From Pemberley With Love

by Claire J Russell

  Mrs. Bennet walked into the living room with her sister in tow, wondering what all the commotion was about; it had to be good news.

  “Mother, Mr. Bingley accepted the invitation!” Lydia nearly shouted.

  Even louder than her daughters, Mrs. Bennet screamed, “Oh my goodness! I am the happiest woman in Meryton!” She then turned to her sister and said, “Dear, sister, we must go and get started on the preparations.” Her sister nodded with a smile plastered on her face.

  Mrs. Bennet turned back to Catherine and instructed, “Have the servants contact Mr. Reynolds tomorrow morning. Tell him we need the best flowers for our ball!”

  “Yes, Mother!" Catherine confirmed. “May I accompany the messenger?”

  “Absolutely not!” Mrs. Bennet retorted. “Just do as I say!”

  “Yes, Mother,” Catherine responded.

  Mrs. Bennet turned her attention to Jane next, “And you, my dear, have the servants prepare the ballroom.”

  “Yes, Mother. When exactly will the ball take place?” Jane looked at her mother expectantly.

  Everyone in the room then turned to Mr. Bennet, who responded, “Next Saturday.”

  “Splendid, Papa,” Jane noted.

  Mrs. Bennet noticed Elizabeth idly watching everyone’s enthusiasm, seemingly disinterested in the event. “Lizzy, you must make an effort at the ball. Even though Mr. Bingley will probably choose one of your other sisters, it is possible he will attend the ball with a friend—perhaps that Mr. Darcy you mentioned. Or who knows, it could be one of the eligible militiamen seen around town lately.” Mrs. Bennet gave a slight shrug of her shoulders, “Whatever the case... we will find you a suitable husband, but you have to also put in work.”

  Elizabeth gazed down at the floor as if trying to find the answer to understand why everyone hounded her about getting married. She had a different idea of what her future held.

  She desired a career. But her mother only had one goal in mind, and that was finding suitable husbands for her daughters. While Elizabeth didn’t disapprove of her mother’s life-long plan to get her and her sisters married, she did, however, find it quite uninspiring.

  Elizabeth preferred immersing herself in the intellectual study of humanity rather than learning how to be a wealthy man’s trophy wife, but she couldn’t tell her mother how she felt; it would be rude and ungrateful to defy her mother’s wishes. After all, the highest honor a woman should aspire to is receiving a well-heeled man’s offer for her hand in marriage proposal.

  Jane nudged Elizabeth’s side with her elbow and whispered, “Are you alright? Are you going to tell Mother about your dreams, so she’ll leave you alone?”

  The two girls giggled at the private joke.

  “I’m sorry. Is something funny?” Mrs. Bennet cocked an eyebrow at Elizabeth and Jane.

  “No, Mother, We were just saying how wonderful it would be to have great husbands,” Jane replied.

  “Good, Well, let’s have dinner, then you lot can turn in for the night. Oh!” Mrs. Bennet turned and placed a tender hand on her sister’s shoulder. “And you, my dear sister, will lay your head in the finest room in the manor.” She continued with a snap of her fingers, “Girls! Ensure your aunt’s room is ready after dinner. She will be staying here until the night of the ball!”

  “Yes, Mother” the sisters responded in unison. Meanwhile, Mr. Bennet averted his displeased eyes toward the floor with a heavy sigh; he stayed silent.

  The preparations for the ball got underway. The Bennet household was abuzz with excitement. Mrs. Bennet maintained close tabs on everyone, ensuring the preparations far exceeded anyone’s expectations. She didn’t want anything to ruin the prospects of her girls finding suitable life partners—that would be a travesty!

  A carriage of flowers arrived. Mrs. Bennet walked outside to inspect them. “No, this will not do!" she said, examining the red roses. She frowned, “I asked for lilies, not roses. Take it back and have them send the right one immediately. Go on! What are you waiting for?”

  “Yes, madam,” the flower deliverer, obliged.

  Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Jane looked out the window, watching their mother chastise the messenger. Elizabeth turned to Jane and relayed her observations with crossed arms, “Well, with the way she’s carrying on, it’s a wonder if Papa will have any money left... after all this.”

