Hello, everyone. I have been reading fanfiction here for quite some time but am still somewhat new to writing it. This story is technically finished, but I might expand it in the future to include more scenes and more of the setting/description. The idea for this story came from something my own father always told me and my brothers. "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." I decided to apply this saying to the Bennet family and see what happened. I appreciate feedback, but please be polite.
The Morning After the Assembly
"He is haughty and arrogant and entirely disagreeable," Lizzy told the ladies. She and her sisters and mother had been discussing the assembly from the night before with Lady Lucas and Charlotte. The party from Netherfield was the prime topic of discussion.
"Elizabeth Bennet! What have I told you about insulting others?" her father asked walking into the room.
Lizzie flushed. "But papa, he insulted me first and what I said isn't untrue. He was disagreeable all night."
"Be that as it may, that does not entitle you to insult him back," her father said firmly. "What do I always say?"
Lizzie sighed. "Two wrongs do not make a right."
"So, you know your consequence?"
"I apologize for my unkind words."
"And…"
"Papa, how would I learn anything admirable about him. It is not as if we will have much time together."
"I am sure you will see him at dinner parties and the like. You will just have to find several things to admire each time you meet him and save them up. One per day sounds about right."
"For how long Papa?"
"Until I have said there is enough. Now, can you think of something nice about Mr. Darcy for the day?"
Lizzie racked her brain for a few moments. "I suppose he dresses smartly."
"That will do for now, my dear. I expect more character-driven qualities in future."
"Yes papa."
With that, Mr. Bennet left the room. Lizzie sighed loudly.
"Poor Lizzie," Mrs. Bennet said. "It is quite the punishment after what that man said. You know I do agree with you. He never should have said such words about you. You are very handsome."
"Thank you, Mama. But Papa is right, and we both know it. I shouldn't sink to Mr. Darcy's level."
Lady Lucas patted Lizzie's hand. "Perhaps it won't be so bad, dear. He might have just been having a bad night last night."
"I hope you are right Lady Lucas. Otherwise, it will be quite a struggle to find enough qualities to appease Papa.