The Assembly, Open to all!

[MISS JANE BENNET]

The Bennet family was a flutter of activity the day of the Meryton assembly where the famed Mr. Bingley was scheduled to make his first appearance among polite society. Jane and Lizzie had gotten ready together as was the custom upon such occasions as this. Although Kitty and Lydia bemoaned the fact they had no new gowns to wear, they had borrowed enough of Jane’s things that they had devised completely new outfits anyway. There was little left for Jane to choose from, mainly between her blue or pink gown as they were the only two suitable for an evening assembly. Jane had selected the pink gown as she favored pink over most colors and had offered the blue to Lizzie so she might have a different gown to wear to the assembly.

Upon Mrs. Bennet’s inspection, Jane was declared ready for Mr. Bingley to let eyes upon her at the assembly. Jane bore the brunt of the inspection in silence for she knew that once they arrived at the festivities she and Lizzie would go off on their own. With any luck she could avoid her mother entirely for the night.Before they knew how late the hour drew it was time for them to depart for the much awaited assembly. Lydia and Kitty talked almost exclusively the entire duration of the way there with endless chatter in regards to the arrival of the officers.

Jane sat in silence for the duration of the ride there, not wanting to interrupt her sisters excitement about the arrival of officers. It was nearly amusing to hear Lydia claim that she would ensnare a colonel before the regiment’s visit was over. She and Lizzie exchanged bemused grins that needed no words for they both knew the ridiculousness was starting well before the assembly began.

Upon arriving at the assembly Jane couldn’t help but be amazed at the excitement that was already taking place in the building. As was the custom the Bennet family parted ways almost immediately, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet began to make the social rounds with Mary in tow behind them. Lydia and Kitty rushed off to meet their officers they were so keen on. Which left Jane and Lizzie to go off in search of their most dear friend Charlotte Lucas.

“ Have you ever seen so much excitement Lizzie! I daresay you shall have no trouble in procuring at least half a dozen partners for a dance before we’re through this evening.” she exclaimed in a voice loud enough for her sister to hear.. “ Shall we search for Charlotte? Perhaps we might be able to garner more information on the infamous Mr. Bingley before he arrives. What say you dear sister?” she asked curious with an excited look upon her face.

( I edited the original assembly post thread a bit but I figured this could at least get us started! Happy posting all!)

[MISS CHARLOTTE DELAFORD]

“I do wonder how many officers shall be in attendance this evening!” Imogen declared quite without thought as she tilted her head to see more of the Meryton gathering from the Delaford carriage. She moved about rather like a butterfly flitting over daisies on a Spring afternoon, so excited that she did not give mind to how soundly Charlotte would likely scold her for pondering such.

“Really, Imogen, there is a great deal more to life than officers and certainly more to an assembly than awaiting their arrival,” Charlotte instructed, dragging her sister away from the window with mere words. She had taken to schooling the girl, professing that she would be the differing voice in the expanse of opinions, allowing young Imogen a chance to decide as she would just whom she would marry and why. James rather thought the elder Delaford sister’s motives a mite less altruistic and chuckled instantly, always amused by her mothering tendency with their younger sibling, which seemed to him a more assured way of filling ranks against their mother.

“I should think there is also a great deal more to it than spying on one’s neighbours,” he responded, inclined to defend poor Imogen, who would no more contradict her sister than she would the rector! Charlotte, of course, was instantly incredulous after James’s assertion that she might be in any way as much of the neighbourhood was regarding this evening. She was most certainly not, for she would no sooner show interest in a man she had not yet met than she would fling herself from the Netherfield staircase!

“Spying is hardly the word for it,” she cut back, eyebrows raised with a little confidence - which with Charlotte was always a great deal more than ‘little’ - and smiled, “I’ve merely come to observe to bloodsport.” It was perhaps ungenerous, for the country could not have its curiosities held against it, - especially in light of Charlotte’s own propensity for the same – but she was most certainly engaged this evening to observation of the collision, rather than any peculiar interest in Mr Bingley or his sisters. While she did not chide James’s challenges of her, she insisted on their at least being fair. For tonight would be interesting beyond words and it was for that curiosity alone that she had dressed in a subtle, buttercup yellow. She imagined that the manner in which they greeted the assembly tonight would be extremely telling of the sort of family that had taken Netherfield and undoubtedly give evidence to every theory she had about the inhabitants of Meryton.

Thus, she was all but aglow as she was handed out of the carriage, her brother’s banter doing little to dissuade her from her sport and she entered into the evening’s diversions with happy anticipation. She greeted those close to her family, her siblings at her side, and made sure to keep her head about herself in case a certain gentleman had taken it upon himself to be present.

Her thoughts on this, however, were suddenly untangled as she heard her name being bandied about and turned to see who it was that had used it. She turned to see the eldest Bennet sisters and, having lived amongst this neighbourhood for much of her life, immediately understood her own mistake.

They were not doubt in search of Charlotte Lucas.

