in my life" Mr. Bingley proudly stated.
"Bingley you astonish me, I saw little beauty and no breeding at all" Mr. Darcy feigned "The eldest Ms. Bennet is, I grant you very pretty"
"A fine concession" Mr. Bingley stated "Come man, admit it she is an angel"
"Oh Jane Bennet is a sweet girl, but her mother and that loathsome Mr. William is something else entirely" Ms. Bingley admonished "I heard Elizabeth Bennet, described a local beauty"
"A would assume call her mother a wit, but I cannot say the same for Mr. William" Darcy answered.
"Are you sure we speak of the same Mr. William, in the God awful traveling clothes he wore to the Assembly" Ms. Bingley questioned.
"The very same, though it was not his attire that drew me to have a better opinion of him, though I do concede that he wore very inappropriate attire" Darcy assured.
"Oh come now Darcy, I shall never understand why you go through the world determined to be displeased with everything and everyone in it" Mr. Bingley admonished and to the anathema of the same question from Darcy "Well you shall not make me think ill of Ms. Bennet"
"Indeed he shall not, I shall dare his disapproval and declare she is a dear sweet girl, despite her unfortunate relations, and I would not be sorry to know her better" Ms. Bingley proudly stated.
"Yes nor I" Mrs. Hurst agreed "As you see Mr. Darcy we are not afraid of you"
"I would not have it so" Darcy stated.
The morning in Longbourne we find the two eldest Bennets tending to the garden, whilst they talked about their new neighbors and how their countenance was perceived earlier.
"He is just what a young man ought to be Lizzy" Jane stated "Sensible, lively, and I never saw such a happier man"
"Handsome too, which a young man ought to be, if he possibly can" Elizabeth added "And he seems to like you very much, which shows good judgment"
"William and I give you leave to like him, like many other persons" Elizabeth endeared "He could be happy in his choice of sister and friends, though the sisters I suppose he cannot help"
"Do you not like them, it seemed that William liked them very much" Jane questioned "At first perhaps, but after a while I found them very pleasing, likewise did William, I dare say you must be letting your prejudice cloud your judgment once more"
"The Bingleys maybe" Elizabeth conceded.
"No Lizzy I am sure you are wrong" Jane stated "Even Mr. Darcy will improve upon closer acquaintance"
"Do you mean he will give humor to young ladies who are slighted by other men, Never" Elizabeth mocked "She is tolerable I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me"
"It was very wrong for him to speak so" Jane laughed.
"Indeed it was, capital offense, but the look on his face when William spoke to him, priceless" Elizabeth happily remembered.
"I wonder what William could have told Mr. Darcy for him to lose his composure like that" Jane asked.
"Who knows" Elizabeth laughed "Oh look Charlotte is here"
"Jane, Lizzy" Charlotte excitedly greeted "My father is to give a party at Lucas Lodge and you are all invited"
Lucas Lodge was the opposite of the Assembly Halls, the music was easy and simple played by Mary, there was no ceremony and it was made to be a relaxing evening.
"I hope this would be one of the many occasions where Lucas Lodge would be graced with your presence" Sr. Lucas gladly stated "Here you see we are all easy, with no awkwardness or ceremony"
"Quite" Ms. Bingley responded uninterested.
On the other side of the Hall, Mrs. Bennet continues her gossips about her daughters and the previous party.
"Oh yes my dear, five thousand a year" Mrs. Bennet boasted "is he not the wealthiest and most agreeable young man"
"In this room assuredly" Mrs. Lucas stated "Awful shame that William is not able to attend"
"Excuse me Mrs. Lucas, but what has happened that William so abruptly changed plans" asked Elizabeth.
"Something about highwaymen, along the southern Buckinghamshire part of their estate" Mrs. Lucas said with concern in her tone "And you Col. Forster, have you heard anything about these cutthroats"
"No madam, the Berkham Band are very insistent upon their autonomy as a private army, and take matters of security very seriously" Col. Forster stated "And likewise the Duke of Berkhamstead, takes the privacy upon those in his estate in the utmost care"
"Oh I am sure William has it all under control" Mrs. Bennet stated "And you Col. Forster, how do you and your officers find Meryton"
"Very pleasing, especially this evening" Col. Forster assured "A regiment of infantry don't find a ready welcome anywhere"
Returning towards Mrs. Bingley and Sr. Lucas
"No doubt you attend Assembly at St. James's Court, Ms Bingley" asked Sr. Lucas.
