On The Recommendation Of Her Charms

By Donna

Jump to new as of November 30, 2000

Chapter 1 The Assembly at Meryton

Posted on Thursday, 16 November 2000

By the time her family approached the Assembly rooms, Jane Bingley, considered by all a sweet and patient girl, almost wished Mr. Bingley had never come to Meryton, so often had she heard his name mentioned among her mother and neighbours. She knew this was unkind and had no objections towards the gentleman in question himself, just towards the general speculation and expectations that ensued the arrival of a new acquaintance to a close country circle. However these thoughts didn't last, as was typical to Jane's nature, and after reflection she decided to be as pleasant and agreeable to her new neighbour as possible.

The carriage reached its destination and before Jane got out she adjusted her hair.

"You attempt to improve perfection?" asked her sister Elizabeth in feigned adoration, who descended behind her. Jane laughed and once set down on the footpath asked, "What do you think Mr. Bingley will be like Lizzy? As good as mama's expectations?"

"Hopefully he will be wonderfully handsome and agreeable, dance with every girl in the room and by the end of the night have fallen hopelessly in love with you," replied she, not convinced that it was beyond possibility.

Mrs. Bennet coming up to the two overheard and heartily agreed. "My dear Jane! If I could see but one of you married before Christmas! What joy! You must promise me daughter to do your best to attract Mr. Bingley. Those Lucases are artful creatures and determined to marry Charlotte off. But how could she ever compete with your beauty?"

"Mama, that is unkind. Charlotte is a dear friend of ours," Jane replied, looking around nervously. She hoped no one had heard her mother's comments. Much as she loved her mother, there were times when her exuberance and want of propriety was a little embarrassing.

Her mother sniffed disdainfully, "Oh she is a good sort of girl, I'll admit, but I could not endure the gloating of Lady Lucas should her eldest be wed before mine!" She gathered her daughters around her for a final examination before entering the ballroom, issuing guidelines and fixing their hair. "Pray Lizzy be a little less impertinent when talking to strangers, Mary try to smile and remove those dreadful glasses, Kitty do not cough, Lydia, try not to spend all your time with the officers--only one or two of them earn more than three hundred a year! Jane,....well my dear you are quite perfect--if Mr. Bingley is not charmed then I'll eat my bonnet!"

"Mama, think of the indigestion!" teased Elizabeth lightly, making them all laugh.

The dancing was to begin a few minutes after the Bennets came into the room. Jane and Lizzy were instantly greeted by their friends, Mary went in search of the pianoforte and Kitty and Lydia found the officers, leaving Mrs. Bennet to ask of her sister Mrs. Phillips anxiously, "Is he here yet? Have you seen him?" On hearing a negative reply, she smiled delightedly trying to think of schemes to push Mr. Bingley in Jane's company. I wonder if he needs a tour of Meryton....

Unaware of her mother's plots, Jane had been asked for the first two by the local clergyman Mr. Hawkes and was accepting him as the room silenced. She knew this could be only due to the entrance of one particular gentleman, but not wanting to be rude to her partner, continued to talk to him hoping perhaps to meet Mr. Bingley later on. When Mr. Hawkes left to talk to someone she looked towards the door. Her view of the new arrivals was blocked by a crowd of people and when they finally cleared she caught a glimpse of a tall dark haired gentleman talking to an elegant women dressed in orange finery. Lizzy will be delighted, she thought with a happy smile, he is as wonderfully handsome as even she could imagine! She looked at him carefully noting his tall fine person and noble features, and was impressed.

"Well Jane?" asked Elizabeth walking over to stand beside her, "What do you think?" After pondering a few minutes Jane answered, "I am undecided Lizzy. There is something very distinguished and noble in his air, and he is definitely not unattractive, but..."

"But?" pressed Lizzy.

"You will think me very unkind."

Lizzy laughed, "Jane, you could not be unkind if you tried!"

"He does not smile enough. Serious silent gentlemen make me afraid, no matter how handsome they are and I can never think of anything intelligent to say to them," admitted Jane and then added as an afterthought, "He would do very well for you though Lizzy, perhaps he is just in need of a little liveliness?"

Elizabeth studied the subject of their discussion closely and turned back to her sister with a regretful smile, "I'm afraid he appears too proud for me. His companion and him do not appear pleased with anything or anyone in the room. You know I need a more agreeable husband, and five thousand a year isn't that great of an income which would reconcile me to a life of subservience to a proud husband."

"No indeed," agreed Jane in mock seriousness, nodding, "After all when one considers that one needs carriages, pin money, servants-"

"Houses, horses, hair pins---"

"Gowns, gloves, jewels---"

"Five thousand is scarcely enough!" finished Lizzy; "Therefore I am quite resolved only to settle for a proud man if he has at least ten thousand a year." The two girls both laughed affectionately at each other in their frivolity and went in search of Charlotte to hear her opinions on Mr. Bingley. Before they reached her, the dancing started and Jane remembered her commitment to Mr. Hawkes.

