Notes: Thank you very much for all the comments.
PPP
On the day of the assembly in Meryton, the Bennet household was alive with activity. With only one maid to assist in dressing the ladies of the house, they had to begin getting ready several hours in advance. The only sibling who was not attending the assembly was Kitty, who was not yet 17 years old.
Jane was particularly excited about the assembly. She had taken her Aunt Phillips' advice and spent most of her allowance on a stunning new light blue gown with intricate silver embroidery. To complete her outfit, she had also purchased matching headbands. Her aunt had insisted that she needed to look her best to catch the attention of Mr. Bingley.
Around 7:00 PM, Thomas watched his wife and daughters come down the stairs. Many people regarded Jane as the most beautiful lady in Meryton, with her symmetrical face, blonde hair, light blue eyes and slim figure. However, for Thomas, the true beauty of his family lay in his two Elizabeths. He could not help but notice how much they resembled each other with each passing day.
Lizzy had inherited her mother's expressive eyes, which were a striking shade of green with a hint of golden sparkle that shone like stars. Her skin was fair, and her hair was dark, which complemented her complexion beautifully. While she was not as tall as Jane, Elizabeth's figure was more curvaceous and alluring. Like Jane, wherever she went, she drew the attention of many admires. On that night, she wore a resplendent yellow dress that was adorned with gold embroidery.
Mrs. Bennet was dressed in a dark red gown, and her once dark-hair had started to turn grey. Despite being in her forties, she was still beautiful, lively and energetic. Besides, she enjoyed socializing with her acquaintances.
Thomas walked towards his wife, gallantly lifted her hand to his lips, pressed a soft kiss and said, "My dear Mrs. Bennet, you look stunning tonight."
Elizabeth's face lit up with a smile as she responded, "Thank you, Mr. Bennet. You look very handsome in that suit."
Elizabeth then turned her attention to her daughters, including Jane, making sure they were ready. "As you see, we are ready. Has the carriage arrived yet?" she asked her husband.
"Yes, it arrived about five minutes ago. We can leave whenever you want."
Mrs. Bennet gazed up at Kitty, who was watching them from the first floor, and spoke softly, "Kitty, my dear, don't stay up too late. Remember that you have only four months left until you enter society." She smiled and added, "I promise you will have a coming-out party similar to your sisters."
Kitty nodded. She was looking forward to turning 17! Her older sisters had promised to tell her the details of the assembly. For almost a year, she had been utterly smitten with Mr. Lucas, who had returned from university. She dreamed of dancing with him under the glittering chandeliers, hoping that her wish would finally come true.
PPP
At around 7:00 p.m., Fitzwilliam Darcy stood waiting in the main hall of Netherfield for his hosts to come down. Dressed elegantly, but with a frown on his face, he had arrived a few hours earlier only to be informed by Bingley that the monthly assembly of Meryton was taking place that very night. Bingley had already accepted the invitation on behalf of the entire party. Darcy was a reserved man by nature, and he had always disliked assemblies, especially those held in small towns like Meryton. He was the nephew of an earl, the owner of an estate that brought in over 10,000 pounds a year, and one of the wealthiest bachelors in the kingdom. He had grown tired of being chased by women wherever he went, and he longed for some peace and quiet.
To make matters worse, his sister, Georgiana, was still deeply depressed about the events of a few months ago with Wickham and barely spoke to him. Darcy was concerned about her well-being, and he had entrusted Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Reynolds to keep a close eye on her during his absence. He had serious doubts about the veracity of Wickham's claims that Georgiana was no longer a maiden, and he was determined to protect her from further harm.
After an interminable wait, Bingley finally descended the stairs, trailed by the Hursts. It was nearly twenty minutes before Miss Bingley made her entrance, looking stunning in an elegant and fashionable dress.
Despite recognizing Caroline Bingley's considerable charms, Darcy was not interested in her. It was clear to him that Caroline harboured a longing to become Mrs. Darcy, but he did not reciprocate her feelings.