Notes: Many thanks to my beta reader and co-author Sam. H.
PPP
Over the following two weeks, Elizabeth met Mr. Bingley at gatherings held throughout the neighbourhood. Fanny was becoming increasingly frustrated, as every time Bingley saw Elizabeth, he would immediately sit down next to her and completely monopolize her attention. It greatly concerned her; despite Thomas' and Mr. Phillips' assurance, she did not trust Mr. Bingley. So, she sent an urgent letter to Mrs. Gardiner, begging her to invite Elizabeth back to London. Mrs. Gardiner, who was aware of her sister-in-law's tendency to exaggerate, did not pay attention to her pleas. Instead, she replied that she would gladly invite Elizabeth to stay with them for the entire winter, and will be happy to host Elizabeth in a few weeks' time.
Elizabeth, like any young lady of twenty, felt flattered a wealthy and handsome gentleman such as Mr. Bingley paid her so much attention. She took great pleasure in conversing with Mr. Bingley, but found Mr. Darcy increasingly unlikeable. Miss Bingley tended to interact only with her sister and occasionally with her brother and Mr. Darcy, while Mr. Hurst simply sat in a corner eating and drinking.
At a party hosted by Sir William at Lucas Lodge, Mr. Bingley sat next to Elizabeth with his usual enthusiasm. Mr. Darcy also sat next to her, but unlike his previous behaviour, he engaged in the conversation.
"Unfortunately, the Netherfield library only has nine titles. I know I should buy some more, but I admit to not being as great a reader as Darcy." Bingley looked at him and smiled, "perhaps you could recommend a book or two for me to add to the collection?"
Elizabeth smiled and replied, "It is very difficult for me to recommend just one; so many great books come to mind."
Darcy looked intrigued and asked, "Do you enjoy reading, Miss Bennet?"
"I do, Mr. Darcy. In fact, it is one of the things I enjoy above all others. Mr. Bingley just mentioned that you are a great reader."
"He is correct. What genre do you prefer?"
"I enjoy the classics, among them the Greek philosophers, especially Plato. Of course, I like the works of Shakespeare, mainly the comedies." She paused, "I also enjoy reading poetry, and a good novel from time to time. And you, Mr. Darcy?"
"Except for novels, I agree with you. In addition, as a gentleman, I read about new technological inventions and farming techniques for the improvement of Pemberley's productivity. I also make a point of being informed about what is happening in the Kingdom, in America and the Continent by reading the newspaper."
Elizabeth looked at him with a frown, "Should not we ladies also be informed about what is happening in the Kingdom, in America and the Continent?"
"In my experience, most ladies I know do not care much about such matters." He smiled slightly. "However, in my opinion, if a lady desires to be aware of what is happening in the world, she should have the opportunity to read and learn."
"I am glad you think so, Mr. Darcy." Looking at Bingley she asked, "What genre do you prefer, Mr. Bingley?"
"I read Greek philosophy at university, and the truth is, I found it boring. A few years ago, I read two novels by Anne Radcliffe, and I really liked them." He laughed, "Actually, I was scared when I read The Mysteries of Udolpho."
Elizabeth also laughed. "I confess that I read it for the first time about ten years ago, and suffered nightmares for several nights as a consequence. Have you read it as well, Mr. Darcy?"
"Yes, I read it a few years ago, to determine if it was appropriate for my sister to read."
"And what was your verdict?"
"It is not one of my favourite genres. But there can be no doubt the author possesses a healthy imagination."
At that moment, Charlotte interrupted them with a smile; "Lizzy, I am going to open the piano, and you know what that means."
Elizabeth smiled. "Yes, I know." Looking at Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, she added, "Every party at Lucas Lodge, my good friend, Miss Lucas, requests I perform, so, if you do not like my performance, you know who to complain to."
Charlotte shook her head and with a smile added, "Lizzy, you know you play the piano very well, and so far, no one has complained."
