They followed Kitty into her bedchamber to look at the dress and discuss the amount of ribbon needed. When they finished,Elizabeth and Mary found Jane waiting for them. As they descended the stairs, they could hear their mother complaining.
“Mr. Bennet, practically all the gentlemen of the neighborhood have already made Mr. Bingley’s acquaintance. That puts our girls at a distinct disadvantage!”
“Indeed? And how is that so?” questioned Papa.
“Because their daughters will be acquainted with Mr. Bingley, and yours will not be!”
“Now, now, Mrs. Bennet, I am sure our daughters will make his acquaintance before long. He is part of the neighborhood now, is he not? If you will excuse me, I must have a word with Mr. Hill.”
At that, Papa walked away, leaving Mama staring after him, agape. It was at that moment Elizabeth and her sisters noticed Aunt Phillips standing across from the drawing room door.
“Oh, hello, Aunt! We did not see you there,” Jane said apologetically.
“Hello, girls,” she replied. “Are you on your way out?”
“Yes, we—"
“Sister! Do you see, Sister?" Mama interrupted, wailing. "Mr. Bennet—he will not be moved!”
“I do indeed, Sister!” cried Aunt Phillips.
Mama then entered the drawing room with Aunt Phillips on her heels.
Jane looked at Elizabeth and Mary. Her face held an expression that was equal parts humor and exasperation. Raising her brows, she asked, "Shall we go?"
As they exited the house, their father appeared and followed them outside.
Seeing the carriage in the drive, Elizabeth asked, “Where are you off to, Papa?”
“I am on my way to Meryton to Peterson’s Bookshop. I placed an order with him some weeks ago. He sent word to me thatit has arrived. Will you three join me? You can ride into the village with your father and have more energy for your walk back home.”
They happily complied with their father’s suggestion and were on their way.
The carriage pulled up close to the bookshop. Papa exited the carriage, turned and handed down Jane, then Elizabeth. When Elizabeth stepped aside so that Mary could alight, she noticed two gentlemen and a young lady walking in the direction of the bookshop. Just as they were about to enter the bookshop, one of the gentlemen called out a greeting.
“Mr. Bennet!” said the gentleman with fair coloring.
Papa looked toward the gentleman and smiled. “Mr. Bingley, good to see you!”
Mr. Bingley?!Elizabeth thought, shocked.Clearly, Papa has indeed made Mr. Bingley’s acquaintance!Her eyes met Jane’s, and they each quickly schooled their features into polite friendliness.
“Good to see you, sir! I hope you are well?” Mr. Bingley asked.
“Very well. And yourself?”
“I cannot complain,” Mr. Bingley replied good-naturedly. “Please allow me to introduce my friends. Darcy, Miss Darcy, this is Mr. Thomas Bennet of Longbourn. Mr. Bennet, this is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire and his sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
The gentlemen bowed, and Miss Darcy curtsied.
Apparently, the praise had not been exaggerated. Mr. Bingley was indeed attractive with strawberry-blonde hair and blue eyes. However, Elizabeth had never seen a man as handsome as Mr. Darcy. He was tall and broad-shouldered with an athleticbuild. He had dark, curly hair. His dark brows and dark lashes enhanced the brown color of his eyes.
“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bennet,” Mr. Darcy said.
“Likewise, Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy,” said Papa. “Allow me to introduce my daughters. Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Mary Bennet.” After another round of bowing, curtsying, and feelings of pleasure exchanged, Papa asked, “Mr. Bingley, how are you finding Netherfield?”
“It suits me quite well! I hope you will find time to join us for some sport,” Mr. Bingley said.
“Certainly, just send the word,” replied Papa. He glanced toward the door of the bookshop, then asked, “Are you all entering the bookshop as well?”
