AN: Thank you. Thank you. I really enjoy reading your reviews! And many suggestions went into this chapter (which turned out to be quite an undertaking to account for all the characters)… without further ado…


Dinner at Netherfield: October 12

Catherine Bennet's giggles were heard to echo down the hall of Netherfield. She was excited at the prospect of dining in the great house, even if there were no single gentlemen in attendance. She frequently said or acted irrationally in order to bring attention to herself, aware that she would be overlooked like her sister, Mary, if she did not.

Kitty looked forward to the weddings. She enjoyed the frenzy of activity and thought of all the single gentlemen who would venture to Meryton to attend—surely Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley had other family and friends. Her preference for a red coat was known among her sisters, but in truth she just dreamed of a handsome, chivalrous male to sweep her off her feet. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were nice enough for her older sisters, but neither fulfilled the qualifications she imagined in a husband. While she waited for Jane and Elizabeth to wed, she pledged to enjoy herself in full measure.

"Why, Mr. Bingley, it is so good of you to invite us to Netherfield. You and Mr. Darcy look very well today. I was just telling Mr. Bennet how Jane will adore living so close to her family, did I not? We will be sorry to lose Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy. You will likely stay all-the-way in Derbyshire for a greater part of the year. Mr. Darcy, I do hope you plan to visit! I am sure that Longbourn will seem rather quiet after my girls leave us." Before Mr. Darcy or Elizabeth could form a reply, Miss Bingley entered the room.

Miss Bingley was dressed to her advantage with a tight bodice and lace sash. Her mantis green ensemble was overshadowed by the liberal application of rouge and the peacock feathers sticking from her coiffure like a pincushion. She was rather pleased with herself and sauntered into the room with her nose in the air, completely missing the substance of Mrs. Bennet's discourse.

"Miss Bingley, how do you do? You look lovely. Such a gracious hostess, I am sure. My Jane is so pleased to be gaining you as a sister. There is much to learn from each other!" Mrs. Bennet proclaimed. Jane smiled, hiding her embarrassment, and made her way to Miss Bingley's side to greet her properly.

"Miss Bingley, I am so glad to see you. Mr. Bingley has been so much at Longbourn that I have not had the pleasure of your company."

Miss Bingley fixed her rehearsed expression of joy on Jane. "Oh Jane, I am so happy! I simply cannot believe we shall be family." She took hold of both of Jane's forearms and leaned in to plant a kiss on each cheek.

Jane was rather startled by Miss Bingley's display; she only sustained her smile and took a step back. Elizabeth watched the exchange by Darcy's side and exchanged a bewildered look with her fiancé. Lizzy interpreted the behavior as a sign of things yet to come, which did not bode well for her sister. She gave thanks to providence to be gaining the gentle Miss Georgiana Darcy for a sister rather than the fake Miss Caroline Bingley.

Mr. Bingley went to Jane with refreshments, "Indeed, we shall be the merriest of families! After our wedding we must locate a husband for you, dear sister, so you may be as happy."

Elizabeth chuckled, finding amusement when Miss Bingley glared at her. With a twinkle in her eye, she said, "Yes, Miss Bingley, I am certain you shall be next to find matrimonial bliss. You should host a dinner party, Mr. Bingley, to invite some eligible bachelors. Miss Bingley, if you don't mind my impertinence, may I ask what qualities you desire in a husband?"

Miss Bingley was fairly steaming with the effort it took to rein in a cutting remark. Her smile contorted to appear more like a grimace. "Miss Eliza, I am sure to capture the man of my choosing. After all, I have many desirable attributes for a wife, including style, accomplishments and a dowry. I do not need assistance."

Mr. Darcy coughed politely and gulped from his wine glass.

Kitty giggled next to her mother saying, "To be sure."