Having turned at the sound, however, she could not very well avoid the confusion without seemingly overly rude and, whatever her thoughts on the younger Misses Bennet, she had nothing at all to hold against the elder. “Oh, apologies,” she began, as was custom when intruding on a conversation – no matter how sincerely -, “I had thought you were calling out to me.” She curtsied her greetings, “And how are the elder Misses Bennet?” She smiled, thinking all the time that tonight would no doubt be an interesting one for them both. Mrs Bennet had rather a reputation for silliness and – with five thousand a year – Mr Bingley was hardly like to escape her notice.

{OOC: I went ahead and assumed they would probably already be acquainted, since they inhabit the same neighbourhood, though perhaps not well? }

[Miss Felicity Cadwallader]

She loved nothing better than a happy gathering of people, for they were always to merry and her thoughts always so bright. Felicity was the very sort of girl who could be relied upon to heartily exclaim over the prettiness of the decorations, and the liveliness of the music. She would be in raptures over the dainty little supper provided, and had nothing but smiles for those people she would acquaint herself with over the course of the evening. Or, at least, that was how she was used to being when she was within a comfortable setting. Felicity smoothed her dress, a plain but pretty lavender, and lamented that she had not thought to come into town and purchase new gloves for the party.

Though she wished very much that Meryton might, in time, come to feel like home to her, she was a little way from that blessed state just yet. She was conscious of overstepping her mark with her cousin (while totally oblivious to the fact that he very presence overstepped any boundaries he had stodgily set for himself) and though she appreciated the sentiment behind his scolding of her the other day, she couldn’t help but wonder what she was to do if she was not to be herself. Walking after breakfast and in the company of Nicholas, who barely spoke three words to her, was a far cry from skipping merrily through the wet long grass and coming back into the house with her hem soaked through and her cheeks rosy from the exertion.

Yes, she was a long way from feeling at her ease amongst the society in Meryton. Her transition was made more difficult by her being left in the entrance hall by her cousin as he stepped away to fetch her a drink. Whenever she was nervous she became incredibly parched, and though she knew he was doing his best to provide for her comfort as well as he knew how, she rather wished he had taken her in with him. People moved through the doors like a flood of joviality, and she smiled softly to herself to observe them in such high spirits for the evening. And though she would have very much liked to have been amongst them, she felt bound by duty to remain, at present, reserved in the place where she had been left.

[MR CHARLES BINGLEY]

Mr. Bingley had been most disappointed to have to turn down Mrs. Bennet's dinner invitation, especially since he had had high hopes of meeting her daughters, whose beauty he had heard praised even upon his arrival in Hertfordshire. The visit he had returned to Mr. Bennet earlier had not satisfied this wish, as it had only been ten minutes in duration, and spent primarily in he library. Then it had been time for him to return to London. However, this trip was well worth it, for he returned to Netherfield with a party that included his dearest friend, Darcy, as well as his two sisters and the husband of one of them. The group entered the Meryton Assembly Rooms fashionably late, in part to ensure that they made an entrance, and in part because Louisa and Caroline had been preparing the better part of the day and evening to prepare to make good first impressions.

For Bingley's part, he was most pleased with the impressions that other people were making on him. He was generally open, his manner easy and unaffected, sincere rather than formal, and he found that many of the people to whom he was introduced that night were of a temperament more similar to his than most of his acquaintance in London. Immediately he had been struck by how pleasant were the gentlemen of Hertfordshire, and how beautiful the ladies! He had resolved that he would not sit down for a single dance, especially since it seemed that there were more ladies than gentlemen in the room. Well, that was to his advantage.

The only respite from dancing that he would allow himself, so he decided, was between sets. Of course, before and during the sets, he would have to meet all the most important people of Hetfordshire, besides those whom he had already met, and the Master of Ceremonies was only too happy to oblige him. He entertained hopes in particular of meeting the Misses Bennet. There would be time enough for that – so he thought – before learning that the ball ended earlier than he had realized. “It is a most horrid thing to have it end before I can make all the friends I would desire,” he sighed, brows furrowed. “But I shall have to make the best of it – and make certain that the ball I hold at Netherfield will be much longer!”

This declaration was met with cheers from the happy few who surrounded Bingley currently, being Sir William Lucas and his daughter Maria. Bingley could only dance with ladies who he had actually met, naturally, and having just had a most agreeable dance with Miss Charlotte Lucas, he was eager to meet more of the young lady's acquaintance, as he believed the Misses Bennets to be. Sir William was happy to help, and after his first dance with Miss Lucas, Sir William began to direct him towards Mrs. Bennet. The woman appeared pleased, as she smiled widely.

“Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and Miss Bingley,” Sir William began. Mr. Bingley bowed politely before straightening, a smile on his own face before he glanced to Darcy. “May I present Mrs. Bennet, Miss Jane Bennet, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

(OOC: Hope this is okay and didn't move too quickly! Charles is rather impulsive ;D But I can edit if necessary!)

