Here we go with E/D first meeting ;)
Just a little warning, this story has a lot of subtle changes from the original novel so pay attention or you will get easily confused. F.e. Longbourn is not entailed. And if you remember from the last chapter, every miss Bennet has a dowry ten thousand.
A lot of thanks to Jen for her help ;)
Chapter Two
"Five thousand a year and likely more!" Mrs Bennet whispered to Jane. "Pity Mr Bingley has his roots in trade. He is seeking an estate, is he not?"
Jane nodded obediently. "Yes Mama, Charlotte also said he was a very handsome man."
"Hmpf." Mrs Bennet scoffed. "Charlotte. She cannot possibly hold the hope that such rich, young man would notice her. Why Charlotte Lucas is probably older than Mr Bingley and from my perspective, is already on the shelf. "
"Mama!" Elizabeth turned in exasperation, trying to admonish her mother. "Everyone can hear you!"
"Oh, hush child!" Mrs Bennet waved her hand, dismissing her least favourite daughter.
Throughout the years, Elizabeth had been a great disappointment to Mrs Bennet. Her husband had favoured their daughter, and had taught Elizabeth all that a son should know. Mr Benet passed on much of what he had learned at Cambridge, and eventually hired a master to teach her more about geography and mathematics. Mrs Bennet ignored this favouritism, knowing that he needed some compensation for the son she never bore him. Instead, she focused her attentions on her beautiful golden-haired Jane and good-natured Lydia. They would secure her future. Oh, such beautiful babies my daughters will have!
By the time Elizabeth turned sixteen, she had suddenly blossomed into an extraordinary young woman whose beauty surpassed all the daughters of all her neighbours, including her sister Jane. Though she remained a rather petite girl, Elizabeth's formerly boyish figure filled out with delightful curves. Dark, mahogany tresses framed her delicate face like a porcelain doll. Her pouty lips and slightly upturned nose, though perfect, paled in comparison to her dark enchanting eyes. Those who didn't know her would never have suspected that her angelic face was just a mask for an unrestrained spirit and mischievous nature. Elizabeth was forever the witty girl who would climb trees with tenant's children and race them across a muddy field. Moreover, she vowed to marry for only the deepest love.
Having refused four offers of marriage from men whom she could never respect, let alone love, Elizabeth had now become a burden to Mrs Bennet. What good was Elizabeth's beauty if it did not get her a husband? Prompted by the prevailing neighbourhood gossip that Elizabeth's heart would remain untouched like a fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, Mrs Bennet chose to re-focus all of her efforts on Jane. Her eldest was softer in temperament and more pliant than Elizabeth. It would be easier to persuade Jane to accept a proposal. Mrs Bennet felt it was her duty and was determined to see her eldest daughter married and her line continue through her grandchildren. "Now, Jane." Mrs Bennet turned to her favourite and much more obedient daughter. "Raise your head, shoulders back and smile. Just like this."
She craned her neck to see her younger daughters, giggling with Maria Lucas by the bowl of punch. "Lydia, come here quickly." She ordered her second favourite daughter. At fifteen, Lydia's looks, similar to Elizabeth's, were very promising, and Mrs Bennet vowed to herself to never make the same mistake – letting her husband to fill her daughter's head with nonsense. Between gentle Jane and lively Lydia, they were guaranteed to catch the attention of the wealthy Mr Bingley. She needed to keep all her irons in the fire.
As her mother continued to talk, Elizabeth inconspicuously itched away. Standing on her toes, she tried to look over the crowd in order to see the elusive Mr Bingley and his party. Although she would never admit it in front of her mother – a little spark of hope can burn whole forest and renewed hope was the worst kind. Elizabeth was very curious about the Netherfield party as her intelligent mind required meeting new and interesting people. Not that she was looking for a husband, but Meryton society could be unvarying, no matter what her father said about disliking the town.
Over the years, Elizabeth had come to love the study of various characters and often mused herself by observing how different people reacted to the same shocking statements she came up with. She longed for an intelligent debate partner, besides her father and pastor Jones, who would understand her and respect her opinion even though she was a woman.
Remembering Mr and Mrs Fraser, the previous family which leased Netherfield the year before, Elizabeth thought about what nice people they were. A few years older than Elizabeth, Mrs Fraser was a quiet young lady who often felt alone when her husband went to the town for business. Elizabeth took pleasure in visiting her, for both entertainment and respite from her mother. Unfortunately, a scandal arose in Mr Fraser's family when his unmarried sister found herself with child. What is more, the gaming debts of the Mr Fraser's father were revealed and whole Fraser family relocated to New World in order to erase the stain on their good name. Mrs Fraser sent a letter to assure Elizabeth that they arrived safely and that since her husband had immediately started investing into railroad, they were doing very well. Should Elizabeth ever want to leave England, their doors would be open for her.
