by Lauren King
Best Regards,
Miss Georgiana Darcy
Darcy House, Mayfair
Elizabeth is happy that Miss Darcy is not offended by her cancelation of their tea on such short notice. She will make an effort to see Miss Darcy sometime next week; she just hopes that this awful embezzlement issue can be resolved sooner than later.
Elizabeth is also happy to read Jane’s letter. Jane describes the assembly and their new neighbor, Mr. Charles Bingley. She says that Mr. Bingley is an affable, handsome, jovial, and agreeable young gentleman. His sisters are a bit haughty, but she thinks it is because they do not know their neighbors well, yet. Jane says that Lydia and Kitty are over at their Aunt Phillips’ a lot because a regiment is encamped in Meryton for the winter. Some soldiers have shown interest in Lydia, and she is quite happy about it. Their Mother has met some of them and thinks that it is fine for them to be at their Aunt Phillips’ with adults around all the time. Jane tries to curb Lydia’s and Kitty’s flirtations around the soldiers, but they flirt again later while out of her sight. Jane asks when Elizabeth will be home and how everything is with their Uncle’s business. Jane misses Elizabeth, and clearly, their Father misses Elizabeth very much.
Elizabeth writes back to Jane and tells her briefly that there is a lot of accounting she has to do to help their Uncle, thus she will probably be here for all of November. Elizabeth reminds Jane to keep reprimanding Lydia and Kitty about their constant flirting with the soldiers. Jane should tell their Father about their talking to the soldiers all the time so he can reprimand them, too.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25th – THE ALLSTON BALL
In the carriage on their way to Mr. Harold Allston’s ball, Elizabeth, her Uncle, and her Aunt have some teasing fun with each other.
“Well, both of you ladies look stunning, indeed,” says Mr. Gardiner cheerfully. “I think I will have to beat the young men away tonight, Lizzy.” Mr. Gardiner chuckles candidly.
“No dearest, we want the young men to come, do we not? Maybe you can just beat away the undesirables.” They all laugh. “I am only teasing, Lizzy.”
“Oh, Aunt.” Elizabeth chuckles along with them.
In the Allston’s greeting line, Elizabeth is introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Allston, their two sons and one of the two daughters – Mr. Lucas Allston, Mr. Theodore Allston, and Miss Emily Allston – Miss Clara Allston has not come out yet; hence, she is not in attendance tonight. Mr. Harold Allston is a banker – his family owns the third largest bank in London. They seem nice, but Mrs. Allston looks slightly superior. When she finds out that Elizabeth’s father is a gentleman graduate from Cambridge with his own estate, she becomes more cheerful towards Elizabeth.
Quietly, Elizabeth says to her Aunt, “I understand the order of things, Aunt, but Mrs. Allston made her pleasure very obvious as soon as she knew that Papa was a gentleman from Cambridge with his own estate.” They both chuckle softly.
Mrs. Gardiner whispers, “That is the way of the world, Lizzy, unfortunately. You should be proud of whom you are, though; you will always be considered a gentlewoman. You also have the advantage of being well learned from your Father. Should anyone converse with you, they will be able to tell what a treasure you are in every aspect, my dear. Certainly your Uncle and I are extremely proud of who you are. You are a valuable young lady, indeed.” Mrs. Gardiner says kindheartedly and perceptively.
“That is right, Lizzy. My brother Bennet is a good man who did well by you. He taught you to be better than just an ordinary lady. You truly are a superior young lady, in many ways, to many of the young ladies here in town. Any young man of any circle would be fortunate to have you by their side for their future.” Mr. Gardiner says most genuinely and caringly.
“Thank you, Uncle, Aunt; you both are too kind.” Elizabeth responds humbly.
“I speak the truth, Lizzy. You deserve the best of men.” Mr. Gardiner replies frankly.
“I concur, Lizzy.” Mrs. Gardiner smiles warmly and pats Elizabeth’s hand as they make their way into the ballroom.
Elizabeth sees that all the young ladies here have very pretty gowns on. Their hair is arranged stylishly. Their jewelry is on display to show their wealth. Their smiles are shown at the right times, and their dancing is exhibited to show their skill. Elizabeth’s overall appearance is befitting of this occasion. She is not overdone or wanting. Her jewelry that she borrowed from her Aunt is pretty, but admittedly, it is not as extravagant as these young ladies’ jewelry here tonight.
