Hello all! here is the second chapter, all updated and revised. Do enjoy!
"Each daughter is to inherit twenty thousand pounds upon his death." one woman stated to another.
"Twenty thousand pounds," the other woman repeated in disbelief, "Is there a son for I can only imagine what his own fortune will be?"
"I have heard that there is a son but I heard him to be presently engaged."
Georgiana Darcy walked slowly behind the pair of women drawing in every word that they said. She found the topic of the present owners of Netherfield Park to be fascinating. She had been hearing all day the news of the arrival of the Bennet family from Derbyshire. She knew well of the fortune of the five daughters, but this was the first she had heard of a son. The two women hastened their pace and Georgiana followed the best she could.
"What a pity that he is engaged."
"It would not make a difference if he was a bachelor for he has not joined his family in Netherfield Park, but has rather remained in town."
"He has remained in London? Whatever for? Is not the rest of his family here in Hertfordshire?"
"I would assume that his fiancé is remaining in London and he did not wish to part from her."
"It is a shame for I am sure he has a handsome face and I dearly wish to behold it."
"Perhaps he will visit the home."
The women paused and then parted in different directions. Georgiana stopped as well and glanced about the shops that cluttered the main street of Meryton. She was in search of the familiar face of her dear brother.
"Georgiana," a voice behind her scolded, "Where did you run off to? I believe that I told you to remain in the ribbon shop for the little while that I was gone." Georgiana turned to face Fitzwilliam Darcy, her beloved brother and senior of twelve years.
"I was restless and in search of some news."
"And what, pray, was this news you were in search of?" Fitzwilliam seemed to be mildly amused, yet even though his eyes twinkled in merriment, the lines of his face remained stern.
"News from Netherfield Park. It has recently been rented and its renters have just arrived."
"I see, and this was the important news that you had to scamper off for? What pray did you discover?" Fitzwilliam began to walk along the street in the direction of their small estate, Longbourn.
"The five daughters of the man, Mr. Bennet, are heiresses to twenty thousand pounds."
"That is indeed quite a sum."
"And he has but one son who is engaged and remaining in London with his fiancé."
"It is all quite fascinating Georgiana."
"Do not pretend that you are not in the least bit interested brother. Among five girls with that sum there must be at least one with an intelligent mind who will captivate your heart and I believe you know this."
"Georgiana, we have yet to meet these young ladies and so let us not presume their level of intellect based on their wealth. There are in this world a great many of wealthy men who are married to very silly wives and father very silly daughters."
"I only wish that you would show more interest in the prospect of marriage. You are nearing thirty."
"A man's age does not matter as much as that of a woman."
"Yeas, I know this but I still feel as though you have alone for too long. The influence of a woman would do you much good."
"That is what I have you for my dear."
"The primary flaw in that is that in your eyes I am not a woman, but a child; therefore, I fail to have the impact on you that a woman you love would."
" Perhaps, but please Georgiana let us talk of something different."
"The militia are to come to Meryton."
"Would the militia happen to contain our cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam."
"I believe and hope so. We have not seen him for quite sometime."
"I agree with you. I pray that he shall arrive with the militia."
Elizabeth strolled through the halls of Netherfield exploring the unfamiliar passageways and rooms. It was not as grand as Pemberly, but it had a peacefulness about it that seemed to absorb her. As she passed a nearby window, Elizabeth stared out at the green fields and forest. She felt the urge to go out and walk along one of the paths. "Jane will go with me." she murmured to herself, then set off to find her eldest sister.
Unfortunately she found her sister, along with the rest of her family, sitting in the parlor room occupying a guest. A man by the name of Sir William Lucas had come to greet the Bennets. While Elizabeth found this to be charming and thought that Sir William was a very pleasant person, it was quite evident that her mother, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia did not wish to be there. When Elizabeth entered the room, Mrs. Bennet seemed glad to have a change of topic and said," And here Sir William is my second eldest daughter. She is a quite beauty. She was very popular in London and had many beau." Elizabeth blushed at her mother's statement.
Though Mrs. Bennet lived among wealthy women who had class, their attitudes and behavior had not rubbed off on Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Bennet had not been exceedingly wealthy, but had had the fortune of having Mr. Bennet's heart, at least long enough for him to ask for her hand. He had been captivated by her young and pretty face but had soon discovered his mistake in marrying not long after the wedding. Mrs. Bennet was in many ways a vulgar woman and her husband's family had not been happy about the marriage. Mr. Bennet, however, lucked out in the fact that he was the only direct heir to the Pemberly estate and so his father could not disown him for his marriage if he wished to keep Pemberly in the main family name.
Mrs. Bennet of course thought nothing of his family's disdain for her and simply felt that now that she was wealthy she was equal to women of real fortune. Unbeknownst to her, she did not even compare. Now she sat there talking to Sir William as though she was justified in her condescension. Elizabeth reddened in embarrassment at her mother's belief in her own importance. She attempted to hide her disapproval her and embarrassment of her mother and younger sisters as she replied, "Sir William, it is nice to meet you and so kind of you to come and greet us. You could not have been a kinder neighbor for coming here and welcoming us with open arms will certainly make us feel more at home in a strange place." Sir Lucas smiled at Elizabeth gaily. He had only just met her, but in that one statement he knew in his heart that Elizabeth Bennet was a kind, compassionate, and intelligent young woman.