Behind the Scenes, Pride and Prejudice Fanfiction

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Behind the Scenes - Section I By locarol

The Beginning,

Chapter 1

Posted on Tuesday, 21 January 2003

Elizabeth Bennet loved assemblies. She found nothing more stimulating than large gatherings of people. They gave her the opportunity to hone her wit, evolve her conversational skills to an even sharper edge as well as feed her endless thirst for observation and reflection. She could live for months on one assembly alone, for Elizabeth was a girl who was used to attention, not because she sort it as much as it came to her, a natural result of her presence. She could speak on almost any topic to anyone and if the topic was foreign to her, she had the extraordinary skill of twisting it to suit her experience. She had no qualms about being noticed. It was so natural to her that she failed to even realise that it happened because she lived in a world where beauty was the attribute commented on and intellect was the attribute neglected.

The next Meryton assembly was proving to be of even greater interest because of the arrival of a group of people from town who, it was gossiped, included single young men. For despite her penchant for conversation, she was quite ready to admit that single young men were of extra interest. And this party definitely had some young men. After all she was twenty and far outgrowing the desire to reside with her parents.

The group of people from town did indeed include single young men, rich young men. Mr. Bingley, the host of this town party had heard upon entering the neighbourhood, that it was abundant with pretty girls and he was fortunate soon after his arrival to be visited by the father of some of them. He naturally returned the visit as soon as was expedient as he was twenty-three and his every waking thought was of ladies. And sport of course, but ladies first! He failed to see any of them however as Mr. Bennet kept his visit confined to the library. Mr. Bennet did inform him of the assembly that was to take place in a week though and that was sufficient for him to be glad of his choice of residence.

Besides young men the town party also included ladies of which Meryton assemblies already had ample. This more than average supply of ladies was another reason that the host of this town party chose to attend. He was hoping to meet as many pretty ladies as he could and he was assured that the majority of his party would be more than willing to put on their shiny clothes and do funny things with their hair in order to attend also. You see his two sisters would attend out of vanity. There was nothing better than entering a room wearing the most expensive dress, having the most refined manners and the most fortune. Of this they would be assured in such a small community. The younger of his two sisters, Caroline, had an extra inducement. She was forever attempting to appear outstanding to the other young gentleman in the party and a country assembly offered unlimited opportunities for her to shine, at least in her own eyes. Mr. Hurst, the husband of Mr. Bingley's elder sister, Louisa, would go out of boredom. He could think of nothing worse than drinking alone at home.

The fifth member of Mr. Bingley's party, a Mr. Darcy, was another story indeed. He would go out of respect; respect for his host. However Mr. Bingley was hoping to induce his friend into willing rather than obligatory attendance, perhaps even enjoyment.

'I returned Mr. Bennet's visit this morning Darcy. You should have come with me. There is to be an assembly next week and I think we should all attend. There are to be many pretty girls there.'

'With husband seeking mothers!'

'That is of no consequence. I am not seeking a wife and neither are you, that I know of,'

'Bingley, our desires or reasons are of no consequence at such proceedings. They will think what they will.'

'You are too suspicious man, and think of the dancing.'

'Bingley you know I hate it.'

'But you cannot spend your nights sitting around brooding.'

'I do not brood. I read.'

'What harm is there in talking with pretty girls?'

'Bingley, you astound me with your naiveté. It is impossible for men in our position to even glance at pretty girls without their mothers marital machinations coming into play.'

'It would be an excellent opportunity to try out the coach at night.'

'We can do that without attending the assembly. I came for sport Bingley.'

'And so did I. But a man must have some form of distraction Darcy.'

'Bingley, is that all you think about?'

'No more than you or any other man our age.'

'I do not spend wasteless hours thinking of ladies.'

'They are not wasteless and neither do I. But it is normal to want female company.'

Darcy sighed. 'Of course it is but one must be careful. Giving preference is too easy and before one knows it, one is involved in some form of commitment.'

'Darcy you are too wary for your own good.'

'Bingley, you and I are opposites in this area. You enjoy falling in love. I would rather let Georgiana provide Pemberley with an heir than end up with a wife I loathe.'

