Page 4 of One Good Sonnet

“I expect you all to remain close until after we have met Mr. Bingley,” Mrs. Bennet commanded. “We must be among the first. He will feel obligated to ask any lady to whom he is presented to dance.”

A chorus of “yes, Mamas” rose from the sisters before the younger two fell into excited chatter.

Lydia had come out over the summer. She was fifteen, as her other sisters had been, but lacked all the propriety and proper behavior her elder sisters had possessed. What little Kitty had had vanished as soon as Lydia had joined the fray. Now they ran wildly about, dancing and making merry…and embarrassing their eldest sisters. Mrs. Bennet did nothing to curb their behavior, and Mr. Bennet was uninterested in what his daughters tried to report.

As such, Elizabeth and Jane worked to curb the worst of their excesses and minimize any consequences.

The assembly rooms were packed fuller than they had been in many months. Elizabeth felt the rush of heat caused by the pressing bodies as soon as she stepped across the threshold.

“Our neighbors have gathered to see Mr. Bingley,” she observed. “Let us hope he is worth the anticipation.”

Jane said nothing more. Elizabeth watched her twist her gloved hands. It was the only readily observable sign of agitation.

The first set had come and gone before their anticipated guests arrived. Elizabeth idly noted how dreadfully rude it was to make such an entrance. The room fell into hushed whispers as a party of four arrived. The first was undoubtedly Mr. Bingley. He was just as Papa had described, with friendly features and a happy grin. He wore a blue coat; his attire would complement Jane’s if they stood up together.

On his arm was a pinched-faced woman who resembled him. She had brown hair, but shared his eyes, nose, and chin. A sister, perhaps?

Behind them was a man and a woman. The woman also resembled Mr. Bingley. Another sister and her husband, perhaps?

Soon, Sir William brought Mr. Bingley to their little party. Introductions occurred, and it was clear to Elizabeth that their new neighbor was instantly attracted to Jane.

More surprisingly, Jane’s pink cheeks told Elizabeth that she, too, was attracted to Mr. Bingley.

Mr. Bingley promptly asked Jane for her next set before soliciting a set from each of the other Bennet sisters. He was introduced around the room a little more before he came to claim Jane’s hand.

“Be cordial and open,” Elizabeth whispered as Mr. Bingley approached. “Show him you are interested in knowing him better.”

“We just met, Lizzy.”

“Yes, and I know you. You will hide any feelings until you feel secure. Allow me to protect you. I shall watch and ensure Mr. Bingley is worthy of you.”

Jane nodded. “Yes, I suppose you are right. He seems an amiable sort. Let us see how our set progresses.”

Mr. Bingley approached. He appeared eager to be in Jane’s company as he extended his hand. “I believe this is our set, Miss Bennet.”

Jane took his hand, and he placed it on her arm. Elizabeth watched from the edge of the floor until John Lucas claimed her for the same set. They took a position near Jane and Mr. Bingley. The musicians began to play, and they moved through the steps.

“How fares your sister?” she asked Mr. Lucas.

“Charlotte has just delivered her husband another son,” the gentleman replied. “Three boys—I know she longs for a daughter to spoil.”

“How very fortunate for her husband to have an heir,” Elizabeth murmured as the dance separated them. Charlotte had “stolen” one of Jane’s admirers, according to Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Smith had found a companion in Charlotte, and they had married after only six weeks of courting. From what Elizabeth could tell, they were very happy. Jane’s avoidance had more to do with Mrs. Bennet’s ire being stoked every time the Smiths came to Hertfordshire than with any embarrassment on her part.

She and Mr. Lucas spoke of the weather, the harvest, and other light-hearted things until the set concluded. Elizabeth joined Jane at the refreshment table once their partners had departed.

“Mr. Bingley is all that is engaging,” Jane enthused. “I should like to know him better—as you said.”

“That is wonderful, Jane. Perhaps he will ask you to dance another set.” Elizabeth glanced across the crowded room. “Have you noted how his sisters guard the wall?”

Jane followed Elizabeth’s gaze. “Yes, they do not look contented. Where is Mr. Hurst?”

“He has gone to the card room, I think. The sisters have not danced. Perhaps no one has asked?”

“Mr. Lucas is approaching Miss Bingley. Perhaps they will join the next set.”

They did, indeed, join the next set, and Elizabeth chose to sit out with Jane. There was a dearth of gentlemen, and they wished every lady to have an opportunity to dance.

Kitty and Lydia had no such consideration and stood up for the next. They were overly enthusiastic but within the bounds of propriety, for which Elizabeth felt great relief.