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CHAPTER 2- Meryton Ball

The ball was the main event in the whole country of Hertfordshire. The Bingleys we’re the very guest because they had just bought the Netherfield Park which is near at the Longbourne Parsonage we’re the Bennets live. The Lucasses we’re the principal inhabitants because Sir William is in the rank which the king of England appoint him. Meanwhile, in the Longbourne Parsonage, Mrs. Bennet is busy telling her daughters to dress appropriately and to look beautiful. Mary, the 3^rd daughter come nearer and asks her mother.

“Mama, do I look too preoccupied with braids? Do I need to remove one?”

“Oh! That is alright, you look well. Now, you go to Lizzy to help you with you’re gown—Where is Lizzy and Jane? Good heavens! I need Jane here!”

Upstairs was Jane and Elizabeth, Elizabeth heard her mother calling Jane.

“Mama is calling you, Jane.”

“She can wait, Lizzy. I am still fixing you’re hair.”

“But she will be angry with you and—“

She didn’t finish what she wants to say because Jane had interrupted her.

“Until I am done with you’re hair, Miss.”

Lizzy then stop and smile at what her sister told her, while, Jane, on her part, was still busy with her sister’s hair. She is curling it up to make it more beautiful and after awhile, she put a nice tiara on her head and she also gave her a necklace.

“I bought it in the town yesterday. I just want to give you this, because I know that Jade is you’re favorite gemstone.”

“Thank you, Jane.” She hugged her sister and she added. “I shall buy one for you too.” Jane smiled and after awhile, Mrs. Bennet came and scolded the both of them.

“I have been calling you, Jane for about ten minutes and you did not seem to hear. You’re supposed to look beautiful as you we’re the eldest! For heaven’s sake! You must follow me, quickly! —Lizzy! Look at you’re face! Good heavens! It looks pale, would you like to make it pleasing?”

“Yes, Mada’m.”

Then both Jane and their mother left her alone in her room. She sat down in her dresser and put some foundation on her face. After putting, she decided to go downstairs and she found out that her father wouldn’t be with them. She went to her father’s library and found him there reading a book.

“Papa, why wouldn’t you go with us?”

He then lowers the book and glanced at her second daughter; he replied at her question.

“I’d rather stay here, Lizzy. I am still in the habit of enjoying this book.”

Lizzy looked at the book and smiled but she ask him if he we’re to be fine. Mr. Bennet assures his daughter that he will be fine and that they must go now for the ball will start. Lizzy says his goodbyes to her father and told him that they will be back before 11 o’ clock. The ladies then ride their carriage to go to Meryton. It was about to begin and Sir William, upon their arrival, had asks for Mrs. Bennet’s hand to kiss it, while she curtsied in reply. Her daughters too, curtsied and greeted him good evening. They entered the room and were delighted to see their friends, the Lucasses and the Longs. Elizabeth parted with her closest friend, Charlotte and the two ladies sit in the chairs near the windows. Elizabeth was looking around to see someone, Charlotte, upon noticing it, address her friend.

“Who we’re you finding, Eliza?”

Elizabeth was surprised but she denied it and instead told her friend that she was thirsty.

“Charlotte—do you mind if I—I get some drinks for us?”

“No, you may go.”

She said with a smile on her face and Lizzy stood up and went straightly to the pantry to get some wine. She was then, surprised, when someone holds her shoulder. She turned around to see that it was Mr. Wickham.

“Miss Eliza Bennet.” He bow and he looked at her with a smile on his face.

At this, she curtsied and replied. “Mr. George Wickham!” she smiled too. He holds her hand and he then asks her.

“May I have the honor of dancing you, Miss Eliza?”

Elizabeth blush a little and she replied quickly with a smile.

“Yes, you may do, sir.”

At this, they went to the center and he kissed her hand and after that he place it on his shoulder and he place his hand on her waist. The tune was so romantic and every pair has it own time, they dance with grace and the ladies look at them and they pity themselves not to be able to dance with George. How the men too, especially, the officers who wishes to be partnered with Elizabeth as she was talked to be the most graceful partner and her smiles we’re pleasing. They we’re enjoying every minute of it that they did not seem to hear the tune is stopped. Col. Forster then called out on the two who stopped as they we’re address. He likewise added.

“You are a very beautiful couple to be—wouldn’t it?” The two then blushed, many had seen it, but they parted and had seated on their respective chairs. Sir Lucas then went to the center with a glass of wine and announced the coming of the new visitors.