Mrs. Bennet did not perceive the discomfort of the room occupants and completely ignored Miss Bingley's remark. "What a marvelous idea, Lizzy! I am convinced that we can unearth a respectable husband for Miss Bingley! Perhaps in London after the New Year. How wonderful! Imagine, Miss Bingley, you may be mistress of your own household by this time next year. Mr. Bennet, we ought to arrange for the weddings very soon."

Mr. Bennet was enjoying the evening immensely. Already, the entertainment surpassed the notion of Shakespeare alighting from his tomb to dance a jig while performing a series of new sonnets. While Mrs. Bennet continued to talk, he sat down by Mary and, with glee, encouraged her attention away from her book. "Mary, my dear," He whispered, "you really ought to put the book down. You do not want to seem rude. There shall be time in the carriage for you to enjoy a good sermon."

Mary gave her father a look of irritation before setting her book on a side table. She was not insensible to the follies brandished about the sitting room, she was simply not equal to the task of enjoying or laughing at them as her father was. Mary had discussed her position with Kitty earlier in the day. In short, she wanted to be left to her own devices. She found the company foolish and immoral. Miss Bingley, especially, was a model of how a lady should not comport herself.

Then there was Mrs. Bennet, who was still chattering on, "Miss Bingley, you should not have trouble securing a husband. Especially with your twenty thousand pounds! Why my girls have done very well for themselves, have they not? Fortune is certainly a consideration, but what is more exceptional is a match of the heart." She sighed grandly.

Mr. Darcy had at this time finished his wine. He looked to his betrothed and asked her quietly, "Elizabeth, would you care for more wine? I daresay we might need it." She replied in the affirmative. When he returned to her side, Miss Bennet and Mr. Bingley were conversing with her. The two couples shared a smile just as a footman entered the room to announce dinner.

Miss Bingley was vexed that she was unable to remove Mrs. Bennet from her side before dinner was announced. Mr. Bingley offered his arm to Jane and then to Caroline to escort them to the dining room. Miss Bingley was dismayed when Mr. Darcy escorted Elizabeth next. They were followed by the Bennets, Kitty and Mary.

Miss Bingley was confused when she went to take her seat. In her place by Mr. Darcy, was Miss Elizabeth's name card. She looked around and observed a footman holding out a chair for her as Mr. Bingley pulled out the chair to his right for Miss Bennet. There was no way to correct the mistake without causing a scene, so she walked around the table to sit where her seating card was placed. Caroline eyed the rest of the party as she waved away the footman who assisted her.

As luck would have it (or not, depending on your viewpoint), the new seating arrangements provided by the young gentlemen, positioned Miss Bingley between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and across from Kitty and Mary. Miss Bingley was not amused.

After Mr. Darcy assisted Elizabeth with her seat, he took the seat at her left before he was addressed by Miss Bingley. "I do apologize, Mr. Darcy. I am afraid the seating leaves much to be desired. I do hope you can find some pleasure in the meal." Her attempt to draw him into conversation caused him raise his brows. He also had Elizabeth's full attention.

"There is no need to apologize, Miss Bingley. I am certain the meal shall be more than adequate."

She smiled and batted her eyelashes, "Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I do enjoy arranging dinner parties. It does require some skill, you know."

Mr. Bennet could not restrain himself. "Miss Bingley, I am extremely curious. What skill is needed in arranging a menu with a cook and placing seating cards? Is there more thought that is poured to a dinner party?" The look on her countenance impelled him to continue. "Mrs. Bennet has been expressing her hardships for years. Perhaps you would care to enlighten me."

In a clipped tone, Miss Bingley replied, "I am sorry to disappoint you, Sir."

The soup course was served, interrupting further conversation, with the exception of the discourse between Mrs. Bennet and Kitty who had elevated their voices to be heard across the table. They complimented the place setting and commented on the delicious fare before switching to wedding preparations.

Miss Bingley chimed into the discussion on wedding flowers sharing her opinion and turning to Mr. Darcy across the table to her left. "Mr. Darcy, do you not agree? A summer wedding is crucial otherwise it is impossible to acquire delphiniums for a ceremony."