Mr. Gardiner leads his two ladies to an area near some cute flying cupid paintings where they can also observe the dance floor. This is the biggest ball that Elizabeth has been to; there must be at least 150 people here. The three of them talk amongst themselves when they are approached by Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Wright, Mr. Henry Wright, and Mr. Hugh Wright.
Everyone greets each other pleasantly, and then they split into two groups to converse. Elizabeth speaks with Mr. Henry Wright and Mr. Hugh Wright when the music begins for the first set. Elizabeth has not been asked by anyone except by Mr. Henry Wright last week for her supper set. She wonders if he still remembers. If he does not remember, then she will not mention it; she does not want to embarrass him or herself.
While they enjoy the music for the first set, Mr. Henry Wright volunteers to fetch some punch for Elizabeth. Mr. Hugh Wright excuses himself to go greet some of his friends from Cambridge. Elizabeth turns to listen to her Aunt’s conversation with Mrs. Wright when they are approached by Mr. Lucas Allston.
Mr. Lucas Allston bows to the ladies and asks Elizabeth, “Miss Bennet, may I have the honor of your next set?” Mr. Lucas Allston asks amiably.
Elizabeth instantly smiles and replies, “Yes, you may have my second set, Mr. Lucas.”
“May I get you some punch, Miss Bennet? There are several kinds over there.” Mr. Lucas Allston asks smoothly.
“I thank you, Mr. Allston; it is very nice of you, but Mr. Henry Wright just went to fetch me some.” Elizabeth smiles charmingly then continues, “Your family has some very pretty paintings here, Mr. Allston. I adore this one of Cupid resting and eating an apple in this beautiful flower garden.”
“Thank you, Miss Bennet. That happens to be one of my sister Clara’s favorite paintings too. She is not here tonight because she is not yet out. She picked that painting a couple of years ago.”
“The painting is adorable; I hear the painter is rising in popularity.” Elizabeth shares her knowledge of what she has learned.
“I hear something similar, but I have to admit that I am not adept with painters except for the renowned classic ones. I like certain types of paintings but beyond that I do not claim to know very much about art.” Mr. Lucas Allston admits frankly. “Do you like all forms of art, Miss Bennet?”
“I like many forms of art – paintings, music, and singing. Art is very subjective, Mr. Allston. I think that everyone likes some form of it but being proficient about it requires a deep liking to it and an intense studying of it or else the meaning can be lost or misinterpreted. Unfortunately, I am not adept with them either. Which paintings are your favorite, sir?”
Mr. Lucas Allston points to the large mural painting across the ballroom of a hunting scene. “That is my favorite painting that we have.”
“That looks very nice; it looks life size.”
“I think it is about one-third life size.”
“It must have taken the artist a long time to create such art.” Elizabeth continues to observe the painting from her location. “Do you have a specific type of art that you like, Mr. Allston?”
“I like a little bit of many types of art, Miss Bennet.”
“I am similar; I like certain types of paintings, music, and singing, thus I learn about the particular ones that I favor, and then I enjoy them whenever the opportunity arises. I do not mind venturing beyond my likes and learn more; I am always happy to do so. I think it is very interesting to hear of other’s interpretation of art or of any idea; that way, I am ab
le to see new things that I have not considered before. There is so much to learn and appreciate.” Elizabeth answers with a bright smile.
Mr. Lucas Allston is correct – Miss Bennet is not only beautiful, she is also intelligent and pleasant. She speaks well and sounds educated like she has studied from the masters. He is very glad that he will dance the next set with her. He will be able to find out more about her. Before coming over here, he saw quite a few gentlemen observing Miss Bennet. He knows that they will seek out an introduction to her tonight. He is satisfied that he will be able to make an impression on Miss Bennet, first.
“That is smart, Miss Bennet. I also try to learn something new whenever I can.” Mr. Lucas Allston says charmingly.
“Mr. Allston, please call me Miss Elizabeth; I have an elder sister, and I cannot help but look around for her every time I hear someone utter Miss Bennet.” Elizabeth smiles amiably.