'And so you need to fall in love, that is all. And you cannot fall in love unless you spend time with ladies.'

'It is the act of spending time with ladies in a society such as this that can cause problems.'

'We will never agree on this Darcy. But will you come?'

'Yes,' he replied much to Mr. Bingley's surprise.

Mr. Darcy had no desire for pleasure outside this small group. He was not in humour due to a very distressing incident that he had only recently dealt with. He detested dancing, was completely uncomfortable amongst strangers and had a deep-seated abhorrence of raucous laughing and over indulgent drinking which he suspected this assembly might offer. The fact that single ladies of reputed beauty were to be present did offer a hint of extra inducement however. A man is a man after all. However the social climate of Meryton and its neighbouring village of Longbourn was limited, thus creating obvious inadequacies in the general population. Due to his wealth and connections he felt assured of being singled out in some form, which was the last thing on earth that he ever wanted. Although he had reached the age of twenty-eight he had no pressing desire to form a permanent connection with any lady particularly one from the country.

Chapter 2

Posted on Saturday, 25 January 2003

The town party was fashionably late of course and met by Mr. Phillips the resident attorney, followed closely by Sir William Lucas, the only knight in the locale. Both men had visited Netherfield and felt familiar enough begin introductions. Mr. Bingley made a discreet enquiry about Mr. Bennet in the hope of securing an introduction to his renowned daughters. However, to no avail as Sir William informed him that Mr. Bennet had chosen not to attend as he always found assemblies not worth his bother. Mr. Bingley introduced his sisters and Mr. Darcy and then proceeded with Sir William to meet his wife and daughters. Mr. Darcy skillfully withdrew from further mingling by engaging Miss Bingley in conversation.

Much to their delight, Mr. Bingley's sisters were immediately noticed and they spent the first few minutes gloating silently on the impression they made on the locals. They stood tall, with feathers even taller, and allowed the ladies present to assess the fashion, style and cost of their frocks. The fact that Mr. Darcy chose to stand with them only enhanced the impression they were sure they were making. There is after all nothing better than being above one's company.

Upon his entrance, Elizabeth noticed Mr. Darcy, not that she knew his name. How could she not when he was so tall and so very handsome! Elizabeth had not seen anyone quite so noble and attractive in many months. He had dark curly hair that had been allowed to follow its own course. More often than not, men of his wealth favoured enhancements of some sort. His colour choices were dark like his complexion but they suited him well. His clothing was expensive but not at all ostentatious. He had wide eyes that were deeply set adding a kind of mystery to him. His teeth she had no idea of, as he never smiled. He had two small creases above his nose that seemed rather permanent for a man still in his twenties. Of course, the attributes or otherwise of the young men were discussed immediately by Elizabeth and her elder sister Jane.

'Jane, Mr. Bingley must be the one with Sir William. Who is the other one?' asked Elizabeth.

'Charlotte told me that she thinks his name is Darcy from Derbyshire,' replied Jane.

'Darcy! It sounds rather like a name he would have. It suits him.'

'Suits him? Lizzy you make me laugh. I think those are his sisters.'

'Mr. Darcy's sisters?'

'No, Mr. Bingley's. Papa said that his sisters were at Netherfield with him.'

'Jane, whom do you like best? Mr. Bingley looks so agreeable but Mr. Darcy is quite handsome. He is older than Mr. Bingley. I cannot believe that he is still unmarried.'

"Mr. Bingley is by the far the most handsome, Lizzy. I do not really like Mr. Darcy's type. He is too dark. I prefer lighter hair. They are both tall though.'

'And well dressed. Although I like pants better than breeches. I think they are more modern.'

'But less formal,' replied Jane. 'This is an assembly and I still prefer men to dress for the occasion. I think their breeches look perfect. I know you think I am old fashioned but I never like the latest fashion.'

'Jane, I do not think you are old fashioned. I just think that it is nice to see a young man up to date. Mr. Bingley has noticed you already, you know. He has been watching you since he came in.'

'Please Lizzy! You know how embarrassed I get when you do that. I hate people staring.'

