by Linda Phelps
It was not until the second of their two dances that she noticed Bingley’s eyes scanning the crowd and coming back several times to study Jane Bennet. Instantly the dance ceased to be a pleasure to her. Who in this entire assembly was as beautiful as Jane Bennet? Privately Charlotte considered her to be overly docile, but what did that matter to a young man?
“Miss Lucas, can you introduce me to that lovely young lady?” he asked as their dances together ended.
“Of course, sir. She is our neighbor, Miss Jane Bennet.” And with a cool demeanor, she performed the civilities. Mr. Bingley escorted her to a seat she indicated, next to her friend Elizabeth Bennet, bowed, and excused himself. When the music started again, he fell in behind his sister and Mr. Darcy, opposite Jane Bennet. The young lady, always before a friend, became an object of hatred to Charlotte at that moment.
“So what do you think of him now?” asked Elizabeth. “Does he live up to his reputation?”
“In what sense?” Charlotte asked, forcing herself to look elsewhere than at the newly matched couple.
“I can see that he is fairly handsome, and it seems he is polite and agreeable, but has he any particular attributes for which we might consider him above the standard for single young men?”
“He is pleasant,” Charlotte said.
“So you told me earlier said Elizabeth, “but now that you have experienced the intimacy brought forth by two dances, can you say no more?”
Charlotte watched Bingley speak with great animation to Jane Bennet. She, always graceful, blushed but did not remove her eyes from his face. When the dictates of the dance required him to take her hand, he did so with a reverence he had not before shown.
“I see nothing so extraordinary in him.”
“That is a disappointment,” said Elizabeth. Then, having been approached by one of the officers, she rose to join him in the line of dancers.
Charlotte languished in her seat through the two dances, until the rector approached and led her to the floor. She sat for another interval and was approached by Mr. Phillips, an uncle of the Bennett girls. After he led her back to her chair, he kindly fetched a cup of negus for her refreshment. Then he made his way to bow before Mary, the plainest of his nieces.
Charlotte fell unhappily back into her usual occupation at a ball; watching everyone while appearing to watch no one. She saw Mr. Bingley dance with Elizabeth, with her sister Maria, with Miss Mary King, and then again with Jane Bennet. This repetition tore at her. Her hope of a delightful evening had become a hope of it ending soon. Bingley made plain what young lady he most favoured, and it was not Charlotte Lucas.
Elizabeth joined her in the chairs again, waving her hand to cool her face, for the hall became uncomfortably warm. “Ah, what a pleasure to have some new neighbours at our assembly,” said she. “It takes so little to change the nature of a society. With Mr. Bingley and his friend and the officers from the Meryton militia, it is a wonder we ever miss a chance to dance.”
“I suspect we ladies still outnumber the men,” said Charlotte, “else we would not be sitting here as we are.” She saw Bingley approaching, and for a moment, before she could she could gain stop herself, she anticipated the much desired second invitation to dance, but he only approached his friend, Mr. Darcy, who stood nearby, to say, “Come, Darcy. I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much better dance.”
“I certainly shall not,” said Mr. Darcy. “At such an assembly as this it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and there is not another woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to stand up with”
Charlotte was shocked at these words. It was impossible that Mr. Darcy was unaware that she and Elizabeth were sitting at a distance very convenient for hearing him.
“I would not be so fastidious as are you are, cried Bingley, “for a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never was with so many pleasant, pretty girls in my life.”
“You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room’” Darcy said, indicating Jane Bennet.
“Oh, she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld!”
Charlotte’s heart gave another twist. This was cruelty, even if unintentional. Bingley continued, “There is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and, I dare say, very agreeable. Do let me allow Miss Bennet to introduce you.”
Very much aware that Bingley himself could introduce Darcy to Charlotte if he wished to find Mr. Darcy a partner, she concentrated on pretending that she had not heard every word.
“Which do you mean?” asked Darcy. He turned to look at Charlotte and Elizabeth, recognizing immediately that Charlotte was not one of the ‘very pretty’ girls praised by Bingley. His scrutiny of Elizabeth was brief. “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me, and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.”
Bingley sighed but turned back to the dance. Darcy walked away without a glance at the two young ladies.
Elizabeth was at first outraged with this display of bad manners, but since she had a lively sense of humour, she immediately repeated the conversation among the host of young ladies who had also not had the pleasure of dancing with Mr. Darcy. The story spread quickly through the assembly hall, which soon echoed with the laughter of these same young ladies, If Darcy knew he was the subject of this laughter, he made no sign
Charlotte reflected that she had experienced exactly the same rejection that Elizabeth had. If she told the story about herself would people be amused? It was more likely they would agree that Mr. Darcy was quite in the right not to ask her to dance, even if she was a knight’s daughter. After all, she had no prospects, but Elizabeth, with her fresh looks and charm might reasonably be expected to be chosen to dance by the finest man in the realm.
It was well that at supper Charlotte took another cup of nexus. Mrs. Bennet was telling her version of events to her sister, Mrs. Phillips, although that lady had certainly observed them herself.
“Mr. Bingley danced twice with Jane,’ said Mrs. Bennet proudly. “He did not dance twice with any other lady.”
