The days leading up to the ball at Netherfield, which was now to serve as an engagement ball for Bingley and Jane, were full of activity. Mrs. Bennet, as Mr. Bingley's future mother-in-law, was asked to serve as hostess. She accepted with joy. Bingley, not as familiar with Mrs. Bennet's ways as her daughters were, did not understand why they all looked horrified at the idea.
"It is simply that you have ensured that the next four days shall be chaotic, particularly as Mama will wish to make everything very grand," said Jane to her betrothed while they sat at Netherfield watching Mrs. Bennet flit about.
"She seems to do well," said Bingley, for he liked what she had done so far.
"You must give her limits, dear Bingley," said Jane, "Else she will spend half your fortune on this ball and the other half on the wedding."
"I have," said he, "Do not concern yourself. She will not spend above fifty pounds. Everything else is seen to by my servants."
"Fifty pounds?" asked Jane, aghast.
"Dear Jane, my sister has spent twenty on one outfit many a time," said he.
Jane could not believe that such a sum was to be spent on just décor and draperies for the ball, but she supposed it was Bingley's money to do with what he would.
"Surely you will not dance, Mr. Collins," said Kitty, hopefully. Mary, only the day previously had reminded Kitty that many clergymen did not think it fit for men of their calling to dance. She was rather surprised to find that he entertained no scruple whatever on that head, and was very far from dreading a rebuke either from the Archbishop, or Lady Catherine de Bourgh, by venturing to dance.
"I am by no means of the opinion, I assure you," said he, "that a ball of this kind, given by a young man of character, to respectable people, can have any evil tendency; and I am so far from objecting to dancing myself, that I shall hope to be honoured with the hands of all my fair cousins in the course of the evening; and I take this opportunity of soliciting yours, Miss Catherine, for the two first dances especially, a preference which I trust my cousins Jane and Elizabeth will attribute to the right cause, and not to any disrespect for them."
"I apologise, Mr. Collins, but I have all but the last two claimed by others. I have been much visiting with my friends and everyone is speaking a great deal about the ball."
"I am disappointed, Miss Catherine, that you did not presume that I would wish to dance the first with you. Of course, a woman of your modesty would not suppose that a man of my situation would honour her with the first. I, therefore, will gratefully claim the last two sets."
He then went on to request sets from each of his other cousins, each surrendering one set to him. None of his cousins were very assured of his ability in the dance, for the man was not the least graceful when walking or riding.
If there had not been a Netherfield ball to prepare for and talk of, the younger Miss Bennets would have been in a very pitiable state at this time, for from the day of the invitation, to the day of the ball, there was such a succession of rain as prevented their walking to Meryton once. No aunt, no officers, no news could be sought after—the very shoe-roses for Netherfield were got by proxy. Even Elizabeth might have found some trial of her patience in weather which totally suspended the improvement of her acquaintance with Mr. Darcy; and nothing less than a dance on Tuesday, could have made such a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday endurable to Kitty and Lydia.
"It is very lovely, Mama," said Elizabeth, looking around the empty ballroom at Netherfield. There were so very many flowers about – and in November! – that Elizabeth might have thought herself in the midst of a garden in June. An ice sculpture of a peacock adorned the refreshments table. Elizabeth could not think how many hours the artist must have spent carving it, only for it to melt throughout the evening.
"I thank you, Lizzy, now go dress. Jane is already doing so," said Mrs. Bennet.
Elizabeth did as she was told, wearing this time an older ballgown that Mrs. Gardiner had reworked for Elizabeth only a few months before. Elizabeth did not like the gown as much as the one she had worn to Mary's engagement ball, but she did not wish to wear the same gown to both occasions.
It would do well enough, she thought, smoothing the green fabric of her skirt as Sarah switched the shoe roses on her slippers for clips with jade inlaid in a flower pattern. Elizabeth smiled, for the clips had been a gift from her uncle Gardiner upon her eighteenth birthday. They were likely the finest thing she owned.
"You look very handsome," said Mr. Bennet when Elizabeth descended into the foyer of Netherfield.
"Thank you, Papa," she replied with a smile. Elizabeth's sisters followed just behind her, each earning a compliment from Mr. Bennet in turn.
"I must say that your father is correct," said Mr. Collins, "All of his daughters look most handsome tonight, but may I say, Miss Kitty, you look particularly excellent."
"I thank you, sir," said Kitty, meaning no such thing.
