I'm so sorry for such a long wait. I had a hard time putting my ideas into words. But after watching StreamingMusicals abduction of Pride and Prejudice like 3 times today I was able to finally put ideas to words again.
If you haven't heard of it; Your Welcome. If you haven't seen it; You should. If your asking, "kir-girl24 is it worth the money I would be paying to buy it on a website and never get a physical copy of it?" My answer is Defiantly. They even have an app that you can get on your phone to watch it on the go (though it hasn't been working for me recently)
I'm not sponsored by them or anything I just really wanted to gush about the best Pride&Prejudice play I've seen.
Chapter 6: Attentions
The gentleman from Netherfield visited twice more and while the majority of the party rather enjoyed the visits there were those who did not.
"Are you leaving me all alone again?" Caroline asked as Bingley and the Darcy's made ready to leave.
"Yes, Caroline but you are more than welcome to join us." Bingley said.
"Oh yes Miss Bingley, I could introduce you to Miss Mary and Miss Kitty. They are quite the enjoyable company." Georgiana said excitedly.
"Oh I couldn't possibly." She said, putting her hand to her head, "I've come down with a terrible headache and shall be resting while you are away."
"Are you ill?" Bingley asked, "Should I call for a doctor?"
"No. No. No, dear brother, I am well." She said rather dramatically.
"Very well." Bingley said, "Then we shall see you when we return."
It became quite apparent during their visits that Mr Bingley tended to favor Jane's company above the rest of the Bennet sisters. In fact when Lizzy would see Mr. Bingley pay Jane a particularly flattering comment or single her out in conversation; Lizzy would look at her brother and they would share a knowing smile.
Along with Mr. Bingley's attentions to Jane only a few notice the attention that the other Netherfield gentleman was paying to the second eldest of the Bennet sisters. In fact it was because he was so protective of his twin sister that James was the first who noticed that Mr Darcy seemed to seek out Elizabeth's attention almost as much as Mr. Bingley did Jane. The rest of Lizzy's siblings noticed too, though thought it was more because Lizzy had such a vibrant energy and educated conversational mind that might have drawn the gentleman to her so often.
Lizzy and Mr Darcy were both quite entertained every time they met. They asked about each other's interests, besides books, and when they found that they had things in common like their love of nature and certain types of entertainment, they spent quite a while talking about them.
While Darcy was paying quite a bit of attention to the second Miss Bennet he was not oblivious to the attention his friend was paying to the eldest. When Elizabeth was employed in some other activity or while she was otherwise engaged with one of her sisters or her brother he noticed the young couple and how they acted around one another.
Jane seemed to like Bingley but though he tried he couldn't see any signs of the peculiar regard that other ladies would employ when they were interested in a gentleman. However Bingley gave several indications that he had an interest in the young lady. Darcy didn't see them reciprocated.
After their second visit Lizzy could tell that Jane very much liked Mr Bingley and she couldn't wait to see how they fared in a public setting, as there was a dance later in the week and the netherfield party had said they would be in attendance.
As the assembly date approached Lizzy found herself anticipating it just as much as Kitty. Though Mary was not a fan of assemblies or balls she tolerated them for the music and the socializing practice.
James and Mr. Bennet had no particular feelings towards the assembly except to make sure the four women were safe. James didn't tell his father about the slight irritation he felt at Mr. Darcy favoring Lizzy, that was something he wished to conquer on his own.
Georgiana had been excited by the prospects of attending such and event but Mr. Darcy had told her, when they were in the safety of a private room at Netherfield, that he would not allow her to attend since she was not out in society. That had been the product of a bit of shouting and many tears from the young lady. By the next day however she would simply mutter and nod when the assembly was mentioned.
The night before the assembly there was a knock on Lizzy's door just as she was preparing for bed by brushing her hair. It turned out to be Jane.
"Jane!" Lizzy said in surprise, "Please come in. What a surprise I was just brushing my hair."
Jane smiled and closed the door behind her, "I hope I'm not intruding."
"Think nothing of it." Lizzy said and turned back to her mirror to continue brushing her hair. She looked at her sister from the mirror and recognized that look in her face when she secretly wanted to talk about something. She offered the brush to her, "Would you like to do the honors?"
Jane smiled and nodded walking over to take the brush and began pulling it through her damp brown hair. After a few strokes Jane began to speak, "So the assembly should be a treat. I must say I don't think I've ever seen Kitty so excited as when our aunt Phillips told us that some officers of a regiment stationed in Meryton are to be in attendance."
"Yes." Elizabeth said smiling, "She was quite the sight. I'm just glad that papa wasn't there. He would have been shocked at her jumping and squealing."
Jane smiled, "She was simply excited. I must confess that I am particularly looking forward to this event."
Lizzie grinned, "Might your excitement be because of a certain gentleman of 5 thousand a year?"
Jane blushed, even in the dim light Lizzie could see her sister's gentle smile, "Oh Lizzie. You may be right. He is such an amiable gentleman that every time we meet I get butterflies in my stomach."