[MISS JANE BENNET]

It was no secret that the Bennets and the Lucas’ were longtime family friends with the eldest Bennet and Lucas women being no exception. Although Jane couldn’t claim as close a friendship to Charlotte as Lizzie, both Bennet girls were fond of her. It was somewhat difficult for Jane to get as close to Charlotte as Lizzie for Mrs. Bennet made a habit of claiming how much handsomer Jane was than Charlotte and it was intensely uncomfortable for all concerned. She hoped with every fiber of her being that Charlotte didn’t hold her mother’s silliness against her.

However it was not Miss Charlotte Lucas who had answered when Jane professed a desire to seek her out, but a Miss Charlotte Delaford. Although the Delafords were natives of Meryton Jane could not claim more than a casual acquaintance with Miss Delaford. Jane had always believed it to be simply because of the distance between Hadleigh Court and Longbourn. While Lucas Lodge was within walking distance, Hadleigh Court required a carriage or a horse to achieve the journey.

“ Miss Delaford! How pleasant it is to see you again.” Jane turned and acknowledged her. When Miss Delaford curtseyed she responded in kind and continued on with the conversation. “ We are very well thank you. And you? How fares life at Hadleigh Court?” she responded engaging the young women in kind.

It would soon prove to be a moot point for the entire ball stopped as Mr. Bingley and party made their entrance to the ball. Jane couldn’t help but stare as they progressed by however she recovered her equilibrium quickly with a blush to her cheeks and looked away and back at Miss Delaford as the ball struck back up again. She was about to open her mouth to make more conversation when dear Mrs. Bennet came swooping in and grabbed Jane by the arm with the intention of introducing her to Mr. Bingley.

“ Please excuse me!” she called rather alarmed as she was pulled out of sight. She gave her sister a look that clearly was crying for help but she disappeared completely from view as her mother led the charge. Well that was embarrassing, Jane looked at her mother in mortified embarrassment right as they glided to a stop before Sir Lucas and the Bingley party.

“Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and Miss Bingley,” Sir William began. Mr. Bingley bowed politely before straightening, a smile on his own face before he glanced to Darcy. “May I present Mrs. Bennet, Miss Jane Bennet, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Jane managed to take a deep breath and recover her senses and curtseyed when introductions were made. “Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, Miss Bingley.” she responded in kind inclining her head in greeting. Jane couldn’t help but sneak a glance at the famed Mr. Bingley once introductions had been made. He had certainly lived up the repute, for he was as handsome as rumored. Jane looked over at her sister with a excited smile on her face and for some reassurance as she heard Sir William Lucas conversing with Mrs. Bennet.

[Miss Elizabeth Bennet]

The Meryton assembly was looking to be quite the diversion, and Lizzie found, perhaps against her better judgment, that she was looking forward to the evening wholeheartedly. She had already imagined herself chatting secretly with Charlotte Lucas, all the while watching the hall with veiled bemusement as the neighborhood craned their necks for a mere glimpse of the elusive Mr Bingley. If nothing else, it would certainly be a blessed respite from listening to her younger sisters bemoan there being nothing for them to do.

As she and Jane dressed for the evening, their mother rushed in and simpered with the elder Bennet daughter over their selections. Jane had a sweetness that out-shined whatever she was wearing, but looked especially lovely for the occasion in her soft pink gown. Lizzie settled on a gown the color of cream; a simple dress with almond colored embroidery around the collar and sleeves. Her dark hair was pinned back, with a few white flowers threaded throughout. It was not very often that she felt very handsome, but as she regarded her reflection in the dresser mirror, Lizzie could not help but smile.

The ride to the assembly hall was noisy, the entire carriage chattering in excitement. Kitty and Lydia giggled and whispered loudly to one another while Mary thumbed through her sheet music, ordering the pages. Jane was surprisingly tight-lipped, but answered Lizzie’s amused grin with one of her own.

Upon entrance, the hall was fairly buzzing, filled with music and laughter and good conversation. Jane's hand reached for her own as their younger sisters ran after the officers and their parents, along with Mary, sought out the Lucas family. Free to wander, the two eldest Bennet girls found a spot with a furtive view of the entryway. As they admired the dancing couples before them, Lizzie smiled at her sister's words.

“Have you ever seen so much excitement Lizzie! I daresay you shall have no trouble in procuring at least half a dozen partners for a dance before we’re through this evening. Shall we search for Charlotte? Perhaps we might be able to garner more information on the infamous Mr. Bingley before he arrives. What say you dear sister?”

Lizzie laughed, looping her arms through Jane’s with a wide smile.

“Oh, I do not think this Mr Bingley is quite here yet, as the hall has not been silenced into reverence. But it appears that the assembly has attracted more attendants than usual—I do believe there shall be plenty of partners to dance with,” Lizzie teased, rising on tiptoe to search the hall, “Ah, there still no sign of this Mr Bingley. Perhaps being late is fashionable in London now."