Elizabeth was so preoccupied with her memories that she completely missed the entrance of the Netherfield party. Startled when her mother pinched her to get her attention, Elizabeth was introduced by Sir William, a jovial man who took his position as master of ceremonies quite seriously. "And this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Mrs Bennet threw Elizabeth a warning look. "I am pleased to meet you." Elizabeth smiled charmingly and curtsied.
"I am absolutely delighted to introduce you to Miss Bingley and Mr Bingley." Sir William continued with his effusions.
Elizabeth quickly swept her eyes around her new neighbours and noted that Miss Bingley was obviously feeling above her company here. Her nose scrunched with distaste and her chin held high was quite telling. She was dressed in the most elegant dress, one more appropriate for an elaborate ball in the town, not a simple country assembly. A true "English Rose," tall and willowy, blue eyes, blond hair and pale cheeks, Miss Bingley was quite handsome, and one who obviously took great pains to avoid sun when she managed to look so at the end of summer.
Mr Bingley, while physically similar to his sister – was tall and lean, with blonde curls and the same blue eyes. Looking like and cherub – he couldn't differ more in his countenance. He was smiling and his face was open and friendly.
"Miss Elizabeth, I am enchanted." He bowed over her hand while Elizabeth observed him with amusement. A charming dandy.
Next Mr Bingley turned to Mrs Bennet and offered, "Mrs Bennet, I must congratulate you on your beautiful daughters, although it is hardly unexpected with a mother such as you."
Elizabeth bit her lip to hide a smile. A very charming dandy. She saw Miss Bingley rolling her eyes.
Mrs Bennet, according to the old saying, make hay while the sun shines, immediately responded. "Oh, thank you, Mr Bingley for your kindness. They are also very accomplished dancers, my girls."
Mr Bingley quickly took the hint. "Of course, if you are not otherwise engaged, Miss Elizabeth, may I have the next dance?" He looked at her flirtatiously.
Elizabeth smiled but did nothing to further to encourage him. He smiles too much. Elizabeth preferred more serious men. "The set is yours, Mr Bingley."
He then turned to Jane. "And may I have the next set after that, Miss Bennet?"
She blushed becomingly. "I would be delighted, Mr Bingley." He seemed very agreeable and friendly and she liked him very much. Combined with his looks, he appeared the same as the man of Jane's dreams.
"I am looking forward to it." Bingley offered his hand to Miss Bingley. "If you will excuse us ladies, I will find a seat for my sister. Do not think that I will forget about our dance, Miss Elizabeth." He then turned and led his sour looking sister away.
"What a charming young man." Mrs Bennet looked like she would melt into puddle on the floor. Jane was in similar condition.
"What a wonderful husband he would make!" Mrs Bennet continued enthusiastically. Jane dreamily nodded.
Elizabeth shook her head. "He seemed friendly. I would wait with my judgement."
"Oh, miss Lizzy!" Mrs Bennet waved a finger at her. "Always trying to find a fault with everyone. Do not dare to anger him, he seemed to like our Jane."
"Yes, Mama." Elizabeth sighed. "Please excuse me." She turned and went to find Charlotte Lucas, her dearest friend, to share her observations.
However, her search was delayed as she was intercepted by Mr Bingley. "Miss Elizabeth, I hear that our set is starting, you are not going to run on me, are you?" He smirked while closely leaning in to her.
Elizabeth suppressed a sigh. That man was entirely too intimate and he was taking up too much of her personal space. "Of course not, Mr Bingley." She forced a smile.
"Capital, capital." Mr Bingley took her hand and led her to the first place in the dancing line.
While waiting for the music to start, Bingley grinned and waved at somebody standing by the column. "Oh, Darcy is hiding again."
Elizabeth followed his line of vision and almost choked on air. Standing there, leaning slightly against the wall, was the most manly man she had ever encountered. She was wrong when she thought Mr Bingley was tall, he was nothing to this giant. He towered over everyone. Maybe she would only reach him to the middle of his chest. Studying over his figure, Elizabeth could not help but notice that his muscles filled out his very well-tailored coat. She blushed knowing that her thoughts were not ladylike, and she should stop. .
Though Elizabeth looked at his face to distract herself, it t did not help, for he was very handsome with dark hair falling onto his forehead. However, that was not what caught her attention. It was his sad, brooding look. Mr Darcy looked uncomfortable, irritated and behind all this was lurking deep sadness. Elizabeth wanted reach and smooth all wrinkles on his forehead, and offer him comfort.
Almost missing the beginning of the dance, Elizabeth finally remembered herself when Mr Bingley took her hand before the first steps began. Fortunately, he didn't seem to notice her preoccupation. Turning away from the stranger, she forced herself to listen to Mr Bingley's prattle.
"I find Hertfordshire entirely to my taste, Miss Elizabeth." Bingley looked at Elizabeth meaningfully.
However, she was not in a mood for empty flirtation, her head full of the handsome stranger. "Thank you, I know that country doesn't offer such opportunities as visiting the museums and theatres in London, but I am pleased that you like our little assembly."
