Chapter 9
The Longbourn ladies met the Netherfield party again, a mere three nights hence. Sir William Lucas and Lady Lucas had invited the neighbourhood families, including the newly arrived neighbours to Lucas Lodge. The modest size but lavishly decorated home, for an evening of music. Such parties allowed the ladies of the neighbourhood to display their musical accomplishments. Mary in particularly always took the opportunity to exhibit. Not always to the delight of the guests.
Mr Darcy, Mr Hurst and the Bingley sisters condescended to be introduced to the principal families in attendance. Mr Bingley’s personality was unaltered from the night of the assembly. And Mr Darcy need not have bothered to attend at all. For he spoke little and appeared to take no enjoyment in the company or the music. The Netherfield ladies did appear to make some small efforts. They spoke to Mary and indeed Elizabeth herself. They also gave her closest friend and the eldest daughter of the house, Charlotte some attention. However it was Jane who was singled out for particular attention from that quarter. Which Elizabeth thought showed fine, though surprising taste. Her mother was most gratified at Jane being the subject of such overtures.
Elizabeth did notice Mr Darcy paying some attention to certain guests. Unfortunately, it was her youngest sisters, who were flirting and joking most uproariously with a couple of theofficers. The long-expected quarterly of a battalion of Militia had arrived in Meryton not a month hence.
Ever since Lydia and Kitty had behaved in a most unladylike way in their presence. Elizabeth had raised the issue with her father. He had raised his hand to halt her speech. “Don’t worry Lizzy, the promised governess is even now winging her way to us. Your youngest sisters will soon be brought to heel.
Mr Darcy had also, she noted, turned his eye to his friend. Who had continued his attentions to her sister Jane. He had scarcely left her side all evening. Elizabeth had seen them talking to each other, appearing blind to anyone else in the room. She was sure that although she looked at them with delight. Mr Darcy did not look on it the same pleasure.
“He is just what a young man ought to be,” Jane said, “sensible, good-humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy manners! so much ease, with such perfect good breeding!” Jane proclaimed to Elizabeth, while they readied themselves for bed in Jane’s room. A routine they had begun from Elizabeth’s first foray into society.
“He is also handsome,” replied Elizabeth, “which a young man ought likewise to be if he possibly can. His character is thereby complete.”
“I was very much flattered by his taking such time to converse with me. I did not expect such a compliment.”
“Did not you? I did for you. But that is one great difference between us. Compliments always take you by surprise, and me never. What could be more natural than his wishing to talk with you? He could not help seeing that you were about five times as pretty as every other woman in the neighbourhood. And at least five times as sweet natured. Well, he certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.”
“Dear Lizzy!”
“Oh, you are a great deal too apt, you know, to like people in general. You never see a fault in anybody. All the world are good and agreeable in your eyes. I never heard you speak ill of a human being in my life.”
“I would wish not to be hasty in censuring anyone; but I always speak what I think.”
“I know you do and it is that which makes the wonder. With your good sense, to be so honestly blind to the follies and nonsense of others! But what do you think of his sisters? Their manners are not equal to his.” Elizabeth asked.
“Certainly not, at first; but they are very pleasing women when you converse with them. Miss Bingley is to live with her brother and keep his house; and I am much mistaken if we shall not find a very charming neighbour in her.”
Elizabeth continued to be unsure of the Bingley ladies. However the called at Longbourn the next day with their brother and Mr Darcy.
Mr Hursh, the husband of Mr Bingley’s eldest sister did not form part of the party. Miss Caroline Bingley gave Jane some attention, but Elizabeth had to wonder at her, or indeed Mr Darcy bothering to come at all. Mr Darcy, other than accepting acknowledgment of his presence, spend the majority of time peering out the window.
Mr Bingley politely made time to converse with every Bennet lady. But it was clear to all, only Jane engaged his interest, blushing prettily as they talked together.
As was proper, the ladies of the Bennet household, accompanied by their mother returned the visit the following day. Unfortunately, Mr Bingley and the other gentlemen of the party were absent at the time of their visit. Dealing with the business of the estate. Elizabeth enjoyed a lively discussion with the ladies about their experience of London and thefashions. Thinking of her own visit which would not be long in the future.
Elizabeth had been to London many times before. However a sojourn to her Aunt and Uncle in Gracechurch Street was a very different prospect to an invitation by Mrs Fitzherbert.
Miss Bingley was most pleased to share with Elizabeth the details of the London she knew. Talking of the quality of modistes and the fashionable homes and parties they attended. She spoke as if to one who would never get to experience such wonders. And Elizabeth for her part, kept her own counsel and shared noting of consequence in return.
The month before the whole of Meryton would have been speaking only of the Prince Regent’s stay in Longbourn. But Mrs Bennet had, in the intervening time quite worn out the ears of her neighbours with the details. For that reason, no one, not even Mrs Bennet, thought to mention the incident in the presence of any of the party at Netherfield. Lizzy thinking of it, decided that it was best kept to themselves and forbore of mentioning it.