"We go but rarely Sir" Ms. Bingley stated.
"Indeed I am surprised. I shall be happy to introduce you there any time when I am in town" astonished Sr. Lucas "Better yet; we join William since he is far better acquainted"
"Tell me Sir, does Mr. William often go to Assembly" Ms. Bingley asked.
"Quite often, since his father is very busy with the War against the French, and his duties as a Peer of the Realm" Sr. Lucas answered nonchalantly "But I assure you, he does not present a façade towards us"
"Can you repeat that Sr. Lucas, did you say his father is a peer of the Realm" Ms. Bingley said stuttering.
"Oh of course, none other than, the Duke of Berkhamstead" Sr. Lucas assured "William himself is the Earl of Hatfield"
"Uhm, I feeling quite unwell at the moments, excuse us Sir" Ms. Bingley excused.
The Bingley sisters sat down upon a couch, with the looks of dread and astonishment mixed upon their faces. Concerned Mr. Bingley along with Jane made their way towards the two sisters.
"What seems to be the matter dear sisters" Mr. Bingley asked.
"The Mr. William is an Earl" Ms. Bingley stuttered.
"I don't" Mr. Bingley confused "Is it true Jane, that Mr. William is an Earl"
"He is" Jane said "But I can assure you he is very humble about it"
"My God, I never would have expected it" Mr. Bingley astonished said "I must inform Darcy"
To that Mr. Bingley walked over to his friend Darcy and explained the situation to him.
"This news has caught me likewise off guard" Mr. Darcy stated "I only thought of the Mr. William a very intelligent man, but learning that he is an Earl put to rest my inhibitions to follow his advice and critique"
"What critique, what inhibitions" Mr. Bingley asked "Tell me of these things"
"Lord William has stated that I have an inadequate measure of social competence" Darcy hesitantly explained "Rooted from a measure of Vainglory"
"Vainglory, I must object to the thought" Mr. Bingley stated "I have never had a better friend such as you Darcy, and to label you vainglory is simply Prejudiced"
"Quite the contrary Bingley, it do believe he is somewhat correct" Darcy said.
"I am in astonishment, yourself believing such statements" Bingley refused.
"I am in no position to explain it to you Bingley, since you are my friend I believe you will always hold me to a skewed view of goodness" Darcy stated "Sadly the man that can properly explain it to you is currently absent"
The thick woodlands that surrounded Berkhamstead Castle was perfect for training skirmishers and such the Berkham Band often trained there. They were very successful skirmishers from their very first forming under King Edward 'the Longshanks' and had had the Castle as their base of operations for centuries underneath the Duke of Berkhamstead acting as Lord Retainer of England.
The woods were thick and passable with great difficulty, but to those soldiers around it seemed like walking on an avenue. William himself felt very inadequate since his pace was slow and made quite a lot of noise as he moved through the brush.
"Where do you think these cutthroats are hiding Captain Albert" asked William.
"My Lord, according to the locations of the attacks there is only one possible place these cutthroats could be hiding" Capt. Albert stated "Along this stretch of woods, there is a small clearing, where it is possible to create a camp without being spotted from the road"
"Yes good, and how many do you think there are" asked William "There can be no more than 4 than them right"
"Possibly my Lord, but the from the audacity of the attacks, it would not be surprising if there are more than 10 of them" Capt. Albert said "all armed with muskets and pistol, since they attacked the arms shipment"
"Should we not bring more than 10 men then, it would be prudent" William concernedly asked.
"My lords, having large groups of men create a large ruckus when moving through the woods" Capt. Albert stated "But worry not my Lord, these woods are the gardens we grew up in"
"How do you propose we be rid of them, our royal commission clearly states we cannot harm Englishmen" William stated "If we cannot shoot or stab them, what are we to do"
"We destroy their arms, before arresting them" Capt. Albert said "The Band has done it before, it is much easier done in the night"
"As you say you have done this before" William said "What of my role in this"
"You are to observe if we keep to the commission to the best of our abilities" Capt. Albert answered "Since you are not held under the same commission"
"Understood" William stated.
