Chapter 4
As the Queen was praising Link and his family, Zelda and Tetra found themselves alone in the room that they shared. Zelda, who had in public been cautious before in her admiration of Link Bingley, expressed to her sister how much she truly enjoyed his company.
"He is exactly as a young man should be," the crown princess said, "sensible, good-humored, lively, and polite—I have never seen such ease, such breeding!"
"He is also handsome," Tetra pointed out, "as a young man should strive to be. His character is thereby complete."
"I was so delighted when he asked me to dance a second time. I never expected such a compliment."
"Oh, I certainly did. It was perfectly natural for him to dance with you, who must have been five times more beautiful than any other woman in that room. If he hadn't chosen you, I'd think he was stupid!"
Zelda gave a start. "Certainly not. It would be no fault of his not to dance with me a second time."
"Oh, you never see a fault in anyone, Zelda. You are normally so perceptive in all things, but you are blind to the follies of others! And what about Link's sisters? Did you like those cranky women, too?"
"Well, Anju and Midna were not pleasant at first, but once I conversed with them more, I began to appreciate their temperament, as well. Midna is to remain with Link after the ball to help manage his new residence, and Anju and Kafei will join them, as well. I do believe they'll all be charming neighbors, if we look past their sharp tongues."
Tetra crossed her arms, unconvinced. Anju and Midna were fine ladies when they were pleased, but when they were not, they were disdainful and conceited, doing what they needed to get what they wanted. They were both well-educated, and Anju married into a rich family in addition having a share of the Bingleys' own great fortune.
Link Bingley had inherited nearly one hundred thousand Rupees from his late father, who had intended to buy an estate but did not live to do so. Link completed his father's wish by renting Netherfield, intending perhaps to buy it in the future.
Link and Toon had a long-lasting friendship, despite the difference in their character. Link was attracted to Toon's openness and brutal honesty, though his own personality was the opposite. Toon, meanwhile, highly regarded Link's reliability, good judgment, and unwavering courage. Toon was the cleverer of the two, but his wisdom was hidden under a personality of disdain and unsociability towards those he was unfamiliar with; in that respect, Link was far more approachable. Overall, Link was always well-liked, whereas Toon gave offense wherever he went.
Published May 26, 2013