The Baron continued to see her regularly over the next several weeks. Her aunt was almost frantic trying to acquire new outfits for her in spite of Jane's protests that she did not need so many and the repeated trips to the modiste were so time-consuming. The Baron invited Jane for walks and drives in the park. Their first drive in the park was their first public appearance together after meeting at the play and they received a number of curious looks from others who were there to see and be seen.
"My Lord, I do not understand why so many people are looking at us. Do you always attract such interest?"
"Miss Bennet, it may be that I have rarely done this before. I believe that people are interested to see me with a lady, especially one who is so attractive. I have to say that I have never before found a lady that I wanted to be seen with more than once. I hope it does not disconcert you."
These compliments resulted in an attractive blush on Jane's face, which he could not help but notice. He had begun to realize that her frequent blushes merely showed how modest she was, which was so refreshing to him. On her part, Jane appreciated the knowledge that she was not merely another in a long line of ladies who had graced his arm. This made her realize that this is probably all that she was for Mr. Bingley. Her attitude towards that gentleman was decreasing steadily after comparing him to the Baron. In turn, her regard for the Baron increased steadily as her appreciation for him was no longer in conflict with her previous infatuation with that other one.
"My Lord, I have to admit that I am not used to being the center of attention. I do not understand why you have not been out much. Surely there are many ladies who would be pleased to be with you." She thought that his words reminded her of Mr. Darcy, who seemed to be very careful with the ladies who were attracted to him. Was this why he seemed to be so haughty while he was in Hertfordshire?
"I suppose there might be, but none of them interested me. Your attitude is so refreshing and different. I hope that you will continue to allow me to see you." He was worried about her as both he and his mother had suspected that she had recently had a bad experience with someone, but they did not know the details. They had decided that Miss Bennet was worth pursuing, but that he had to be very slow and not rush her in any way. He wondered why any gentleman would give up on such a fine lady, unless he was concerned about her lack of dowry and connections.
For her part, his words made Jane realize that he was becoming serious about her. It was not difficult for her to decide that he was a much better gentleman than Mr. Bingley and that she would not discourage him in any way. She realized that she was beginning to like him and his company. His treatment of her was always very kind and considerate.
One day as he was dropping her off at the Gardiners' house, he said, "The Matlocks are holding a ball next week for which Mother and I have received invitations. As you saw, they are both good friends of my mother, so I am sure that we could obtain invitations for you and the Gardiners. Would you like to attend? It will be quite a fancy ball. Please let me know if you are interested and able to attend. I would like to be there with you."
Jane discussed this with her aunt and uncle and decided they would go. "Now, Jane, you know that your appearing at a fancy ball with the Baron will generate a lot of attention and expectations. Are you ready for that? Are you beginning to like him enough to make your interest public? The Matlocks are in the highest levels of society, so important people will be there."
"I do respect and admire him. He is such a different person from Mr. Bingley. I have given up on him. Surely his sisters told him that I am in town but he has not made any attempt to see me. I now realize that he must no longer have any interest in me." This response pleased her aunt as she knew that the Baron was a much better match for her niece, not only because of his wealth and title, but his temperament matched hers. She had never met Mr. Bingley, but she was not pleased with him or his sisters. Mrs. Gardiner once again took Jane to a modiste and outfitted her with a new ballgown, the finest that they had purchased so far. Mr. Gardiner had expressed some concern about the money they were spending on Jane's wardrobe, but Mr. Philips had assured him that all such funds would come from the Longbourn estate. When this assurance was made, Mr. Gardiner was sure that his brother Philips had no conception of the amount that would be involved. He was amazed that outfitting a lady for such exalted circles was so expensive. With two daughters, he could foresee what he would face in the future.
Mr. Gardiner sent a note to the Baron stating that they would be pleased to attend the Matlock ball. Sure enough, they quickly received invitations to the ball at Matlock House.
Elizabeth was following Jane's relationship with the Baron through their constant stream of letters. She was hoping that this Baron was worthy of her sister as she was disgusted with the whole Bingley family for disappointing Jane so badly. Mr. Bingley had paid so much attention to her while he was at Netherfield that no reasonable person could have thought anything but that he would end up offering for her, if not for marriage, at least for a courtship. For him not to return when he had promised was a despicable act in her mind and indicated that he was not truly a gentleman. Jane deserved better treatment than that. Her spirits had been low for too long and were just beginning to return to their normal level because of the Baron's attentions. Elizabeth had assured her Uncle Philips that the expenditure on Jane would have a positive outcome. Not having met the Baron, she hoped she was not wrong.