Mr. Darcy, in a rare ungentlemanly display, filled his spoon and ate the large portion. Jane and Mr. Bingley ended their quiet conversation to give attention to Miss Bingley and Darcy. Lizzy observed him as he wiped his lips with a napkin and endeavored to ignore Miss Bingley. But Elizabeth Bennet was not about to let Fitzwilliam dodge the inquiry. "Pray, are congratulations in order, Miss Bingley? I was not aware that you had an understanding with Mr. Darcy."

Mr. Bennet nearly choked. Jane looked shocked. Fitzwilliam exchanged a look with Elizabeth as if to say, 'I shall pay you back' she silently replied with a sweet expression, 'I dare you.'

"Such a thing to say, Miss Eliza!" Miss Bingley dramatically fanned herself with her napkin. "That is quite a presumption. I only wished for Mr. Darcy's opinion."

"Please, do call me 'Miss Elizabeth,' and forgive me. Mr. Darcy, I would very much like to hear the answer to Miss Bingley's inquiry, for your opinion is of value to me."

"I see." The second course was served which naturally caused a pause in noise and conversation. Darcy turned to speak directly to Elizabeth. "I believe I prefer a wedding in the winter. Flowers should be the bride's preference; it matters naught to me—as long as the bride outshines the blooms." Elizabeth smiled, pleased with his answer. She was sensible that he would voice a preference to any season that would allow for a short engagement.

Miss Bingley was confused. She was so rarely in that state the she was at once at a loss for words. Was there a connection between Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet?

Mrs. Bennet had no such qualms about speaking loudly over the vegetable and cheese. "Did you say winter, Mr. Darcy? I couldn't quite hear you. Winter sounds charming! Jane, would you and Mr. Bingley also prefer to marry in the winter?" Mr. Bingley looked across the length of the table to smile and nod at Mrs. Bennet. He was not entirely certain what she had asked over the clank of the glasses and silver. But she seemed appeased. "Perhaps before Christmas. Let me see… if your wedding is in six weeks that gives you another month to travel and prepare for the holiday. That would be perfect!"

Out came the main course. The rosemary chicken was mouth-watering and Mr. Bennet said so.

Mary stilled her hands from slicing a piece of meat. She was gradually becoming more annoyed with the dialogue exchanged beginning from their arrival at Netherfield. Miss Bingley was dense and the gentlemen were allowing her to make herself look the fool. Mrs. Bennet, as usual, was unable to suspend chattering. Jane and Mr. Bingley were conversing quietly together, inattentive to their surroundings. Elizabeth was clearly goading Mr. Darcy into announcing the engagement and Kitty could not halt her incessant giggling. She sighed and said to no one in particular, "It is said that a wedding is a great blessing, and two weddings is doubly so. I am sure it shall be a great relief to everyone present if the dates come quickly."

"Speak for yourself," said Kitty, "I am having ever so much fun!"

The head of the dining table did not hear the exchange between the two sisters. Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet, having spent most of the day apart, had much to discuss. With the general topic of conversation regarding weddings, naturally their discussion bent in that direction. Bingley and Jane enthusiastically nodded to each other before Mr. Bingley turned to Elizabeth and Darcy with a show of dimples. "Darcy, my dear Miss Bennet and I have just had a wonderful thought. How do you feel about a double wedding? That way we can stand together as can Miss Elizabeth and Jane. I see no reason for us to make separate arrangements."

Mr. Darcy finished his meal directly and looked askance to Elizabeth for her consenting smile before answering, "I trust the scheme has its advantages." A grin turned up the corners of his lips as he considered that one wedding might take place sooner than two. "Miss Elizabeth and I would consider it an honor to share the day with you both. After all, our wedding shall render us all family."

