Chapter 3: The Meryton Assembly
Elizabeth woke up in the middle of the night. Since her father's death, she had trouble sleeping. Not wanting to disturb Jane, she took a candle and headed to the library.
Her father's presence haunted her.
She indulged in a book and prepared herself to be transported into the story and forget the present.
She loved to read all kinds of books. Her father had encouraged her to explore many genres. This particular book was a romantic story. Once she completed it, Elizabeth sat in deep thought.
She questioned her views on marriage and love. She realised that her expectations about an ideal man were far from reality. Her very best friend charlotte had chosen a pathetic man out of free will. Elizabeth could not understand how she could do it.
"I do not believe in love and romance as you do, Lizzy. I had to decide for my benefit." She said before leaving for Kent as the newly married Mrs Collins.
How would it be to fall in love with a man? She pondered. How would it be to feel the depth of passion and regard in my heart?
She knew that her impertinence would drive away any suitor who expected a submissive wife.
As the morning dawned, she was almost sure that she would never get married.
In a few days, the Bennets prepared to attend the Meryton assembly.
Mr Bingley had arrived along with his sisters and Darcy.
Darcy surveyed the property and found it quite pleasing.
"You must see the folk here. They are not pretentious. I enjoyed conversing with Mr Lucas. He has invited us all to the Meryton assembly tomorrow."
"Bingley, my purpose of being here is to assist you. If I had rejoiced in social gatherings, I would have enjoyed them in London. Please do not force me."
"It should be a delightful change for you. I heard that all of them love to dance. You will enjoy yourself. I insist on you coming."
Darcy was dragged forcefully to the assembly.
Mrs Bennet had taken great care in Jane's attire.
"I am sure that Mr Bingley would take to your beauty."
Elizabeth was least interested in the assembly. She generally enjoyed dancing. But at present, she did not know what would entice her into an evening of dancing and gossip.
Reluctantly she joined her family.
At the assembly, the Bennets were the earliest to arrive. Elizabeth could see that her sisters were enjoying the evening.
Why can't I be like them?
She missed her friend Charlotte dearly. The last to arrive were the newest addition to the neighbourhood, Mr Bingley and his party.
Almost as soon as they entered, Elizabeth noticed how proud Mr Bingley's friend looked. He seemed to detest the gathering.
Mrs Bennet could not wait for their introduction to Mr Bingley.
Darcy frowned as soon as he entered the gathering. He could hear the buzz around him. People were talking about his wealth.
This is no better than London. He thought.
Miss Bingley tried to keep him engaged. He was not sure which was more distressing, her flirting or his situation of being stuck in a room full of strangers.
Mr Bingley was thoroughly impressed with the gathering.
Mr Lucas introduced the Bennets to him, and he was enchanted by Jane. He requested to dance with her. Elizabeth was happy for her sister. She wanted was not in a mood to dance. She sat down to watch the others. After the first dance, she saw Mr Bingley walk to his friend who was standing close to her.
She could not but help overhear their conversation.
"Darcy, I cannot see you standing in this stupid manner. Come and dance."
"Bingley, I told you before I am in no mood for dancing. Please go and enjoy your partner's smiles."
"She is the most beautiful creature I have seen. You have so many beautiful girls here to choose as a partner. There, see it is her sister. I am sure she is very agreeable as well. Why don't you dance with her?"
Darcy took a glance at Elizabeth.
"She is tolerable I suppose. But not handsome enough to tempt. Please go and enjoy your time."
Elizabeth could not believe her ears. All her life her mother had reminded her about her looks. She was called plain in comparison to her sister. Elizabeth never cared for such comments.
But a stranger belittling her looks so openly unsettled her. She wished she had her friend Charlotte to joke about it. She looked up and found Mr Bingley's friend standing with the same resentful look.
Wonder what he finds so detestable about us? She thought.
Darcy observed Mr Bingley. Is he besotted with her? Maybe one of those infatuations he has now and then.
He was getting tired of Miss Bingley's constant flattering and fluttering of eyelashes. He wanted the evening to end.
By the end of the assembly, all of them went home tired and happy, except Elizabeth and Darcy. Mrs Bennet could not stop praising Mr Bingley. "What a wonderful man, with five thousand a year. I wish his friend were as agreeable as him. They say Mr Darcy is from Derbyshire and has ten thousand a year."
"Mr Darcy", that is his name. Elizabeth thought.
The next day, Darcy went out for an early ride. He missed the country and enjoyed the beauty Hertfordshire offered.
He rode on to Oakham mount. He slowed down as he saw a woman seated on the ledge as he reached the top.
She held a book close to her chest and looked out at the view.
Darcy found something captivating about her.
By the time his horse was close enough to see her face, he realised who she was.
It must be one of the sisters of Miss Bennet.
He remembered that Mr Lucas had introduced him to a lot of ladies. He hardly looked at their faces for more than a second.
He did not remember her name. But he found her extremely beautiful.
He saw her startle as his horse approached her.
She stood up and put on her bonnet.
Darcy dismounted his horse, hoping to have a conversation with her. He saw her give him a slight bow and walk past him without giving him a second glance.
Darcy was unaccustomed to being ignored by any woman. Her treatment unsettled him. She ignored me?
He watched her, as she disappeared down the hill.
Elizabeth always found solace in Oakham mount.
That particular day she had come early enough to watch the sunrise and sat there reading her book. She usually encountered no one from the village during her morning walks. She was surprised to see the rider and recognised him immediately.
It is Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley's friend.
She was even more surprised to see him dismount his horse. Does he wish to have a conversation with me? Wonder if I am tolerable enough to tempt him to have a conversation with me. She thought.
She gave him a slight bow and walked past him. Elizabeth had hardly offended anyone in her life. She knew what she had done was rude, but did not repent her actions. She walked home without realising that she had not offended Mr Darcy, but intrigued him.