Posted on Tuesday, 31 August 2004
The Bennets were overly excited at the news of the Bingleys return and their taking up residence in Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet particularly was extremely delighted. Mrs. Lucas who always was ahead in local gossip news, was the first to relay the good news.
"Mrs. Bennet, did you hear? The Bingleys have returned to Netherfield!" Remarked Mrs. Lucas.
The Bennets were outside in the shrubbery when the news came, the two elder Miss Bennets were particularly affected. Jane especially had a coloring expression, she was determined to remain indifferent to the news.
"There Jane, I am sure all will work well now! I have all the hopes that HE will soon pay us a visit and mend things in a favorable manner." Cried Mrs. Bennet.
"Mend things in a favorable manner? What do you mean mama?" asked Elizabeth Bennet.
Mrs. Bennet looked surprised at the question. She gave a good look at her least favorite daughter, who was eagerly waiting for some explanation. She obliged her after a long pause.
"Well....You know very well Lizzy to ask me that question. Mr. Bingley treated poor Jane Abominably. Do you not remember last year, when he quitted Netherfield, after courting my Jane and giving her such false hopes! Though I know it is not his fault at all. I am pretty sure he was unkindly influenced by that proud, tall friend of his!"
"But Mama, Mr. Bingley had every right to quit Netherfield as he chuse so. He is his own master. And as far as courting Jane is concerned.......'after blushing a little and giving Jane a look.....she continued.' As as Far the courting, he did no such thing. As far as I know, words were never spoken.' Concluded Lizzy.
Mrs. Bennet was much occupied with her knitting material, quite jolly looking, she was in no mood to argue with her Elizabeth. To her the news of Netherfield being occupied was enough to enable to live in a la la land if only for a short time. She was prepared to loose any argument-even from Mr. Bennet who had just arrived from visiting Meryton.
"Aahh Mister Bennet, did you hear the Bingleys have taken up Netherfield?" Mrs. Bennet asked enthusiastically.
'Yes I have.'
'I dare say, I am infinitely hopeful. Will you be so kind as to pay them a visit?'
'Do not have to. It is absolutely unnecessary.'
'Unnecessary? Oh Mr. Bennet why do you say such a thing! You are most insensitive!
He smiled silently as he went along to sit on his favorite sofa, leisurely picking up his newspaper. Mr. Bennet always enjoyed giving his wife a little of trouble before really obliging her with her wishes. Mrs. Bennet was busy sneezing and forcing tears that refused to drop, while lamenting the misfortunes that will befall her. She was rattling endlessly about her luck to have such a disobliging husband who was determined to inflict her with headaches-every opportunity he gets. The two elder Bennets tried their best to hide their suppressed smiles.
"My dear, I said unnecessary because I thought-a visit to them would fetch nothing of consequence. When I was in town, I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Bingley himself, thereby save myself a trip to Netherfield!"
Said Mr. Bennet indifferently as he continued to read his paper.
"Meet Mr. Bingley in town? Upon my word.....what? Meet him in town? Oh Mr. Bennet, and.....what else?
After a prolonged pause that caused him every joy and she every pain, he continued with an affected tone.
'We talked about business, inquired about his family's health, and finally I invited him to dine with us tomorrow!'
Mrs. Bennet was extremely affected by hearing this fantastic confession. She immediately rose up to give her now sweet adoring husband a long embrace, a kiss on the head and more on the cheek. Jane was most taken back. Her reflection sunk down in relief mixed with great anxiety. Elizabeth slowly descended her hand underneath the table, and firmly held her sister in support. The other Bennet girls were decidedly indifferent.
The next evening was quite an evening to look forward to. Mrs. Bennet had taken up with Sally on all the meal preparation. Jane Was particularly instructed to wear her pretty yellow silk gown, and look decidedly enchanting. She was determined to have her favorite daughter, Jane look absolutely exquisite. Her hair was particularly prepared her. Meanwhile, Elizabeth was likewise instructed to wear something less grand, and less pretty.
'Oh Jane, look at you. I must say- you take my breath away.'
Jane blushed exceedingly and quickly discouraged her sister for any further flattery.
'Lizzy -stop! Lizzy I always said you look so very well in White lace. I must say I think you the prettiest of us all!'
Lizzy smiled faintly and gazed at her sister with much admiration.
"Oh Jane, you are so sweet. Thank you, but I must disagree. I think you are the prettiest, and with the sweetest heart of all. If I could only have your heart, I would be infinitely content. I dare say, I know I am pretty--though not as pretty as you are of course-if I could only have your heart-- I would be happy. I dare say, even happier if I do not have any other better Mr. Collins offer marriage.'
A sweet embrace followed, proceeded by noise of Mrs. Bennet rushing into the room in frantic movements. Mr. Bingley had arrived sooner than they he was expected. Mrs. Bennet looked pretty herself, though dressed in black. She was determined to spot light her favorite daughter by any means. Apparently Mr. Bingley has not come alone.
"Oh hurry up gals. Mr. Bingley is here. Though not alone, he is with his proud tall friend. What was his name?'
"Darcy," retorted Elizabeth with a little bit veiled irritation. She was secretly thinking to herself. 'Oh if only you could know what 'that tall proud man' you call, has done for you mama! IF only you could know how good of a man he is. How generous and good he is. If only you knew WE are secretly engaged!'
'Darcy? Lizzy you mean-Mr. Darcy? What is this--How can you call him in that familiar tone Lizzy? Asked Mrs. Bennet.
She had no time to reproof Elizabeth on her folly, she hurriedly grabbed Jane and walked her to the parlor where they would receive their guests promptly. Elizabeth was left behind with a smile on her face. She was almost tempted to explain what Mr. Darcy was to her but thought imprudent of it, after much reflection. Lizzy stood before the mirror, gazing at her herself. She fixed the hair rolls on her face, as she smiled and got lost in deep thoughts. She was determined to have this day--belong to her sister. Although she was more clear sighted than her mother. She Bingley. A continuation of abandoned affections that could promise nothing but more promises. Elizabeth Bennet was only whispering to herself of putting no false hope. She could not also help but think of him. Her Mr. Darcy. She did feel guilty of keeping the engagement a secret. Her feelings has undergone so much change lately that if word could go out now--a sudden declaration-it will all seem, a joke. Her feelings were always against him, always openly declared. Always laughed with the rest of the family when they teased Mr. Darcy. Things are different now. She was in love. The hardest part of hiding the engagement was the ability not to tell her confidant. Her sweet dear Jane. But she also knew her love was great enough to put her sisters happiness first. Although it would give Jane no greater happiness to learn that her favorite sister was engaged, she couldn't bare the sadness post the momentarily happiness that the news would bring. She dreaded the sight of seeing her sister forced to be happy and sad at the same time. She was deep in her silent happiness before her mother burst into the room and declared.
'My dear! My dear! My sweet Sweet Lizzy! I am speechless. I have just learnt about your engagement! That proud tall man.....nay......Sweet Mr. Darcy had asked for your hand in marriage! Ten thousand pound! Ten Thousand pound! Dear sweet, sweet favorite daughter Lizzy! Cried her mother.