  Jane agreed, “You know Mother when she’s on a mission. She is unstoppable. Poor Papa will be in debt to everyone. He could lose Longbourn if this continues.” She then stepped away from the window and picked up a hairbrush and began brushing her long hair. After a moment, she stopped and glanced at Elizabeth, “Oh, Lizzy. I am worried. What if he doesn’t like us?”

  “Who?" Elizabeth asked.

  “Mr. Bingley. After all these expenses what if Mr. Bingley finds us unsuitable to be his wife?”

  “Well then, I will say it is his loss!” Elizabeth quipped in her sunny disposition. “But I don’t know why he wouldn’t desire us. After all, Mother ordered lilies instead of roses. I mean, who wouldn’t want that, right?” She flashed Jane a cheeky smile.

  Jane giggled, “Oh, Lizzy. I knew I could count on you for a laugh!”

  Just then, they heard a knock at the door. Mrs. Bennet and Lydia walked in followed by servants carrying a mountain of elaborate gowns in their hands. Lydia laughed as she made herself comfortable on the bed. Jane gasped, “What on Earth, Mother? All these dresses?”

  “Why, yes, yes,” Mrs. Bennet confirmed. “No expense spared for my beautiful daughters’ finest hour!”

  Lydia cheered their mother on, “That is right, Mother.” Then she looked up at Elizabeth with a smirk.

  “Once he sees how beautiful you all are, he would have no choice but to take one of my most prized possessions,” Mrs. Bennet brought her hands to her cheeks, flushed with sheer excitement.

  Elizabeth frowned at her mother, but luckily, Mrs. Bennet did not notice.

  “Oh, don’t worry about it, Mother. Once Mr. Bingley sees me, he’s going to fall so madly in love. He will have no choice but to marry me,” Lydia cooed.

  Mrs. Bennet beamed at her daughter’s eagerness. She said, “All well and good, Lydia, but we must give your sisters a chance, too.” She held up one of the dresses and turned to Lydia, “Lydia, this is yours!”

  The dress, a beautiful muslin clothing flowed delicately down to the floor. The beautiful dress also had a lovely bust line. Lydia was undoubtedly her mother's favorite. Spoilt by all accounts, Lydia got everything she desired and more. It didn't hurt at that Mrs. Bennett let her attend evening balls early when she was much too young to participate in such an event.

  Lydia smiled and pressed the gown against her body. Then she stared into the mirror while Mrs. Bennet played with her hair. Mrs. Bennet went on to say, “With hair like this, so beautiful, there’s no way you won’t receive a proposal, my dear.”

  Jane looked up at Elizabeth. They both smirked at each other, amused at the interaction between their mother and her golden daughter; Lydia has always been their mother’s favorite. Mrs. Bennet made it known each and every time, referring to Lydia as her “last born child!”

  "Mother, may I have this one?” Jane asked, picking up an elegant white silk gown.

  Mrs. Bennet turned around and said, “Yes, Jane! That suits you! You must also take care of that golden hair of yours on the day of the ball. We’ll have one of the servants help you with your hair for a change.”

  Everyone then turned to face Elizabeth. Lydia pointed at her and asked, “What about her, Mother?”

  Mrs. Bennet milked a long gaze at Elizabeth before asking, “Lizzy, do you have any favorites?”

  Elizabeth replied with a sigh, “No, Mother. I do not at this time.” She then turned and stared out of the window once again.

  “Lizzy, let me remind you that you need to make an effort. And that goes for the rest of you, too. Make sure you are prepared to put in your best effort at the ball. Now, I must go take some of these
dresses to Mary and Catherine," Mrs., Bennet said, turning and walking out of the room with her sister before anyone could respond.

  Jane and Lydia smiled at each other and tried on their dresses. Jane stepped next to Elizabeth and tried to encourage her, “Come on, Lizzy. Give it a go! Do it for Papa.”

  After a silent moment, Elizabeth relaxed with a smile, “alright. I will do it for Papa.”

  Time passed as the preparations continued.

  The finest caterers in all the vicinity worked diligently to produce the most exquisite meal fit for kings and queens. The Bennets’ spared no expense even though it meant getting further into debt to ensure their guests got the best.

  The servants worked around the clock, night and day, decorating the hall, adorned with floral decorations.