But, when Jane remained silent, a bewildered look in her eyes, Lizzie raised a brow and followed her sister’s line of sight. There was their mother, hurrying towards them with less delicacy than Lizzie wanted to dwell on. She snatched Jane’s arm without a word, and Jane could only throw an apologetic look over her shoulder before being led away. There could only be one reason for their mother’s haste—Mr Bingley had arrived. And Jane was to be the first introduced.

Lizzie hid a smile behind her hand, eyes alight with merriment, and followed after her poor sister.

[Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy]

Mr. Darcy had been most relievedwhen Charles had been forced to turn down Mrs. Bennett's dinner invitation, especially because of those high hopes involving meeting her five daughters. For as vaunted as they might be, as praised as their beauty perhaps was (the cynic in him questioned that from the outset, for he'd seen more than enough of these...beauties spread the world over), there had been only one thing that had registered in the gentleman's mind over the course of such conversation with Charles prior to the assembly. Five. Five daughters. Five. Daughters.

One was bad enough when in the Ton. One with a mother prowling in her shadow was slightly worse. Two could be something slightly close to a nightmare.

But five?

If he'd been a lesser man than he was, Darcy might have quite frankly fled on sight.

Even if it had been any other bar this...these...country folk...even if he was not of a reluctant disposition in general would he still be so, and not just for the simple, obvious fact as to where they hailed from. Even he could not entirely fault in such a fact -- as crass as so many of those he'd already met, greeted and otherwise accidently bumped into when it couldn't be avoided, there were some. Some very, very few, whom he could already tolerate, even like, despite station in life. Miss Charlotte Lucas, for a start, was such a practical, quiet woman even amidst her own family that it was difficult not to like her.

Others...perhaps there were--but then Charles, bless his cursedly vivacious soul, was in and amongst the crowd, already mingling before they were so much as announced, and of course Darcy was all but expected to follow him. Nay, not just expected; it was practically a necessity for the older gentleman to do so. He was indeed the elder of the pair in their friendship, the one that was perhaps looked up to more than the other, the one who acted something of a protector, but the fact of the matter was that when it came to such occasions as this, was that he'd come to almost depend on Bingley's presence. Just a little, in the absence of Georgiana.

The stares already felt were all too familiar. So familiar as to be wearying, but it did little to stop the manner in which the back of his neck burned, or his inner hackles immediately rose in silent umbrage. It was all he could do to sketch a bow, and he might have barely done so if gentlemanly instincts -- and Bingley sketching his own bow -- had not kicked in and forced him to do so. Regardless, his frame was already that of a coiled spring as it took in, sensed, rather than saw, all that was going on about him, and hazel eyes were dark with discontent (and perhaps even the dregs of anxiety swiftly concealed behind impassivity?) as they did their best to look about (not for an escape route, he'd do no such thing...well, not enact such a thing, at the least) and at the same time, not look overtly interested. It was difficult to do so...or rather, it was difficult not to wince, and it was only the very best of self control that kept Pemberley's Master from doing just such a motion for every moment Mrs. Bennett's voice jumped a shrill octave. He'd thought Sir William Lucas was difficult to deal with--

It hadn't been intended, but he had looked up at the laugh, and even behind her hand, it distracted the gentleman's attention from his disquieted musings. Just for a moment, but it was a distraction nonetheless, and his brows drew slightly, quietly as they followed the sound--found the culprit...and the twinkling eyes bestowed upon said culprit. For a moment, he blinked -- actually blinked, and quite at length for one such as he -- before just as suddenly snapping his attentions away to--no, not his boots. That wouldn't do. Not Sir William, either, and certainly not Mrs. Bennett--his boots were the better option there. Back to the daughters -- a Miss Bennett and a Miss Elizabeth? -- briefly, though slightly longer than brief, at the pretty picture that the elder Miss Bennett did indeed present before glancing away again -- not the boots, fool -- over the crowded hall. Then at Charles, then--

Blast and damnation, perhaps the boots are the best option after all.

[MISS CAROLINE BINGLEY]

What an appalling waste of time and effort.

While Caroline naturally expected Charles to make the acquaintance of those in the neighbourhood, asserting himself as a resident there, it seemed entirely too eccentric to want to dance with them as well. She could be sure that no real society was to be found amongst the rough, country folk of Hertfordshire and to do more than receive guests once the Park was let seemed an exercise in futility. Caroline hated to spoil a minute and the fact that they must waste an entire evening in the pretense of remaining at Netherfield for the remainder of the Summer was quite beyond her patience. She had invitations – five already – to superior events in London and to be absent from them - no doubt to the great disappointment of the hosts - in favour of this rabble, was unconscionable.

That Charles had near demanded it of them all had been most inconvenient, for to deny him outright was incredibly ill-bred. When Darcy had assented to the plan, naturally there was no way that it could be refused and since this suggested that he was willing to suffer the discomfort for his friend’s benefit, Caroline would strive to do the same for a beloved brother.