“We are all so delighted, this evening.” He paused and he looks for awhile at Lady Lucas and he went on. “That we have been able to throw a ball here in Meryton, and as to welcome the new owner of the Netherfield Park. Could you please raise you’re glasses to welcome them?” He then raises his glass and everybody followed. “Welcome Mr. Charles Bingley. A pleasant evening to you!

And his sisters—Miss Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Louisa Hurst with his husband Mr. Arthur Hurst and lastly—his friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.” All the ladies curtsied while the men bowed. Charles looks at them and was pleased, but he was struck with Jane who was sitting in the front row and smiled at him. As the music began, Charles approach Jane and danced her in the center, all look at them and became an object of attention. Elizabeth just remained seated next to Charlotte, Charlotte then opened a topic between her and her friend.

“So it is true that you and Mr. Wickham are acquainted?”

“Yes. Sorry if I was not able to tell you, Charlotte.”

“It was alright, Eliza—did you know that you looked engaged rather than acquainted?—sorry to tell you about this, I didn’t mean to make you mad or—“
She was interrupted by Elizabeth who at that time, replied to her.

“Oh—have we? But we don’t. We just enjoy our acquaintance. Oh pray—do tell me, why have you thought of it?”

“It is because of what I observed between the two of you. He stares at you occasionally and you too, in the other hand, reply by looking at him too. After you’re dance, when Col. Forster addresses the both of you, I have seen that the both of you blushed. You cannot hide it from me, Eliza. Now tell me, truthfully, are you admiring the militia officer?”

Elizabeth looked at her with confusion, but she reply in a nice way.

“Well, who would not admire such a young man—who, I think was handsome though at the age of twenty and six? Yes, I admire him enough.”

She blush a little and Charlotte only smiled. A man walk in and has interrupted their conversation to ask for Charlotte’s hand to dance, she accepted it and they went at the center to dance, Lizzy was now left by herself but was soon joined by her sister, Jane.

“He is so amiable, sweet and his gentlemanlike manners we’re agreeable, Lizzy.”

“Which man are you talking about?—and tell me who he is.”

“He is Charles Bingley, the man who was dancing Charlotte.”

Elizabeth looked at Charlotte and her partner and she then asks.

“Is he the owner of the Netherfield Park?”

“Oh yes!”

Mr. Wickham interrupted the conversation between Elizabeth and her sister to ask her hand for the second time. Jane looked suspiciously and told him.

“It is, I think, the second time you asks for my sister’s hand, Mr. Wickham.”

“Yes, it is the second time.”

“Why? There are so many ladies who wanted to be partnered with you—and they are caught up with jealousy in my sister—pray, do tell me, why.”

“Miss Bennet, I assured you that I do not mean Miss Eliza to be an object of dislike. I just wanted to improve our acquaintance and I would like to dance with her as I absolutely love her face.”

“What strikes you most in her face, sir?”

“It is her eyes, which she only bestowed.”

Elizabeth blush a little and Jane, upon noticing it, remark Wickham.

“Go ahead. Take her hand and dance her for a second time, because you are the first man to be looking at my sister in such a way.

At this, Elizabeth gave her hand to Mr. Wickham and they danced in the center. Both we’re smiling and enjoying the tune, but they did not know that they are becoming an object of attention to a man who was leaning at the wall.

“William, let us dance! I hate standing here.”

“Choose another partner for you, Miss Caroline. I do not wish to dance.”

“Then at least for a two-third dance?”

“No.” He replied in a cold voice, he then drank his wine. Caroline sighed and after awhile, she goes to the pantry. Charles approaches his friend and found him looking at the pair.

“Are you looking out to Mr. Wickham, Darcy?”

“Yes, Charles.”

“He does not change his style—he always looks amiable at the young ladies. —And oh! His partner, I daresay, is beautiful enough as her sister. Just look at her smiles and her cheeks, she looks like a cheerful young woman. What can you say, Darcy?”

“She is tolerable, but not beautiful.”

“I like her sister, Jane Bennet.”

Mr. Darcy made no answer so he went on.

“Her smiles we’re too beautiful, her eyes we’re blue and I can say her face’s being too angelic.”

Mr. Darcy sits down on the chair beside them and told his friend.

