Page 9 of A Forced Marriage
Darcy replied courteously that they were indeed very comfortable.
Mr. Hurst, more focused on the generous spread before him than on the conversation, merely grunted his acknowledgment while serving himself another helping of ham.
The breakfast continued with idle conversation, the clinking of silverware, and the soft murmur of voices. Miss Bingley commented on the quality of the tea and the freshness of the bread, but her attempts to engage Darcy were met with polite, if reserved, responses.
After a few more moments of conversation, Mr. Bingley cleared his throat and announced, "I have received an invitation from Mr. Lucas for a ball at the Meryton Assembly. It is to happen in two days. It seems the entire neighbourhood will be in attendance."
Darcy, stirring his tea thoughtfully, remarked, "Mr. Bennet spoke well of Mr. Lucas when I met him yesterday. He also mentioned that his daughter is quite sensible, though I am not sure why he felt the need to include that detail."
"Perhaps Mr. Bennet sees you as a man who will soon be in need of a wife and was introducing you to the idea." Bingley chuckled.
Miss Bingley, her tone edged with disdain, interjected, "Mr. Bennet has his own daughters, and surely he would not be introducing you to someone else's. It is typical of country families to seek advantageous matches for their lowly daughters."
"Every family, whether in town or country, desires the best for their daughters. It is not for us to belittle their aspirations." Darcy's expression remained calm, but there was a firmness in his voice as he responded.
Miss Bingley's smile faltered, clearly ruffled by his rebuke. She turned to her sister for support. "Louisa, do you not agree that families in places like Meryton are particularly eager to introduce their daughters to any eligible gentleman?"
Mrs. Hurst, ever ready to support her sister, nodded. "Indeed, Caroline. For example, many people have been visiting Bingley since his arrival, and it is not merely because they are so neighbourly. Perhaps they have heard of his fortune and have come to make his acquaintance, hoping to connect their daughters."
"I believe you are mistaken, Caroline. Their visits are merely acts of friendliness and a natural desire to welcome new neighbors." Bingley said, sensing the implication of their remarks.
Darcy responded with measured calm, "Either way, every family will do what is best for their daughters. And some daughters, too, will pursue what they believe to be most advantageous, even when their efforts are clearly not making headway." He cast a pointed glance in Miss Bingley's direction.
"I plan to attend with everyone. It promises to be a delightful evening. Darcy, you must join us." Mr. Bingley announced.
Mr. Darcy shook his head, "I would prefer to sit it out, Bingley," though his tone lacked conviction.
"Nonsense," Bingley insisted. "It will be a good opportunity for us to connect with the local society, and you can meet the Bennets again to express your thanks for their assistance. It is only proper before we can officially call on them."
Darcy sighed, recognizing the futility of resisting Bingley's enthusiasm. "Very well. I shall accompany you."
"Excellent! It will be a splendid evening, I am sure."
Miss Bingley, though maintaining her composure, could not conceal her irritation entirely. Mr. Hurst, oblivious to the undercurrents of the conversation, continued to focus on his breakfast, content with the promise of good food and company.
Chapter 5
Two days passed in a whirlwind of preparation and anticipation at the Bennet household. The excitement for the ball at Lucas Lodge permeated the air, with each sister attending to her attire and appearance with meticulous care. Gowns were laid out, hair arranged with ribbons and pins, and each young lady added her final touches, eager to present herself at her best. Mrs. Bennet, full of her usual energy, offered advice and exclamations of approval, her spirits lifted by the hope that her daughters might catch the attention of the finest gentlemen at the assembly.
The evening of the ball arrived, and the Bennet family set out for Lucas Lodge. The grand hall was aglow with the soft radiance of countless candles, casting a warm, inviting sheen over the polished wood floors and the opulently adorned walls. The hum of conversation and laughter filled the room, interspersed with the lively sound of a harpsichord.
Upon their arrival, Lydia and Kitty eagerly dashed off to join Maria Lucas and other friends, who were already engaged in conversation with some militia officers. Mrs. Bennet gravitated towards Lady Lucas, Mrs. Long, and some other women, all ready to share the latest gossip. Elizabeth soon spotted her lifelong friend, Charlotte Lucas, who greeted her warmly. The two friends made their way to a quieter spot at the back of the room, slightly removed from the bustling throng.
Mary, the moralist, shook her head as she watched her younger sisters flock to the militia men but chose to stay near the musicians, content to observe the proceedings with a more critical eye. Jane found a chair closer to her mother where she eased herself while relishing a glass of punch.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bennet and Sir William Lucas were engaged in conversation near the entrance. "Your daughters look charming tonight, Mr. Bennet," Sir William said jovially. "And I hear your cousin is here as well?"
"Indeed, he is," Mr. Bennet replied with a wry smile. "Allow me to introduce him. Mr. Collins, this is Sir William Lucas."
Mr. Collins, who had been standing sheepishly close to the duo, bowed deeply and greeted Sir William. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir William. This ball is truly a magnificent affair.”
“I am glad you approve,” Sir William said, extending his hand for a handshake, which Mr. Collins eagerly took.
With a rather foolish smile, Mr. Collins added, “Lady Catherine de Bourgh, my esteemed patroness, would be delighted to witness such a fine display of elegance and decorum."
Sir William, taken aback by the sudden mention of Lady Catherine, responded with polite curiosity. "Lady Catherine de Bourgh, you say? I am not familiar with her."
"Ah, yes. You must forgive Mr. Collins. He is quite devoted to Lady Catherine, who seems to have made quite an impression on him. But please, pay no mind to his frequent references to her. It is merely the enthusiasm of a loyal subject." Mr. Bennet, his eyes twinkling with amusement, interjected.