Once it was decided that they would attend the small gathering – at a very common-looking set of assembly rooms that seemed more suited to housing horses than dancing – the sisters had set about at once ensuring that their arrival would be well-noted. Caroline imagined it would require much less effort than had gone into the endeavour on account of it being unlikely that the girls of Meryton should have pretty features enough between them to rival her and Louisa’s easy grace, and on account of her suspecting that Hertfordshire had never seen the likes of a true gentleman before, of which Darcy and her brother must prove to be the most humbling examples.

She only hoped they were not overrun.

What was to say that where there was a lack of fine feature, there was not also a lack of manner? She expected that every eligible girl in the county would be falling over herself for the first. It was a disgusting thought and she all but sneered at it as the carriage finally pulled to a stop a their destination. From that moment, the world was a flurry of activity through which she seemed to move like a bee caught in a honey trap. Whatever her imaginings, the reality was ever so much worse and as the party followed after her brother’s enthusiasm, she glanced over to see what she assumed was Darcy expressing much the same displeasure as she felt. She smirked to herself, grateful at least that she had an ally in the room. Before long they were making the acquaintance of Sir Farmer This-that-or-the-other and he, in turn, introduced them to a throng of young women.

Bennets? Her brows rose in a very faint displeasure, she had thought that they had avoided this little hiccup when Charles had been forced to turn down a dinner invitation. Of course, the mask swiftly replaced the reality and she smiled and curtsied graciously at her introduction, happy to grant them at least an object lesson. She refused to speak to them directly, since Charles seemed eager to do most of it himself. With any luck, he would, and she could escape this nightmare having her circle of friends remain relatively untainted!

She glanced again at Darcy, noticing his discomfort after a moment and immediately flitting across the company with keen green eyes to discern the cause. What she discovered – in the repeated glance towards a Miss… Eleanor Bennet? - prompted an instinctual reaction to separate him from it and she leaned over with slightly raised hand and quickly highlighted the obvious, “I do wonder at our having met only the elder Misses Bennet, from report I had thought Mrs Bennet might expect Charles to marry them all.”

[Miss Felicity Cadwallader]

Never before had she felt so content to watch from the sidelines. She was, by nature, the kind of girl who always found herself in the thick of things and to be on the fringes of society in this new place was a strange feeling indeed. But there was nothing to be done about it, at least not until the return of her cousin, who might introduce her to those people he had lived amongst his whole life. She had not yet come to the rather astute conclusion that Nicholas kept himself primarily removed from company (and company from him) and could only deduce that it would be simply a matter of time before she was surrounded with the very best of friends who were all the most precious to her for all that they were new and full to the brim of promise. And though she had not yet made their acquaintance, names had been thrown around Haye Park in the days since her arrival.

Bingley was one of them, linked rather firmly with that of Netherfield. Upon hearing a young man close by utter the second her interest was immediately caught -- why, could this be the mysterious Mr. Bingley himself? Her eyes widened with interest and she quite stared, poor girl, so used to she to being amongst the centre of attention that she did not know how to huddle outside of that spotlight. He seemed rather amiable, from what she could tell; dressed well, but then so he ought, for she had heard from Nicholas (who had heart it elsewhere) that he was a man of some fortune. Darcy was not yet a name she had heard, but she found its owner no less compelling for the lack of it. A tall man with a handsome, arresting face, Felicity took her time to stare at him too. He seemed as though he was displeased with the company, though she could not for the life of her think why that ought to be so; she found it delightful in every particular!

And Miss Bingley! What elegance! Felicity immediately resolved to herself that the red-haired lady would rival any beauty she had ever seen, such was the easy grace with which the lady herself moved. She was caught by a small smile on Mr. Bingley’s face before she then heard a collection of names which she had been apprised of since her arrival; The Misses Bennet. Oh, but Flick had been so excited to hear of such a large family of girls living within relative ease of Haye Park! She had resolved to herself at once that they must all of them be fast friends, and when the girls took their curtseys at their introduction to Mr. Darcy and Bingleys Felicity really almost moved forward to bestow upon them a fond greeting of her own. She stopped herself just in time, remembering that they were not yet formally introduced, and bore herself up as best she could, given such hardships.

At least if her cousin was going to prove an absent ally, her observations would serve her well!

[MISS CHARLOTTE DELAFORD]

Indeed it was a night filled to the brim with excitement!

For no sooner had Charlotte greeted the Bennet girls than poor Jane had been whisked away by her mother – no doubt to nefarious purpose. Miss Delaford had all but formed the words to express that Hadleigh was well, though busy with the final harvests of the Summer, before the young girl and – apologetically – her sister in tow, were gone. Charlotte would have laughed, had she not been so thoroughly proved correct that Mrs Bennet’s matchmaking endeavours were more detriment than help to Miss Bennet’s social advancement. Jane was of such a delightful temperament that she could be trusted to get along perfectly on her own, Charlotte was certain. Their introduction thus cut short, she spared only a moment to lament it, as the object of the interruption could not in the least be doubted.

Mr Bingley had to have arrived.

