Longbourn's Unexpected Matchmaker; A Pride and Prejudice Variation

“My dear Jane,” Elizabeth exclaimed lunging into the middle of Jane’s bed for their sisterly talk. “Have you heard? Netherfield Park is let at last.”

Jane replied she had not.

“But it is,” returned she, “for I have just overheard Mama telling Papa.”

Jane nodded, her blonde ringlets dancing alongside her face, but she made no answer.

“Do you not want to know who has taken it?” continued Lizzy in her best imitation of their mother’s voice.

“YOU want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it,” giggled Jane as she attempted to imitate their father.

“Well then, dearest Jane, you must know Mama told Papa that Mrs Long said a young man of large fortune from Northern England has taken Netherfield. He came down on Monday with his two closest friends to inspect the property. He was so delighted with what he saw he agreed with Mr Morris to take possession before Michaelmas. They expect some of his servants to be in the house by the end of next week.”

“What are their names?”

“Bingley, Fitzwilliam, and Darcy.”

“Will others join them for their stay?” asked Jane.
Elizabeth laughed, “Why Jane, that’s not the right question. Don’t you mean to ask the same one Papa asked?”

“What did Papa ask, dearest Lizzy?”

“Are they married or single?” She was having trouble keeping a straight face through all her theatrics. “Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure!”

Jane laughed at Lizzy’s frightfully accurate representation of their mother’s voice as she continued imitating both her mother and father entirely on her own, since Jane was beyond further antics. 

“Three single men of independent fortunes. Bingley is said to have four or five thousand a year, Fitzwilliam is a second son to an Earl and a Colonel in the militia and Darcy, why this is the best of all, he is said to have a clear ten thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!”

“How so? How can it affect them?”

“My dear, how can you be so tiresome? You must know I am thinking of them marrying two or three of them.”

“Is that their design for settling here?”

“Design! Nonsense. How can you talk so? But they may likely fall in love with them. Our girls have been widely acknowledged as the most beautiful in the county. Therefore, you must visit them as soon as they come or else you do us all a disservice.”

It was here that Jane interrupted Lizzy, since she could bear no more. Her face and sides hurt from smiling and laughing so much. “Is Father taking the trouble to visit the Netherfield gentlemen? He rarely takes the time to visit any newcomers.”

“No, Father won’t be visiting them, much to Mother’s vexation. I’m sure we’ll hear about it every day until the Meryton Assembly.”

***

Mr Bennet had been among the earliest of those who waited on Mr Bingley of Netherfield. He had always planned to visit him, but assured his wife and daughters he wouldn’t go until the night of the Meryton Assembly.

All intelligence the ladies learned about the Netherfield gentlemen was gathered by Sir William Lucas, the father of Elizabeth’s closest friend, Miss Charlotte Lucas. He informed them Mr Bingley was the name of the man who leased Netherfield, and best of all, he was delighted with him. Mr Bingley was quite young, appeared to be wonderfully handsome, extremely agreeable, and to crown the whole, meant to attend the next assembly with his entire party. Nothing could be more delightful! Moreover, to be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love, and more than one lady entertained lively hopes of Mr Bingley’s heart.

The Longbourn ladies were discussing their appearances and whether Mr Bingley and his friends Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy would approve of them as they rounded the bend into Meryton the night of the assembly ball. It was now Mr Bennet revealed to the ladies he had visited Mr Bingley. He did so in the following manner:

“I know each of you has thoughts of entertaining the Netherfield gentlemen this night with your elegant dancing, but dearest daughters, I do not think any of you have a chance since not one of you is wearing blue. I am positive I heard Mr Bingley say his favourite colour is blue.”

Mrs Bennet was all confused, exclaiming, “Of what are you talking, Mr Bennet? I am sure not one of us understands you.”

“Of Mr Bingley, of course—why just last week, as I visited him, I am sure he said he loved to dance, especially if the lady was wearing blue.”

The astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished, and they instantly accosted him with barefaced questions, ingenious suppositions, and distant surmises. Still, he eluded the skill of them all. The only information the ladies could determine was that Mr Bennet only met Mr Bingley and not the Colonel or Mr Darcy.

The carriage finally pulled up in front of the Meryton Assembly Hall, and the footman opened the door. The first to exit the carriage was Mr Bennet. He first stretched his back and legs, chuckled to himself that each of the ladies wished she had worn blue, and cringed as Mrs Bennet exclaimed to Jane, “Why did you not listen to me? I told you to wear your blue dress.” Jane ignored her mother as her father handed down his wife and five daughters. They all proceeded inside to enjoy the festivities of the night.

When the Netherfield party arrived, fashionably late, all activity stopped, and every person in the assembly hall turned to observe the four gentlemen and two ladies who entered the room.

Mr Bingley was good-looking and gentleman-like. He had a pleasant countenance and easy, unaffected manners. It was soon discovered that Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam had an amiable disposition and perfect manners. The two had quickly acquainted themselves with the principal people in the room. They were both lively and unreserved, danced every dance, and were angry the ball planned to close so early. Mr Bingley talked of giving one himself at Netherfield. Such amiable qualities must speak for themselves—what a contrast between them and their friend. But Mr Darcy, although tall, extremely handsome, rich and appearing to have everything, rarely danced, avoided being introduced to any other lady and spent much of the evening walking about the room, occasionally speaking to one of his party. These manners did not present him in a favourable light. So his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, large estate and ten thousand a year could not dispel him from being labelled a disagreeable man and unworthy of being compared to his friends. The whole of Meryton declared Darcy’s character as the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and everybody hoped he would never come there again.

Elizabeth Bennet took advantage of a pause in the music to compose herself by walking to the refreshment table and partaking of some lemonade. Parched from the dancing, she needed to quench her thirst before her next dance partner sought her out. This assembly ball had been remarkable for Lizzy thus far, since she had not yet sat out for a single set and her dance card was already full for the rest of the evening. Thus, fulfilling any young lady’s wish of being sought as a dance partner by so many fine young men. With her refreshment in hand, Elizabeth took a seat to enjoy the entertainment. Maria Lucas was currently performing a simple, but pretty, lullaby. Everyone present gave her genuine applause, and after her performance, none other than Elizabeth’s sister, Miss Mary Bennet, took her turn. Although Mary played all the notes of her piece perfectly, it lacked emotion. During the singing, her weak voice didn’t match the song. Although the entire assembly applauded after her display, it was more for wanting her to cease than to commend her performance. Elizabeth observed derision on the faces and in the eyes of many in the room. As always, another succeeded Mary, and all in attendance soon forgot her performance. Elizabeth continued to sip her lemonade and focused on everyone around her, as she liked to do when alone.

Mr Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam were standing near Lizzy. She overheard them talking about the current poor disposition of Mr Darcy and their resolution to discuss it with him. This interested her because their discussion made it sound like Mr Darcy was acting outside his usual character. To a studier of human folly, such as Elizabeth, this was of great interest.

Mr Darcy had just arrived at the refreshment table when Mr Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam put their resolution to action. Colonel Fitzwilliam began by saying, “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, cousin. You, of all people, know how I detest it unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. Plus, you are both aware that presently I am in no mood to meet new ladies. Bingley’s sisters are engaged. I don’t know any other woman well enough to stand up with them without it appearing as punishment.”

“I would not be as fastidious as you are,” cried Mr Bingley, “for a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening, and there are several of them, you see, who are uncommonly pretty. Getting to know them seems easy enough.”

“You two may consider the women of the Hertfordshire society pretty and pleasant, but you are too easily impressed—there are none here that have caught my eye,” said Mr Darcy, looking around the room. He paused as he first glimpsed Miss Elizabeth Bennet. To him, it appeared she was listening to their conversation. But upon a second glance, she walked away, making him think he was paranoid, and she hadn’t been listening after all.

