Chapter 10
"Mr. Bennet! Mr. Bennet!" Every servant paused in their duties. In all their years, there were few times when Fanny would be in such a tizzy. "Netherfield Park is let! Oh what are we to do?"
"I have no idea why you are so excited my dear." Mr. Bennet seemed the voice of reason.
"Can you not see what this could do to our girls?"
"Indeed not. For if it is an old widow, I doubt she will affect our girls much other than to occasionally pay them a visit." Mr. Bennet had a feeling that it wasn't an old widow or any other harmless couple moving in next door.
"Mr Bennet! You jest! It is a bachelor who has signed the lease! And supposedly he bring his sisters and another unmarried gentleman! Oh what if they fall in love with one of our girls and take them away?! They could be another Mr. Collins."
"My dear, that is quite an avid imagination. And I am sure you can interfere with the match like you did the Martins, the Pratts, and the Whites."
"But Jane and Lizzy didn't love them. What if this time is different? How could I bear to tell my girls of the cruelty of men?"
"I appreciate the boost of confidence."
"Except you my dear and of course my brother and a handful of others. But you understand. How are we to know they aren't barbarians? I simply shall not allow some gentleman to come and sweep my precious babies away."
"Never underestimate the power of a mother on a mission."
"I am sure we can adequately protect our lovely daughters. Now shall we break our fast my love?"
With that term of endearment, Fanny blushed and allowed her husband to guide her to the breakfast table.
That evening, as the Meryton assembly was in full swing, whispers of the possibility of the newcomers seemed to be the haute topic of the evening. The Bennet girls laughed and danced with their neighbors, not at all worried about the latest batch of newcomers. With them was a Miss Charlotte and Maria Lucas laughing about how John Goulding was expected home from his studies next month.
As the doors opened all music and dancing halted as everyone turned to catch a glimpse of the much discussed wealthy bachelor and his yet unknown friend. In front of the crowd stood three gentlemen and two ladies. The two ladies seemed to have accidently fallen in a pile of ornaments as their entire dress was embellished with a smattering of various accoutrements with little cohesion. Garish colors with lace embellishments seemed to be the underlying dress topped with every type of ornament one could find. The icing on the proverbial cake was an absurd feather on the top of their head. Some wondered if the women simply couldn't make up their mind on what to add to the ensemble. The men were not nearly so embellished with simple, though outdated silk pants and a lovely toned down overcoat. The clothing spoke of varying degrees of wealth.
After several awkward moments, the dancing restarted as Sir Lucas greeted the guests on behalf of the neighborhood. Sir Lucas guided two of the gentlemen over to Charlotte (and by extension Jane and Elizabeth). Maria, Lydia and Kitty had gone off to dance; while Mary went to find a quiet corner.
"Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, allow me to introduce my daughter Miss Charlotte Lucas and two the daughters of Mr. Bennet of Longbourn, Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
With curtseys underway, as Elizabeth looked to Mr. Bingley she noticed his eyes were on Jane. Mama wouldn't be happy.
"Miss Bennet would you do me the honor of the next set if you are not already engaged?"
"Mr. Bingley, I am afraid that set has been claimed perhaps the following set would be agreeable."
"Most definitely."
"Miss Charlotte, would you do me the honor of the next set?"
"I would be delighted Mr. Bingley."
"Miss Elizabeth, would you do me the honor of the set after your sister?"
"I would be delighted."
As the current set continued, Elizabeth contemplated her new neighbors. Mr. Bingley seemed a cheerful fellow and didn't immediately strike her as a vicious sort of fellow. Miss Bingley on the other hand clearly thought far too much of herself and had yet to learn of her own insignificance. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst seems to be the representation of society. He, clearly dependent on generous relatives and a more generous bottle. He had probably never had to earn anything in his life or question his future. She was like her sister, suspected the honor of her company alone was an honor but lacked the ambition of her younger sibling. And Mr. Darcy. Her seemed every bit as pompous, but unlike the rest of the party, he likely had connections aplenty. Only time would tell how these new neighbors would be accepted in the neighborhood.
"Miss Elizabeth, has my conversation bored you?"
"Sorry, Mr. Goulding, I was not attending. I assure you that your conversation did not bore me. I am afraid my mind unexpectedly wandered off."
"Ahh…another one of your famous musings?"
"I am afraid so. But this one was far less purposeful. Pray, do not be offended. I did not mean to."
"I am afraid we are too old of friends for me to take offense."
As the last notes of the set played. Elizabeth curtseyed and went to claim her next partner. As she watched Mr. Bingley claim Jane for their set, she immediately knew she (and the rest of her family) would have to keep an eye on him. After her set with Mr. Bingley, she went to talk to Charlotte. It was then that she overheard a conversation she suspected no one intended for her to hear.
"Come, Darcy" said Mr. Bingley. "You must dance."
"I shall not. I do not dance unless I am acquainted with my partner."
"I would not be as stubborn as you. I have rarely me with so many pleasant girls in my life."
"Yes, well I suppose you have danced with the only handsome girl in the room."
"Oh! She is the most beautiful woman I have ever beheld! Just over there is one of her sisters."
"She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me."
At that, Elizabeth and Charlotte looked at each other, shocked that any man (let alone a gentleman) could slight someone so publicly. It did not bode well for the man's character. The two turned, laughing at gentlemen who claimed that name but not in manners. Unbeknownst to them, the gentleman who stood out as a prime example was watching them as they walked away.
As two carriages rode away that night, both were filled with the chatter on the unsuitableness of the other carriage. In one Mrs. Bennet lamented the danger of Mr. Bingley to her dear Jane's heart. And the horrendous Mr. Darcy, he was no gentleman. He may be of the first circles, but he was not better than Mr. Collins. In the other, Miss Bingley lamented the lack of civilized society; a topic which found much agreement with her sister. Mr. Bingley protested and said they were many wonderful people, and soon the sisters' derision turned upon him.