“Of course, Miss Elizabeth; that is a beautiful name.” Mr. Lucas Allston praises honestly.
Elizabeth blushes, smiles shyly, and then says softly, “Thank you, Mr. Allston.”
At this point, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Andrew Thompson approach their group. Everyone greets each other jovially. Mr. Thompson is Mr. Gardiner’s business associate, and they are also acquainted with the Wrights. Mr. Andrew Thompson greets Elizabeth, especially genially. Elizabeth was introduced to the Thompsons at Hyde Park before they met Miss Darcy that same day. Mr. Andrew Thompson spoke to her quite welcomingly that day.
“Miss Bennet, how are you?” Mr. Andrew Thompson asks amiably.
“I am well, Mr. Thompson; how are you this evening?” Elizabeth smiles pleasantly with her response.
“I am well, and I am glad to see that you are enjoying the music. May I take this opportunity to ask you for your next set, Miss Bennet?” Mr. Andrew Thompson asks charismatically.
“Yes Mr. Thompson, you may have my third set. And please I am Miss Elizabeth.” Elizabeth responds cheerily. Elizabeth is about to make introductions when Mr. Henry Wright returns with her punch.
“Here you are, Miss Elizabeth.” Mr. Henry Wright says, pleasantly.
“Thank you, Mr. Wright. This is kind of you.” Elizabeth holds her cup of punch and then she introduces all the gentlemen to each other. They all acknowledge one another, politely.
“Miss Elizabeth, please excuse me for a few minutes. I wish to greet a good friend. I will be back to collect you for our set,” says Mr. Lucas Allston, courteously.
“Certainly, Mr. Allston.” Elizabeth replies agreeably with a friendly smile.
Mr. Lucas Allston gives her a bow and walks off. If he wants to proceed in befriending Miss Elizabeth further, he has to make an admirable impression tonight. As Mr. Lucas Allston walks off, he can see other men peering at Miss Elizabeth; her dancing card will definitely be full. He is contemplating on whether he will ask her for a second set to show his partiality towards her.
Elizabeth happily dances with Mr. Lucas Allston, and they have serious and fun conversations throughout their set. She finds out that he graduated from Cambridge three years ago, and now, he is working for his family’s bank. He sounds very astute with numbers but not too stiff with his attitude. They laugh at a funny story that he tells Elizabeth about when he was a boy learning math. Elizabeth enjoys their conversations very much.
Mr. Lucas Allston leads Elizabeth to the refreshment area for a cup of punch before she starts her third set. He does not want her to be thirsty since they talked a lot while they danced. Elizabeth is impressed with Mr. Lucas Allston’s thoughtfulness. She is delighted that he is not overly pressing. He asks for her opinions and then truly listens to her answers; he contributes after she expresses her views. In all, they are both pleased with the outcome of their set together.
Mr. Lucas Allston is extremely satisfied with Miss Elizabeth. His assessments of Miss Elizabeth are accurate. He would like to know her much better; that is for certain. He guides her back to where her Uncle and Aunt are conversing with Mr. and Mrs. Wright.
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth for the pleasure of the dance. I have not had that much fun talking and dancing in quite some time. I know you will be busy dancing, but I hope that I will be able to show you and your family some of our other paintings in our gallery whenever you have the time, if you are interested.” Mr. Lucas Allston offers generously.
“Thank you Mr. Allston, but I would not want to take you away from your hosting duties.” Elizabeth is nicely surprised at his proffer.
“Not at all, Miss Elizabeth; it will be my absolute pleasure to show them to you and your family whenever you have time tonight or maybe another day.” Mr. Lucas Allston says charismatically.
“I will let my Uncle and Aunt know, Mr. Allston; thank you.” Elizabeth smiles brightly at him.
They bow and curtsy to each other before Mr. Lucas Allston walks off.
Elizabeth’s third set with Mr. Andrew Thompson is fun in a different manner. They talk more of the plays that he has seen and where he has seen them performed. They talk about how he is helping his Father manage all their properties. He advises her to see the new displays of paintings at the London Museum.
As Elizabeth is standing with her Uncle and Aunt after the third set, one older man and one younger man come to greet Mr. Gardiner.
“Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner may I introduce to you Mr. Charles Bingley. Mr. Bingley recognized your niece’s name as being one of the daughters of his neighbor in Hertfordshire – The Bennets,” says Mr. Turner.
“Ah, Mr. Bingley; you are the new neighbor to my brother Bennet, then. It is good to meet you, sir.” Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bingley bow in recognition of each other.
“Sir, the pleasure is entirely mine. I thought I would come and introduce myself and pay my respects to you all.” Mr. Bingley says pleasantly as he looks at Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and then at Elizabeth with a sociable smile.
“Well, sir let me introduce you to my niece, then. This is my niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. My dear this is Mr. Charles Bingley, your father’s neighbor.”
They greet each other nicely, and then Elizabeth happily asks about how Mr. Bingley found the neighborhood. The four of them talk about Mr. Bingley’s impressions of the surrounding areas and his estate. Mr. Bingley is affable, thus it is comfortable to talk with him; it feels like they have been friends already.
“I am leasing Netherfield Park for now so I can see if it will be a convenient location for me in the future. My very good friend Mr. Darcy is helping me and advising me on other potential estates in other areas too. I will really have to think about the options.” Mr. Bingley explains frankly.
“That is nice of your friend to assist you so diligently, Mr. Bingley,” says Elizabeth and then she ever so slightly smiles at her Aunt.
“Yes, he is the best of friends. Actually, he is the best of men.” Mr. Bingley says genuinely then asks, “Miss Elizabeth, may I have the honor of your next set?”
“Yes, you may, Mr. Bingley.” Elizabeth smiles readily.
Their dance is just as merry as any of the other sets that Elizabeth has danced thus far. At one point, Elizabeth accidentally gazes right at Mr. Lucas Allston; they both smile at each other comfortably. Elizabeth pulls her eyes away first because Mr. Bingley asks her about Jane. They happily discuss Jane and Hertfordshire. Mr. Bingley learns that Elizabeth’s London stay is undetermined. Mr. Bingley is also uncertain when he will go back to Netherfield because he has some business to attend to here in town. When their set finishes, Mr. Bingley bids them farewell and hopes that Elizabeth has an enjoyable stay in London.
Elizabeth notes that Mr. Bingley sounds enamored of Jane, yet he does not sound rushed to be back at Netherfield to be closer to her. Maybe Elizabeth is wrong in her assessment. Elizabeth can imagine that Jane would find Mr. Bingley interesting and handsome; they look like they could be a good match for one another. Elizabeth will write to Jane for more details and tease her, a little.
Elizabeth’s supper dance set with Mr
. Henry Wright is also delightful and full of amusing stories about their childhood antics. They are comfortable talking and laughing with each other. Again, at one point as Elizabeth looks up the dancing lineup, she catches Mr. Lucas Allston’s eyes; they smile at each other, again. Elizabeth senses that Mr. Lucas Allston did not glance at her accidentally.
After their set ends, Mr. Henry Wright leads Elizabeth into the dining room for supper. Elizabeth tactfully points out that there are seats available across from her Uncle and Aunt. They end up sitting next to Mr. Lucas Allston and across from Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. Elizabeth is seated in between the two acquaintances. She speaks to whoever speaks with her, and she is polite at all times. She tries to include both men in the conversations as much as she can because she does not want to offend either of them. Elizabeth discerns that Mr. Henry Wright would have liked for them not to be sitting this close to Mr. Lucas Allston.
The rest of the night finds Elizabeth talking and dancing with acquaintances that are introduced to her through her Uncle and his friends. At one point, Mrs. Gardiner teases Elizabeth about being the talk of the ball. She tells Elizabeth that she noticed quite a few gentlemen gazing at Elizabeth from afar.
“All of your Uncle’s friends here tonight asked about you, Lizzy. Some of them have eligible sons.” Mrs. Gardiner teases, and then they both giggle. “How do you find Mr. Lucas Allston, Lizzy?”
“I talked with him rather comfortably. He sounds intelligent, forthright, serious, but also fun. He is very mature and responsible – all admirable qualities, Aunt. He was thoughtful after our set; he got me a cup of punch because he did not want me to be thirsty from all of our talking during our set. He is a very nice and is very interesting.” Elizabeth answers frankly.