Kitty was attending an assembly for the first time tomorrow.She was now seventeen and it was time to come out.Mary had come out in simple fashion last year, asking her mother not to host a party or force her into anything overly social.She had requested she stay home with Lydia the next night as well, and as Mrs.Bennet was preoccupied with her other daughters, she agreed.
Kitty could not understand Mary.To not want a fuss for her come out!And to not want to dance at every opportunity?It was beyond comprehension.Kitty would have liked a grand ball if it were possible.Alas, she would settle for the local assembly.
As they prepared for the assembly the next day, Elizabeth’s mark began to feel warm and parts of it tingled.She thought it was the way she was moving, or perhaps her stay was digging into her ribs, but even in nothing but a chemise and wrapper, the burning sensation continued.She had no idea what it meant, but after what had happened with Lydia’s mark, and how large and unusual her own was, she had come to the conclusion that the Bennet sisters’ soul marks simply did not behave the way marks usually did and that was all there was to it.
“Lizzy!Hurry and dress!We mustn’t be late!”
Elizabeth sighed at her mother’s shrill voice, then stepped into her gown.It was high enough in the back that only a tiny sliver of her soul mark showed.It would be easy to miss unless one was looking for it.
Jane’s mark was more difficult to conceal, on the back of her neck as it was.She had a few curls hanging down that covered it partially, but it was still visible to anyone who was looking.It had not escaped the sisters’ notice—nor Mrs.Bennet’s—that Mr.Bingley had the correct initial for Jane’s mark.They did not know his given name yet, but Jane looked nervous.
“All will be well, Jane.I know it,” said Elizabeth.
“Thank you, Lizzy.There is no use wondering until we know.It is either him or it is not.”
“That is a very sanguine approach.I applaud you.”
“Girls!Come downstairs!”Mrs.Bennet’s shrill voice echoed up the stairs.
Elizabeth sighed and pinched her cheeks.She would not think about the mysterious Mr.Bingley or his party of strangers.Tonight was Kitty’s first assembly and she deserved her sisters’ attention.Besides, Jane was nervous enough for both of them.
The assembly room was a crush.Every family they knew in Meryton was there as well as some from further afield.The local tradesmen who could afford a ticket were also in attendance with their families.
Kitty was bouncing on the balls of her feet.
“Are you nervous?”Elizabeth whispered to her sister.
Kitty turned to her with wide eyes.“No.Should I be?”
“No, not at all!Nearly everyone here is known to you, at least by sight, and you have your family about you.All will be well.”
Kitty nodded and looked about the room with a bright smile.She would open the dance with her father, and her Uncle Phillips had requested she save the last dance for him.For the rest of her dances, she faced the daunting task of finding partners.
This was where having a social mother and two well-liked elder sisters was a distinct advantage.Within ten minutes of them arriving, every man present knew it was Kitty’s first assembly and her dance card was filled.
“Well, Kitty, your first ball appears to be a success,” commented her aunt Phillips after the first dance.
“And why wouldn’t it be?”cried Mrs.Bennet.“These young men are lucky to be dancing with her!”
“I was only saying her evening is filled with—”
Mr.Bennet interrupted.“Now ladies, let us not take the attention away from Kitty.This is her night after all.”
Mrs.Bennet huffed and lifted her nose in the air and her sister flounced off to her friends.
Just as the second set was starting, there was a commotion at the door.Everyone turned to see the party from Netherfield striding in.There were three gentlemen and two ladies, a far cry from the numbers which had been circulating, and the entire group looked rather too pleased with themselves.
Sir William Lucas rushed over to greet them, loudly crying, “Mr.Bingley!Welcome to our assembly!”
Soon enough, Sir William was taking Mr.Bingley around the room, introducing him to all and sundry.Mrs.Bennet quickly gathered her daughters like chicks to a hen and placed them in order of seniority.
“This is Mr.Thomas Bennet of Longbourn,” intoned Sir William.
Elizabeth listened with half an ear as he went down the family line, bobbing a curtsey when her name came up.What was the man’s given name?Oh, why did he not just say it already?
“Mr.Charles Bingley.”That was all Elizabeth needed to hear.CB!His initials were CB!Now if only his middle name were Harold or Henry or Hezekiah.Jane grabbed Elizabeth’s hand, squeezing tightly.When Mr.Bingley asked Jane for the next set, Elizabeth squeezed her sister’s hand in return.She had not even heard the rest of the conversation, and she had completely missed the name of Mr.Bingley’s companion.
This could be him!Jane’s soulmate!How could anyone focus on such a night?