"What?!" A high screech sounded at the table's center by the eavesdropping Miss Bingley. All eyes moved to Caroline as she abruptly stood. It was unfortunate that she chose that moment to startle from her seat as a footman had just come forward to retrieve her plate. Her momentum caused the footman to stagger backwards into the buffet containing the drink pitchers and wine. The immense clatter and chaos that ensued succeeded in punctuating her great astonishment.

Mr. Bingley stood to ensure that none of the servants suffered from injury. When it appeared that the damage was to the glass and not more serious, he sat and waited for his sister to do the same. His expression was much more generous than Mr. Darcy's.

Rather than turn to rebuke the footman, as was her customary behavior, Miss Bingley simply stared at Darcy and Elizabeth with wide eyes and an open mouth. She thankfully gained her faculties enough thereafter to recover her seat and attempt to smile. She soon repeated Elizabeth's words, "Pray, are congratulations in order, Miss Eliza? I was not aware that you had an understanding with Mr. Darcy."

Elizabeth graciously thanked the footman who removed her plate before turning her attention back to the hostess. "Indeed. Mr. Darcy has proposed to me and I have accepted."

Kitty leaned over the table and interrupted Miss Bingley's reply, "That was days ago! I am shocked that you have not heard of it. The people in Merton have enjoyed the gossip immensely!"

Mrs. Bennet nodded as dessert was served. "That is certainly true. Lady Lucas was fairly green with envy; did you not see her, Kitty? I told Mr. Bennet that I would find husbands for each of our daughters. Almost three daughters well married. I am over the moon."

Mrs. Bennet could not help but talk effusively to her hostess since she had not had the privilege since last she was at Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet did not see Mr. Bennet as he shook his head or suppressed a chuckle. He glanced over at his eldest daughters and felt suddenly nostalgic and proud. He would certainly miss them and the amusement they provided.

As dessert was served, Mr. Darcy closed his eyes and briefly rubbed his head with his index finger. He supposed that Miss Bingley's reaction was no different than expected. He fervently hoped that she would acknowledge the engagement and act graciously toward Elizabeth.

"Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth said for his ears alone, "Will you favor me with conversation? I feel as though I should have had more wine." Since arriving at Netherfield, Elizabeth's cheek color had been fluctuating in degree from embarrassment to irritation. The party that had been comfortable and pleasant while at Longbourn, suffered an uneasiness with the addition of Caroline Bingley that was dearly felt.

Darcy glanced at her partially full glass of wine, "I am ever impressed by you," he said. "Is the dessert not to your liking?"

She was using her spoon to push and poke at the chocolate on her plate. She customarily craved chocolate at all hours of the day. Her eyes twinkled, "Too much wine, I am afraid. Actually, it is delectable. I am quite satisfied and cannot fit anything more. Perhaps you can send it to Longbourn for my breakfast."

"I am sure that can be arranged." He then turned to his host, "Bingley, I suggest we join the ladies after the last course. It is not necessary to stand with formalities when Mr. Bennet, you, and I are the only gentlemen present."

Bingley scrapped the last of his soufflé and nodded. "I quite agree. The ladies are far more capable of entertaining us." While speaking, Bingley turned to Jane with his smile making it clear which lady he favored to be entertained by.

Once the footman removed the dessert plates (all were eaten, with the exception of Miss Bingley's plate, which was yet untouched since she had lost her appetite with the news of Darcy's engagement), the final course of coffee and fruit was at last served.

Mr. Bingley arose and held his cup. "I understand that it is customary to toast at the beginning of a meal, so I will just say a few words rather than propose a toast. I first want to thank the Bennets for joining us this evening. I enjoy your company and look forward to joining your family. I also want to again congratulate Darcy and Miss Elizabeth, who have agreed to share their wedding day with Miss Bennet and me. We are so pleased!" He sat down as Mr. Bennet caught his eye with a nod and a 'here, here'.