They approached said clearing as the sun began to set. The group began to disperse, and from their position the others melted into the forest. They waited for hours for the opportune time; the fire from the camp gave a clear picture of the cutthroats. They had muskets lying around their camp, and the barrels of powder dangerously close to the fire, everyone seemed to be cheerfully drinking their alcohol, ignorant to the dangers lurking within the woods.
More hours past, and the group of William still held their position inside the woods. The cutthroats clearly readying for bed had a drunken sway to their movements. The man on watch was likely drunk and not very long also drifted into sleep.
"How long do these things usually last" William asked Capt. "We have been here for the majority of the day"
"It would depend my Lord, the longest recorded setting was against the French in the 100 years War, which lasted an entire month" Capt. Albert answered with a smile.
"Tell me we are not to stay here for a month" William said "I did not pack any provisions for myself"
"It won't my Lord, these cutthroats are drunk and will be easily apprehended, we can begin now" Capt. Albert stated, then whistled the tune of a bird, after a few seconds bird songs sounded in response.
The two moved out of their wooded hiding place and towards the camp, silhouettes of the other men approaching from other directions.
The people around the man on watch readied their muskets as clubs should he awaken. The others quietly moved and collected the powder and muskets readily seen around the camp.
The muskets were all loaded and the powder collected and placed near the dying fire, each man held onto two muskets holding them between his armpits. With a shrill whistle from Capt. Albert, a man took a fuse and lit it and immediately placed it inside a hole in the central powder keg. All around the men rushed to a good distance from the camp.
A deafening explosion shook the encampment and blew away some of the nearer tents. The startled cutthroats jumped awake and frantically looked around them, a few shot their pistols at their own fellow.
The chaos was interrupted by another shrill whistle from Capt. Albert. The men walked into view from the shadows and leveled their muskets towards the cutthroats.
"In the name of the Duke of Berkhamstead we place you under arrest, drop your weapons and no harm will come to you" Capt. Albert declared.
The cutthroats with fear in their faces dropped their pistols and other weapons, and quietly cooperated.
The Party at Lucas Lodge was beginning to increase in tempo as Mary played a livelier tune.
"I see Mr. Bingley continues his attentions to Jane" Charlotte said.
"I am very happy for her Charlotte" Elizabeth stated.
"She does seem very well pleased with him" Charlotte said "Do you think Mr. Bingley shares the sentiment"
"It is clear that he likes her very much" Elizabeth stated.
"Then she should leave him in no doubt of her heart" Charlotte said "She should show more affection, more than she feels to secure him"
"Secure him" Elizabeth questioned "Before she is sure of his characters, before she is even sure of her own regard for him"
"Of course" Charlotte assured "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance, there will always be vexation and grief. And it is better to know in advance as little as possible the defects of your marriage partner. But Mr. Darcy looks to you a great deal Lizzy"
"You would think why, lest he means to frighten me with contempt" Elizabeth stated.
And the conversations of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley joined by Sr. Lucas.
"What a charming amusement for young children this is" Sr. Lucas stated.
"Yes very much so" Mr. Bingley answered.
"Nothing like dancing, one of the refinements of a polished society" Sr. Lucas stated.
"And every unpolished one" Darcy stated "Excuse me"
"And Sir Lucas, may I excuse myself as well to dance" Mr. Bingley excused.
"Oh yes, yes, Capital! Capital" Sr. Lucas said.
The two friends moved towards their intended targets, Mr. Bingley towards the direction of Jane, and Mr. Darcy towards the direction of Elizabeth.
"Mrs. Bennet would you do me the honor of dancing with me" Mr. Darcy offered.
"I am sorry Sir, I have the least intention of dancing" Elizabeth refused.
"Um, Then a polite conversation" Darcy offered.
"Excuse me, but I see no topic as to which we might converse about" Elizabeth refused.
"Oh I see pardon my intrusions" Darcy said.
As Ms. Elizabeth left, there stood a dumbstruck Mr. Darcy.
The following morning inside the Dining room of Longbourne, the Bennets are currently having a fine breakfast and going over the missives that arrived that day.
Jane was holding a missive addressed towards her, which Mrs. Bennet immediately snatched away and began to read.