  The large ballroom at Longbourn had not been used in years. Dust particles and rust filled chandeliers had to be cleaned up by the servants, who worked tirelessly to bring it back to its glory state.

  The kitchen staff cooked up the six-course meal for the evening ball. Each food item was a work of art on its own. For in Mrs. Bennet's words, "The food must be pleasing to the eyes, even the Royals would be impressed."

  The six-course hot supper was initially meant to be served with salad, wine fruit coffee, and tea. However, Mrs. Bennet barked at the idea of having just those items on the list. She requested and added poached salmon, glazed vegetable and as an assortment of wine to the menu.

  She did not want the wealthier guests looking down on them. No, she had to keep up appearances.

  She reasoned the more wine they consumed, they less they would remember any possible mishap at the ball.

  The Bennet’s also paid for extra rooms at the local Crown Inn. The rooms were meant for the guests unable to travel home after the ball.

  Once the servants got done with the decorations, Mrs. Bennet waltzed into the ballroom and was pleased with the decor. “Perfect!” she whispered under her breath.

  The night of the ball had arrived. News about the Bennets’ event became the highlight of the social season.

  Before the guests arrived, the Bennet women walked into the ballroom to check on the last minute preparations and to meet with the early guests.

  “Oh, Mother, I can’t believe how this all came together,” Lydia soaked in the atmosphere. The other sisters agreed with her except Elizabeth who was evidently missing from the ball. Mrs. Bennet sighed and excused herself to check on Elizabeth. “This girl will be the death of me,” she quietly murmured.

  Mrs. Bennet hurried to Elizabeth’s room, where she found Elizabeth seated on the bed and still undressed. Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, “Lizzy! Where are your clothes? Are you unwell?”

  Elizabeth was looking away, searching her mind to come up with a viable excuse not to attend the ball. But how? She turned her gaze towards her mother and asked, “Mother, would it be alright if I did not partake in the festivities tonight?”

  Mrs. Bennet countered, “Nonsense! You know the rules. The guests will be arriving promptly at 8 p.m. The mistress of the house and her daughters are required to greet them at the front door. What on Earth has gotten into you?” She paused to Elizabeth a chance to explain herself, but she didn’t respond.

  “Come on, now. Get dressed in your white gown and put on your jewelry!” Once again, Elizabeth remained silent.

  “Elizabeth, do not go against my wishes,” Mrs. Bennet commanded, walking out of the chamber.

  Jane stepped in as soon as Mrs. Bennet walked out. Jane asked, “Is everything alright? Why aren’t you at the party?”

  Elizabeth shrugged, her eyes still fixated outside the window.

  “Oh, Lizzy, You know how much Papa spent on this ball. Please get dressed. This ball is an opportunity for us to find a good husband. For all we know, maybe the mysterious Mr. Darcy would grace us with his presence, and maybe...”

  “Maybe what? For God sakes, Jane. I’m not trying to be the mistress of anyone’s estate. I have a life, too, you know? I have dreams, Jane. I have plans. I want to fall in love and not marry someone only because I must do so,” Elizabeth retorted.

  “For crying out loud, Lizzy. Listen... no one is saying you should marry anyone. We are hosting a ball, and if something works itself out, so be it,” she paused. “I, for one, have taken a liking to Mr. Bingley.”

  “But you have not met him, Jane. How could that be?”

  Jane giggled and explained, “Yes, I have. I ran into him at the marketplace. He tipped his hat and smiled at me. I didn’t tell anyone, because I didn’t want to make a fuss. He’s only here for a little while longer, not certain how long. So, I must make a good impression. Oh, dear Lizzy, please would you reconsider? Think about your sisters and Papa.”

  Elizabeth finally softened when Jane mentioned their father once more. She loved her father so and couldn’t bear to see him upset, so she agreed. She stood up and got dressed in her white gown, embellished with jewelry, and topped up her look with long white gloves.

  “Here, I will help you with your hair,” Jane said, smiling and taking a brush through Elizabeth’s hair. Elizabeth enjoyed when Jane styled her hair, a shared a bond that had stood the test of time.

  Elizabeth asked, “Jane, were you alone? Tell me you had a chaperone. When did this happen?”

  “Oh, I was not alone. I was with our dear aunt. She got distracted elsewhere and did not notice,” Jane replied.

