Meryton Revisited
Summary: The day of the Meryton assembly is repeated over and over until Darcy gets it right; Groundhog Day style.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Jane Austen.
Chapter 1: Tuesday, October 15, 1811
On Tuesday morning, the occupants of Netherfield Park were assembled for breakfast: Mr. Charles Bingley, the master of the house, his two sisters; Miss Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Louisa Hurst; Louisa's husband, Mr. Henry Hurst, and a family friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Caroline, sensing an opportunity to gain favour with the handsome and quite eligible Mr. Darcy, was singing the praises of the countryside: "How I love the country, Charles! So much fresh air and such beautiful scenery! The gardens here at Netherfield are quite lovely; of course they are no comparison to the grandness and beauty of Pemberley, Mr. Darcy. Do you not agree?" she asked, hoping to draw him into conversation.
"Yes, quite so," Darcy replied, trying his best to avoid her.
"Yes, even the country fashions are so quaint, so appealing. Nothing like the fashions in town, to be sure, but still, quite pleasing," she said, trying to maintain a positive outlook, even though she truthfully found the country and its inhabitants to be terribly dull. Unable to gain any notice from Mr. Darcy, she and Louisa spent the rest of the meal discussing their plans to attend the country ball later that evening.
The previous day, they had been visited by a local gentleman, Sir William Lucas, who owned a neighbouring estate. While he was being introduced to the newcomers, a great rain storm engulfed the house, spewing lightning and loud thunder. Bingley welcomed Sir William to his home and encouraged him to extend his visit until the storm passed. During their visit, the storm raged; lightning and thunder pounded them relentlessly. They discussed their respective towns, homes, family members, and neighbours. Sir William invited them all to attend the local ball to be held the following evening at the Meryton assembly; which Mr. Bingley accepted on behalf of all of his guests. Just as quickly as it arose, the storm then passed. Sir William took his leave of his new neighbours and set off for home.
When the Netherfield party arrived at the assembly that evening, Mr. Bingley made a point to acquaint himself with as many neighbours as possible and was considered a pleasant and amiable man. He danced every dance and enjoyed the evening with great liveliness. He paid special attention to Miss Jane Bennet, the most beautiful creature he had ever beheld.
Mr. Darcy, however, was in a foul mood and was not inclined to make any new acquaintances. He danced only two dances with members of his own party and sulked the rest of the evening. As a result he was considered proud and disagreeable. Mr. Bingley attempted to encourage his friend to dance and offered to introduce him to the sister of his favourite partner, but Mr. Darcy refused: "She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies 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." (1)
This remark was overheard by the subject of his scorn, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, which she received with great spirit, as she delighted in all things absurd; but the remark was received with great disdain by everyone else. Insulting one so lovely and lively was considered to be an offense most intolerable.
When the Netherfield party returned home that evening, Mr. Bingley was in great spirits, having just spent an enjoyable evening with a beautiful angel and in the company of congenial neighbours; however, no such enthusiasm for the evening's events was enjoyed by the rest of the party.
Chapter 2: Tuesday, October 15
In the morning, the Netherfield party was assembled for breakfast and Caroline was singing the praises of the countryside, much to the dismay of Mr. Darcy. "Why does she continue to ramble on about the countryside and its charming occupants after the spectacle that we witnessed last evening?" he wondered silently. He paid little attention to her and concentrated on his breakfast.
"Oh Louisa, I am so looking forward to attending the country ball this evening!" Caroline exclaimed. "It shall be great fun! I wonder what type of fashions we may enjoy from the locals?" she pondered aloud.
"Another ball? Haven't we quite had our fill of balls, Miss Bingley?" Darcy asked her.
"Oh Mr. Darcy, what a thing to ask! Of course, one could never attend too many balls. It is a great opportunity to meet new people," she responded.
"Yes, Darcy, Sir William was quite amiable and I am looking forward to meeting the rest of my neighbours. Please do not say you have changed your mind about attending tonight!" Mr. Bingley beseeched him.
"No, Charles, I have not changed my mind, but…."
"Excellent! We shall have an enjoyable evening, to be sure!" Mr. Bingley was looking forward to the evening with such great anticipation; how could Darcy refuse?
When they arrived at the assembly that evening, Darcy sought out Sir William and asked him: "How often do you hold balls in the country, Sir?"
"This is a monthly event, Mr. Darcy," Sir William replied.
Certainly, that cannot be correct, thought Darcy. There must be some mistake. He moved to the back of the room and observed those in attendance. He recognized many of the same people from the previous evening. The "beautiful creature" that Bingley so admired was wearing the same pink dress as before and her sister was wearing the same green dress. Certainly country girls have more than one dress to wear to a social event such as this, he imagined. Even the music was exactly the same as the night before. This is most odd, thought he, pacing the back of the room, muttering to himself. Mr. Bingley's attempts to encourage him to dance or to be introduced to the neighbours fell on deaf ears. Those assembled thought Mr. Darcy most arrogant and devoid of proper manners, to ignore everyone and accept no requests for introduction.
When the Netherfield party returned home that evening, Mr. Bingley was in great spirits, having just spent an enjoyable evening dancing in the company of congenial neighbours. He especially enjoyed the company of one beautiful girl and looked forward to seeing her again; however, no such enthusiasm for the evening's events was enjoyed by the rest of the party.
(1) Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 3
© 2012. All rights reserved.
Continued in the published e-book "Pride in Meryton" by Cassandra B. Leigh
