Posted on Sunday, 16 September 2007

"Mrs. Bennet and her daughters then departed, and Elizabeth returned instantly to Jane, leaving her own and her relations' behavior to the remarks of th two ladies and Mr. Darcy; the latter of whom, however, could not be prevailed on to join in their censure of her, in spite of all Miss Bingley's witticisms on fine eyes." ~ Chapter 9, Pride and Prejudice

"And their mother, her manners are appalling, is there a question as to where Miss Eliza gets hers from?" Miss Bingley cackled as she said this. "Would you not agree Mr. Darcy, that in spite of her fine eyes, Miss Eliza's manners are sorely lacking?"

Darcy shuddered at being thus addressed and in hopes of changing the subject, that did not directly involve himself, or his opinions, asked his friend if he was serious about giving a ball.

"Oh, yes Charles," Miss Bingley added. "Are you truly determined to go about this plan. I for one would not wish to spend one of my free evenings at home, with hundreds of people whose stations are so decidedly below our own."

Darcy was sorely tempted to point out that her own fortune was from trade, and only recently were they even accepted in to the London society, but that would call unwanted attention to himself, and more likely embarrass his friend so chose to remain silent.

Bingley's brow furrowed at her comment. "Caroline, I for the life of me cannot see why you, like Darcy, are so determined to be displeased with this county and its environs."

Miss Bingley's face lighted with the thought of sharing something in common with the extremely rich, and SINGLE Mr. Darcy and took no offense to the comment. While Darcy himself gave his friend a menacing look that promised he would get him back for his comment, Bingley however chose to ignore this and continued on. "However, we must have this ball be one that Jan- the neighborhood never forgets! Caroline, take this down."

Miss Bingley not one to take orders was about to protest, but was cut off by her brother.

"Gentleman Charles Bingley, Windmehr Lademehr, Carl Alexander, Francois Reginal, Lansalot Herman.... "

"Herman?" Darcy asked.

"Herman. Gregory James...(Darcy, you'll thank me for this later.) Is giving a ball!"

"Charles, why are you singing?" Louisa broke in.

Bingley ignored his sister, and opened the doors of the breakfast room and went to the hall and up the stairs, Caroline, Darcy, Louisa, and Hurst following close behind.

"And what shall the invitations say pray tell, or shall you sing it to them?" Darcy asked sarcastically.

"Oh that is easy!" Caroline cried.

"Mr. Bingley's giving a Ball! Gentleman, Charles Bingley, sister of Caroline, Constentina, Charlie DaGermatrude, Gueenavier Mazy...."

"Mazy?" Darcy asked, trying to stifle his laughter.

"Mazy. Margarita..... is giving a ball!"

Her singing, which sounded more like shrieking, could be heard through the halls of Netherfield, and Elizabeth, who was making her way back to her sister's room, heard every word.

"Mr. Bingley's giving a Ball! Mr. Bingley's giving a Ball!" She hummed to herself. And when she entered her sister's room she repeated or rather sang the news to her.

Meanwhile Mrs. Bennet and her daughters were busy spreading it around Meryton.

The town broke into an uproar of singing, and they all sang,"Mr. Bingley's giving a ball! Mr. Bingley's giving a ball!"

Mrs. Bennet broke into the singing with her own caterwauling

"They've spread the message far and wide, Mr. Bingley's giving a Ball!

They say he wants to find a bride, Although he already has picked my Jane! He may propose at the ball!"

In her room Jane hummed, "Do you think me may propose to me?"

"I know he will propose to thee!" joined her sister, before breaking out into laughter.

While in Meryton, Mrs. Bennet sang, "Jane, leave the hair and clothes to me!"

(All)

"Mr. Bingley's giving a ball!"

Jane quietly whispered, "Mr. Bingley's giving a ball." before falling back into a restful sleep with a smile upon her face, and leaving Lizzy to hum to herself.

The End