"My dear friend Jane, dine with Louisa and me today, lalalalalala, as the gentlemen are to dine with the officers" Mrs. Bennet read "Still you must go, and make what you can with it. Yours ever Caroline Bingley, with very elegant hand"
"Father may I have the carriage" Jane asked.
"The carriage no indeed, you must go on horseback, for it looks like rain" Mrs. Bennet gleefully stated "For it looks like rain, and then you will have to stay the night"
"Mother" Jane gasped.
"Why do you at me like that, would you go to Netherfield and back without seeing Mr. Bingley" Mrs. Bennet assured "No indeed, you will go on Nelly, that would be very well indeed"
"This one's from Hatfield" Lydia stated.
"Give it here Lydia" Mr. Bennet ordered.
"It is from William. Hmmm, hmhmh," Mr. Bennet hummed the words "Likewise it would seem we are invited to dine at Hatfield. Jane you will sadly have to bring Nelly as Mrs. Bennet and the other girls have need of the carriage"
"Oh what a great day this is" Mrs. Bennet cheered.
Upon the road inside the carriage with Lydia, Kitty, Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth they were all in a ruckus at their excitement to dine at the grand estate of Hatfield House. Outside it was raining very heavily and Elizabeth simply looked outside the window.
At Netherfield Park, Jane was currently eating luncheon with the Bingley sisters.
"Now let me see if I got this right Jane" Mrs. Hurst asked "Your mother's sister is named Mrs. Phillips and Mr. Phillips estate is in"
"He lives in Meryton" Jane answered "He is an attorney"
"And your mother's brother lives in London" Mrs. Hurst stated.
"Yes on Gracechurch Street" Jane answered.
"And Gracechurch Street is located near Westminster" Ms. Bingley "That is how you met, the Duke of Berkhamstead"
"I am, forgive me I feel quite unwell" Jane said.
"Faucet get help Ms. Bennet feels unwell" Ms. Bingley commanded.
At Hatfield House, the Bennets are currently eating luncheon with William.
"It would seem like I missed a splendid party then Mrs. Bennet" William stated.
"Oh nonsense, it was quaint I admit, but the protection of your estate and its tenants far outweigh a party at Lucas Lodge" Mrs. Bennet stated.
"And you Lizzy, I have not heard a single word from you this entire meal" William said concerned "I quite unused to the silence from you"
"It is probably because she is regretting the fact that she turned down Mr. Darcy's offer to dance" Lydia said.
"Mr. Darcy offered to dance, meaning he came upon you Lizzy to ask" William said astonished.
"Yes, but quite frankly I did not enjoy his company and felt unease when he is around me" Elizabeth informed.
"Her unease probably made her miss all the dances held at the party" Kitty added "She did appear very distressed"
"Then let me remedy that immediately, Terence find Lawrence and tell him that he is needed in the music room in an hour" William ordered "Oh and Thank you Terence"
"Oh William, your generosity towards us delights me so" Mrs. Bennet happily said "Now if only there were only enough partners for all of us"
"Thank you William, but it is not the party at Lucas Lodge that distresses me so" Elizabeth looked to the deluge pouring outside "It is Jane that worries me"
"Oh Elizabeth, she is perfectly fine in Netherfield" Mrs. Bennet added "They will not neglect her there"
"Cheer up Lizzy" Lydia happily said "If the rain does not stop we could end up staying the night here in Hatfield House"
"Yes of course" Kitty happily added "We get to sleep like Princesses once again"
"Kitty, Lydia we would not want to impose upon Williams generosity" Elizabeth scolded.
"I would be glad to share my home with you and your family" William confidently stated "It would be no imposition as the Bennets are always welcome in Hatfield House"
"We are so honored to be so welcomed" Mrs. Bennet gleefully stated.
The music room was beautiful with a grand piano positioned on a corner. Lawrence was currently playing a cheerful country tune.
Elizabeth and William were dancing together; Lydia and Kitty were dancing with footmen since they could not wait till the next dance.
"So Lizzy, tell me how abominable Mr. Darcy's approach to asking you to dance with him went" William asked.
"It was very courteous in every regard" Elizabeth answered.
"Then why did you not accept the dance, he is to be your neighbors for a good while" William stated.
