Constructive criticism welcome.

...***...***...

Mrs. Bennett sent word below stairs that she was unwell and would not join the family this evening. At this news, Mr. Bennett sent word he would take a tray in his study for his dinner, and would leave the girls to their own amusements. His approval was sought and given to attend the Lucas' that evening. Word was sent to ready the carriage, as they dressed for the card party at the Lucas's with more haste than was proper.

...***...***...

The Lucas's parlors were remarkably full at their arrival. After informing Mrs. Lucas that Mrs. Bennett was unwell, Charlotte approached the Bennett girls.'Will you ladies exhibit for us this evening? Please?'

After wordless conversation, it was concluded that Jane would play, Mary and Elizabeth would sing.

'We have tables of whist, and Vingt-un...?'

'I thank you, but I do not believe neither Mary nor myself will be playing tonight.' Lizzy stated politely.

'John will be happy to see that you could attend. I will let him know you are here when I see him. I believe he is with the gentlemen of Netherfield in the other room.'

'Thank you, Charlotte.'

'Miss Bennett!' Mr. Bingley called out a little too far away than was generally polite, as 4 heads turned to look where he was standing.'Miss Bennett, may I interest you in a game of Whist as my partner?'

'Sounds splendid, Mr. Bingley.' She smiled fully as she took his offered arm.

With Mrs. Bennett not in attendance, both girls were warmly greeted by all friends and neighbors in attendance. All enjoyed the opportunity to greet who many felt were two of the brightest jewels in the county without causing a stir. It was noticed that they were quite preferential to standing near a wall, politely refusing anything that might pull them from their standing position.

Between the greetings of others, the Bennett twins were watching Jane and Mr. Bingley, 'Finally, a moment to speak with you.' Mr. Fitzwilliam said while bowing. 'I am truly pleased to see you in attendance. Is Mrs. Bennett in here this evening?'

'She is not, and is unwell, but we expect her to be much improved by morning. Sir?' Elizabeth dropped her voice to the barest of whispers,' I can see all manner of questions in your eyes, and I cannot give you the satisfaction of answers at this time. Most everyone is in ignorance of what occurred, and it must remain that way. Do I have your silence, Sir?'

'You do. Perhaps when you assume residence in Coraggiosa House?...' Richard had kept his voice just as diminutive as had been spoken to him. However, the look of sheer horror from Elizabeth and Mary had the potential to attract attention as if he had boldly shouted to the whole of the room. Both girls stood, eyes wide, faces paled. Richard was concerned they would swoon and was uncertain how to act. He desired to escort them to a nearby settee, but did not know how to move two women simultaneously, as it would not do to abandon one whilst assisting the other. Instead, he made every attempt to shield them as much as possible from view of others without breaching propriety. John Lucas, seeing their distress from across the room, approached as swiftly as possible without attracting further notice of the room.

The Darcy twins stood near each other with their backs near the wall, each with their standard mask of practiced indifference in full display. Sir William greeted them, as did Reverend Bromley, but after a series of one word answers, shrugs, and non-committal grunts, the gentlemen were left to themselves. Both made every attempt to look about the room in an inconsequential manner. However, each would turn their attention towards the Bennett twins for extended gazes. They watched their happy interactions with their neighbors, observed their countenance and wit from afar, and feasted their eyes upon their smiles and laughter. Each observed as Richard approached, then gaped in horror as the girls turned so dreadfully pale. Alexander dashed off to fetch them a punch. At his return, it was clear they were much improved. Richard was still standing at Miss Elizabeth's side, and Mr. Lucas was at Miss Mary's.

'Better?' Alexander asked after they had both nearly finished their cup of punch.

When reassured of their improved well-being, Richard and Alexander excused themselves.

In a little time, with attention from their dear friend Charlotte and her brother, they had returned to their previously sociable manners.

'Charlotte, who is that whom Kitty is talking to?'

'That is Mr. Lumbley, third son of the Earl of Scarborough. They danced twice at the assembly. Has he called upon her?'

'I was unable to attend when we have received callers this week.'

'Let us go by the pianoforte, the music will soon begin.'

Soon, it was time for the three eldest Bennett girls to exhibit. Many of the gentlemen in attendance were watching the ladies, but Charlotte was watching them. It was clear that Mr. Bingley was perhaps half in love with Jane already. She tried to not see yellow when she saw how many men's eyes were firmly fixed upon all three, but moreso Mary and Elizabeth. She had seen that look in the eyes of men before. John would call them many things, men of town, dudderers, rakeshames, rascals, randies, and rap much worse. She had heard enough to know when a man looked at a woman in that manner, his thoughts were not chaste; his intentions likely improper. As her eyes continued a tour about the room, four men had a very different regard. She was well familiar with John's loving gaze towards her friends. She was rather certain she also saw interest in the eyes of the Darcys. That was most sensible. It would only call to reason that twins would desire twins. Her eyes then cast across Mr. Fitzwilliam, there was a man also seemingly bewitched; his eyes in the same direction of the others. Him as well? Charlotte was dubious on how any man's suit would be received by her friends. After the manner in which some members of the Militia attempted to receive them last winter, she wasn't certain that they would ever entertain the offer of any man. Would there by any reason be sufficient to compel them to matrimony? Beyond the most obvious of motivations, she could not believe there was. All she could hope for is that her dearest of friends could find marriage partners that they could respect, that would take them far away from Mrs Bennett. She would rather see herself fully as an ape-leader than to see her dearest of friends become on-the-shelf in that house. So many men, all seemingly affable to marriage, and Charlotte had received not one bit of interest. She refused to pity herself for her own potential plight. She would be happy for the prospects of others.

Once the Bennett girls began to sing, the Darcys recognized their voices from the hauntingly beautiful music which lilted from the cottage the morning Apollo threw a shoe. How intriguing!

When the music began, one of the maids brought out a fresh bowl of punch, as the first one had begun to wreak of spirits. The previous bowl was set outside the kitchen door to take it from being underfoot; a perfect treat for an errant goat.

After the ladies willing to exhibit that evening had done so, the Bennett ladies requested their carriage be brought around. They did not want to build anyone's ire for staying out too late, nor did they wish to struggle not to doze in the family pew on the morrow.

After an extended wait, Jimmy approached. 'I beg your pardon ladies', he bowed. 'We are not able to move the carriage. Mischief is asleep under the wheels. She lives, but cannot be roused, and no one can reach her. How would you like me to proceed?'

'I should guess we will stay a little longer.', Said Jane, only half-succeeding in stifling a giggle.

Glossary:

Whist- Basically, it's bridge without the bidding or its points system. Vingt-un: Essentially it's the French blackjack (vingt et un = 21 in french).

Countenance - person's face or facial expression.

Yellow – jealous

men of town, dudderers, rakeshames – debauchery; users of women, lewd

rascal – rogue or villain

randy – unruly

rap - a whole volley of oaths

ape-leader – a spinster; their punishment after death, for neglecting to increase and multiply, will be, it is said, leading apes in hell

causing a stir - creating a scene or problem

Mischief –( reminder) this is the Apothecary's goat