AN - Here we are with a revised chapter two. The changes are subtle for the most part. We won't be getting to the new material for a couple of weeks. Some of the chapters to come are very short, yes, shorter than this one, so I might add another update this week. Time will tell.
Wishing you all had a very merry Christmas and you new year brings you all the joy you could wish for.
"I see you enjoyed the assembly tonight," Jane teased her sister as they readied for bed. The girls had sat through their mother's exclamations of joy at her eldest daughter being so admired, and noted their father's disdain upon hearing about the lace on Mrs. Hurst's gown. They dared not look at each other for fear of bursting out in laughter at the absurdity of their parents. It had been this way for as long as either could remember.
"Very much," Lizzy smiled with unbridled delight. At first, she'd been rather aggravated with Mr. Darcy's irritating manner on entering Meryton society. Now, Elizabeth Bennet needed time to consider the gentleman's reactions to her good-natured teasing. Glad to finally be speaking with a person of good reason, Elizabeth wished to canvas her sister's opinion of the rest of the Netherfield party before discussing Mr. Darcy. "What did you think of Mr. Bingley?"
"He is just what a young man ought to be, Lizzy," Jane stated with a somewhat bashful smile. "I found Mr. Bingley to be sensible, lively and I never saw such happy manners."
"Handsome too," Elizabeth provoked a deep blush from her sister, "which a young man ought to be if he possibly can. And he seems to like you very much, which shows good judgment. No, I give you leave to like him. You've liked many a stupider person."
"Dear Lizzy," Jane giggled, but the look in her eye stated she had not started with the topic she really wanted to discuss, yet.
"However, he could be happier in his choice of sisters," Lizzy added, thinking of the daggers Miss Bingley's eyes had shot at her all night. It appeared the woman had her cap set on Mr. Darcy, and refused to let anything or anyone get in the way of her objective. "Although I suppose he had no choice in that!"
"Did you not like them?" Jane asked, somewhat astonished. Caroline had been nothing but agreeable.
"Not at all," Lizzy sat up straight and pursed her lips. While she enjoyed the attentions of Mr. Darcy more than expected, Elizabeth understood nothing could come of their acquaintance. Indeed, if Miss Bingley had pretensions to become Mrs. Darcy, the lady had to be slow of wit. It had not taken long to understand her brother's wealth originated in trade, and so never would Mr. Darcy condescend to an alliance with her. Even if Mr. Bingley purchased Netherfield, it would take generations to establish their good name amongst the gentry. "Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst's manners are quite different from their brother."
"What did you make of Mr. Darcy," Jane questioned, determined to return to her sister's thoughts on the gentleman. "I am not the only person who noticed you spending an hour in his exclusive company. You looked very well together."
"I think he shall be as charming a neighbour as Mr. Bingley," Lizzy chuckled, "in small doses."
"Whatever do you mean," Jane demanded.
"At first I thought the gentleman too far above his company to give a poor country-girl any notice," Elizabeth grinned, the twinkle of pleasure entering her eye. "He appeared proud and conceited, as though nothing could please him. I became determined to make fun of him. Now, on further acquaintance, I rather believe Mr. Darcy is uncomfortable in society he does not know well."
"The poor man," Jane gasped, "he must have been mortified by the interest at the assembly, and your sharp tongue."
"I believe," Lizzy let out a chuckle, "you might be right. Oh Jane, once I introduced Mr. Darcy to Mr. Goulding and Mr. Whitely, he did seem to enjoy the evening more than he expected. They continued to converse for the remainder of the assembly. You should know that Mr. Darcy only danced with me to please Mr. Bingley."
"What do you mean?" Jane questioned. She listened with rapt attention as Lizzy's account unfolded. The sisters laughed at the mortification Mr. Darcy must have felt at being forced to actually speak to a young lady so far beneath his social standing. Yet Jane sensed her sister enjoyed the gentleman's company much more than she stated.
"Then," Jane teased, watching the pink patches steal across Elizabeth's cheeks, "you must be present every time Mr. Darcy enters society to aid his way. I believe you like Mr. Darcy, Lizzy."
"I do," Elizabeth took her sister's hand. "I confess, I do like him. Indeed, I find I like Mr. Darcy very much. Mr. Darcy makes an amiable companion for a private tête-à-tête. There is little of the man not to like once he opens himself to conversation. I am curious to know what caused such a change in his disposition prior to his arrival at Netherfield. Mr. Bingley mentioned some business with a man called Wickham, and that it changed his temperament. I wonder what it could have been to alter his attitude to society."
"It must have been something awful," Jane agreed, "to make the man so irritable."
"Do not look at me like that Jane," Lizzy fell back onto her side of the bed, "for nothing can come of it. Mr. Darcy is destined to marry a woman with a title, connections and great fortune. He may as well have said so himself."
"Truly, Lizzy," Jane asked as she leant towards her sister, "are you thinking of marrying Mr. Darcy on such a short acquaintance."
"No," Lizzy denied. However, a traitorous part of her brain could imagine her standing before a minister and promising herself to Mr. Darcy, for he had become the most amiable[JF1] man of her limited acquaintance. Shaking her head, Elizabeth pulled the covers over her head in utter mortification. "We have spoken of this many times before. Only the very deepest love will induce me into matrimony."
"Let us observe his disposition while in Meryton," Jane suggested thoughtfully, "and Mr. Darcy's attentions to you, Lizzy. A ballroom is never a good place to expose a gentleman's character. Besides, what can you know of Mr. Darcy after only an hour's acquaintance?"
"As much as you learnt of Mr. Bingley," Lizzy returned in a slightly annoyed tone, folding the covers back at her waist and glaring at her sister.
"Sir William and Lady Lucas are to hold a soirée next week. Charlotte told me her parents mean to invite the Netherfield party. Let us learn more about our neighbours then," Jane suggested, her expression saying more than her words.
"I believe it shall be interesting," Lizzy responded, once again pulling the covers over her head. It signaled the conversation finally to be at an end. "Good night, Jane."
"Night Lizzy," she answered, blowing out the candle. A wicked smile graced Jane's lips. Oh, she silently contemplated how the mighty have fallen.