“If you like Miss Jane, better get her to dance again. Before another gentleman does.”

“I will follow you’re suggestion, Darcy.” He went quickly to Jane and asked her hand for a second time. Mr. Darcy was still looking at the two as he was standing in the balcony of the house. While the two did not know about it and was busy in their own conversation.

“Have you been engage, Miss Eliza?”

“Not yet.”

“Not yet? —But you’re beautiful! Any men would have been so ardently in love with you.”

“It is just that I did not want for awhile.”

“But why, Eliza? Why wouldn’t you want to be engaged?”

“Alright, I will tell you—I promised my elder sister that I will not be marrying if she is not yet married. Because the truth is, I want her to be happy than I am.”

He smiled at Elizabeth’s statement and told her.

“You we’re such a good sister, Miss Eliza. I am starting to admire you.”

This statement made Elizabeth blush, but she managed to reply.

“Thank you, sir.”

After the tune, they went to the balcony of the house and Mr. Wickham seeing Mr. Darcy there had addresses him in a nice way.

“Good evening, Mr. Darcy. I hope you are having a pleasant evening here in Meryton.” He then looked at them and replied.

“Good evening too, Mr. Wickham and Miss —“

“Bennet.”

“Miss Bennet.” She observed his face and she was surprise when he asks George.

“Can I do the honor of dancing her, Mr. Wickham?”

“If she does agree, then, I do not wish to object.” He then turned to her and holds her hand.

“Can I dance you, Miss Bennet?”

She looked surprise and she looked for awhile at George who is just staring at them. And she answered at Mr. Darcy’s question.

“Yes. You may do, sir.” They went to the center and left Mr. Wickham in the balcony, she is looking at George Wickham who looked surprised. She then felt that she has a wound, she then looked at her right hand and found it bleeding. She gets her handkerchief and covered it. To the man who is she dancing with, was convinced that the lady wants to be engaged in a conversation with George Wickham, but then, he could not understand why she had accepted her hand, he then asks her.

“Why did you accept my hand in dancing if you are not willing to dance with me?”

At this, Elizabeth lifted her eyes and replied.

“Beg you’re pardon, sir?”

“Miss Bennet, why did you accept my hand in dancing if you did not want to dance with me?”

“Sorry to have you think of that sir—I—I am just thinking of something—I am sorry if you have thought that I am not willing to dance with you.”

She then looked down and Mr. Darcy with great civility asks her.

“Is it George Wickham that you we’re thinking of, Miss Bennet?”

She then lifted her eyes, her face looked pale—she can’t answer for awhile.

CHAPTER 1-Longbourn Inhabitants

“It is very acknowledgeable that the parents’ views about such men in the country are very informative and very firm. However, some views may be good; some may be too much judgmental. You wouldn’t know the man’s manners until you met him in person.”

Jane read a verse to entertain Elizabeth, who, at that time was very bored of listening to her mother’s perception about men in their country.  Irritated enough, she answered her mother in a very nice way.

“I am so sorry, Madam. But If I get married, it will be my own choice. I will be the one to choose the man whom I will give myself with and love for the rest of my life, Mama. So please stop telling me about all those rich merchants in the country.”

Her mother looked at her, who was at that time, watching her hands as she was cooking and answered her child.

“You are very stubborn, Lizzy. How could you be so bored of listening to your own mother’s good opinions? These things could be of help to you in the future, you know. You are twenty-one, a very fine age of getting married. Do you not think of that, my child?”

Lizzy look at her with a teasing smile and quickly replied. ”Not yet, Madam, for I am still in the habit of enjoying my single and happy life.” She winked at Jane and Jane laughed at her sisters’ expression. Her mother looked at the both of them and told them. “Well then, my girls, that’s the only thing I could do for you.” She said and went to the kitchen to finish her cooking. After awhile, Kitty and Lydia arrived from the town, Lydia’s mouth opened as she entered the house.

“You know, Mama. We have seen some handsome Militia Officers in the town! Colonel Forster introduced us to George Wickham! Mama, he’s so handsome, though at the age of twenty and six!”

Lydia was blushing and jumping with joy in their room, her 2-year-older sister scolded her. “Well, can you please stop, Lydia in jumping across the room?!” Lydia stopped for awhile and sits down beside Elizabeth, she went on. “Mama, Colonel Forster invited us for a ball in Meryton, all the Militia Officers are going to be there! And oh, Mama! Do you heard about the rich young man who bought the Netherfield Estate? The gossip mongers have found out that he owns a large house in England, two large estates more in Puerto Rico and he earns four to five thousand pounds a year!”

