Hello!

This one-shot has been originally written in French, on the theme "Epuiser" = to exhaust, in one hour (the title is "Trop c'est trop"). I've translated it because I wanted to share Jane Bennett snapping because of her sisters with you.

If you see any mistakes, don't hesitate to tell me, and if you like it, do the same!

Disclaimer: Pride and Prejudice belongs to Jane Austen

Enjoy!

Enough is enough

Jane hesitated. Both dresses that Hillary had taken out were beautiful. Would it be the silken pearl grey one or the light-yellow mousseline one? She liked both, so after thinking about it for long minutes, she decided to ask Lizzie for her objective opinion. Her sister wasn't in her bedroom, so she looked for her in the living room. The usual order in chaos had disappeared, replaced by an indescribable clutter.

Dresses were lying on armchairs, clothes, needle and jewel boxes, gloves had been thrown carelessly on a table or on the floor, shoes were lying in various places. And her youngest sisters were chatting.

"I tell you, this green dress suits you better, Kitty," Lydia argued.

"I'm certain it's just because you want the pink one," Kitty replied. "But the green doesn't match my shoes, so give me the pink one."

She was holding a pretty pair of boots that were perfect for friendly calls, but not for a ball, Jane thought. While her sisters were quarrelling over their dresses, she approached them. "Did you see Lizzie?"

"I didn't, but she must be in the garden reading a book," Lydia said haughtily.

"I think she doesn't even want to take time to prepare for this ball," Kitty added in the same tone.

Jane arched a brow. She couldn't be surprised by such an opinion from them about Lizzie. "I'm sure it's not the case," she replied softly. "She knows how important this ball is. You are the ones asking for it, don't you remember?"

"She'll come, but only because she knows that Mr. Bingley organizes it, and he finds you attractive."

Jane muffled a cry. Nothing proved that Mr. Bingley felt anything for her. Of course, she enjoyed his company, but she wouldn't throw herself in the flames to save him! Or maybe yes… Jane felt her cheeks flush and Lydia saw it. "Of course, he finds you attractive and you find him attractive!"

"Stop supposing without evidence, please Lydia," Jane protested.

But the youngest Bennet daughter didn't hear it like that. She added with a knowing smile that if everything were to work fine, she would be married by the end of next month, because he would propose on the night of the ball. She would be so stunning that even the great Caroline Bingley would appear like a tramp beside her."

Jane bugged. Whatever she was wearing, Caroline Bingley would be the hostess beside her brother, and she couldn't overshadow her.

"You're always modest and perfect, Jane," Kitty jested. "I'm sure you'll make him turn his head."

This time Jane reddened. Her sisters had no right to speak about Charles Bingley in such a way. He was charming and gentle, very considerate, but he certainly didn't have such thoughts about her.

"He's a man," Lydia replied.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that if he wants to have a family with you, it's his best interest to think of you that way."

Jane turned to leave the room, offended. "Keep arguing over rags, I'll find Lizzie myself!" She hadn't made three steps when Lydia's pleased voice rang.

"Is our little Jane a bit too prude when she's over twenty? We're young enough to argue over rags, but if you're still childless next year, people will think of you as a spinster."

Jane snapped. Each word her younger sister had said had been an offence. In four steps she was in front of her and her hand slapped Lydia's cheek. She took the pink dress, and her rage gave her the strength to tear each dentelle, pearls, and other delicate detail, then she ripped the sleeves from the dress before tearing them in long pieces. She turned around and saw a jewel box. In a swift move, she sent it flying over the room, and it landed on Mary's opened piano, in an out-of-tune concerto.

Jane was almost out of breath, but satisfaction flowed in her. She faced Kitty and Lydia, who were looking at her, shocked, the latter putting a hand on her cheek.

"If you speak ill of Lizzie, Mr. Bingley or me, next time you'll know what will happen!"

The door opened and Elizabeth entered. When she saw the mayhem that was in front of her, a horrified look appeared on her face. "What… what's happened?"

"They managed successfully to exhaust my patience," Jane replied with a smile. "Since you're here, you can help me choose my dress!"