'Jane with your face, people will stare. Anyway, he is working his way towards you so be prepared.'

'Lizzy, look at his sisters.'

'Hmmm, I have noticed. Unfortunately noticing them is exactly what they want. They really look above their company. And so does Mr. Darcy. Why did he not go with Mr. Bingley to be introduced?'

'Perhaps he is shy, Lizzy.'

'Shy, Jane! You always find a reason why people do not behave as they should. He is obviously of some wealth; he is well connected and handsome. He has nothing to be shy about,' replied Elizabeth. 'Jane, Mr. Bingley is getting closer.'

Fortunately Mr. Bingley was quickly informed that Mrs. Bennet and her daughters had attended and very soon he had successfully had them pointed out to him. As a result of his observations, he was making a polite but determined path to them. He was still some way away but they indeed appeared to live up to the rumours he had heard. The fairer one was indeed a beauty. His attempt to drag Mr. Darcy across the room with him proved futile so he was proceeding alone.

After being introduced by Mr. Phillips, an uncle of the girls, Mr. Bingley wasted no time in securing Jane for the next set leaving Elizabeth alone with nothing better to do than observe the remainder of the party, beginning again, of course, with Mr. Bingley's friend. Within a short while, she decided that Mr. Darcy appeared rather grumpy. He seemed to make a point of staying in the background and she wondered if there had been some disagreement prior to their coming. Indeed, he showed every sign of it being the last place on earth he wanted to be. There had been such talk of this party. Yet now there was only one person worthy of note. Mr. Bingley seemed to be the epitome of delight. To see Jane, her eldest sister, so instantly flattered and increasingly happy was the very thing Elizabeth needed. Well despite a partner as charming as Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth humphed to herself as she shrugged her shoulders. She might not have the enjoyment of a devoted dance partner but no matter. She would have a good time anyway.

The local ladies made it a point of circulating their opinions of the town party by clustering in small chattering clumps. Elizabeth had always found this mode of conversation somewhat embarrassing in a large room. However, it was part of the nature of such assemblies. Dancing was the apparent object, gossiping was the entertainment. Mr. Bingley was judged the finest of gentlemen. He talked and smiled with as many people as he could. He danced with all the appropriate ladies and gave Jane the honour of being singled out twice.

His sisters, overdressed and underbred, spoke mainly to each other with a tertiary comment to anyone brave enough to approach them. Mr. Hurst drank. The wine was not up to his normal standard but it was wine and that was sufficient to keep him content. Mrs. Bennet and her sister Mrs. Phillips were the linchpins in the circle of chitchat.

'Sister, sister, are they not wonderful additions to our society?' asked Mrs. Bennet.

'More than wonderful, sister. I have heard that there is great fortune on both sides,' replied Mrs. Phillips.

'I knew that already, sister!' replied Mrs. Bennet, never allowing herself to be second on receiving such information. 'Great fortune indeed! But you know I do not expect my girls to marry only for money. It is much more important that they find happiness. People put far too much stock in fortune.'

'Of course, sister. Happiness is by far the most important thing for your girls. How much did you say that Mr. Darcy was worth?'

Mrs. Bennet, always considering herself the epitome of decorum, immediately whispered in her sister's ear the amount whispered to her by Lady Lucas. Mrs. Phillips, equally sure that her manners were beyond criticism, gasped loudly and repeated the amount aloud. The part of the room in which they stood all turned as Mr. Darcy's annual income was announced. The ladies responsible seemed oblivious to any indiscretion and continued without a pause.

Within minutes, the amount was circulated throughout the guests. Watching as the whisper contaminated the room, Mr. Darcy had his every impression confirmed and after having fulfilled his obligations by dancing with both of Mr. Bingley's sisters, preferred his own company. The assembly was filled with people who had nothing better to discuss than his income. Nothing could raise them in his estimation after that. With perfect deportment, he spent the next hour striding about the room appraising the populace. He made no approach to any of the ladies present except his host's sisters and spent his time as far away from groups as he could get. In fact, he was excessively dour.