Mr Bingley did not seem to understand. "Oh, I will share a secret with you, Miss Elizabeth." He winked. "Although I am admirer of a beauty, I seek a different kind that you can find on paintings or in words."
"I thought that it was the case." Elizabeth murmured under her breath.
Bingley did not seem to catch her sarcasm. "Miss Elizabeth, it appears you understand me."
Elizabeth was thankful for the interruption when the dance parted them. She found a few minutes of respite while dancing around John Lucas, who immediately grasped the opportunity to ask her for her next set. She accepted readily, happy to talk to her lifelong friend. He recently returned from university and Elizabeth sought every occasion to learn something new and interesting form him.
When she returned to Mr Bingley, she decided to give him one last chance before putting him in the same category as the other empty headed young men of her acquaintance. "And how do you like Netherfield, Mr Bingley? How do you find managing your own estate?"
"Oh." Mr Bingley waved his hand. "I am only leasing it for the time being. I have to admit, I do not find it as pleasant as I did working with my business in the north.."
Elizabeth raised one eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yes." Mr Bingley nodded eagerly. "When Caroline, my sister, first introduced me to the idea of establishing our family in the circle of landed gentry, I was very intrigued. However-"
"However?" Elizabeth encouraged him to continue.
"I think I should have chosen a different tutor than Darcy for this challenge." Mr Bingley smirked.
"May I ask why?" Elizabeth was now very intrigued when he started talking about his mysterious friend.
"Yes, he is very...hmm, should I say diligent? Yes, that is the right word. Too much of overseeing every little event on the fields, visiting tenants, repairing their houses...When I went to university, my other gentlemen friends made this work look easier." He sighed and pouted a bit, obviously trying to gain sympathy from Elizabeth.
However, he seriously overestimated his charm, or perhaps, underestimated her sharp mind. Elizabeth was now even more interested in his friend and saw Mr Bingley for the irresponsible young man he was.
Finally, to the relief of both, the set ended. Mr Bingley went to search for a balm in form of Jane Bennet for his bruised ego since Miss Elizabeth seemed completely unaffected by him. Elizabeth was happy to see him go, she was quite disappointed, she had such hopes for the Netherfield party but it seemed that the most expected bachelor did not make her a worthy discussion partner.
After her dance with John Lucas, Elizabeth went to sit next to the Charlotte who chose to hide in a partly shadowed corner from her matchmaking mother.
Mrs Bennet and Lady Lucas could have been twins. They were both plump, dark haired women in their forties, both extremely loud and vulgar, overlooked by their husbands and both equally eager for their daughters to marry. Mrs Bennet desperation over having five unmarried daughters was matched by Lady Lucas's desperation of having one unmarried daughter, seven and twenty years of age.
"Elizabeth, how do you find our dear Mr Bingley?" Charlotte mocked her own mother laughingly.
"I expected more from him," she sighed. "However, we will see more in the upcoming weeks. As for Miss Bingley, in the few minutes I have seen her, she managed to communicate her disgust with our inferior company quite clearly." Elizabeth chuckled, amused by the false superiority of the daughter of the tradesman.
While they were deep in the discussion of their impressions of the newcomers, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy walked closer to their hiding place.
"Come, Darcy," said Bingley, "I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much better dance."
"I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this, it would be insupportable."
"I would not be so fastidious as you are," cried Bingley, "for a kingdom! Upon my honour I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life, as I have this evening; and there are several of them, you see, uncommonly beautiful."
"You know that yours and my opinion on beauty differs. Do not try to persuade me, you will not succeed." Darcy stubbornly deflected his tactics, he wouldn't be persuaded to dance with anybody that night.
"Oh, have you seen Miss Elizabeth Bennet? She is the most beautiful woman my eyes ever beheld. Unfortunately, she is rather cold." Bingley was clearly still bitter that she did not fall to his feet. "Oh, maybe you will suit to her nicely." When his pride was hurt, he did not pay attention to his words.
Darcy just shook his head. "Bingley, go back to dancing and leave me be here."
"No." Bingley was clearly determined. He would not see his friend stand in the corner, moping. "Look, there is Miss Elizabeth with Miss Charlotte Lucas." He pointed his finger. "Let us go to them, I will introduce you."
Charlotte and Elizabeth looked at each other curiously. Both men obviously did not realize how close they were standing, and how loud they were. Their accidental eavesdropping was interrupted by tentative Kitty who lost Lydia in the crowd and now was looking for her.
When they finally sent Kitty in the right direction, they only caught the end of Mr Darcy's final statement. "-tolerable. She does not tempt me. You really need to leave me alone." With that, he turned around and set out to the punch table.
Bingley finally conceded his defeat and went looking for Jane to ask her for another dance.
Thank you for reading, I hope you liked it.
Please leave me a review. *puppy eyes*