The Bennet family was one of the most prominent in the small town of Meryton. Their estate, Longbourn, had been in their family for over 200 years and brought in a little more than £2000 per year. Mr. Bennet was an intelligent and well-read man, but he made the same mistake that many men made during their youth; he married the most beautiful woman in town, thinking he was in love with her, but he realized his mistake not long after. They had nothing in common; Mrs. Bennet was a woman of mean understanding and ill-mannered, as well. The majority of the 23 years of their marriage were not happy. They were blessed only with five daughters, but unfortunately, the estate was entailed away from the female line, and the heir was a distant cousin.
Their eldest child, Jane, was born in the first year of their marriage. She grew into a beautiful, kind, shy woman and was her mother's favourite daughter. Two years later, their second child Elizabeth - or Lizzy, as the family called her - was born. She was her father's favourite daughter. She was intelligent, witty, and very pretty, with dark hair and beautiful dark blue eyes. She loved reading and debating with her father. The third child Mary was born one year later. She was a very serious girl and was overlooked by her parents. She loved reading sermons and playing the pianoforte. The fourth child, Catherine or Kitty, was a pretty, nice, but silly girl, and the youngest, Lydia, was very spoiled by her mother.
In the last year, tragedy had struck the family, for their beloved first child had died of pneumonia. Mrs. Bennet was devasted and didn't leave her room for several days afterwards. Mr. Bennet helped his wife as best as he could. He knew he had not been a good husband, and he tried to show her that he cared for her and her wellbeing. Due to his long-overdue efforts, their marriage improved, and Mrs. Bennet recovered.
Mr. Bennet started working more diligently on his estate and actively took an active role in his daughters' education. He knew he had neglected his duty to protect his family, and he was trying to make some improvements. Thankfully, this year's harvest was pretty good, and he could save at least £500 for his daughters' dowries.
Mr. Bennet was reading a business letter in his study when the door opened, and his wife stormed in.
"Oh Mr. Bennet, I am so excited. Lady Lucas invited us to an assembly in a fortnight. What a wonderful thing! Our mourning period was over last month. It is a perfect opportunity for our girls. I need some money to buy some ribbons and lace. Oh, Lydia, she needs a beautiful dress. You know, this assembly is going to be her coming-out ball. Oh, I forgot, there is a new tenant in Netherfield Park. Lady Lucas said he is single, handsome, and rich. He has £5.000 per year. You must visit him. What a great opportunity for our girls!"
"Calm down Mrs. Bennet. I know about the assembly and the new tenant. His name is Mr. Bingley and he is from the north. Sir William told me some days ago and I accepted the invitation on behalf of the family. Don't worry my dear, I am going to visit Mr. Bingley before the assembly. I agree with you, our mourning period is over and it is time to continue with our lives."
Mrs. Bennet kissed his cheek and answered, "I'll talk with our girls. They have been very sad this year, especially our Lizzy. You know, I miss Jane very much. She was my favorite child; she was so beautiful and kind. She was meant to marry a wealthy gentleman… life is unfair." Mrs. Bennet started to cry as she always did when thinking of her beautiful Jane.
Mr. Bennet hugged his wife tightly and tenderly consoled her. "Hush, Mrs. Bennet. Please don't cry. I feel miserable when you cry. I miss Jane too, but we have four more daughters, and life must go on."
"You are right, Mr. Bennet, you are right".
October 1811
Darcy was riding in the countryside, deep in thought about his last conversation with his uncle, the Earl of Matlock. They had talked about his future and Pemberley. He needed to marry as soon as possible and change his will. He knew that if Georgiana were to inherit Pemberley, Wickham would most likely ruin the hard work of Darcy's ancestors. If he died without children, his heir should be Richard, not Georgiana.
His uncle told him that Lady Victoria was already engaged to the son of an Earl. He didn't have feelings for Lady Victoria, but he felt disappointed that it took her less than three months to get engaged to another man. He knew most of the Ton's marriages were arranged, and there were no deep feelings - or feelings at all - between the couple. Most rich men had their mistresses and spent little time with their wives. His parents' marriage had been arranged, and perhaps they had not been in love, but their relationship had been based on mutual respect, and his father never took a mistress. His uncle was willing to help him find a wife and had said that probably in a year or two, the Ton would forget the scandal, and, at that point, many women would again be willing to marry him. He knew it was true: a woman's virtue, once lost, is lost forever, but a man's transgression – especially if he had money - was easier to forget and forgive.
The Matlocks never asked about Georgiana. Clearly, his family didn't care about her anymore, and if he was honest with himself, he was still very disappointed and angry with her. He knew she was young and naïve and, in a few years, she would probably regret her careless and selfish conduct - but it was too late for her. She was Mrs. Wickham now.
Suddenly, he saw a young woman in his path. He quickly pulled on the reins to stop his horse, and the woman jumped to avoid the collision. Darcy soothed his horse and dismounted to offer some help to the young woman. She was sitting on the grass, and from the expression on her face, she was in pain.
"Miss, are you hurt? I am very sorry; I was deep in thought and didn't see you. My name is Fitzwilliam Darcy and I am visiting Netherfield Park. May I help you to stand?"
She looked at him, her eyes flashing furiously. "Sir, you should pay more attention to your surroundings. I only sprained my ankle but you could have killed me!"
"I did apologize and explain that I was not paying attention to my surroundings, but you shouldn't be wandering Netherfield Park's paths without permission."
"Sir, perhaps you are not aware, but we are not on the lands of Netherfield Park, we are in the boundaries of my father's estate, Longbourn. The border fence was broken some days ago. So, your assumptions are wrong and you are trespassing!"
Darcy flushed with embarrassment and replied, "Madam, I'm sorry." Seeing that she was in pain touching her ankle, he added, "You are clearly in pain. If you wish, you may ride my horse, and I can take you to your home. What is your name?"
"I am Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn and I am not a horsewoman. My ankle is sore, but I can walk. We are very close to my house." To demonstrate she didn't need his help, she got up and started walking home without a second glance.
Mr. Darcy was irritated. As a gentleman, he knew he should escort her to her home, but this woman had dismissed him and didn't want his help. So, he returned to Netherfield Park, and perhaps at this evening's assembly, he could make some inquiries about her health.