And arrive he did, though Charlotte was initially more interested in the reaction than the gentleman himself; people scurried, notice was taken and never before had so many cheeks been pinched to elicit that perfectly natural glow that attracted such gentlemen and their proposals of marriage. On sighting the party, Charlotte had to own how impressive it was. Indeed, while she had only just returned from London, to see it displayed in Meryton’s modest halls was quite something. Mr Bingley was indeed as animated as she had been led to believe and his countenance spoke of a kindly nature that Charlotte had not expected in the least. Of his companions, however, she could not be so kind – for while they were impeccably turned out, Charlotte had never seen such dourness in the face of enjoyment.

Well, save for one gentleman – and his dourness was rather to be counted on as reliably as every other smile as an indicator of the success of a social engagement.

It was at that moment that she spied another face, one so intimately attached to the one she had just contemplated as to be oddly coincidental. For there was Miss Cadwallader, equally bound to enjoy the merriment – although Charlotte could not have named in moment in which the young girl had been disposed not to enjoy… well, anything at all – and all by herself!

”Miss Cadwallader,” she offered with genuine warmth and not an insignificant amount of ready fun, approaching her recent acquaintance with every hope of discovering the reason behind her singularity, “I hope your guardian has not left you alone in search of his own diversion. I should have to chide him, then, for his abominable manners.”

Which she would very likely do regardless!

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Well it had seemed that Mrs. Bennet had accomplished her goal. An introduction had been made to the infamous Mr. Bingley and now it was up to one of the Bennet sisters to ensnare him. Jane was completely and utterly incapable of the guile necessary to provoke a wealthy man into matrimony. So as much as Mrs. Bennet wished for Jane to be the one to provide for the Bennet family’s future it was not to be.

However she couldn’t help but feel excited at the prospect of making Mr. Bingley’s acquaintance. Meryton was a small community and as pleasant as that was, it was not as thrilling as the prospect of making new friends. Although Jane was not quite as expectant of her mother that making Mr. Bingley’s would lead to matrimony, Jane was of the hope that it could at least lead to friendship. Now that she had set eyes upon the subject of many a rumor or two, she hoped that she might further the acquaintance.

When introductions were made she subtly gripped her sister’s hand a gesture to show the excitement she felt before exhibiting the proper manners expected of a woman of her class. However it seemed once the introductions were made conversation seemed to be lacking. Rather than stand there like a fool Jane thought polite conversation might be a necessity at this time.

“ And how are you enjoying your time here in Meryton?” she asked to the party in general, hoping that it might elicit a response from someone. “ Is Netherfield to your liking? I have always found it to be the most beautiful of estates here in the county.” she added her gaze drifting over the elegant frame of Miss Bingley and the refined Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley.

Jane gulped and let her eyes drift downward, her shyness catching up with her. If she had failed to strike up a conversation she would be forced to retreat to a corner and surrender the field to another eligible young lady.

[Miss Elizabeth Bennet]

Biting her lip, Lizzie hoped that her and Jane’s hasty departure didn’t wildly offend Miss Charlotte Delaford. Mrs Bennet waited for nothing, and in her eagerness to throw Jane into Mr Bingley’s path, pulled Jane away from a burgeoning conversation with Miss Delaford. Lizzie looked back in Miss Delaford’s direction with an apologetic gaze, and promised to herself that she would explain the situation once she had slipped away from Mr Bingley and his companions.

Her mother positively beamed as introductions were made, and it was not long before Jane and Mr Bingley were chatting quite amicably. Lydia had been very wrong in her estimate of the total headcount of Mr Bingley’s guests, and Lizzie bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at the memory of it. The rest of the small party was mute. The silence was fast becoming uncomfortable, but gave Lizzie time to covertly study the other party members.

With Mr Bingley was his sister, Miss Caroline Bingley, who was easily the stateliest woman Lizzie had ever seen. As fine as her countenance was, Lizzie could tell that there was a hundred other places Miss Bingley would rather be at this moment. Along with a sister, Mr Bingley brought a gentleman who was introduced as Mr Darcy. The moment Lizzie had entered the assembly room, she had heard whispers of a man of ten thousand a year, but could hardly believe it—until now.

Mr Darcy was dressed very finely and held himself with the air of a gentleman, but barely spoke a word to anyone outside his party. Perhaps he was uneasy in such unfamiliar company? Lizzie was generally not one to give the benefit of doubt, but wanted to at least try, in relation to Miss Bingley and Mr Darcy.

‘Be kind, Lizzie, be kind for Jane’s sake,’ she urged herself silently.

In any regard, Mr Darcy looked quite out of place in the assembly hall. He walked stiffly and wore no other expression than a veil of distaste. Lizzie watched as his previously unsteady gaze settled upon the soft conversation between Mr Bingley and her sister. Was he interested in Jane as well? Perhaps Jane’s beauty had managed to enrapture both of the wealthiest men in the room. She could not contain such a happy thought, and turned to offer an olive branch to that quiet man in the form of polite conversation. But Mr Darcy was decidedly not looking at her, even when she stared, and in her bewilderment, Lizzie kept her mouth closed and turned away.