Elizabeth wondered if Jane's meeting with Mr. Darcy might have resulted in his mentioning that she was in town to Mr. Bingley. However, as Jane had not heard anything from him, she suspected that Mr. Darcy had not said anything to his friend. Jane had mentioned that Mr. Darcy seemed to be somewhat nervous when she met him, which made her wonder if he had anything to do with his friend's failure to return to Netherfield.
The day of the ball, the Baron and his mother picked Jane and the Gardiners up in his carriage and took them to Matlock House. This house was in the most exclusive part of town and was the largest they had ever been in. All the carriages that were delivering guests were large and obviously expensive. Jane began to have misgivings about attending such a prestigious event, but her aunt and uncle's calm attitude helped reassure her that she would be well received. She knew that she could not embarrass the Baron, so she would be as polite as she could. The Baron and Baroness must be familiar with the people who lived in this part of town as they were commenting on many people they knew who were alighting from carriages. Many of them were titled, which added to Jane's concerns. She had to take a deep breath and remember that she was invited at the request of the Baron.
When they were led to the receiving line, Jane again noticed that the Baroness was on very friendly terms with the Matlocks as they greeted each other in quite an informal manner that would be expected from old acquaintances. The Earl and Countess greeted them all warmly, even the Gardiners, but especially Miss Bennet. Immediately after Jane made her curtsy to her hosts, she turned to the Countess, "My Lady, I thank you for extending invitations to us. I have to admit that this is the most elegant ball that I have ever attended. We never have such in Hertfordshire."
The Countess was an excellent hostess, so she wanted all her guests to feel comfortable so they could enjoy themselves. "Miss Bennet, may I say how lovely you look? I am confident you will be so popular that you will not sit out even one set tonight. I suggest that you leave slots open for the Baron and the Earl. I am not sure if Darcy will also ask to partner you, but he just might. I imagine you know his attitude about dancing; he is very careful who he asks to dance."
The Countess thought of the rumours she had heard that her son had met a lady in Hertfordshire who had impressed him. She now knew that this lady was Miss Bennet's sister. She wondered what this lady thought of her son; she knew he was ready to settle down once his resignation from the army became effective. If her sister was as impressive as she was, she just might make a good match with her son. She could only hope that their estate earned enough to support him. She had seen how Baron Glenwood looked at Miss Bennet, so she thought that her connections would definitely improve if they married. She would have to watch them tonight. "Miss Bennet, as soon as all the guests have arrived, I will come to find you: I will introduce you to some of our guests, if that is acceptable to you."
"Certainly, My Lady." The Baron's party moved along the receiving line and into the ballroom. Jane and the Gardiners were impressed by the size and luxuriousness of the room and the fancy dress of the guests. Jane had wondered if her new gown would be suitable for such an occasion, but she now knew that her outfit would be quite acceptable as she saw so many different styles on display in the room. She was still unaware that her beauty would have made up for any dress that she wore. She was already the subject of many glances from both gentlemen and ladies who wondered who she was and why she was in the company of Baron and Baroness Glenwood.
The Glenwoods knew many of the guests and were continually stopped to greet them. They introduced the Gardiners and Miss Bennet and Jane was repeatedly solicited for dancing until her card was full. She was careful to leave sets open for her uncle, the Earl, the Baron, and even one for Mr. Darcy in case he asked her. The sets she left open were the first several and the supper set.
While they were moving further into the ballroom, the Baron steered them to someone that they all knew. "Darcy! How are you? I am pleased to see you. You know my mother, but do you remember the Gardiners?" Darcy greeted the Baroness and gave her a polite bow. He then looked at the others. He was quite surprised when he recognized Miss Bennet and the Gardiners. He had not known that the Matlocks had sent invitations to them.
"Miss Bennet, Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner, how are you? It is good to see you here." He gave them a polite bow. He had to admit how well she looked, especially on the arm of the Baron.
