Author's note: More than 10 readers voted for Mr. Pratt and only one for Mr. Bingley.

PPP

For the third time, Fanny was reading Jane's letter with a growing frown. She still could not believe what she was reading. It was the first time that her docile, beautiful, and obedient daughter ignored her request. A few hours ago, Lady Lucas had told her that Mr. Bingley had arrived the day before at Netherfield Park; Sir William had already visited him and invited him to Meryton's Assembly, and Mr. Bingley had agreed. And Jane would not be at the assembly to meet him!

She looked at her daughters carefully, one by one, to determine which one of them was best suited to attract the attention of a £5,000-a-year gentleman. Unfortunately, none of them were as beautiful as Jane.

No doubt Mary was the least attractive of her daughters, but if she arranged her hair in a different style, dressed in lighter colors, and smiled, she would look much prettier. Kitty was the second in beauty to Jane, but lately, she was too thin, she coughed more than before, and she made no effort about it. Unfortunately, Lydia had not entered society yet.

There was no time to order new gowns for the assembly. Besides, Mr. Bennet had given her very little money. It was a disgrace!

PPP

"Is there any news from Longbourn, my love?" Fitzwilliam asked as Elizabeth finished reading her aunt's letter that had arrived hours earlier.

Elizabeth nodded. "Jane has been in London for a few weeks at the Gardiners'. My Uncle Bennet's health is still the same as before, and most importantly, my Aunt Bennet is very excited that Mr. Bingley has finally leased Netherfield Park."

Darcy was pleasantly surprised by the news as he had not yet received a letter from Bingley, "I am so glad he leased it. Netherfield is a beautiful estate, with a very good steward, and meets all the requirements that Bingley was looking for. In addition, it has the advantage that it is very close to London."

Elizabeth smiled and nodded. "On top of that, Mr. Bingley is going to be greeted with great enthusiasm by my aunt, Lady Lucas, Mrs. Long, and all the ladies in the neighborhood who have daughters and nieces of marriageable age."

Darcy laughed heartily. "Knowing Bingley, he is going to be delighted with such a situation, and I would not be surprised if he falls for one of them."

"Ummm. Knowing my Aunt Bennet, she must be deciding which of my cousins he will marry." Amused Elizabeth added, "I suppose my aunt will decide he should marry Jane."

Fitzwilliam hugged her and kissed her tenderly. "What else does your aunt say?"

"Nothing important, the rest of the letter is the same as usual." Looking curiously at the letter on her husband's desk, she asked. "What does Lord Matlock's letter say?"

"There is very good news. And I am glad I listened to you and I did not burn it." Darcy smiled slightly. Since his last conversation with Lord Matlock before his wedding, he did not want to have any kind of relationship with the Matlocks, but Lizzy encouraged him to make peace with his family. "My cousin Richard has just returned from the Continent and in a fortnight by his great valor in battle the King will bestow upon him the title of Sir Richard." Darcy sighed, "Lord Matlock invites us to the party he is hosting in his house in London for Sir Richard."

"This is excellent news! You told me that you have a very good relationship with your cousin." She caressed his cheek. "If you wish we can go to Sir Richard's party, and then continue to Longbourn."

"I don't know, Lizzy. I am still very upset with Lord Matlock for the derogatory way he spoke of you…"

Elizabeth kissed him to stop him from talking, and replied softly, "My love, you must forget about what happened and what your uncle said back then. Your cousin is not to blame for what his father said, and you also know that at some point we must enter society. Sir Richard's party could be a very good occasion."

"It will be very difficult for me to forget what he said and forgive him for such an offense…" Darcy shook his head, "I never liked London's high society, but I know you are right. We cannot indefinitely postpone our entry into society." He smiled, "I will answer the letter and let Lord Matlock know that we are going to the party."