It was the first time since Mr. Bennet's death that Elizabeth was visiting Hertfordshire, so when she entered the Meryton ballroom that evening with the Bartons and Miss Holmes, several of her acquaintances were very surprised and pleased to see her.
With his natural politeness, Sir William immediately welcomed them and eloquently expressed his delight at seeing her again. Miss Holmes was a timid and pretty fair-haired girl who had entered society the previous year. However, her father had been in an accident a few months before and was still recovering, so she did not have many opportunities to attend assemblies and parties. Her father had a small estate that brought in about £1,000 a year, and she had a dowry of £7,000.
Elizabeth and Mary, seeing that the young woman was very nervous, tried to calm her down by telling her amusing anecdotes from their childhood while Mr. Barton went to get some drinks.
At the other end of the ballroom, Mr. Collins watched Mary intently; he was still annoyed with her for daring to turn down his marriage proposal and marry a mere parson. To avoid discussing her marriage with them, Charlotte did not greet the Bartons or Elizabeth.
A few minutes before the orchestra began to play, the Stevenses arrived with Kitty, Lydia, and Jane Smith. Fanny was shocked to see Elizabeth in Meryton again, but since several people were looking at her, she greeted her politely and even Mary. She introduced them to her husband and then chatted with Mrs. Phillips.
Lydia and Kitty followed their mother since their aunt knew all the gossip about their neighbours, while Jane stayed for a few extra minutes chatting with Lizzy, Mary, and Miss Holmes.
Several gentlemen asked Elizabeth, Miss Holmes, and Jane to dance, and immediately the musicians began to play the first set. Mary danced with her husband, Elizabeth with Mr. Lucas, Miss Holmes with Mr. Lucas's younger brother, and Jane with the young solicitor who worked with Mr. Phillips.
In the middle of the first set, the Netherfield Park party arrived.
PPP
Darcy was not in a good mood. He wanted to stay at Netherfield Park with Georgiana, but she insisted he should attend the assembly. He did not blame Georgiana for wanting to enjoy a few hours of peace since that day had been long, with Miss Bingley spending much of the time gossiping about several people none of them cared for.
At one point in her monologue, she said that the Marquess's son, Lord Sebastian, was rumoured to be arriving at "The Firs" the following week. Miss Bingley was very excited to have such an illustrious neighbour, and she hoped she would have the opportunity to meet him soon. Darcy already knew that Lord Sebastian would arrive in Hertfordshire and stay for a few weeks. Lord Sebastian was interested in spending time with Georgiana away from the eyes of London society.
Finally, the carriage stopped at the entrance of the assembly hall. They could hear the musicians playing from the street. Miss Bingley immediately grabbed his arm, and they entered the ballroom.
To Darcy's taste, there were far too many people at the assembly to fit comfortably in such a reduced ballroom, the musicians played poorly, and the people seemed unfashioned. Additionally, Miss Bingley's perfume stung his eyes. He already knew that night was going to be a nightmare!
"Caroline, look. Is that not Miss Elizabeth Bennet?" Bingley excitedly asked
After looking at the young woman carefully, Caroline nodded.
"We should greet her. The set is about to finish." Bingley started walking in the direction where Elizabeth was, followed by the Hursts, Caroline, and Mr. Darcy.
The set ended a few minutes later, and a contented Bingley greeted Elizabeth, saying, "Miss Bennet, how nice to see you. I never expected to see you here."
Elizabeth smiled politely and said, "Mr. Bingley, it is nice to see you too. Miss Bingley, I hope you are well. I was born here on my father's estate and lived there until he died. I am visiting my sister, Mrs. Barton." Elizabeth gestured to Mary, who was chatting with some neighbours and Miss Holmes.
Bingley smiled too. "Allow me to introduce you, Mr. Darcy."
Mr. Darcy greeted Miss Bennet courteously, and they made small talk. The music was about to start again, and Bingley asked Elizabeth to dance, but since that set was not available, Elizabeth agreed to dance the next.
Seeing the Bingleys and another gentleman chatting animatedly with Elizabeth, Jane quickly approached them to greet them. She had been looking for the opportunity to see Mr. Bingley again and determine if she should forget about him forever.
Needless to say, Mr. Bingley was shocked when he came face to face with Jane Smith, and Caroline was upset.