It was not lost upon Colonel Fitzwilliam that Darcy hesitated upon catching sight of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He’d have to remember this and consider its potential usefulness in the future.

The orchestra seated themselves to resume playing. Mr Darcy turned to his companions, saying, “I assume each of you has already engaged pretty ladies to do you the honour of the next dance. Therefore, you had better go back to your partners and enjoy their smiles. You are wasting your time with me.”

Mr Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam shrugged their shoulders at each other and followed his advice to find their dance partners as Mr Darcy set off to brood in the corner.

Before Elizabeth’s partner claimed her for the dance, she sat and considered what the three gentlemen had said. To Elizabeth, it seemed as if Mr Darcy was not acting in his usual manner. She had just considered what could cause such a change in one’s character when Colonel Fitzwilliam claimed her for the next set.

Mr Darcy paced the room’s length during the set’s first dance until he realised that Colonel Fitzwilliam was dancing with the young lady he had seen near the refreshment table. Darcy noticed her eyes seemed to sparkle and dance as she moved, and her smile … oh, that smile … made him determined that perhaps, just perhaps, he would dance a set with a lady who wasn’t from his group.

Mr Darcy waited for the set to end and moved in the same direction Colonel Fitzwilliam was heading to deposit the lady. Upon reaching them, the Colonel had not yet departed, and Darcy nodded to him to introduce his latest partner.

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I am pleased to introduce you to my cousin and good friend, Mr Darcy.”

Elizabeth curtsied to Mr Darcy.

“It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Bennet. Would you do me the honour of dancing the next set?” Mr Darcy asked with slight hesitation. He was never at ease conversing in society, especially with ladies.

“It would be my honour, Mr Darcy,” Mr Darcy began releasing the breath he nervously held, until the rest of her comment made him catch it up again, “but I am already engaged for the next set. I apologise, sir, but perhaps we may dance together another time.”

“You don’t need to apologise. I would be pleased to stand up with you for whichever set you have available this evening.” He held another breath, praying she would say yes.

Miss Elizabeth’s cheeks overspread with a pretty blush as she replied, “I must apologise again, Mr Darcy. I have already promised ALL of my dances this evening. I do not have one to give you.”

Mr Darcy felt mortified and embarrassed. He had mustered the courage to ask, but received a sort of rejection. He bowed and said, “Miss Bennet, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” then he turned to stalk away, angry at himself for letting his impulses guide his actions and allowing himself to be so embarrassed.

Colonel Fitzwilliam placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping his retreat. He held on to Darcy as he addressed Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, I have just had the honour and privilege of dancing with you this evening, and I believe I am one of the privileged gentlemen already engaged for another set; the final set of the night. I do not wish to give up my dance. However, I would also let you know there can be no finer dance partner than Mr Darcy, and if you would like him as your partner for the final set of the evening, I give you leave to accept him and will not be offended if you cry me off.”

Mistaking Elizabeth’s look for uneasiness at the necessity of choosing between the two, Mr Darcy quickly stopped him. “Colonel Fitzwilliam, you should not punish yourself by quitting the dance to allow me one in which I had not the foresight to plan for a partner.”

Elizabeth was enjoying the scene before her but saw her next dance partner coming to claim her, so she thought it prudent to bring the discussion to an end. “Gentlemen, I would be honoured to dance with either of you. The Colonel is correct, we have already enjoyed a set this evening, and I have promised him the final set of the night. As much as I enjoy dancing with him, I would also be very pleased to dance with and become acquainted with you, Mr Darcy.” Elizabeth looked and nodded at Mr Darcy. Elizabeth’s eyebrows quickly rose in a becoming arch as she continued, “I have an idea. I leave it up to you two gentlemen to surprise me at the last dance. Whoever reaches me first to claim my hand shall be the one I have the honour of dancing with.” Elizabeth flashed a stunning smile and curtsied as her next partner claimed her for their set.

