Conceit and Contemptousness
Chapter One
I met the Bingley's about a week later, at the monthly Bushwell Plaza Ball. Everyone from the community was invited. I was talking with my best friend from school, Shane Lucas, about his new videocamera when the ballroom doors flew open, revealing two women and a man. One woman's deep chocolate hair was tied up in a neat bun, and her violet dress glittered with every movement. The second woman's golden locks were in a roll near the nape of her neck and she wore a caramel-chocolate satin evening gown that complimented her sparkling blue eyes. The man wore a tuxedo, as did every other male in close proximity, and he seemed to be related to the first woman.
The music began again, and I forgot all about their strange entrance until my mother pulled me away.
"Freddie, come on!" She exclaimed. "Your father is going to introduce us to the Bingleys!" I tried to appear presentable, well, as presentable as one could be after being dragged halfway across the ballroom by an obsessive mother.
"Ah," my father started. Pointing to each one in turn he said, "Here is my wife Mrs. Bennet with our sons: John, Fredward, Mark, Kenneth, and Lionel." I heard the blonde woman snicker at my name. I shot a painful death glare in her general direction. She quickly stopped.
"How do you do?" The brunette asked. "Allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Carly Bingley, and I just bought the penthouse across the hall from you. This is my brother Spencer and my best friend, Samantha Darcy." After pleasantries were exchanged, Spencer went off to discuss something of importance with my parents, Mark went off to sit in a corner looking dejected (balls never really were his thing), and Kenny and Lionel went off in search of more girls to giggle about. That left John, Miss Bingley, Miss Darcy and I standing in a little box.
"Miss Bingley, would you care to dance?' John directed to the aforementioned Miss Bingley.
"Oh, Mr. Bennet, that sounds delightful." She accepted. He offered her his arm and they flew onto the dance floor. That left Miss Darcy and I standing alone. She looked me up and down with those big blue eyes. 'Oh' I thought, 'This is beginning to get a tad bit awkward…'
"Soooo," I began. "Miss Darcy… would you care to dance?" I choked out.
She turned to face me and said, "No thank you. I don't really like to dance. But perhaps another time." And then she just stood there. I didn't know what to think of her. She seemed a little aloof. After a while I began to feel her discomfort as well, which immediately faded when John and Miss Bingley returned from the floor.
Wanting to avoid more awkward silences I said, "Well, I must be off. Nice meeting you." And then I left. I walked with Shane around the border and discussed this strange meeting.
"So, what do you think of the Bingleys?" He asked.
"Carly seems very nice. She and my brother seem to be getting along splendidly." I answered, glancing at my brother who was laughing at something Carly said. "I don't know Spencer well, but he seems okay. However, Miss Darcy appears extremely conceited."
"Shh!" Shane dragged me down under a bench as Miss Bingley and the Miss Darcy rounded the corner.
"You seem to be having a good time." Miss Darcy stated.
"Oh Sam! John is the nicest gentleman I have ever met! But what about you? Surely there is someone who interests you here?" Miss Bingley replied.
"No, none at all." Answered Miss Darcy.
"What about John's younger brother? He seems a cheery fellow." Interjected Miss Bingley.
"Oh no. He's not handsome enough to tempt me. Plus he seems like a geek." She replied, and then they walked out of earshot. She had just met me and she already knew my hobby!
"Oh, that despicable girl! Judging people by their interests!" I exclaimed in a whisper.
"Just let it go, Freddie. I'm sure you won't be seeing much of her anyways."