Notes: Based on a plot bunny by raisndustbunys on AHA: 'Due to Jane's loyalty to Lizzy, she asks Bingley why his friend slighted her sister at the assembly. She further states that not only did Lizzy overhear the slight but so did some of the family, friends and neighbors causing Lizzy great humiliation and on-going teasing.'
Title from 'We are family' by Sister Sledge.
Of an evening, the Bennet ladies entered Lucas Lodge for an intimate soiree. Miss Jane Bennet was stylishly beautiful in her pale blue gown, delicately embroidered. The blush on her cheeks once she made eye contact with Mr Bingley was very becoming, so Mr. Bingley thought. Both Bingley sisters sneered before turning their backs on all Bennet ladies. Mr Darcy stared at Miss Elizabeth to the exclusion of all else.
Mrs Bennet joined the other matrons and crowed to all who would hear, and some who would not, how very well Jane looked tonight, how Mr Bingley could not but be charmed by her and how she was sure to be installed as Netherfields next mistress before Christmas.
Miss Jane Bennet blushed something fierce, observing those around her. Mr Bingley came towards her.
"Miss Bennet!" he cried. "May I say how very lovely you look tonight! Why, you have the beauty of an angel! Please come sit with me here, I would love to spend some time just with you!"
Mr Bingley almost seemed to bounce on his feet, smiling brilliantly at her. Jane idly wondered at the very great difference between Mr Bingley and his closest friend, who was now glowering at her sister Elizabeth. Jane looked again from one friend to the other and a frown began to appear on her face.
"Certainly Mr. Bingley, I believe it is time we spoke," she replied. "Can you explain the behaviour of your party to me Sir? Can you tell me why just now, your sisters gave my family the cut direct? And why your friend, supposedly a gentleman, chose to loudly and publicly insult my dearest sister, who had done nothing to deserve such treatment from him? Does he even realize the amount of malicious gossip and ridicule that has been unleashed on her? Do you?"
Jane's cheeks were again flushed red, and while beautiful, Mr. Bingley thought she was a bit frightening when angry. He slowly backed away, breaking out in a cold sweat. For a few long moments, his mind was solely focussed on his escape from this unexpectedly unpleasant encounter.
"Well, er, I, er", Mr. Bingley stammered, then stopped and thought for a moment. "I am sure my sisters meant no harm, why, they told me they thought you a dear, sweet lady they would love to know better!"
Mr Bingley smiled at Jane's visage, once more perfectly serene, calm and beautiful. Mr. Bingley took a deep breath, feeling as if a crisis had been averted.
"'As for Darcy," he continued, "he always stalks the sidelines at balls, in fact he rarely dances at all. I declare I do not know a more awful object than Darcy, on particular occasions, and in particular places; at his own house especially, and of a Sunday evening, when he has nothing to do. I assure you, that if Darcy were not such a great tall fellow, in comparison with myself, I should not pay him half so much deference."
Mr. Bingley gulped when he suddenly perceived the fury not only on the face of Miss Bennet, but also on the faces of her sisters, her friends and her neighbours. They all suddenly seemed much closer than they were before. He ignored the fish-like gaping Mrs Bennet was engaged in, as well as the hurt mortification Darcy exhibited. His sisters were snickering in a corner, oblivious to all that was happening around them.
"I see," spoke Miss Jane Bennet, in a voice unlike anything he had ever heard before. "You created the situation that hurt my dearest sister's feelings, as well as her reputation. You allow your own sisters to run wild and be discourteous and crude. You, who are the head of your family, and Mr Darcy, a guest in your home. You in fact facilitate and justify all their bad behaviours. Thank you for explaining it so fully. You will excuse me. One man in my life who sees no reason to correct those under his purview, is more than I can stomach. Goodbye, Mr. Bingley."
As Jane regally turned around she came face to face with all of her sisters, as well as Charlotte and Maria Lucas.
"Jane!" Lydia gushed, "you were magnificent!"
"Indeed you were," said Charlotte, "you may be very proud of how you stood up for all of us"'
"Oh Jane," Lizzy beamed at her older sister, "thank you for your wonderful defense. You are the best sister any girl could ask for."
With those words, the girls hugged and went to mingle with the rest of their friends.