Elizabeth was far from ignoring his demeanour. Despite the gossip that he was better connected and had a greater fortune than Mr. Bingley, he showed no signs of contentment in her eyes. He stayed still only to speak a word or two to his own party and when they were occupied, he made a point of moving around the perimeter of the room. In Elizabeth's observation, this was solely to avoid being spoken to by anyone else. His was a restless soul caught in a tightly wound body.

That he had actually danced greatly surprised Elizabeth because his dislike of dancing had been strewn about the room along with his income. He definitely did not look like a man ready to enjoy himself but as he only singled out Mr. Bingley's sisters, she soon realised that here was a man who fulfilled his obligations no matter what the circumstances. His dancing was as faultless as his attire, which was the second surprise for Elizabeth. If he hated it so much, when did he become so proficient? No doubt his hatred of dancing was merely a rumour. She also noted that his observational skills were no less than perfect.

Elizabeth was born with a mind ready to observe the folly of human nature and there was no better subject for such observation than a man determined to do the same. And thus she quietly watched his silent progress around the room where he exuded just enough hauteur to keep strangers at bay. He offered tertiary comment to Mrs. Long, gave acknowledgement to the gentlemen present but apart from that, his only desire was to maintain his mood of reflection and reserve.

Always concerned for the happiness of his party, Mr. Bingley returned to his friend at various times throughout the evening.

'You should dance at least once, Darcy. Or at least talk to some of the ladies. Miss Bennet's sisters are all anxious to meet you. I think you would find Miss Elizabeth a charming dance partner. There she is over there, talking to Miss Lucas. Near the palm. The one with her back to us.'

'That is Elizabeth? I thought the taller one was Elizabeth. Well at least you have some taste Bingley. That tall one is totally lacking in manners.'

'The taller one is Lydia.'

'Remind me never to dance with her.'

'But what about the others? They are all charming.'

'And that is to be my lot, Bingley? You claim the prettiest and I have my choice of the rest? As far as I can see the room is full of people who are interested only in themselves. The whole assembly is designed for nothing more than gossip about gentlemen's incomes and which lady will claim whom.'

'Well, you will stand around brooding as I tell you so often. The world only has so many pretty girls Darcy. Time's a wasting man.'

'Definitely, Bingley. Or so the ladies think. When can we leave?'

'Certainly not yet. I'm only beginning to enjoy myself and you would help that along by showing some interest. Go on man, ask one of the ladies to dance. One dance will not spoil your image.'

'Bingley, I have no hesitation in saying that my image would only be enhanced by giving consequence to any lady here present.'

'Personally I think Miss Elizabeth is the perfect choice for you. Her manners are discreet and she has a lovely smile. I also heard said that she is an excellent conversationalist and you always prefer dark hair anyway.'

'You appear to be searching for reasons, Bingley. I will entertain myself until you are ready to leave.'

For Mr. Darcy's part, his wanderings had not changed his mind. The tone and object of this assembly was no different from any other he had attended or heard spoken of, improve one's lot by securing an affluent marriage. And any failure of attendees to obey this edict was tantamount to exile. The room was full of talkative strangers who were more interested in themselves and their own opinions that any one else's. They were tolerably attired, for the country. They seemed to all know one another and had little desire to extend that acquaintance unless it was sure to lead to the desired object. How he hated small talk and conversation that was intended solely for affect. They laughed, they danced and they drank. As had been promised by household gossip at Netherfield prior to their coming, the Bennet girls were indeed pretty. However only Jane was outstanding. Unfortunately though, there were too many of them. They were everywhere and as a whole made a formidable collection. To extend any preference in their direction would indeed be a move that required more bravery than Mr. Darcy was willing to exhibit.

Chapter 3

Posted on Tuesday, 28 January 2003

From long experience, Elizabeth knew that assemblies such as these never offered ladies enough opportunity for dance. Long periods had to be filled with small talk and news while they waited for a gentleman to be free to single them out. And such was Elizabeth's lot. She sat and waited, this time alone, as her friend Charlotte was engaged for the next set. As she sat, she observed Mr. Bingley's obvious unease with Mr. Darcy's behaviour. He continually looked around to see what Mr. Darcy was up to. It was during the break in one set that Mr. Bingley returned once again to his friend who was now standing just within earshot of Elizabeth.