Mrs. Bennet’s jaw dropped as she heard what Kitty had said. “He earns Four to Five thousand pounds a year?” She was surprised when Mr. Bennet went out of his library, as he heard what Kitty told her mother and sisters.

“Papa, have you met him?” Elizabeth coolly asks. “Have you met the owner of the Netherfield Estate?” Her father looked at her and quickly answered. “No, I haven’t.”

“Then we should go and meet him, Mr. Bennet.” His wife cried impatiently and went on. “He should be introduced to our girls immediately! Before the Lucasses and the ———-“She was stopped when her husband replied.

“He shall be certainly welcomed in the Meryton Ball, its better to meet him there, along with his friends.” Then he turned to Kitty. “Catherine, when will be the Meryton Ball?” Kitty answered quickly. “The ball will be tomorrow at 7 in the evening, sir.”

At hearing the time of the ball, Mrs. Bennet quickly ordered to her daughters. “We shall be prepared for the ball. Jane & Kitty you go with me into Mrs. Crooke’s gown shop for you’re gowns. While Lydia and you, Elizabeth, go to Mrs. Cooper’s shop to buy ribbons and some nice tiaras. Mary, can you stay here? You shall study more languages so you can talk to other guests there in the ball, are we clear?”

They all nodded, Elizabeth went to her father and kissed him on the cheek to say good bye.

“Goodbye, Papa. We’ll be back before dinner.” And his father nodded, Elizabeth ran outside to catch up with her mothers and sisters. They walk for about two to three miles. They parted as they reached the town, Mrs. Bennet, Jane and Kitty went to the gown shop, while Lydia and Elizabeth were walking towards the ribbons shop when Lydia suddenly exclaimed.

“Elizabeth, look at the Militia Officers!! There he is!!” Lydia wanted to go into the group of the Militia officers, but Elizabeth held her tightly in her hand with her handkerchief and told her. “What are you up to, young lady?” Lydia looked at her. “Elizabeth, there he is! There is George Wickham! Let us go and meet him.” With this, Lydia gripped Elizabeth’s hand but she first grabbed Elizabeth’s handkerchief which eventually fall down and blown by the wind. Elizabeth chased for her handkerchief. She had chased it and it was surprisingly handed to her by a militia officer.

“Is this you’re handkerchief, Miss?” He showed it to her and Elizabeth nodded. He then gives it to her and introduced himself.

“I am George Wickham.” He introduced as he accompanies it with a bow and she curtsied in return and introduced herself.

“I am Elizabeth Bennet, sir.” She smiled at him. George Wickham, to Elizabeth was tall, his face is striking enough, his eyes we’re blue, and his lips we’re red and thin. He’s complexion is fair enough and his cheeks we’re alike with her father’s. To George, Elizabeth Bennet is a beautiful lady for her face has good features; it was rendered in her dark eyes. It shown as it was strike by the light and he find it beautiful. Her lips we’re red and mild, her complexion as like of his. Then, Lydia approached her sister who was talking to Mr. Wickham.

“Elizabeth!” Lydia said while catching her breath. “I have been looking for you, you know!” She noticed that her sister wasn’t looking at her, but to Mr. Wickham whose eyes we’re directed to Elizabeth. Lydia looked at them and clears her throat loudly for them to notice her and she succeeded. Elizabeth and Mr. Wickham looked at her with astonishment, Elizabeth in turn, ask her sister.

“Lydia! How long have you been here?” She said, while fixing her dress.

“About 2 minutes, Miss.”

“I am so sorry, Lydia.”

“It was okay, Elizabeth.” Then she looks at Mr. Wickham. “Hello, Mr. Wickham. I see you’ve met my second eldest sister.”

“With great pleasure, Yes, I’ve met her.” He then glanced at Elizabeth who at that time was blushing of what he had said. Lydia then told Elizabeth what is their business in coming in to the town.