Mr Bingley was clearly taken with her elder sister, leaving their mother the unnecessary task of breathing life into a dying conversation with Mr Darcy. Lizzie was content to see Jane’s sudden and infectious happiness, but in the presence of such wealth, Mrs Bennet had become greedy, and tried to coerce a very somber Mr Darcy into dancing with her second daughter.

Lizzie’s face went pale, and then red as Mr Darcy turned down the offer with little interest and no apology before he turned on his heel and walked away. She had not wanted to dance with him anyway—and now she was scorned!

How absurd!

At first, she was understandably affronted, and a bit wounded, but the entire situation was so unbelievable that her distress turned quite seamlessly into entertainment. She stood at her mother’s side and watched as Jane danced with Mr Bingley. Mrs Bennet was pleased with herself, but every few minutes, made a face as she thought about the now infamous Mr Darcy snubbing her daughter.

“How rude of him to come into society with the intent of offending everyone!” Mrs Bennet declared loudly.

There was a part of Lizzie that wanted to make herself scarce for fear of association, but she could not help but stay and tease her unwitting mother.

“The rich can certainly afford to burn bridges, Mama, we shall not concern ourselves with him,” Lizzie said, and when she saw her mother nodding, continued on, “Perhaps… upon closer inspection, he is not as handsome as Mr Bingley...”

Mrs Bennet’s answer was emphatic, and Lizzie let a grin bloom across her face without a second thought.

Ah, at least there would now be time to speak with Charlotte Delaford—Lizzie would not be dancing much this evening.

[MR CHARLES BINGLEY]

Charles was aware that his sister and his best friend were nearby, but when he was meeting Miss Bennet, he failed to see them any longer or hear anything that they might have been saying. Darcy did not tend to say much anyway as a general rule, and Caroline often spoke things that were not meant for everyone to hear. He could afford to disregard them for a moment, as it was only right to pay attention to Miss Bennet – and the rest of her family, of course, but... mainly her. How could he focus on anything else when such perfection was before him?

He swallowed as she spoke, feeling as though she were speaking directly to him even though there were two other people present whom she could have been addressing. He had been eager to meet many people at the Assembly, and he was glad that he had met quite a few already, but he was especially glad to have made the Lucases' acquaintance because he was even more glad to have made Miss Bennet's acquaintance. His eyes were slightly wide and alight with excitement as he perceived her, nodding in response to her question.

“Oh, I am enjoying it very much!” he enthused honestly. Especially now! “Everyone has been exceedingly kind to us. Haven't they, Darcy?” He glanced to his friend briefly, realizing that the man was staring at his boots. How stupid! And how unlike him. The man was more like to keep his head up, above everyone else with as tall as he was, and stare around the crowd, aloof. But he was glancing down like a shy schoolboy! ...no matter. Charles would not think on it now; he could scold the man when they were alone. “Netherfield is exquisite. Its décor is elegant, the grounds extensive...”

He nodded in agreement. “Oh, yes, very beautiful! I could not say if it is the most beautiful, as I have not yet been to every estate in the county, but the ones that I have been to have been quite agreeable.” He swallowed again, sparing a glance to Mrs. Bennet, who was wringing her hands and smiling at him. He had been to Longbourn briefly to visit Mr Bennet, but he had yet to stay long enough to meet all of sisters, some of whom he still had not seen, and he would not complain if he were to spend more time with the family. Long enough for the dinner that Mrs. Bennet had invited him to earlier, perhaps. “I love being out of doors, you see. Going for walks, going for rides... and the weather has been so fine of late!”

Looking again to Caroline and Darcy, he realized that they did not seem as engaged in the conversation. No matter. They never enjoyed this sort of thing as much as he did, he supposed, but that would not make his enjoyment any less!

[MISS JANE BENNET]

Jane Bennet was for the first time in her life, enraptured. Although there were dozens of people in the assembly, and the commotion evident Jane felt as if she only had eyes for Mr. Bingley. There was something infectious in his enthusiasm and the pleasantness of his demeanor that Jane was inexplicably drawn to. She hardly noticed the rather intense scrutiny of Mr. Darcy before his gaze drifted down to regard the polish on his boots. And she was completely ignorant of Miss Bingley’s rather snide comment regarding her family.

“ Oh I am so glad.” she responded her own smile evident when he claimed he was enjoying country living. Although Jane had always longed to have an adventure in London or see the other parts of the country, she was a great champion of her home. Hertfordshire was the most pleasant of places and having grown up amidst such a community had always made Jane the happiest of people. When he asked his friend Darcy if he agreed Jane turned her head expectantly to hear his answer and to make him feel included in the conversation. Her fair eyebrows knitted for a second as she regarded him staring at his boots.

“ I do hope you find Hertfordshire to your liking Mr. Darcy.” she said politely in an attempt to draw him into the conversation but to no avail. Once Mr. Bingley continued on her attention turned back to the more talkative of the fellows. “ I was under the impression that the gardens at Netherfield are breathtaking this time of year. I often wished I had the opportunity to sketch them.” she responded revealing bits and pieces about herself as the conversation went on.

