Chapter I
Posted on Sunday, 16 May 1999
When the news reached Meryton that a handsome young man of good fortune was to settle at Netherfield, the occupants of the town and area so forth were duly elated. They all anxiously looked forward to the opportunity of meeting the man whom every mother was so anxious to marry their daughters to. It had been reported that he was bringing a party of young people with him to the next assembly, (this some of the mothers privately feared, less fashionable single women be included – It was enough that there was a shortage of eligible men already: They didn't need more taken from them), however, when the party entered the assembly room , it consisted of only five altogether; Mr. Bingley, his two sisters, the husband of the eldest, and another young man.
"Look Jane, Lizzy, is Mr. Bingley and the young gentleman with him not handsome, and good humoured? La! Where is Mr. Bennet? He must introduce us at once, or else Lady Lucas will snare them and force Mr. Bingley to dance with Charlotte Lucas," Mrs. Bennet cried to her two eldest daughters in very audible whisper. Jane and Elizabeth exchanged amused glances, knowing that Lady Lucas would do nothing of the sort. While their mother hastily went in search of Mr. Bennet, they remained where they were standing. To their immense embarrassment their mother and parents returned, with the aforementioned men in tow.
"Oh dear," Elizabeth remarked privately to Jane, "It seems as though mama is determined to embarrass us this evening. You may have your pick first though sister, as you are the prettiest."
"Lizzy!" Jane admonished softly, "They might hear you." She blushed prettily, and smiled at her father and the two men when they were introduced.
"Mr. Bingley, this is my eldest daughter Jane, and my second eldest Elizabeth. Lizzy, Jane, this is Mr. Bingley and his good friend Mr. Wickham, of Pemberley." Elizabeth and Jane curtseyed gracefully and Mr. Bingley asked Jane for the first two. Following his friend's example, Miss Elizabeth was engaged for the same with Mr. Wickham.