“Lizzy, we shall go now into Mrs. Cooper’s shop! Remember? Mama told us to buy ribbons for our gowns and cute tiaras for us.” Elizabeth glanced at Mr. Wickham and coolly replied. “Sir Wickham, thank you for handling my handkerchiefs and it is such a nice thing to meet you. Goodbye for now.” She was about to go, when he suddenly gripped her hand for her to stop. “Wait. Are you going to the Meryton Ball tomorrow?” Elizabeth answered with a nod, and he let go of her hand. They went to the store to buy ribbons and some cute tiaras, after that, they have met with their mother and sisters in the same store and decide to go home.

It was 6 in the evening, they we’re eating their dinner. Lydia spoke with great indignation to her sisters and parents as she told them who they have met in the way to the shop.

“You wouldn’t believe who we came across in the town.”

“Who is it, Lydia?!” Kitty demandingly asks her sister. Lydia answered and glanced at Elizabeth.

“It is Mr. Wickham!” Elizabeth glimpsed at her sister and Kitty responded.

“Oh! You have met Mr. Wickham?! Did you talk, please tell us more, Lydia!”

Lydia looked at her Elizabeth again and then responded to Catherine’s question.

“We talk nothing. But try asking LIzzy, because I believe, they we’re now acquainted as I saw them together, talking.” Everybody looked at Lizzy who clears her throat to answer the address of her youngest sister.

“My handkerchief fell down, because of Lydia’s excitement in meeting those Militia officers. And I chased for it for it was blown by the wind, to my surprise, he handed it to me and he introduced himself.”  Her mother looked at her and asked her.

“Do you find him handsome, Lizzy?” Elizabeth looked at them and answered quickly. “Yes, he’s handsome.” Then Kitty excitedly asks Elizabeth.

“Oh, pray! Do tell us what had passed between the two of you, Lizzy! What did you talk about? Did he have a fiancée?” Elizabeth then answers the query of her excited and impatient sister. “I am sorry we don’t talk more, Kitty.” But Lydia interfered to what she said to arouse the disappointed Kitty. “But he had stopped you to ask if you are going to the Meryton Ball tomorrow.” Elizabeth glimpse to Lydia and looked away when Kitty ask impatiently. “OH! And what did you said, Lizzy?” Elizabeth looked at her and she replied that she just nodded, this has ended the discussion as Elizabeth stand up after she finishes her dinner to head in the drawing room. Jane finished her dinner too and proceed also to the drawing room, as she entered the room, she inquired about what she is thinking.

“What are you thinking, Lizzy?” Jane asked her as she drew near her and added. ”Is this about that George Wickham?” Elizabeth then looked at her and replied quickly. “No, I am not thinking about Mr. Wickham. I am just thinking about Mama’s morning lecture.” Jane then questioned her. “That Mama told you that you should ever think of marrying because you are of age, Lizzy?” Elizabeth then nodded and added. “It struck me because my stubbornness is affected. Because of Mama, I am now thinking of it.” Jane then cuddled her sister and told her. “Do not worry about it, Lizzy. Mama is just thinking of you’re future, because you’re of age. And you’re appearance is striking enough to make someone offer a marriage thing to you.”

Elizabeth glanced at her sister and told her that she does not think herself to be beautiful as her, but Jane strongly objected at her sister’s statement and told her that she is as beautiful as she is. Elizabeth smiled at her sister’s statement and told her. “If I will see you, happily settled with you’re husband and kids. And if I find the man for me, then, I will marry.” Jane then added. “Well, I am suggesting about this George Wickham, since he is the first ever man that you had laid an eye.” Elizabeth blush a little, but told her sister not to kid around her and she likewise added. “Mr. Wickham is a militia officer—he is to dedicate himself to that work for his lifetime.”

Jane contradicts with the idea and told her that she had told them at dinner that he was handsome. Elizabeth then told t hat she does not mean him to be attracted to her. Jane then holds Elizabeth’s hands and told her in a low voice.

“Lizzy, do not close you’re heart and eyes on love. You must not think him not to be attracted by you, you are beautiful and I daresay that any man will admire you. You’re manners we’re amiable and you’re patience is too long—you’re features are striking enough to be noticed—he must have wanted to know more about you and to talk with you in the Meryton Ball, because that is what I see as a reason that he asks you.”

“Do you think he wants to know me more?”

“Yes, to improve more you’re acquaintance—and now Miss, can we end this conversation and go to sleep?” At this, Jane yawned and Lizzy replied quickly.

“Yes! I see you yawned. So we must go to bed. Good night, Jane!”

“Good night, Lizzy.”

The both then retreat the drawing room and went straightly to their respective rooms.