"I find his presence uncomfortable, since he holds nothing but disdain for his company" Elizabeth explained "I would much have likened for you have been there, to at the least negate the discomfort he exuded"
"I am very honored that you find such comfort in my company Lizzy" William happily said "As such I would strive to always be in it"
"And I would not be inclined to deny it" Elizabeth smiled "Though one must retain some form of distance for proprieties sake"
"Ah yes, the vicious rumors of society truly hound us at every turn" William joked "Lest they start a rumor you are attempting to beguile me with your charms. I the son of a Duke"
"I would be hunted down by your other suitors, and chased to the ends of the Empire" Elizabeth said sarcastically.
"It is not as if my family follows the conventions of status on marriage" William stated "Well my mother herself, God keep her, was a simple library assistant"
"Yes quite" Elizabeth smiled "I expect you in the next party"
The next day the Bennets left Hatfield and returned to Longbourne
We return to find the Bennets eating Luncheon.
"Well my dear, should Jane die of this fever, it would be comforting to know that it was all in pursuit of Mr. Bingley" Mr. Bennet stated "And under your orders"
"Oh nonsense, people do not die of little trifling colds" Mrs. Bennet said "Besides she will be very well taken care of"
"Mama, I think I must go to Netherfield" Elizabeth said.
"Go to Netherfield no there is no call for that, Jane is very well where she is" Mrs. Bennet stated "And you know there is nothing for you in Netherfield, much better to go with your sisters to Meryton and meet the officers"
"Aye Lizzy, there are more than enough to go around" Lydia said shamelessly.
"I suppose that is the hint for me to call for the carriage" Mr. Bennet stated.
"Oh no indeed father, I much rather walk, it is barely three miles to Netherfield" Elizabeth explained.
"Walk three miles in all that dirt, you would not be fit to be seen" Mrs. Bennet scolded.
"I will be fit to see Jane, which is all I want" Elizabeth countered "I am quite determined mother"
"I know Lizzy, Lydia and I will take you as far as Meryton" Kitty offered.
"Aye, let us call on Deny early before he is dressed" Lydia plotted.
"My life holds few distinctions Mrs. Bennet, but I we can safely boast the here sit two of the silliest girls in the country" Mr. Bennet sighed.
The day was perfect for a walk towards Netherfield, and Elizabeth herself seemed quite enamored with the weather as she happily traversed the countryside. The filth growing on her skirt, but she continued on with a smile on her face.
On the final approach to Netherfield, Elizabeth comes across a Mr. Darcy.
"Ms. Bennet" Darcy greeted.
"Mr. Darcy" Elizabeth returned "I have come to inquire after my sister"
"On foot" Darcy asked "Though I do applaud your choice of day to stroll around the countryside"
"As you see" Elizabeth answered "Would you be so kind as to take me to her"
"Yes of course" Darcy stuttered "I shall escort you to her"
We find the Netherfield party eating dinner as the rain from yesterday returned with much fury.
"We must allow her to be an excellent walker I suppose" Mrs. Hurst stated "Her appearance this morning, she almost looked wild"
"I could hardly keep my character" Ms. Bingley imposed "What does she mean by scampering about the country, because her sister has a cold"
"I hope you saw her appearance brother, six inches deep in mud I am absolutely certain" Mrs. Hurst stated.
"I confess it escaped my notice, I thought she looked remarkably well" Mr. Bingley said.
"I wonder how such people became connected to one as illustrious as the Berkhams" Ms. Bingley sneered "You observed it I am sure Mr. Darcy. I am inclined to think that you would not wish your sister to make such an exhibition"
"Certainly not" Darcy said "Though it would be quite impossible for her to make the journey back with such rain"
"It seems to me, to show an abominable sense of conceited independence" Ms. Bingley added "I believe Mr. Darcy that this escapade may have affected your admiration for her fine eyes"
"No not at all, they were brightened by the exercise" Darcy stated.
"But Jane Bennet is a sweet girl" Mrs. Hurst said "Very sad that she must have an unfortunate family"
"Their uncle she told us is in trade, and owns a shop in London" Ms. Bingley said.
"Well perhaps we should call when we are next in town" Mrs. Hurst said sarcastically, to the laughter of Ms. Bingley.
"They would be just as agreeable to me had they uncles enough to fill all cheapside" Mr. Bingley defended.