Mr. Bingley, the Wickhams, and the Bennets lined up to form the receiving line as the guests were soon to arrive. Mr. Collins went to take his place beside them, but Mr. Darcy forestalled him.
"Sir, I do not think it is proper for one not in the immediate family of the engaged couple to join the receiving line without invitation," said he.
"I am certain that your scruples speak well of you, Mr. Darcy," said Mr. Collins, "Yet in this instance, I feel certain that the invitation was implied. You see, it is not so very long before I will become one of the immediate family."
"As no engagement has yet been announced, I would tell you that it would be a breach of decorum if you did so. I fear my aunt would be most displeased if she heard of it," said Mr. Darcy.
"Oh," said Mr. Collins, "Quite right. Of course, the illustrious nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh would know the proper etiquette in this situation. I will heed your advice, sir. If the Bennets wish to issue an invitation, I may be found in the ballroom."
Mr. Collins then took himself off to the ballroom so he might sample some punch. Kitty mouthed 'Thank you' to Mr. Darcy, which he accepted with a nod of his head as he offered his arm to his sister.
It was evident to Miss Charlotte Lucas that Mr. Darcy admired her friend Elizabeth Bennet. Mr. Darcy often looked at Elizabeth when he thought himself unobserved, sometimes having many emotions flit across his face in so doing. He never seemed to enjoy himself quite so much as when he was debating or dancing with Elizabeth. Yet, his affection was most obvious at moments such as when Charlotte found herself watching Mr. Darcy watch Elizabeth and Miss Darcy interact. His countenance was softened and there was a real longing in his eyes.
Yet Charlotte could not puzzle out what her friend felt. Elizabeth certainly seemed to enjoy Mr. Darcy's company. She teased and laughed with him. Even on one occasion did Elizabeth admit to Charlotte that she thought him handsome, but that was only when comparing him to his cousins that visited earlier in the autumn. Still, Charlotte could see no difference in the way Elizabeth treated Mr. Darcy and others of her acquaintance. Elizabeth seemed to look with similar fondness on he, Mr. Wickham, and even Mr. Michael King.
"You would do well to encourage Mr. Darcy," said Charlotte to her friend later in the evening.
"Encourage him?" said Elizabeth with a laugh, "You do not imagine me in love with him, do you? I assure you I am not."
"Perhaps not, but I think he may be in some danger of falling in love with you," said Charlotte.
"My dear friend, what can you possibly mean?" said Elizabeth, "He is not in love with me. I am only his friend. He thinks me tolerable company and a genteel example for his sister. I am quite honoured to be thus considered by him and expect nothing more."
"Be that as it may— which I do not believe by any means – he is a man of great consequence. There are worse foundations than friendship on which to base a marriage," said Charlotte.
"Your plan is a good one," replied Elizabeth, "where nothing is in question but the desire of being well married, and if I were determined to get a rich husband, or any husband, I dare say I should adopt it."
"If you and he were married to him to-morrow, I should think you would have as good a chance of happiness as you might were to be studying his character for a twelvemonth. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life."
"You make me laugh, Charlotte; but it is not sound. You know it is not sound, and that you would never act in this way yourself."
The pair then became occupied with other observations. Elizabeth remarked that no ladies were required to sit out for want of a partner, due to the number of officers, and Charlotte observed that even some of the matrons were dancing, some with officers and some with their relations.
"Miss Elizabeth," said Mr. Darcy, "I do believe the set that is next to begin is mine."
"Indeed, sir," said Elizabeth, placing her hand in his. Charlotte raised her eyebrows at her friend, who paid no attention.
"I see that Miss Kitty has so far escaped dancing with Mr. Collins," said Mr. Darcy when the dance had begun, "I have been watching to see if she needs rescuing."
"She has. I believe she nearly demanded that each Lucas boy secure two sets with her and went to Meryton often to see which officers might wish for a spot. Not the most ladylike way of avoiding our cousin, but she mostly succeeded, although her last two spots were still claimed by him."
"Not that I wish for you to suffer, but I find it odd that a man of his age would wish for such a young wife. I wonder that he did not set his sights on you instead," pondered Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth gave an exaggerated look of horror that made Darcy laugh.
"You would inflict such misery upon me? I thought we were friends, sir. How ever have I wronged you?" asked Elizabeth in an offended tone before replying to the question he had asked. "Two reasons. First, I believe my parents are aware that I am far too headstrong, therefore I would refuse him. Second, my mother has some notion that I will marry either you or one of your cousins, despite my assurances to her that such is not to be the case. And you, sir, with requesting the supper set and last set will have me hearing of this for weeks to come. Insufferable man!"