“Dear Jane. I hope this is a sign of things to come,” Mrs. Phillips said, more than willing to accept any good fortune that came into the family. “Of course Jane looks so very beautiful. To my mind, she quite outshines all the others. I say so even though she is my niece.”
“Yes. Mr. Robinson asked Mr. Bingley which lady he thought the most handsome, and Mr. Bingley replied at once, “Oh, Miss Jane Bennet. There can not be two minds about that.’”
“He started the evening dancing with Charlotte Lucas,” Mrs. Phillips said. “That was as it should have been, she being older than the others and a knight’s daughter.”
“Yes. I was very vexed when I heard that he planned to dance with Charlotte first. But I could tell he did not admire her in the least. Indeed, who could admire her? She is so plain.”
“But a good soul,” added Mrs. Phillips. “After all, beauty is not everything.”
“Now, Sister, do you think either of us could have found such fine husbands if not for our beauty when we were young? I tell you, we would have been in danger of ending up like Miss Lucas.”
Charlotte sipped on her cup of nexus. Why did people always discuss her shortcomings in her presence? Did they not see her? Did they think she could not hear them?
The announcement that the family coach awaited them was very welcome. Except for the first of her two dances with Mr. Bingley Charlotte had not enjoyed any part of this ball. Fortunately since she was silent by nature, no one remarked on her failure to fall into conversation. Maria had the pleasure of telling about the night as she had experienced it, while Charlotte had the pleasure of assuring herself that she had at no time exposed herself to ridicule, and that the humiliations she had suffered were not known to the guests at the assembly.
Chapter Four
THAT THE MISS LUCASES and the Mis
s Bennets should meet to talk over a ball was absolutely necessary, and the day after the assembly brought the former to Longbourn. Charlotte occupied herself during the walk by preparing polite responses to the remarks she expected from Mrs. Bennet. And indeed they began immediately upon the ladies being seated.
“You began the evening well, Charlotte,” said Mrs. Bennet, “for you were Mr. Bingley’s first choice.”
“Yes, but he seemed to like his second better,” she said in a voice that conveyed complete indifference to the subject.
“Oh!—you mean Jane, I suppose—because he danced with her twice. To be sure that did seem as if he admired her—indeed I rather believe that he did—I heard something about it—something about Mr. Robinson.”
Charlotte obligingly repeated Mr. Robinson’s comment, which had been related throughout the ballroom, most frequently by Mrs. Bennet herself. Mr. Robinson had asked Mr. Bingley which young lady he found most handsome. “Oh, the eldest Miss Bennet is the most beautiful beyond a doubt.” She related the story calmly, with a gracious smile to Jane Bennet.
Mrs. Bennet needed no encouragement to enlarge upon the wonderful story. “Upon my word!—Well, that was very decided indeed—that does seem as if—but however, it may all come to nothing, you know.”
None of the ladies, especially Mrs. Bennet, believed that twice dancing two dances could result in nothing. Jane stayed silent, with an apparent lack of interest that was the equal of Charlotte’s own..
The next topic for conversation was the manners of Mr. Darcy. What a proud man! What an unfriendly man! The story of his rejection of Elizabeth was also common property, Charlotte allowed herself one comment. “Poor Eliza!—to be only just tolerable.”
There ensued a catalogue of anecdotes about the odious man’s pride and poor manners. It was generally agreed that Mr. Darcy could not be expected to enhance the neighbourhood’s gatherings.
Charlotte, although having been considered even less than tolerable, came to his defense. Perhaps the fact that Elizabeth had, this once, suffered the kind of rejection that so often came Charlotte’s way emboldened her speech. “His pride does not offend me so much, because there is an excuse for it. One cannot wonder that so very fine a young man, with family, fortune, everything in his favour, should think highly of himself. He has a right to be proud.”
“But Mr. Bingley is in almost as easy circumstances,” said Jane, “and he manages to be amiable to everyone.”
“Indeed,” said Elizabeth, “it is a marvel that two such young men have formed a friendship.”
“Pride,” said Mary Bennet “is a very common failing I believe.” The young woman repeated what she had heard and read on the subject. Charlotte quickly ceased listening.
As the conversation flowed around her, Charlotte had leisure to think of Mr. Bingley as she would and to gaze secretly at Jane. It was true that Charlotte had no sort of beauty, but she was much more gifted in the ability to speak sensibly in a conversation. Her ideas were as solid as Mary’s but better expressed. As for Jane, whom she had known her entire life, there was in her no wit, no quickness. Elizabeth was the one with whom to speak of ideas..
“A person may be proud without being vain,” Mary said, bringing her speech to an end. “Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”
“Then when it comes to young men, we should concentrate on vanity,” Elizabeth said, “and do much to make them think well of us.”
“And that is why, Mama, you should give me and Kitty money for new bonnets,” cried Lydia. “We do want the officers to find us agreeable.”
“Of course, my dears. I shall speak to Mr. Bennet about the matter this very day.”
“And I to Sir William. Maria needs a new bonnet also,” said Lady Lucas.
Thus the visit ended with happy plans for the younger girls to go to Meryton and select new hats.
