The day following the Meryton assembly was rather uneventful; the middle Miss Bennets went to visit their friend Charlotte at Lucas Lodge to escape the notice of their other sisters and their mother.
"So Lizzie," began Charlotte after Lizzie and Kitty had sat down, "you seem to have garnered the notice of at least one of the Netherfield party, without even trying to. What would your dear elder sister think?"
Before Lizzie could respond in kind to her friend's jest, Kitty answered for her. "Jane will think it unfair that a gentleman pays attention to Lizzie when she remains single, as she always thinks when someone pays attention to her."
Kitty rather disliked Jane, but she never used to. Prior to Lizzie's loss of hearing, Jane had acted kindly about her younger sister gaining as much attention from gentlemen, if not more than her. However, Jane resented the fact that Lizzie was still subject to the attentions of men after having lost her hearing, when Jane's expected courtships and proposals from gentlemen never came to fruition. Kitty acknowledged to herself that Jane had always thought too highly of herself based solely on her mother's praise, but also noticed an increase in the behaviour since her favourite sister's loss of hearing.
Charlotte was of a similar mindset regarding the eldest Bennet daughter, so declined from further commenting on it. The three ladies sat in pleasant conversation for most of the day, alternating between signing and speaking depending on the subject matter.
The gentlemen of the Netherfield party were hunting that day, none of them choosing to raise the conversation topic of the evening prior. The day was spent pleasantly enough, but both Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy were eager for it to end so that they might see the objects of their interests sooner rather than later.
Fortunately for all concerned, the day passed quickly and it was soon time to prepare for the gathering at Lucas Lodge. Mr Darcy was especially gratified at the seemingly quick passage of time, as he wished to ascertain the wellbeing of Miss Elizabeth and Miss Catherine before anticipating an enjoyable evening in their company once again.
The Netherfield party had not long arrived at Lucas Lodge before Charlotte Lucas singled out her deaf friend for a performance on the pianoforte. Charlotte had always enjoyed her friends musical talents, Lizzie having always been quick at learning new pieces proficiently with her ability to anticipate the next note based on which note she was playing. Her voice, which was by no means the strongest, was delightful to listen to as it brought a sense of calm contentedness down upon all who listened. Charlotte had hated the idea of her friend no longer being able to play again after the illness had claimed her hearing; and so was delighted when told that her friend would remain proficient so long as she practiced frequently. As a result of this news, Charlotte had enlisted Kitty in her quest to ensure that Lizzie retained her musical talents.
The gentlemen of the Netherfield party were still stood greeting their host when Elizabeth's hands began playing and her voice rose up in song. All were impressed at the talent on display, and were so enthralled in the performance that none of them noticed Caroline Bingley sneer in Miss Elizabeth's direction before grabbing Louisa by the arm and making haste towards the refreshment table.
"The insufferable, crippled country chit," Caroline whispered to her sister, "how dare they allow her to perform when she can't even hear herself?!"
Louisa thought it rather typical of her sister to find something to criticise in the performance, but since the only thing her sister could criticise was the performers lack of hearing decided not to comment. Louisa found herself rather enjoying the performance, and found she wouldn't mind an introduction to the deaf country maiden who performed so prettily.
When Elizabeth finished with her performance she was approached by the men of the Netherfield party. To the amusement of Mr Hurst and Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy was the first to compliment her on the performance.
"Miss Elizabeth, you played wonderfully and sang just as talentedly. I find I have rarely heard such beautiful music. May I introduce my host while in Hertfordshire, Mr Bingley, and his brother-in-law Mr Hurst? Bingley, Hurst; this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Mr Darcy didn't deem it necessary to introduce Miss Catherine or Miss Lucas, since his companions had been introduced to them when he had.
"Mr Bingley, I feel I must thank you," began Lizzie with amusement twinkling in her green eyes and a smirk threatening to play across her lips. "Had you not let Netherfield, I fear our country society may have been subject to another winter with nary a newcomer, and yet you brought yourself and four others to allow us to become acquainted with. It really was rather generous of you."
Mr Darcy chuckled at Miss Elizabeth's impertinent remark, while Mr Hurst guffawed; enjoying the ease with which this country chit teased his brother-in-law. Charlotte and Kitty giggled softly into their hands and Lizzie merely raised an eyebrow and allowed her smirk to fully form on her face.
Mr Bingley, however, seemed almost at a loss for how to reply, this delightful creature making him feel both insignificant and of the utmost importance. After a few moments hesitation, the gentleman finally replied.
"I am glad to have been of service Miss Elizabeth, but no thanks are necessary."
This made the party laugh once again which caught the attention of Mrs Bennet and her two favourite daughters, who made their way over to the party from their places beside Mrs Long and Lady Lucas.
"Uh oh, trouble ahead," Charlotte murmured and signed for the benefit of her friend. As one the party turned their attention to the interlopers.