Jane and Elizabeth shared smiles across the table as Mrs. Bennet started complimenting the speech. Soon the party was ready to move to the music room.

On the short walk to the music room, Elizabeth quietly thanked Fitzwilliam for his earlier suggestion (saving her from Miss Bingley's wrath) and reminded him about his promise to dance with her. He raised his eyebrow in reply. Darcy assented that dancing was a safe way to pass the evening if the opportunity were to present itself.

The next hour passed in a leisurely fashion. Mary and Miss Bingley employed the pianoforte while Mr. and Mrs. Bennet along with Kitty played cards. When Mary was not playing, she read her book. The two couples were seated near each other to converse on nothing of consequence. It was an hour before there was an appropriate moment to dance.

Miss Bingley was relieved that she had taken time to practice her instrument earlier in the day so that many pieces were fresh in her mind. After a mellow piece she paused to sift through music and found one more complex. Just as she was about to begin, she noticed Bingley and Darcy move a few articles of furniture to the side of the room.

"Caroline, do play something lively. We mean to dance!" Mr. Bingley declared looking away from his sister to better avoid her glower.

The couples stood across from each other. Elizabeth smiled knowingly at Fitzwilliam and they exchanged a few words but mostly communicated with gazes and grins while appreciating the exercise.

Jane and Elizabeth both enjoyed dancing and laughing with their gentlemen of choice for one set. Their color was high and their eyes were bright from the merriment.

When Miss Bingley finished playing she stood and curtseyed, "Please excuse me. I am not feeling well." Then she abruptly left the room and retired to her chamber.

Jane was the first to speak in a worried tone. "I do hope Miss Bingley is alright."

"I believe she will be fully recovered in the morning." Bingley answered reassuringly.

Elizabeth chose to alter the subject of conversation. "Jane, I informed Mr. Darcy about our trip to London. It seems he has some business that compels him to town, so he is able to join us there."

Jane smiled. "That is wonderful, Lizzy. London will be more pleasurable for you. I realize you were not particularly thrilled about the trip."

"You are traveling to London?" Bingley was genuinely surprised. "Why didn't you tell me, Darcy? When are you leaving?"

"I believe we can leave when the ladies do. I have to finalize business with my solicitor. The timing works out perfectly. I intended to ask if you could come as well. It would not do to have Miss Bennet unaccompanied when we attend entertainments."

"No indeed. That would be a shame! I will deem it an honor to join you in town. What fun we shall have!" Bingley raised his voice to get the attention of Mrs. Bennet who was gabbing with Kitty. "Mrs. Bennet, when you leave to London, Darcy and I would love to escort your coach."

Mrs. Bennet clapped her hands together. "How wonderful! Lizzy, Jane, you clever girls! We shall have a splendid time. It will be lovely to see the Gardiners and attend the theater…" she continued to chatter as she lost the game to Kitty.

Soon thereafter it was time for the Bennets to take their leave. Bingley and Darcy escorted them outside and kissed their lady's hand before handing them into the Bennet's coach. They stood on the front steps watching as the carriage turn down the drive.

"What a happy evening that was! I am certain that London is a capital idea, Darcy." Charles then turned to go back into the house to enjoy a nightcap with his friend who followed close behind. They conversed for a little while about London business matters and what entertainments to share with the ladies.

Darcy was thankful that Miss Bingley was now aware of his engagement. He anticipated that she would cease impressing herself on him. However, he also realized that her attentions might be worse before they became tolerable. Darcy fell into sleep with the thought that it would not matter in a few weeks.


AN:

Original seating:

Caro Darcy Mary Kitty

Bingley

Mr. B Jane Eliza Mrs. B

New seating:

Eliza Darcy Mary Kitty

Bingley

Jane Mr. B Caro Mrs. B

Do keep your suggestions coming! Should Miss Bingley impose herself on the London party? What do you think will happen when Georgiana is in London too? I am working out the timing of arrivals. Who should arrive first?