"But with such little to give, they have very little chance of marrying well" Darcy added "That is the material point"
Their conversation was interrupted when Elizabeth walks into the room.
"Ms. Bennet how does your sister do" Mr. Bingley asked "Is she any better"
"I am afraid she is quite unwell Mr. Bingley" Elizabeth responded.
"Let me send for Mr. Jones" Mr. Bingley added "And you must stay until your sister is recovered"
"I would not wish to inconvenience you" Elizabeth returned.
"I would not have anything else" Mr. Bingley insisted "I will send to Longbourne for your clothes directly"
"Is there any sport today" asked Mr. Hurst
The evening was dull since the rain outside has yet to abbet, and we find Ms. Elizabeth currently wandering Netherfield House
"Mr. Darcy" Elizabeth greeted, seeing Darcy playing a game of pool.
"Ms. Bennet" Darcy returned "Would you like to play with me"
"Oh no Sir, I do not know how" Elizabeth refused "Furthermore, I do not wish to intrude upon your privacy"
"Oh its of no intrusion" Darcy insisted "Playing alone is quite dull after a while, besides the game is easy enough to understand"
"Uhm, ok Sir, but if it proves too difficult then I must insist upon leaving" Elizabeth said.
"Good, the goal is simple, to put the assigned uniform of ball into any of the pockets aside from the white one" Darcy explained "To strike the white one with the head of this stick in order for it to bounce the other into the pockets"
"It seems simple enough" Elizabeth said "But I do not know the proper handling of this stick Sir"
"Ah it is also very simple" Darcy approached and leaned over to hold Elizabeth in place partially enveloping her.
"I believe we are quite inappropriate for the moment Mr. Darcy" Elizabeth said shyly "As such I must ask that you release me"
"Oh my, you are quite right Ms. Bennet" Darcy said flustered "It would be insupportable to be found with you"
"Oh is it Mr. Darcy" Elizabeth said insulted "Then I shall no longer endanger your honor being around me"
The activities in the drawing room involved cards upon one side of the room, with Elizabeth comfortably seated reading a book, With Mr. Darcy looking on from near the door.
"Oh Mr. Darcy come advise for Mr. Hurst carries all before him" Ms. Bingley pleaded.
"May I inquire after your sister Ms. Bennet" Darcy asked.
"I thank you, I believe she is a little better" Elizabeth answered.
"I am very glad to hear it" Darcy stated "And please excuse me for the situation earlier"
" Oh Mr. Darcy Mr. Hurst has undone us all" Ms. Bingley fawned.
"Would you like to join us Ms. Bennet" Mrs. Hurst offered.
"I thank you, but I am quite content at the moment" Elizabeth refused.
"You prefer reading to cards, singular" Mr. Hurst said.
"Ms. Bennet despises cards, she is a great reader and enjoys nothing else" Ms. Bingley assumed.
"I deserve neither such praise nor such censure, I am not a great reader and take pleasure in many things" Elizabeth responded.
"I stand corrected" Ms. Bingley stated "And what do you do so secretly Mr. Darcy"
"It is no secret I am writing to my sister" Darcy corrected.
"Oh dear Georgiana, how I long to see her" Ms. Bingley feigned gladness "Is she much grown since the spring. Is she as tall as me"
"She is now about, Ms. Elizabeth Bennets height" Darcy informed.
"And she is so accomplished, her performance on the piano forte is very exquisite" Ms. Bingley lauded "Do you play Ms. Bennet"
"Aye but very ill indeed" Elizabeth answered.
"If all the young ladies are accomplished they sing, draw, dance, speak French and German, cover screens I know not" Mr. Bingley luaded.
"There are not half a dozen that would satisfy my notion of an accomplished woman" Darcy injected.
"As certain, no woman could be really deemed accomplished who does not also have certain in her air, her manner of walking, in the tone of her voice, her address and expressions" Ms. Bingley elaborated.
"And all this one must add something more substantial" Darcy added "In the improvement of her mind through extensive reading"
"I am no longer surprised at you knowing only six accomplished women Mr. Darcy" Elizabeth said sarcastically "I rather wonder if you have met any"
"You are very severe upon your own sex Ms. Bennet" Mrs. Hurst said.
