"She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me."
As soon as the last word left Mr Darcy's lips, Miss Bennet appeared right in front of him and Mr Bingley. Miss Bennet stared at him quite openly. He was not aware that his insult rang loudly across the hall. Half of the people attending the assembly froze upon hearing his blatant disapproval of their favourite and they all turned to watch what will happen next.
Mr Bingley knew that Mr Darcy did not wish to be introduced to any other lady so he was unsure as to how to proceed. He felt trapped as more and more people halted their activities to observe them. Miss Bennet then levelled her pointed look at him as if waiting for him to initiate the move. He observed his friend and saw him fidgeting with his signet ring which indicated he was uncomfortable in this situation.
Mr Bingley fervently hoped that his friend would not be so rude as to decline an introduction now, with all eyes upon them. Noticing his friend hesitatingly nod his head, Mr Bingley cleared his throat and said nervously,
"Miss Bennet, may I present my friend, Mr Darcy of Pemberley?"
Mr Darcy bowed and Miss Bennet curtseyed as expected.
Miss Bennet smiled sweetly and began,
"Mr Darcy, I cannot help but overhear your remarks. Seeing as you had your chance to make your opinion known, I hope you consider it only fair for me to have my say on the matter."
Mr Darcy did not know what to expect from Bingley's angel. He thought she could not cause any harm as she looked like a delicate doll. He replied curtly,
"Of course, Miss Bennet."
"Mr Darcy, allow me to inform you that we, here in our humble village, show courtesy and respect to our visitors. In case you were not aware, the arrival of your party was much anticipated by all. We dearly love to welcome new guests and make them feel accepted in our rather small community. However, I must also let you know that my sister Lizzy is a firm favourite here, by men, women and children, young and old alike, even animals. You are quite fortunate that she sees humour in many things, otherwise, you would surely be demolished by her sharp wit. I do not appreciate the insulting comment you directed at her, and I would safely assume, neither do they."
At this, Miss Bennet turned to their audience who were all nodding in agreement.
Just when Mr Darcy thought it could get not any worse, Mrs Bennet then emerged next to her eldest daughter.
Mrs Bennet did the same as Miss Bennet, first openly staring at him, then fixing her gaze upon Mr Bingley.
Mr Bingley took a deep breath and anxiously introduced his friend to Mrs Bennet.
"Mr Darcy, please do not be disheartened by what my Jane said. She is merely defending her favourite sister. I admit that Lizzy may not be my favourite daughter, but she IS my daughter and I would not tolerate any rudeness towards her. I am gratified that you have declined to be introduced to her. If I had my way, I pray that it stays that way for I would not wish your acquaintance upon her. Do enjoy the rest of the evening, gentlemen. Come now, Jane, I am sure you have someone waiting to dance with you next."
Bowing their heads, the two ladies curtseyed and left.
Mr Bennet then sauntered past them with a wide grin on his face. Addressing no one in particular, he proclaimed,
"Well, you know who not to mess with now, I hope."
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This scene had been on my mind for a while so I decided to just write about it rather than have it forgotten. Yes, I know it is not great but I was just having fun. ;-)
Stay safe, everyone!