  “Good. Otherwise, you would have had to stay home and confine yourself to the square garden as per the rules,” Elizabeth remarked with a smile on her face.

  Both women burst out laughing.

  “All these rules. If I were the queen, I would change such rules,” Elizabeth shook her head. “Oh well. Let’s get to this disaster of a party, shall we?” Jane laughed, she didn’t exactly see the ball the same way her witty sister Elizabeth viewed it. But she realized Elizabeth’s humor could be taken as being judgmental by those who do not know her. She hoped tonight Lizzy has she called her, would loosen up a little and enjoy the festivities. For a fruitful night could mean the difference between a possible courtship with a fine eligible bachelor or a lifetime of loneliness with her parents paying their debts for all eternity.

  Chapter Four

  The ball began at 8 p.m. that evening.

  Mrs. Bennet and her daughters received the guests as they came in the front door, dressed to impressed. Mrs. Bennet was satisfied with the turnout, for she had painstakingly ensured that invitations were sent out with ample time to respond.

  A full orchestra entertained the five hundred guests, who marveled at the beauty before them.

  “My dear, what a fine event you have here,” one of the guests commented to the delight of Mrs. Bennet.

  Moments later, Bingley walked in with his sisters and Darcy, which made Elizabeth’s heart flutter, standing in the presence of the man who saved her.

  At the same time, Darcy couldn’t help staring at the beautiful woman he saved at the lake days previous. This didn’t go unnoticed by Bingley. He turned to Mrs. Bennet and said, “Madam, what wonderful, handsome daughters you have. Any man would be a fool not to dance with one.”

  Mrs. Bennet blushed and said, “Thank you, Mr. Bingley. You know they got it from me.” Keeping with the standard protocol, the Bennet daughters silently stood next to their mother and smiled politely.

  Once the guests had all arrived, everyone made their way to the ballroom. The dance began. Mrs. Bennet opened the floor with the gentleman of highest rank in the room, Colonel Foster.

  Meanwhile, Bingley walked up to Jane and extended his hand to her, “May I have this dance?” Lydia fumed, watching the man she wanted walk up to her sister.

  Jane smiled and took his hand as he led her to join the dance.

  Mr. Collins walked up to Lydia and asked her to dance. She grimaced, but she knew if refused his request, she would not have the opportunity to dance with someone else. She grudgingly accepted his invitation and proceeded to the dance f
loor.

  The other sisters followed suit with their own dance partners. All except Elizabeth, who now secretly hoped Darcy would request a dance.

  On the other hand, Darcy was caught gazing at Elizabeth by Bingley’s sister, Louisa. She walked up to Darcy and pointed out the obvious, “I see you are taken with Elizabeth Bennet.”

  “We met under strange circumstances,” Darcy stated stoically, avoiding her truthful observation.

  “Oh?” Louisa asked, arching an eyebrow.

  Darcy spoke matter-of-factly, “She and her sisters had a little trouble at the lake. I was fortunate to be there.”

  “Hmm. Well, she is not one of the most handsome women here. A little sad, if you ask me. Her hair isn’t quite right, wouldn’t you say?” Bingley’s sister, Louisa said, pursing her lips.

  Louisa knew her sister, Caroline still had a fondness for Mr. Darcy. They shared a past, one that Mr. Darcy decided was best left a memory. Yet, for some reason Caroline still held onto the hope that she and Mr. Darcy would wed someday.

  “Quite,” Darcy began, taken by Elizabeth but now wanting to reveal his true feelings to Louisa or her sister. “But I guess there isn’t much of a choice here. Excuse me.” He politely walked away and made his way toward Elizabeth, keeping his eyes on her.

  Elizabeth looked away so as not to betray how she felt for the handsome Darcy. She truthfully desired him but revealing that would be unladylike. A man must want a woman and not the other way around. She envisioned if he requested a dance, she would not look into his alluring dark eyes. But would she accept his request to dance?

  Feeling his presence, she glanced up.

  “May I have this dance?” Darcy asked in a firm voice.

  Elizabeth observed that he didn’t have a glint in his eyes when he asked for a dance. Perhaps he wanted to dance with her out of duty... or maybe pity. She considered declining his request, but after a pondering moment, she reasoned that she could learn more about him during the dance or maybe even break down his defenses.