“ Well I am sure you shall make friends very quickly and know all the estates before long.” Jane commented when he declared he had not yet visited every estate in the county. Jane knew he had seen her home at Longbourn when he returned the visit her father had paid him at Netherfield and imagined he found it entirely lacking when comparing it to the grandeur he was used to. But to Jane there was no place better in the world for it was where her family lived.

“ Oh I do as well! It is disgraceful to waste such fine whether that we have been having as of late. My sisters and I often picnic in the meadow just outside Longbourn to take in the scenery.” she said enthusiastically delighted that she had something in common with the amiable young man. Jane’s head perked up a bit as the musicians on the balcony started up another set. As fond as she was of dancing she was quite content to stay and talk to Mr. Bingley for as long as he would have her.

[Mr Nicholas Goulding]

To Mr Nicholas Goulding, there was no pleasure like that afforded by the underestimated power of observation. Where others were apt to laugh and laugh and say and do things which they did not feel at their core, he infinitely preferred to take note and ponder on what was meant by it all. Evenings such as this were perfect fodder for these more cerebral designs; there was no place better to be able to fade into the background than a room full to overflowing with people each intent on making themselves known. He circulated with ease and relative anonymity, for those who knew him tended toward a wide berth and those who did not were too busy talking to everyone else in order to take much notice of a man who seemed to prefer his own company. The night was just begun and already the people flocked this way and that, schooling like fish easily diverted by the most primitive of stimuli.

Gossip.

He had not taste for it. This was not to say that he was an exceptionally kind soul for, make no mistake, his dislike for gossip did not arise from a sense of feeling that to speak thus of his fellows was morally repugnant in any fashion. No, his objection to idle chatter was that it was idle, and often incorrect. His judgement was always handed down as though on a silver platter, irrefutable and decisive, and to have it contradicted after the fact by learning that he had ben lead astray by the opinion on another would not do. Therefore he did not listen to the stories of Mr Bingley’s wealth and reported good looks -- no account of the man’s generosity of spirit could induce him into conversation -- and he would remain every inch as stubborn as he always was until he had the satisfaction of meeting the man for himself.

There were some who might call this a virtue of his character, that by making up his own mind on matters Mr Goulding was something of a model of sense within the neighbourhood. And, had it not been for the fact that his opinion (once given) was perhaps even more cutting than it had been remembered, they might have been correct. However, Goulding only reserved his judgement so that he could have the satisfaction of disliking a person in any manner he chose, and that was the ending of the matter. He had entertained great hopes for finding Bingley every bit as ridiculous as most of the people he was unfortunate enough to be thrown into society with. Any young man who would come into the countryside -- no matter how many ladies or gentlemen he had in tow -- at the end of the shooting season rather than the commencement of it was certain to have taken leave of his senses.

Having had stepped away to procure lemonade for his charge, he was returning to her side when he first caught sight of Hertfordshire’s new sensation. A shock of bright red hair was the first thing one noticed about the gentleman, and immediately marked a young lady by his side as his sibling. There they were, speaking with Sir William Lucas and young Maria; though they all seemed rather pleased to be conversing, Nicholas couldn’t help but remind himself that birds of a feather flocked together and he had never intended to overbear Sir William with more brains than was his due. The Bennets then swarmed into the scene, which only tempted him into a wry smile. Personally, he had always thought it rather hard (not only on Jane and Elizabeth, but also on the entirety of Meryton) that the younger Miss Bennets should be so accepted into society without care. He watched Jane greet Miss Delaford (whose gaze he deliberately averted, lest she attempt to divert him) and then Miss Delaford greeting his ward and, realising that he now had no means of escape, moved to Felicity’s side.

“He has not,” he replied smoothly, edging closer to the young ladies so as to be well shot of the crush. “Though you will not be at peace until you have scolded me in any event.”

“I had almost given you up,” Felicity confessed with a nervous laugh, reaching for her lemonade. “There are a lot of people here, are there not? Is it always this busy?”

Wordlessly (and against his will, for Heaven’s sake) he begrudglingly offered the other glass of lemonade to Miss Delaford. She would take it, too, just to spite him. His eyes challenged hers in a flash of sharp green before he looked back to his young cousin. “Yes, unfortunately,” he replied. “At the mention of an assembly, people come from miles around – like flies to a --“

“Nevermind!” Felicity interrupted him, looking sheepish. “How are you this evening, Miss Delaford? Your dress is so elegant; I confess I have never seen such excellent lace!”

Nicholas seemed suddenly amused. “Yes, you are quite right Felicity – but then, Miss Delaford always has an eye for such things.” He turned to Charlotte. “Is that not the same lace you had on your green gown, last year?” He smirked. If she chose to throw the lemonade over him, at least he would get a taste of it and it would wet down his throat in an attempt to conquer the thinness of the air.

Ugh, assemblies.