Although she knew it inappropriate, Elizabeth could not help but attempt to hear if Mr. Bingley mentioned Jane at all. His first words were a suggestion that Mr. Darcy should find a partner.

Despite Mr. Darcy's refusal, Mr. Bingley persisted and Elizabeth could not help but try to listen in further. Despite knowing that it was highly improper and extremely bad manners, the lure of such a conversation between two gentlemen left her no option but to concentrate on their words.

Mr. Bingley wasted no time in stating that although he found Mr. Darcy far too fastidious, he thought certain ladies were particularly attractive. Darcy was too astute to ignore such a plea and satisfied his friend by stating that Jane was indeed the most beautiful woman in the room.

Elizabeth was delighted and could hardly wait to tell Jane. However, her ears were still tuned in and she next heard Mr. Bingley suggest that she might be an appropriate partner for Mr. Darcy as she was nearly as pretty as Jane.

Elizabeth did not find this comment particularly pleasing but somewhere inside was sensible enough to know it was the truth. Second best is never quite what anyone wants to hear and it is especially so when heard spoken by young gentlemen.

Hearing herself mentioned as such, she made extra effort to hear Mr. Darcy's reply. She glanced towards Mr. Darcy and this was almost her undoing because at that exact moment he glanced at her. Their eyes met but thankfully with no acknowledgement from either party. Mr. Darcy turned back.

He went on to say that she was indeed pretty enough but he was still in no mood to dance, with anyone, even if ladies were forced to stay seated because gentlemen had chosen elsewhere.

Bingley sighed and shook his head as he walked back to Jane. Darcy was left alone to mentally peruse his friend's comments. Yes she was indeed pretty but not beautiful. Yes she had a lively face and was without a partner. But that didn't mean he should feel obliged to dance with her. As for her other attributes which had been so generously pointed out earlier in the evening, well smiles can be had anywhere and he seriously doubted her ability to conduct an intelligent conversation beyond the first round.

After Mr. Bingley left he noticed that Elizabeth was quite close. Closer than he was first aware. He had a momentary thought that she may have been listening in and she did after all catch his eye but that thought was dismissed as quickly as it was established. He had not spoken any louder than his friend and he had been able to see her during the whole conversation.

Darcy then wallowed in his displeasure. He had been there two hours and still there was nothing to keep his interest or even to arouse it. The assembly was simply a crowd of strangers to whom he felt no obligation. There was not even conversation to be had as he had no desire to waste narrative with his friend's sisters as he would hear it all on their return to Netherfield and it was certainly not the kind of talk that demanded repetition. His life was in a pattern of responsibility leaving little room for pleasure. It was simply an evening of an aching back and tired feet. After all to take a seat meant that one could be approached so the only safe course was to keep moving.

Elizabeth, meanwhile, sat very still. She could not possibly show any recognition of having listened in to their conversation and she now felt a little foolish for putting herself in such a position of apparent affront. How she maintained her composure she did not know.

As soon as Mr. Bingley had returned to Jane's side, Elizabeth moved from her seat and crossed the room to talk to Charlotte, Sir William's daughter and her friend, who had just been escorted from the floor. Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips were also standing nearby. She immediately told them what the gentlemen had said, putting particular emphasis on Mr. Darcy's rejection of her. Elizabeth felt it best to ensure that she was the originator of such information in case others had heard it also. If one was the subject of such a slight, it was best that one brought it to the attention of others before any random gossip began. Yes, Elizabeth was very aware of the foibles of human nature, even her own.

Her mother, however, was simply determined to think the worst and had already decided Mr. Darcy's character on nothing more than appearance. However, this additional evidence provided her with tittle-tattle ramblings to all who would listen and even some who preferred not to.

Mr. Darcy watched as his friend danced with all the Bennet girls including Elizabeth. After he had escorted her from the floor, he returned to Mr. Darcy.

