Chapter 6 – Orange dresses Dresses do not flatter Flatter
Lord Clarges wore a smile as he saw watched Elizabeth, his favourite daughter, approach him. After meeting Mr. Bingley beforehand, he had every confidence that the gentleman would do well at the assembly. Especially with so many young, eligible ladies in attendance. Lord Clarges sighed to himself, Jane's facial expression was a slight shock to him, but Elizabeth looked like a woman on a mission with the way she approached him. No doubt Elizabeth had something particular on her mind; Clarges just hoped it wasn't marriage.
"Father, you've met Mr. Bingley haven't you?"
"Yes, I have, Elizabeth. Do you have a previous acquaintance with him from Town?"
"I do not, Father. But, I did see Miss Bingley at St. James when we were introduced. Grandfather said she was a social climber, and, from the looks of things, she still favours orange dresses."
"Even though they do her no favours."
"Mother!" Elizabeth had not noticed her mother come up behind them.
"Come, Lizzy, Jane is dancing, but there is no reason why you should not be introduced to Mr. Bingley. It is our duty as the highest-standing family in the area to set him at ease, no doubt he has not seen all of Hertfordshire's manner spectrum yet. Off you go to greet him, Thomas."
Lord Clarges gave Elizabeth a sly smile before he walked over to where Bingley and Sir Lucas were talking while the rest of his party was engaged. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst had decided on dancing this set;, and Mr. Goulding had been so fortunate as to secure the hand of Miss Bingley. Both couples moved across the floor gracefully and drew looks with their fine dancing. Such dancing was rarely seen,, unless you were dancing with the Bennet sisters.
"Mr. Bingley, it is good to see here this evening. Good evening, Sir Lucas."
"Your Lordship," replied both men as bows were exchanged.
"Come now, such formality is not necessary among such familiar company. We Bennet's have developed more than one close friendship with families in the area. I much prefer Bennet; Lord Clarges is a name that belongs in Town." ."—Mr. Bingley looked at Lord Clarges with a curious expression. —"Don't worry Mr. Bingley; it is not a problem as all. We country gentlemen must stick together; in the country, we are all honest hard working gentlemen."
Mr. Bingley finally visibly relaxed finally, after all, who was he to question a member of the Duke's family? Especially if he was the father of the angel that was standing up now just down from his sister.
"Come, Mr. Bingley, it is high time you met some of the ladies. Lady Clarges and Lady Lucas, are eager to make your acquaintance," chuckled Lord Clarges. "Mr. Bingley, may I introduce my wife, Lady Clarges, and my second daughter, Elizabeth Bennet? My eldest, Jane, is dancing currently over there."
"And this is my wife, Lady Lucas, and my eldest daughter, Charlotte Lucas,." offered the other gentleman.
"It is a pleasure, ladies." as— bows and curtsies were exchanged all round. —"My sisters are dancing at the moment. Miss Bingley is dancing with Mr. Goulding, and next to them are my elder sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst. If Miss Bennet is not engaged for the next set, may I have the honour?"
"Unfortunately, I am engaged for the next, Mr. Bingley," replied Elizabeth. She had been lucky to sit this set as all but one more were spoken for this night.,
and she had desire to dance every set.
"Miss Lucas, may I have the honour?" asked a blushing Bingley.
"Of course sir. I look forward to it," replied a very happy Charlotte.
"As do I," replied Bingley truthfully.
Jane and Elizabeth had many dances spoken for that evening and had nary a moment to rest between catching up with friends and turns about the room. Mr. Bingley was able to secure a dance with his angel, Miss Jane Bennet, shortly after his dance with Charlotte Lucas. Neither spoke much, so much greatly were they overcome with each other's presence. Both blushed when caught looking at each the other, but Jane was resolved by the end of their dance.
"May I introduce you to my sisters, Miss Bennet? They are eager to make new acquaintances in the neighbourhood," smiled Mr. Bingley.
"Of course, I would be delighted to make their acquaintance," replied Jane serenely. He reminds me so much of a happy spaniel puppy. Eager to please and be pleased with all in the world.
As Jane's partner came to claim her for the next dance, Miss Bingley moved next to brother, Charles Bingley. "I don't think there is much for us in the country here. Really, Charles, I have no idea why you decided to move to a backwater area. They are people of little fashion. Miss Bennet seems like a sweet girl, and I would not mind getting to know her better. But you must watch out, hers is likely a fortune hunting family like all the rest," smirked Miss Bingley.
Mr. Bingley quickly glanced over to see if at Hurst had heard. One look from Hurst indicated he had. To make matters worse, Miss Elizabeth, was standing very near the Bingleyhe party and conversing with several other young ladies. Why didn't Caroline recognize the name of Bennet? Oh, for all nights for her to be her charming self!
Mr. Bingley saw Miss Elizabeth move quickly towards her father. This cannot be good. "Hurst, I believe the headache Caroline is suffering should not be endured in public. I believe Louisa would be of good company for her."
"Of course, Bingley. Lord and Lady Clarges, have graciously invited us for dinner at Longbourne next week when I was just speaking with them. I think it best the ladies retire for the night."
Caroline paled. Realization suddenly hit; Miss Jane Bennet was the daughter of Marquis Clarges, next in line for the Kenilworth Dukedom.
As the ladies hurriedly left with Hurst, they missed the late arrival of a the horse and rider who was late in arriving to the Meryton Assembly.