"How dare I wish to eat supper with a friend instead of one of Mrs. Long's simpering nieces! If you wish, I will surrender my other set to whoever may claim it, even if it puts you at risk of additional attention from your cousin when Miss Kitty hides in the retiring room for the last sets to escape him."
"No, sir. I would rather endure my mother's more temperate hints about you than what Kitty has been made to suffer in these past weeks."
"Poor Miss Kitty. Will he offer for her soon?"
"He must, for he leaves soon to go back to Huntsford. One must not keep Lady Catherine waiting."
"But of course," said Mr. Darcy.
"Why does you mother assume you will marry me or one of my cousins? She has not set her sights on one of us in particular?" asked Mr. Darcy.
"I believe she is not willing to give up the possibility of having a viscountess for a daughter for a mere gentleman," said Elizabeth, "Despite the fact that I have met Lord Barlow but twice."
"Ah," said Darcy, "I will not say it is the first time I have been overlooked in favour of my titled cousin. It is, however, the first time it has been done by the mother instead of her daughter."
"Sir!" said Elizabeth, unsure of what to make of his statement.
Their pleasant conversation continued through the rest of the dance and through supper. Mr. Bingley's cook, with some assistance from the Longbourn servants, had prepared a fine meal of six courses. Although Mrs. Bennet had nearly despaired of finding enough fish, she somehow had been able to do so, much to her pride. All the attendees were quite satisfied with the meal, most particularly the fine desserts. Six varieties of pie, four of cake, and five different flavours of ices were served. Of course, this was in addition to the biscuits –for they did not count as a true dessert to Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Bennet looked like a cat in the cream as she urged one guest to try the pineapple ice or another to take a slice of the almond cake.
Elizabeth noted that after supper, Kitty was nowhere to be found. It seemed that Kitty had used the excitement of the announcement of Jane's engagement to Mr. Bingley and the general bustle of the meal to escape. After inquiring of several people as to if they had seen her sister, Miss Grace Goulding said that Kitty had gone to see Miss Darcy in her apartments, claiming a wish to rest due to exhaustion. Elizabeth relayed the news to all of Kitty's dance partners for the rest of the evening, all of whom were understanding, except Mr. Collins who seemed truly downcast.
When Elizabeth told Mr. Darcy the means of escape that Kitty had used, he laughed aloud, which due to the relative quietness of the room during the last dance, drew several people's attention. Mrs. Bennet, having been reminded by his laugh that Mr. Darcy was dancing the last with Elizabeth, began to talk of the partiality that his dancing both the supper set and the last set with her showed, she asked him,
"Do you catch my meaning now? I have told her several times that we are nothing except friends and any partiality is simply as a case of my being the sister of Mr. Wickham and the friend of your sister. Yet, there you hear her."
"I hope that you consider yourself a friend of mine, not just a friend of my sister."
"Sir, you have glossed over the material point."
"Do not worry yourself on my account, Miss Elizabeth. I would only be concerned how such talk might affect you and your reputation," said Mr. Darcy.
"Meryton society knows my mother and I well enough to not believe my feelings are the same as hers," said Elizabeth.
Seeing Mr. and Mrs. Wickham nearby, Mr. Darcy commented how well the pair look together.
"Indeed, sir! Mary and Wickham do seem happy together. When I visited them, Mary had never looked so well in my memory. She has taken quite well to her role as Mrs. Wickham."
"I thought so as well when I saw them. Mr. Wickham had many vices when he was younger. Although he managed to conquer them, much to his credit, a calm, steadying presence in his life such as Mrs. Wickham will provide will benefit him immensely in remaining in command of himself."
"She will steady him, and he has helped her to see that she can look pretty and enjoy her life without devoting every moment to reading improving books. Yes, I am very happy for them."
"As are all of their friends." Their dance ended and the partners bowed and curtseyed in turn. They all retrieved their outer garments and stood talking whilst they waited for their carriages to pull around. Elizabeth informed her father of Kitty's whereabouts. Her mother claimed a fit of nerves at hearing that Kitty was not to accompany them home that evening, as she had already told Mr. Collins that he could have a private audience with Kitty in the morning.
Jane attempted to soothe their mother, reassuring her at Mr. Collins could have an audience whenever it was that Kitty returned home the next day. Elizabeth spoke under her breath to Mr. Darcy that Kitty need not return early to-morrow. He nodded and bid their family goodbye as her father handed her into the carriage.