The rest of the evening passed slowly for Darcy until, at last, it was nearing time for the evening’s final set. Darcy had watched Elizabeth since she left the Colonel and himself earlier in the evening. He became resolute and determined the final set with Miss Elizabeth would be his.

Colonel Fitzwilliam watched Darcy as he watched Miss Elizabeth and was resolute he would let his cousin have the final set. He was positive Darcy was attracted to the woman and was interested to see if something would come of it. Darcy rarely displayed interest in anyone.

As Darcy watched Miss Elizabeth, he discovered that, after each set, she had her partner lead her to her sister or friend, Miss Charlotte Lucas. He had not yet realised it was, in actuality, wherever her mother was not. Based on these observations, he concluded that upon completing this set, she would place herself next to her friend Charlotte, and therefore it was near that woman where he would wait.

Elizabeth had noticed Mr Darcy watching her since their introduction and his dance offer and was hoping he would be the one to claim her for the final set. As her dance ended, she had two options of where to have her partner escort her. The first being near her dearest sister Jane, who was at present by the refreshment table talking with Miss Bingley and her mother. The second was next to her good friend, Charlotte Lucas. Elizabeth had previously decided she would go to whoever was nearest to Mr Darcy. So, upon seeing Mr Darcy near Charlotte, that is where she had her partner take her.

Darcy was not disappointed. After the dance, he quickly claimed Miss Elizabeth for the final set of the evening before there was any sign of the Colonel. “Miss Bennet, would you allow me to escort you for some refreshment while the musicians prepare for the final set?”

“It would be my pleasure, Mr Darcy.” She smiled slightly at her friend Charlotte as she walked away on Mr Darcy’s arm.

At the refreshment table, Darcy and Elizabeth met the Colonel. “Well, Darcy, I see you wasted no time securing the prize and claiming Miss Elizabeth.”

Darcy was unsure how to respond. He slightly bowed and replied, “Yes, Richard, as you see. I hope you can find another lovely lady to partner. Again, I thank you for your thoughtfulness in allowing me the pleasure of dancing with Miss Bennet this evening.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam grinned, bowed, and departed.

Darcy presented Miss Elizabeth with a glass of refreshing lemonade. She thanked him and sipped it silently until the dance began. Darcy had not said a word to her but was content with occasionally looking at her to admire her features. Elizabeth was uncomfortable under his scrutiny and was ready for the dance to begin, so she could rid her thoughts of the many swirling questions. Why is he looking at me in that stern way? Is he looking at me only to see fault? Is he regretting asking me to dance? Why did he not just let the Colonel reach me first to claim the dance if he is? Was it because I ceremoniously placed myself near him at the end of the last set? She longed to ask him and make him as uncomfortable as she was, but she held her tongue and waited for the dance to begin.

As the dance set began, Darcy handed Elizabeth’s lemonade to a footman and offered her his arm. As he led her to the dance floor, Elizabeth was conscious of the murmuring that the sight of her dancing with Mr Darcy was causing and hoped he did not hear it. At a minimum, she hoped it would not affect or offend him.

Though their first dance was silently performed, it was pleasant enough for each. The second dance had a bit of conversation, although very little. Darcy determined Elizabeth was the second of five sisters and Elizabeth found out Darcy had one. Elizabeth soon realised Mr Darcy felt comfortable talking about his sister and encouraged him to speak of her. She spent the remained of the dance persuading Darcy to expound on the beauty, serenity, and talents of his almost angelic sister. Elizabeth smiled as she recognised Darcy’s protectiveness for his almost-perfect sister, much like she did towards her dearest Jane.

After the dance, Mr Darcy led Elizabeth to her sister, Jane. “Thank you, Mr Darcy. I truly enjoyed dancing with you and am glad you reached me first. I hope it was pleasant for you as well.”

“Yes, Miss Bennet, it was.” Mr Darcy bowed and departed with one last long look at Elizabeth. She granted his wish when she graced him with “that smile” he had seen her give others earlier.