Chapter 4

"Mr. Bennet, have you heard anything I told you?" My father suddenly seemed to wake up from a daze at our breakfast table. My mother, as usual, was bombarding him with statements and questions at an hour when he does not plan to reciprocate.

"Mrs. Bennet, I'm afraid that your words have escaped me." I smiled at him and he reciprocates me.

"Very well. I was saying, that the ball was a very good way for our children to meet potential husbands." She looked at me. "And wives of course." It was no secret that Jane was my mother's favorite with me being a man, and the heir to Longbourn. I will be gifted my family's home so my mother focuses on her daughters. Jane was a beauty and my mother undoubtedly wanted to parade her as often as possible.

"Mrs. Bennet you must not rush them into matrimony. I will not force unhappiness upon any of them."

"I would do no such thing! I just think Mr. Bingley is a fine man and our Jane seems quite fond of him. Aren't you Jane?" My sister nodded meekly. I knew she did enjoy the company of Mr. Bingley, yet, she did not want to make it known in case nothing came of it. "Jack, what did you think of his sister, Miss. Bingley? She is quite an inspired dancer." My sisters looked up from their food and waited on my response. I knew they were anxious because I had not previously shown much interest in the members of the opposite sex. I enjoy their company but have never made myself romantically involved.

"She was a lovely dancer." I raised the fork up to my mouth.

"Mr. Darcy was quite a mysterious figure!" Lydia spoke up. "I also thought he was quite handsome."

"Indeed, I witnessed your brother conversing with him. What do you think you his character, Jack?" My mother was curious.

"Well, I thought him rather rude to be perfectly honest."

"Rude? Well he might just be reserved. Maybe you can introduce him to Lydia the next time we meet him."

"Of course Mother." Then there was a moment of silence that I was dying to crush.

"Well, son the day is new and I think it is time we go to town and do business," my father piped up. I smiled. "The house is no place for a man during the day." My mother then produced a list of things she needed from town. My father and I said goodbye to the rest of the family and headed outside.

"Thank you for saving me back there."

"Your mother only wants to do what is best. She wants all of her children to live well-off and happy lives. Now we must do what men do and disregard any of her silly actions." The ride into town was not too slow and the view of the countryside was breathtaking as always. Once in town, we made our way to finish the list provided by my mother when a fancy carriage pulled up and two gentlemen proceeded to exit the vehicle.

"Mr. Bennet and the the other Mr. Bennet. What a pleasure it is to see you," Mr. Bingley stated with a large smile on his face. His companion, the ever-emotional Mr. Darcy, was kindly nodded at the two of us. "Mr. Bennet, it was a pleasure to meet your lovely family at the ball."

"Thank you Mr. Bingley, I have heard they enjoyed it very much."

"At this present moment, I feel obliged to invite your family over for an afternoon at Netherfield Park. I know Miss Bingley would be please to see you again Mr. Bennet." He made eye contact with me and smiled.

"I think the lady Bennets would be very pleased to hear this. When can we expect a welcome?"

"Is tomorrow good?"

"Yes, I think preparations can be made in time. Now, though, I must go to inform them. Thank you Mr. Bingley and you also, Mr. Darcy." He nods at them and goes to the nearby coachmen and asks for them to make preparations for the travel. Bingley walks with him. That just leaves me with the pleasure of Mr. Darcy's company.

"Will you be at Netherfield when we arrive?" I ask.

"Of course, I would not leave my friend or my sister."

"Of course," I nod and begin to walk away until I hear a voice behind me.

"I look forward to seeing you Mr. Bennet." It was Mr. Darcy. I turned around and smiled while I nodded. I was really looking forward to this. Undoubtedly, my mother will be very thrilled.