"I'm sure his appearance does nothing to hinder your opinion of him huh?" Lizzie said
"He is handsome but it is not just his features that endear him to me. It is his kind manner and his thoughtfulness towards others." Jane brushed and seemed to be trying to concentrate.
Lizzie recognized her gentle sister was smitten, "Well I give you leave to like him, you've like many a stupider person."
Jane sighed and put the brush on the table next to the mirror. "Thank you Lizzie. That does put my mind at ease. I was worried that perhaps you may not approve of him."
Lizzie turned, "My dear Jane, what would give you that idea?"
Jane shrugged, "I suppose I was imagining it but you seem to prefer not to speak with him when he visits. Instead you seem more inclined to speak with Mr. Darcy."
It was now the younger sisters' turn to go pink. She thought for a moment before answering. "Jane, it is not that I dislike the company of Mr. Bingley but I suppose I do favor the company of his friend. I shall, in the future, be more conscious of the division of my attention and make sure that I get to know the gentleman to whom you are partial."
"Oh Lizzie don't go out of your way." Jane said.
"No. I apologize that I have not paid attention to the whole party and will do better in the future." Lizzie said, turning towards the mirror to make sure her sister got all her hair.
"Though he isn't my type Mr. Darcy is handsome too." Jane said, closing the door behind her.
Lizzie saw herself in the mirror blush once again. She couldn't deny that she had noticed how appealing Mr. Darcy was and how much she enjoyed his company. But she wasn't sure if he held her in a peculiar regard or if he just enjoyed being able to speak to someone while visiting his friend.
Before long the night of the assembly arrived. All the girls in the Bennet household were preparing for the event all day. Kitty was the most energetic of all of them but it seemed as though the two elder were the most nervous.
"Why Jane, why would you be so nervous for this particular assembly? You know that you will most likely spend a great deal of time with one Mr. Bingley." Lizzie said, helping Jane to pin her hair up.
"Probably for the same reason for which you are nervous Lizzie." Jane said slyly.
After all the house was ready the whole family got into their carriage and were off to the much anticipated event.
The hall where the assembly was being held was lively with music that made you want to dance. Once there the Bennets went to their usual places. Jane and Elizabeth went to sit with Charlotte Lucus while Mary kept close to her father. James sought out his friends while Kitty tried to get gentlemen close by to ask her to dance.
Meanwhile the Netherfield party were in their carriage on their way. Georgiana had given them a somber farewell and Caroline maintained her constant complaining the whole way there.
"I am sure that this shall be a waist of an evening." She said making sure her hat was on correctly. "For I am sure that there will be little at this assembly that I shall enjoy."
Darcy ignored her. He was sad that he had to leave Georgiana at the house but he was not going to permit her to attend this public affair. At the same time he very much wanted to see Elizabeth again for she consumed much of his thoughts during the days since they'd met.
But once at the assembly his thought turned to concern for his friend, for when he saw Miss Jane Bennet his face glowed with happiness while the lady just smiled.
Darcy had known Charles for many years, since their school days, but he'd never known him to get so attached especially to one lady in particular. Darcy was concerned that his friend may be showing too much interest and the lady not enough. He would have to keep a closer eye on his friend to ensure he did not get tricked by one of those women who would have loved to trap himself.
Once at the assembly Bingley got out first then Darcy. Bingley, much to her dismay, helped his sister out of the carriage. The party of three then entered. People went silent as they entered but not everyone stopped in their tracks. They were welcomed by William Lucus and then introduced to many people they had not met.
Darcy stiffened as he was introduced to one new person after another. He'd always been rather shy when meeting new people in a social setting, and that sometimes made him reply curtly and avoid small talk which others found rude. Later he would find that the same people he avoided were calling him proud.
Elizabeth and Jane were talking with Charlotte Lucus when they three spotted the group.
"Who is the lady with them I wonder?" Elizabeth wondered aloud.
"Mr. Bingley's sister I think." Charlotte said looking their way, "My father told me of her, though I have never seen her in person."
Darcy was the first to see the three girls. Though he would have liked to avoid introductions to more people and rush over to Elizabeth he knew that would not be prudent or proper.
The party made their way through introductions to many people from Meryton before they got to the three girls.
Bingley's face became alight with happiness when he saw Jane. "Miss Bennet I'm delighted to see you again."
Jane curtsied, "Mr. Bingley I'm pleased to see you again as well." then turned to Mr. Darcy, "And you too sir." and she curtsied to him as well.
Mr. Bingley gestured, "This is my sister, Caroline Bingley."
The girls curtsied, "My brother has told me a great deal about you Miss Bennet." Caroline said looking her over. "Its nice to finally meet you."
"And you as well." Jane replied. "This is my sister Elizabeth and our dear friend Charlotte Lucus."
Thanks for reading. Leave a review and let me know what you think. Have a great day.
