The next day, Elizabeth and Kitty went to the dressmaker as they wanted to order new gowns for the Netherfield ball. Kitty would be allowed to attend, but not dance. Her parents felt it was a good opportunity for her to experience a private ball, before her coming out on her next birthday. Lydia insisted on accompanying them. Afterwards, they would go to Aunt Phillips' house for tea.
Choosing fabric and designs took up most of their time in the shop, as the dressmaker had their measurements on file. The girls very soon arrived at their aunt's house, where she was chatting animatedly with two soldiers.
"Girls, there you are! This is Captain Daniel Denny and this is Lieutenant George Wickham, only recently arrived with the Militia." She paused, "These are my nieces, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Catherine Bennet, and Miss Lydia Bennet."
"It is a pleasure to meet you," Wickham replied with a big smile, looking at Elizabeth with admiration, he added, "I have heard of the Bennet beauties; and you are even more beautiful than I imagined."
"Thank you, Mr. Wickham." Elizabeth responded.
"Gentlemen, would you like to have tea with us?" inquired Mrs. Phillips, who liked having visitors and also had a great matchmaking instinct, like Mrs. Bennet used to have years ago.
"Thank you, but we do not want to importune." Denny responded.
Elizabeth tried to demur, "Aunt, I am not sure if we should…"
Mrs. Phillips interrupted her, "Nonsense, Lizzy, all will be well. Captain, lieutenant, it will be a pleasure to have you stay for tea with us."
"It would be a shame to say no to such lovely ladies." Wickham responded as he continued to look at Elizabeth.
A few minutes later, they were sitting in Mrs. Phillips's dining room, chatting pleasantly. Lydia and Kitty were fascinated by both gentlemen, as Lieutenant Wickham was a very handsome and charming man and Captain Denny was very nice. Only Elizabeth felt uncomfortable, not liking the way Mr. Wickham was staring at her.
Maybe if Elizabeth had not met Mr. Willow in the past, she would have found Mr. Wickham attractive, but there was too much similarity between the two men. Both were too charming and handsome. She was also uneasy about her two young sisters being so obviously in company, they were not yet out and the officers were paying them far too much attention.
"So, you know Mr. Darcy very well. This is such a coincidence." Kitty commented.
"Indeed, we have known each other since we were children. His father was my godfather. As children, we were very close friends, but after my godfather died, Darcy did not want to continue our friendship."
"Why?" Intrigued, Lydia asked.
"Lydia!" Elizabeth scolded her.
"Nay, Miss Bennet, I have no secrets amongst friends. I am too poor, Miss Lydia, and he is wealthy." He paused, "Darcy was always very proud, and only befriends people from his own social circle."
Elizabeth pursed her lips and commented bluntly, "That is a strange comment, as Mr. Bingley is the son of merchants."
Wickham gave a small smirk, "You are correct, but remember Mr. Bingley is wealthy, and no longer has ties to commerce."
"Mr. Darcy is a very proud and standoffish gentleman. I remember in the last assembly he made some very unpleasant comments and did not dance with any of the local young ladies." Ms. Phillips commented.
"I am not surprised. I have rarely seen him dance, not even with his fiancée."
"Mr. Darcy is engaged?" Elizabeth's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Yes, to his cousin, Anne De Bourgh. She is a wealthy heiress, and when they marry, he will inherit a large estate and at least 50,000 pounds."
"Are you acquainted with his fiancée?"
"No, but I have known of her for years. She has always been of a sick constitution and rarely leaves her home." Feigning concern, he added, "I hope no lady in Meryton has any illusions of becoming Mr. Darcy's wife. He is handsome, very rich, and can be pleasant when he puts his mind to it."
"So far, Mr. Darcy's behaviour has not given rise to any lady's expectations. In fact, quite the contrary." Elizabeth responded.
"I am glad to hear it."
"Captain Denny, what part of the Kingdom is your family from?" Elizabeth asked to divert the uncomfortable conversation.
"My family is from Liverpool."
After having tea, and despite Elizabeth assuring the gentlemen that it was not necessary, they accompanied the young ladies to Longbourn.
PPP
In the days leading up to the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth and Kitty returned to Meryton several times, to complete their dress fittings, and met Captain Denny and Lieutenant Wickham twice. Mrs. Phillips invited the officers to have tea with them, and they gladly accepted.
The majority of the single ladies of Meryton were delighted by the arrival of the militia, and Lieutenant Wickham quickly became one of the favourites amongst the officers. Elizabeth was one of the few ladies who was immune to the lieutenant's charms. Wickham's paying more attention to her than any other young lady in the region, frustrated her to no end.
Elizabeth and her sister also met Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy twice. The first time was when the gentlemen went to Longbourn to speak to Mr. Bennet about the fence's repair. The second time was in Meryton when they were leaving the dressmaker's shop, and they chatted for a few minutes about the ball.