Jane was tempted to be cool to him because of his friendship with Mr. Bingley, but her natural politeness forbade her from acting in such a way. She remembered how haughty he had been in Meryton, but he seemed somewhat more open tonight. "Good evening, Mr. Darcy."
Darcy then turned to a gentleman behind him who was speaking to another gentleman. "Bingley! Look who is here."
Mr. Bingley was even more shocked when he saw who it was. "Miss Bennet! What are you doing in town?" He then remembered his manners and bowed to her.
After Jane curtsied to him, she said, "I have been here since just after the New Year. Did your sisters not tell you? I called on them and they called on me. Are they here tonight?"
Bingley looked completely confused, but managed to answer, "No, they are not here." He did not add that they had not been invited. He was not aware that his sisters' reputation was well known and the Matlocks would never invite them. He knew that he had been invited only because of Darcy's specific request.
The Baron had met Bingley several times in the past, so he took this opportunity to introduce his other guests. "Bingley, have you met my mother, Lady Metcalf, Baroness Glenwood? Mother, this is Charles Bingley, a friend of Darcy's." In spite of Bingley's shock at seeing Miss Bennet, he made the requisite bow to the Baroness. He could barely take his eyes off Miss Bennet; she was looking even more beautiful than he remembered.
The Baron continued with introductions, "Bingley, have you met Miss Bennet's uncle and aunt? This is Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. I have known Gardiner for several years as we have done some good business together." He then turned to the Gardiners. "Bingley is a friend of Darcy's as they were in school together." He was not aware that they knew his name quite well.
Bingley realized that this elegant couple must be the Bennets' relatives who lived in Cheapside and were in trade, the ones that his sisters made so many disparaging remarks about. At first, he had assumed they were also gentry because of the quality of their clothing and elegant manners. As they were guests of the Glenwoods and had received invitations from the Earl and Countess, he knew they must be quite acceptable even in the highest levels of society.
Mrs. Gardiner had heard all about this gentleman from her nieces, so she was interested in meeting him. She would have loved to snub Mr. Bingley to show how little she thought of him, but her good manners forbade that behaviour. She would keep a close eye on him, as she knew her husband would as well. There was no way they would allow this person to upset their niece again. From Lizzy's description of Mr. Darcy, she did not expect much from him, either. As she had met his parents when she lived in Lambton, she thought she might talk to him about Derbyshire and Pemberley at some point during the evening. All she did at their introduction to Mr. Bingley was to observe him closely.
Bingley finally got over his shock. "Miss Bennet, may I solicit your hand for a set? Are you free for the first set?"
Jane had been observing him and could not help but compare him to the Baron. She had once admired his easy manners and constant smile, but his failure to return to Netherfield still upset her. After having been in fairly constant contact with the Baron for the past several weeks, she now saw Mr. Bingley for what he was—a young man who had not fully matured into a true gentleman. She almost smiled when she saw him just like a puppy who was friendly to everyone but lacked in constancy.
"I am sorry, Mr. Bingley, but my dance card is full." She was pleased to be able to say this.
She turned to Mr. Darcy, not willing to continue to speak to Mr. Bingley. "Mr. Darcy, how is your cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam? The last we heard from him was when he left Netherfield to rejoin his regiment." She looked closely at him for his reaction as they were both aware of the attentions the Colonel had paid to her sister while he was in Hertfordshire.
Darcy was not sure how he should answer her, but he knew that he had to. "The last I heard he was doing well. He and his regiment were shipped to Canada to settle some border skirmishes. I expect that the continuing problems with the Americans at sea and on the frontiers forced the army to reinforce our strength there. I am not sure if he had mentioned that he had told army headquarters that he wanted to resign his commission, but they convinced him to stay until this summer. I expect he will be returning to England then. Apparently mail from Canada is slow, so we do not hear from him often." He did not dare say anything about Mrs. Collins as he was not sure exactly what his cousin had promised her, if anything. Since he had come to know her much better after the Colonel left, he hoped that she was not committed to him. He had not dared ask her about his cousin before he left Hertfordshire.
Jane was well aware that Lizzy was expecting that the Colonel would let her know when he returned to civilian life even though there was no formal agreement between them. "I hope he will not forget us and will let us know when he returns." From these words, Darcy was aware that Mrs. Collins must be expecting that he would renew his attentions to her. Mrs. Collins had not indicated this to him.