Elizabeth got up, and amongst the different pieces, she chose Mozart's Symphony 40. Coincidentally, it was Darcy's favourite piece. That night, as he watched and listened to Elizabeth play, he was transfixed by her beautiful eyes. Her expression of playing transformed her, making her quite handsome. Elizabeth Bennet was not a classic beauty, but she had a quality he had not yet seen amongst the ladies of the Ton. She was also intelligent and educated.
PPP
Two days after the party at Lucas Lodge, the Bennet family was finishing breakfast when Mrs. Hill handed Fanny a note. She opened it to read with some trepidation and frowned.
"Who sent you the note, my dear?" asked Mr. Bennet.
"It is from Miss Bingley," Fanny replied. "She invites us to dinner at Netherfield tomorrow." She looked at her husband, and asked, "Can you postpone the meetings you have set for tomorrow afternoon in London?"
Mr. Bennet paused for a few seconds, weighing his options. He had an important meeting with an associate of Mr. Gardiner, who was interested in purchasing Longbourn's products. Thomas was also interested in investing in businesses that Mr. Gardiner had recently recommended to him. "Both meetings are very important. I would rather not cancel them for a simple dinner at our neighbours' house." He smiled slightly at her, "You will have to go with our daughters."
Fanny shook her head. She had not returned to Netherfield since Jane's incident. It was her greatest fear the housekeeper would talk about what had happened that fateful afternoon between Jane and Mr. Willow, leading the neighbours to question Tommy's paternity. Mr. Bennet assured her that her fears were unfounded. If the housekeeper said anything, he would resoundingly deny it. No one would believe a servant over him. With some anxiety, Fanny replied, "But we do not have a carriage."
"Fanny, I will go to London by stagecoach, so you have the carriage to go to Netherfield."
Resigned, she responded, "Very well. If we have the carriage, I will go with our daughters."
"Father, do you recall your promise to take me to London? Aunt Gardiner invited me to stay at her house until Christmas. And I would also like to see Jane." Mary reminded him, hoping that he would keep his promise.
Mr. Bennet smiled and replied, "Indeed, I thought you had forgotten. Do you still wish to go to London?"
Mary nodded with pleasure. While she did not have as close a relationship with Jane as Elizabeth, she had wished to see her sister for a long time. Elizabeth spoke much of all the places she visited during her time in London, and Mary greatly anticipated seeing them on this visit.
"Father, it is not fair, I want to go to London with you too." Said Kitty, who had never been to the big city.
"Kitty, I am afraid it will not be possible this time. The Gardiners only have one small guest room." Seeing her daughter's disappointed face, he added, "But the next time I go to London, I promise you may accompany me."
"Do you have to sleep in the same bedroom as Mary?" Kitty asked, horrified.
"No, the only night I will stay in London, Mary will sleep with one of her cousins."
"Can I go to Netherfield with you, Mamma?" Lydia asked enthusiastically.
Mr. Bennet shook his head, and answered before his wife, "Lydia, you know the answer to that question already."
"But it is just dinner, and you let me attend the party at Lucas Lodge."
"Lydia, when you turn 16, you will be allowed to attend some parties, and when you turn 17, you will come out."
"It is not fair! Jane entered society at 15!"
"Stop it, Lydia." Admonished Mr. Bennet, "Go to your bedroom now. I will look over your lessons on my return from London. My trip is not an excuse for you to evade your work."
"But Father…"
Mr. Bennet stared at Lydia. She looked down, and grumbled all the way to her bedroom.
"Kitty, I will look over your lessons on my return as well."
"Yes, Papa. If I need help with French or history, I will ask Elizabeth."
"You are a good girl, Kitty." Mr. Bennet rose from the table and left the room.
Elizabeth did not say anything, but she understood Lydia's frustration. Due to Jane's great disappointment with Mr. Willow, added to the birth of Tommy, many changes took place at Longbourn. Most were to the benefit of the Bennet family, yet among them, was her mother's distrust of new neighbours.
After breakfast, Mrs. Bennet replied to Miss Bingley's note accepting the invitation, but only Elizabeth, Kitty, and she would attend.
The next morning, Elizabeth woke early enough to bid goodbye to Mr. Bennet and Mary before they left for London.