"Perhaps you have not the advantage of moving enough in society enough" Ms. Bingley stated "There are many very accomplished young ladies in our acquaintance"
"Come, come, this is a fine way to play cards" Mr. Hurst "You are all light"
The following day Mrs. Bennet arrives to Netherfield.
"Mrs. Bennet, you are very welcome" Mr. Bingley greeted "I hope you do not find Ms. Bennet worst than you expected"
"Indeed I do sir, she is very ill indeed, and suffers a vast deal, though with the patience in the world, for she has the sweetest temper Mr. Bingley" Mrs. Bennet exaggerated "But she is a great deal to ill to be moved"
"Ms. Bennet will receive every possible attention madam, I assure you" Ms. Bingley said.
"You are very good" Mrs. Bennet thanked "and well, you have a very nice room here, I think you never want to leave Netherfield now you are come here"
"I believe I should be happy to live in the country forever" Mr. Bingley boasted "Would you not Darcy"
"You would" Darcy astonished "You don't find the society somewhat confined and unvarying"
"Confined and unvarying indeed it is not sir, the country is a vast deal more pleasant the town" Mrs. Bennet insisted "You seem to think of the country nothing at all. I would have him know we dine with the Earl William of Hatfield two days ago"
"Mama, have you seen Charlotte Lucas since I was away" Elizabeth asked to change the topic of conversation.
"Yes she called yesterday with William" Mrs. Bennet answered "William what an agreeable man he is, that is my idea of good breeding, and those persons who fancy themselves very important and never open their mouths quite mistake the matter"
"Ah, Mr. Bingley did you not promise to give a ball as soon as you are settled here is Netherfield" Lydia pressed "It would be a great scandal if you don't keep your word"
"I am perfectly ready to keep my engagement" Mr. Bingley proudly stated "And when your sister is recovered, you will name the day of the ball"
"Oh Lydia, that is a fair promise for you" Mrs. Bennet praised "That is generosity, and what I would call gentlemanly behavior"
******************************
That evening we return to the Netherfield Sitting room where a more peaceful evening is happening with most of its occupants reading or sleeping.
"Ms. Eliza, let me persuade you to take my example and take a turn about the room, it is so refreshing" Ms. Bingley offered "Will you not join us Mr. Darcy"
"That would defeat the purpose" Darcy stated.
"I think it better not to inquire his meaning" Elizabeth said.
"May we insist on knowing you meaning Sir" Ms. Bingley pressed.
"Why that your figures appear to best advantage when walking" Darcy explained "So that I must best admire them from my position"
"Abominable reply" Ms. Bingley gasped "How should we punish him Ms. Bennet"
"Nothing easy, I say we tease him, laugh at him" Elizabeth answered.
"Laugh at Mr. Darcy, impossible" Ms. Bingley stated "He is a man without fault"
"Is he indeed" Elizabeth said sarcastically "A man without fault"
"That is not possible for anyone" Darcy conceded "But it has been my study to avoid those weaknesses which expose us to ridicule"
"Such as Vanity and Pride" Elizabeth questioned.
"Yes Vanity is a weakness indeed, but pride whether it is a real superiority of mind, I find hard to keep under regulation" Darcy listed "I have faults enough Ms. Bennet, but I hope they are not of understanding, my temper I cannot vouch for, and for some resentful, and a select few vainglory"
"That is a failing indeed, but I cannot laugh at it" Elizabeth sadly stated.
"I believe every disposition has a tendency to a particular evil" Darcy explained.
"Your defect is a ability to hate everyone" Elizabeth stated.
"And yours is to willfully misunderstand" Darcy retorted.
"Shall we have some music" Ms. Bingley injected.
The next morning as the eldest Bennets readied their carriage to return to Longbourne, they were seen off by the Nethefield Party
"Give your parents my warmest salutations" Mr. Bingley said "And tell your father he is most welcome to come and shoot with us anytime convenient"
"Thank you sir, you are very kind" Jane thanked "Goodbye Mr. Bingley"
"Oh Jane, I am sorry to say it, but not withstanding your excellent Mr. Bingley I have never been so happy to leave a place in my life"
Within the House in the sitting room.
"How pleasant it is to have ones house towards self again" Ms. Bingley exclaimed "But I fear Mr. Darcy is mourning the loss of Ms. Bennets pert opinions and fine eyes"
"Quite the contrary I assure you" Darcy stated.