Prelude

At that ball, while I had the honour of dancing with you, I was first made acquainted, by Sir William Lucas's accidental information, that Bingley's attentions to your sister had given rise to a general expectation of their marriage. He spoke of it as a certain event, of which the time alone could be undecided. From that moment I observed my friend's behaviour attentively; and I could then perceive that his partiality for Miss Bennet was beyond what I had ever witnessed in him.

Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 33, Letter to Elizabeth.

And so, gentle readers, we return to the scene of the crime. A ball hosted by Mr Bingley and his sister on the night of November 26th.

Chapter One:

Fitzwilliam Darcy woke early, as was his want. It was, however, a little later than usual as he ambled down the stairs to break his fast. Bingley's ball had been well received by the Meryton masses, laying waste to what remained of yesterday. Miss Bingley, honouring the height of London fashion, opened the dance with her brother at 10 pm, and concluded the event with a sumptuous breakfast at 8 am the next morning. It left very little time, or energy for any pursuits as the household recovered, but much time for Darcy to think upon what he had learnt and his observations. Today, Pemberley's master set himself an undertaking. He must speak to Charles before his friend left for London.

A footman nodded acknowledgement as Darcy entered the breakfast room. Typical of Miss Bingley, she ordered a full sideboard of tempting morsels prepared far too early. Enough to feed twice the number of Netherfield's current guest. Hurst would be the only one to do the veritable feast any justice. Sighing at the waste, Darcy did not react to Forster's uplifted eyebrow. It seemed the servants agreed, even if they would benefit from the excess, stale though it maybe.

"The usual, Sir," the servant asked respectfully, lukewarm coffee pot in hand.

"Please," Darcy responded. He did not care if this first cup were not up to his usual standards. Still feeling a little haggard, the brew would be restorative given his lack of sleep. How I hate balls and the disruption they cause the following days. I do not understand why they must start late and end even later. They are not conducive to country hours. Daylight is when an estate is most productive and so must the master be it he wishes it to be prosperous.

"Has Bingley come down?" Darcy asked before taking his first sip. His thoughts had waited long enough. Fitzwilliam did not wish to contemplate them further.

Forster shook his head. Removing with the pot, the footman would ensure he served Darcy's second cup hot, along with freshly cooked eggs to go with his now cooling ham. Cook would only be happy to oblige the request when she learned the identity of the diner. The same could not be said for the Hurst's or Miss Bingley, for they asked much and gave little in return.

A folded paper at his elbow, Darcy ignored the broad sheet. The ball opened his eyes to several situations he must discuss with his friend. It seemed the lessons in estate management had missed their mark. Bingley, as ever, continued in leading strings, unable to see the danger in his behaviour. While the man dressed as a gentleman, it seemed his grasp of society was not so refined.

"Nor is his understanding," Darcy once again muttered under his breath. It is no wonder Miss Bingley's character is fix as a determined shrew. Like her brother, she has not appreciated the subtle undertones that society expects. One cannot do as they please and remain untarnished, or leave others without blemish. Bingley has managed to escape reproof due to his appearance of sense, good humour and liveliness. They are but a sham, hiding his defects as easily persuaded and inconsistent. He does not realise it yet, but they will be his downfall.

Bingley, like his sisters, stayed abed until well into the afternoon yesterday, after seeing the final guest depart the ball. While the family might climb into comfortable sheets and sleep away the day, Darcy had been cognisant of the work left to the fatigued servants. They had been pushed relentlessly by Miss Bingley while preparing for the Ball. They had attended the four and twenty families throughout the night. Caroline took Darcy's suggestion of hiring additional servants for the occasion more to please him than relieve her retainers. However, the hired help was not trained in the daily running of Netherfield and required instruction and oversight. It placed additional burden upon Mrs Nichols, the housekeeper and Bates, the butler in an already weary state.

"You do not think," Darcy muttered quietly under his breath. You announce a ball, leaving your sister to make the arrangements. You do not set a budget, allowing her to spend as she pleases. The candles alone must have cost a small fortune. They were bee's wax from one of London's finest. At least Miss Bingley had the forethought to change them out when we sat down to supper. Six-hour candles are respectable, twelve-hour candles would have bordered on overindulgence. That is only the start of her extravagance for a country ball where few would know better!

Left with these thoughts, Darcy did not enjoy his breakfast. He did take care to thank the footman who attended him and send his regards to the cook. A master who wished to keep his staff, and their loyalty, needed to show them respect. Darcy lived by this rule in his homes and continued it when visiting other houses.

"That is what I must tell you," Darcy decided. "We are interdependent on one another. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link. You have many weak links, Bingley. If you do not mend your ways, you will have nothing, for you are the weakest of them all."