'Bingley, have you had enough yet? I am really tired.'

'You would not be so tired and irksome if you moved around more, talked and danced. Miss Elizabeth is as charming as her sister. You are depriving yourself of good company, Darcy.'

'Good company, Bingley? You are good company. I require no more.'

Bingley smiled. 'And you are good company too Darcy. But not to the exclusion of pretty young ladies.'

Darcy smiled in return. 'Bingley, I do wish I had your spirit of fun. I really do. You find enjoyment anywhere. I am uncomfortable with strangers.

'And so the world will remain if you refuse to participate, man.'

'Then the world will have to do without me. Bingley. Now can we leave?'

'One more set.'

Darcy rolled his eyes as Mr. Bingley set off in search of another dance partner.

The evening dragged from that point on. The principal members of the town party did manage to avoid overhearing any pursuant talk of themselves, or so it seemed, while the ladies in the party continued to pass judgment on all others present but particularly the other ladies.

'Louisa, we need have had no concerns about what we wore. There is not one frock here that could be worn in town. Such basic designs and mostly in voile! Voile, Louisa! Who in society would be seen after five in voile!'

'Mrs. Bennet's sleeves are definitely silk though, Caroline. But did you see the worn edge on the piping? And the colour is almost lost. They obviously do not even have adequate laundry staff. And the daughters! I definitely think it is quite forward to have such necklines,' censured Mrs. Hurst in response to her and her sister's scant décolletage.

'You know these country girls have only one thing on their minds, Louisa. But I do think they should not be so obvious about it. I am sure Mr. Darcy is blushing at such displays.'

Mr. Darcy was not blushing. Mr. Darcy rarely, if ever, blushed. Not that he was devoid of such passion. It is just that he had learned many years ago to avoid any situations that might elicit such a response. Instead, he found it best to study and evaluate in private, concealing his thoughts and leaving the general populace no opportunity to evaluate him. He had no interest in strangers. His life was filled with estate business and sport leaving him little time for the niceties of social intercourse. His fortune, connections and looks required that he was always noticed and this, from a young age, had forced him to withdraw into himself. He was a private boy and an even more private man, intensely private in fact, and his only recourse from such attention was withdrawal. One slip and he found himself exposed and vulnerable which was a state he abhorred. He allowed very few people to know the real man. He had been educated to exude a certain demeanour and over the ensuing years he had allowed it to progress, albeit unconsciously, to its present state of haughtiness.

Chapter 4

Posted on Monday, 3 February 2003

The days following such an assembly naturally required the local ladies to offer extensive examination of every twist and turn of the evening; who heard what and about whom; the frocks of course; and most importantly, who was the most handsome in the room.

Mr. Bingley, by popular vote, was pronounced the most handsome but there was a small contingent of females who would have preferred to vote for Mr. Darcy. However to do so meant a defense of his attitude and that was tantamount to expulsion in such a group of country girls. As Elizabeth was the woman known to have been rejected by Mr. Darcy, it was necessary for the ladies to offer her some pity. However, the information they had was from her own lips so she could not expect anything less. The ladies fulfilled the obligations of all young ladies at a dance and managed to notice everything important.

'Lydia, did you see Miss Bingley's petticoat? It was silk I am sure,' said Kitty.

'I know. And it was the most handsome colour. I think that shade would suit me fine,' replied Lydia.

'Oh nonsense Lydia. You are too fair for such a strong colour. I think it would suit Lizzy or Kitty much better,' answered Mrs. Bennet.

'If it would suit Lizzy and Kitty, then it would suit me too,' replied Mary. 'My hair is the same colour as theirs.'

'Of course it is dear but you are much better in lighter shades,' replied Mrs. Bennet, firmly returning Mary to the background of the conversation where she preferred her.

Although Mrs. Bennet was fiercely protective of all her daughters' rights to good marriages, she was not lacking in her obvious preference for certain of her daughters over the others. She had established a pecking order in their early years and this had never wavered. Jane was the most beautiful and the eldest, Lydia was the liveliest and the youngest, Lizzy was pretty as well but too smart for her own good and far too close to her father which unconsciously made Mrs. Bennet feel left out. Kitty was always complaining but was pretty enough and Mary, despite her inadequate beauty, would be accomplished at all costs.

