Chapter 30
That evening at the assembly Darcy danced more than a mere two sets with his betrothed. The gentleman that had believed so strongly in proper decorum appeared to have cast it aside, dancing a scandalous five sets with her. If her future brother, Bingley, and Col. Fitzwilliam, her self appointed godbrother, not have claimed her each for a set he likely would have danced a sixth and seventh set with her. Luckily the residents of Meryton were romantic and did not hold this against the couple.
Lady Catherine good nauterally grumbled about her nephew's scandalous behavior, but was much to pleased to be taken seriously. Her stay in Hertfordshire was going very well she considered. Lydia would soon be engaged and no further effort was need on her part it appeared. The major seemd to enjoy Lydia's exuberance, but was already helping the young girl to moderate her behavior. While she had resisted admonishments from her elder sister, she eagerly sought to adjust her behavior and win the major's approval.
Mrs. Jenkinson and Anne conducted a thorough interview with Mary Bennet, so that Lady Catherine would have better luck picking a parson for Hudsford and spouse for Mary. Both Mrs. Jenkinson and Anne felt confident that finding a fitting parson for the Hudsford living, and Mary, could be achieved.
Viscount Millis did the honor of standing up for one dance with his betrothed before retreating to the card room with Mr. Bennet. Mr. Bennet had requested Sir William allow him to announce the engagement of his daughter Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, when his wife, unaware the two were now engaged, having evidently not noticed Elizabeth's ring due to her preoccupation with settling Lydia's match, came rushing into the card room to find her husband declaring that Elizabeth and Darcy were behaving most scandalously and dancing a third dance together, with no formal engagement.
One very important thing happened at the assembly. Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane and Bingley set a wedding date for a month hence. When Mrs. Bennet was informed of the decision after arriving home, she loudly proclaimed how ill used she was, declaring a six month engagement was necessary for her to properly plan the wedding. Her daughters, led By Elizabeth, refused to be moved. Her youngest daughter when she became engaged in a few weeks would have a much more accomodating fiancee who would select a six month engagement to Mrs. Bennet's delight.
The next day Lady Catherine settled on a departure date for one month hence, intending to stay in Hertfordshire until after the double wedding and assist Mrs. Bennet in planning. Then she declared she would return to Rosings.