Chapter Five
WITH THE ARRIVAL OF Mr. Bingley’s sisters, it became incumbent upon the ladies of the neighbourhood to call at Netherfield. Among the first were Lady Lucas and her two daughters. Maria seemed less happy with this portion of her new adult standing. She stood in awe of fashionable women, having seen so few in her life. She scarcely opened her mouth during the visit.
Charlotte in her place was relieved that the gentlemen of the household were not at home. She was not yet ready to face Mr. Bingley with an open demeanor, although she cherished hopes that within a few days she might be. Further she did not trust the sincerity of Bingley’s two sisters when they welcomed the Lucas women or later when they encouraged them to call again. All in all, she was happy the visit had been a short one, and that it need not be repeated until the Bingley ladies had returned it, which event she did not anticipate would happen soon.
However, within a day or two, the Lucas family was drawn to the windows of the sitting room by the sounds of wheels and hooves. Shortly they were joined by Mr. Bingley, his two sisters, the younger sister’s husband, and Mr. Darcy. Lady Lucas immediately sent a servant to fetch Sir William, whilst she bade another make a pot of tea.
Charlotte had not expected to be in such close proximity to Mr. Bingley so soon. She had hoped that the indifference she pretended would have become reality before she saw him again. She summoned all her will to appear as one pleased to meet those in whom she had only a casual interest. Aside from Bingley, she was not called upon to expend more than superficial good manners, for the Bingley sisters and the other two men made it clear that they were calling as a matter of duty, rather than any expectation of a pleasant interlude.
Bingley greeted each member of the Lucas family with delight, even commenting on the dance he has shared with Charlotte.
“How disappointed I was that the musicians quit so early. Had they not, we might have danced a second time.”
With those words, unwanted, senseless hope overcame Charlotte. Only the certainty that the eyes of Bingley’s sisters were on her enabled her to maintain her demeanor. “Yes, Mr. Bingley, I should have enjoyed such a thing.”
“Not Mr. Darcy,” said Bingley’s younger sister. “He found the evening to be one of tedium.”
Miss Caroline Bingley nodded her head. “Poor man. I’m afraid these country parties are not to his liking.” She smiled lavishly in his direction, but he took no notice. In fact, after his initial greeting of the Lucases, he sat motionless and said not a word. Mr. Hurst had at least the appearance of interest in others, although not others in his immediate vicinity. He amused himself with a newspaper that he found at a nearby table.
In these circumstances, conversation did not thrive. The Bingley sisters amused themselves by noticing some furnishings in the sitting room. Caroline Bingley would draw her sister’s attention to a portrait, or a chair and then shake her head in scorn, while saying, “How pleasant this room is, Lady Lucas. You must tell Charles where you have found such items.” Then she would look at her sister to see if the latter recognized her subtle sarcasm. “Darcy, do you not agree?”
Mr. Darcy, from inattention or stubbornness, did not answer.
Sir William, always cordial, brought up subject after subject; the weather, the harvest, the recently quartered militia, and the interval that must pass before the next assembly ball. The guests, other than Mr. Bingley nodded, but ignored him. Lady Lucas threw in a few remarks to support her husband, but Maria was much too frightened by these grand people to say a word. Charlotte felt no fear, only anger at the poverty of their manners.
Luckily the callers did not stay long. Darcy stirred restlessly, and Bingley, remembering his nearer obligations, rose to end the visit. He shook hands with the Lucases, saying, “You must come to Netherfield some day soon. My sisters and I are looking forward to a chance to welcome you again.”
“Yes,” said Caroline Bingley. “You must come to us. Please forgive our rapid exit today, but we are doing our duty to the more important families in the parish. We go next to the Bennet house, Longbourn
, is it? which is, I believe, only a short ride from here. Until we meet again. Come, Louisa.” The sisters settled themselves in a small gig, while the men mounted their horses. In a moment, they were all five out of sight.
“Well, well,” said Sir William. “How remarkably kind of them to come all the way from Netherfield to call on us. I am very pleased by their notice.”
“Mama,” said Maria. “Did you see the way the sisters dressed? I have never seen anything so fashionable. And their jewelry!”
“Very fine ladies,” said Lady Lucas. “I suppose they have their clothes made in London.”
“Oh, Mama, when can we go to London?” asked Maria.
“Someday. Perhaps if Charlotte marries, she can take you.”
“Charlotte marry!” said Maria. “I am going to walk in the garden.”
Charlotte appeared not to have heard Maria’s words. She was picturing the scene at Longbourn, when the Bingleys met the Bennets. Would Bingley give most of his attention and conversation to Jane Bennet? When the sisters invited the Bennet girls to call, would their words ring of sincerity? Then the memory of Bingley’s voice when he repined the loss of an opportunity to dance with her a second time brought a slight smile to her face.
Late that night, when Lady Lucas and Sir William were preparing for sleep, the mother mentioned her concern. “I am afraid our Charlotte is on the way to feeling a special attachment for Mr. Bingley.’
“Charlotte?” said Sir William? “An attachment? But she has never had one before.”
“Then it is past time that she did. Remember that we had been married ten years before I was seven-and-twenty, as she is now.”