'I thought that Mrs. Hurst's hair arrangement was outstanding. And her feathers!' continued Mrs. Bennet. 'How I wish I had feathers like that. I must write to Mrs. Gardiner and see if she knows where to purchase them.'

'I prefer much simpler hairstyling,' said Jane. 'Their curls were too tight.'

'Absolutely!' replied Elizabeth.

'I cannot imagine how I would spend that much money,' stated Mrs. Bennet.

'What money, Mama?' asked Elizabeth.

'Why Mr. Bingley's and that Mr. Darcy's. Mr. Bingley has five thousand a year. Five thousand! Imagine the feathers I could buy with that.'

'Mr. Darcy has ten thousand!' added Lydia. 'But I'd still prefer an officer. What is money when one is stuck with such a boring husband!'

'Lydia! I am sure that Mr. Darcy is not boring,' said Jane.

'How would you know?' asked Lydia. 'He hardly spoke to a person in the room.'

'He is Mr. Bingley's friend,' replied Jane.

'Jane, I thought Mr. Bingley's waistcoat suited him perfectly,' said Elizabeth.

Jane smiled. 'Yes indeed, but Mr. Darcy's choice was just as perfect. And I still prefer breeches Lizzy, even if you do not.'

Elizabeth smiled. 'I think they make their legs look thin, especially Mr. Darcy's.'

'Lizzy!' announced Jane, in a tone of admonishment.

'You noticed their legs too Jane. I know you did,' replied Elizabeth.

'I did!' Lydia interjected. 'But Denny's legs are better.'

'Girls, I think you should keep such opinions to yourself. This is hardly an appropriate topic for conversation. Your father would not approve,' admonished Mrs. Bennet in a momentary display of manners. She then proceeded to destroy her standing by continuing the topic. 'However, I agree with Lydia. The officers look much finer in breeches.'

'The gentlemen talk about us so why should we not talk about them?' said Kitty. 'It is only fair.'

'As long as the conversation and opinions remain in this house,' said Mr. Bennet on entering the room. 'I would really prefer to hear my daughters discussing the latest publications than gentlemen's legs. It is entirely too frivolous even for you Lydia,' he said as he looked sternly at his youngest daughter.

The girls and Mrs. Bennet all smiled, as they knew when to take Mr. Bennet's comments to heart and when he was teasing. He had lived far too long with women to be surprised at anything he heard.

'Lizzy started it!' replied Lydia.

'Enough!' said Mr. Bennet. 'The physical attributes of young men should be the farthest thing on your minds. You should be concentrating on what they have to say and not what they are wearing.'

This kind of talk was not exclusive to the ladies or indeed to the Bennet household. The gentlemen present also spent some time reviewing the evening's events. Mr. Bingley had taken on his usual post-assembly aspect. He smiled, grinned, hummed and could speak of no one but Jane, his latest eternal love. Mr. Hurst grunted a lot when asked how he found the assembly while Mr. Darcy nodded as his friend pursued his normal attitude to a beautiful face.

'Well?'

'Well, what Bingley?'

She is adorable, an absolute angel, isn't she?'

Darcy grinned. 'She is. Along with the many that already inhabit your definition of heaven no doubt.'

'Are you in love again, Bingley?' asked Mr. Hurst. 'I really think that you go overboard man.'

'You must learn to appreciate the finer things in life. There is nothing more satisfying than the smiles of a beautiful woman,' replied Mr. Bingley with a smile at Mr. Darcy.

'I agree whole-heartedly Bingley. However, I see no point in wasting time with ladies of no consequence. I admit, the room held some fine examples of English beauty but that does not mean that we, as gentlemen, should feel the need to offer them hope. We have a responsibility man.' Mr. Darcy smiled and shook his head at his friend.

'Offer them hope? Darcy, surely you are not suggesting that our mere presence offers hope. I did dance with her twice but she is a classic beauty. What man could resist!'

'Yes Bingley, ...

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