Mrs. Bennet oversaw the dancing with a sour expression on her face. This was intolerable. Charlotte Lucas, the plainest spinster in the county, was standing up with Mr. Bingley, the most eligible bachelor to come to Meryton for years. To add to this injury, Mr. Darcy, his friend of whom she had such high hopes (after hearing of the words TEN thousand a year), was dancing with some rich looking woman who was reputedly Mr. Bingley's sister. And where were her daughters, her beautiful, available, talented, charming offsprings? Trying to allure Mr. Darcy or Mr. Bingley? Finding out as much information on their interests and dislikes as possible? Taking an interest in their own future welfare? Not at all! She watched with grinding teeth as her most beautiful daughter Jane wasted charm and smiles on a poor clergyman, Lydia, her favourite, and Kitty danced with some unimportant soldiers, Lizzy was with some gentleman whose clothes were decidedly not expensive and Mary, the bane of Mrs. Bennets matchmaking schemes, was sitting in the corner glowering at the couples who dared look happy. Oh this was not to be bourne! How could she as a mother hold her head up in society? Something drastic had to be done....

Jane wondered with whom Charlotte was dancing, as her friend never usually smiled so brightly at her dancing partners. His back was turned to her and all she could see from her position was blond curly hair. It delighted Jane to see her so animated and happy, and she wished her friend luck in her romantic endeavours. She returned her attention to Mr. Hawkes who was discussing Fordyces Sermons with great enthusiasm, thinking he had found an intellectual soul mate. It was with some relief to her that the dance ended soon after and she was returned to her mother. Mrs. Bennet scowled at the clergyman's back as he walked away, "Jane I do think you should have danced with someone a little more worthy for the opening set. Do you want to end up a clergyman's wife?"

"Mama! It was only one set, and you know he is a great friend of father's," reproached Jane gently, hoping Mr. Hawkes had not heard. It would be dreadful if he was hurt by her mother's thoughtless remark. He hadn't, and feeling contrite for disappointing her mother she asked, "Who would you have me dance with for the next?"

"Oh I don't know, it is all very distressing! You are easily the most beautiful girl in the room, yet Mr. Bingley dances with someone else! Is he blind? I think even if he should ask you now, refuse! He slighted you for the first, and I know you have not been properly introduced, but still!" Jane checked her laugh at her mother's apparent sensitivity, knowing she was only agitated.

"Perhaps you should dance with him if he does ask, Jane," Mrs. Bennet continued, rambling on, "After all we don't want to give the Lucases the upper hand. But why has not asked to be introduced to us yet? That is bad manners on his part, after Mr. Bennet visiting him and extending an invitation. I have a good mind to refuse him to dinner. And as for Mr. Darcy, he is too proud to consider anyone here! He does not dance and he does not want to be introduced to anyone. Well he may take himself and his ten thousand a year back to that estate in Derbyshire. My daughters do not need his condescension."

Poor Jane was growing more and more mortified as the minutes passed. She looked around desperately and Elizabeth caught her eye, understanding she was in distress.

"Who may I ask were you dancing with?" Mrs. Bennet asked as her second eldest daughter approached. Lizzy laughed replying, "Mrs. Long's nephew, Mr. Walsham. Dances dreadfully: my poor feet have been trodden on so often in the past half hour, I doubt they will ever recover."

"Well sit down child, and let them rest. You'll want to dance the rest," said her mama looking anxiously for Mr. Bingley. He was about to walk past now with his sister, and Jane had her back to him! He would miss her beauty, for who would introduce them! She did not know him yet well enough. What could she do?!

Surprisingly it was her daughter Elizabeth who solved the dilemma, quite unconsciously. Bending over to check the damage done to her slippers by Mr. Walsham, she lost her balance and accidentally pushed against her sister in her haste to upright herself. This caused Jane to fall against the person behind her, Mr. Bingley. Mrs. Bennet watched in satisfaction as her daughter blushed beautifully and turned to apologise.

Jane was too shy to look him in the eyes after being so undignified and almost whispered, "I am so sorry for my clumsiness." Charles Bingley was quite unprepared for this beautiful girl to apologise for something that was so obviously an accident and replied in good humour, "Not at all. It was by no means your fault, and this assembly is very crowded." Something in his courteous reply made Jane raise her eyes and when they met a warm friendly pair of dark brown eyes, staring at her with undisguised admiration she couldn't resist smiling. They both were unwilling to look away, holding each other's gaze spellbound. He was struck by her graceful slender figure and angelic features, she by his handsome tall figure and expression of goodness. It was only when he heard his sister's impatient cough as she stood indifferent to what had happened, that he remembered his engagement to dance with Mariah Lucas. He bowed and reluctantly walked away. Jane stood transfixed on the spot until Elizabeth repeated her name.

"Sorry Lizzy, what did you say?" she asked turning around to face her sister and mother, who made no attempt to hide their amusement. The smile on Mrs. Bennet's face was brilliant.

"I was reminding you that you are engaged with Sir William Lucas for this set, don't you think you should find him?"

"Oh yes!" remembered Jane and at that moment he appeared taking her arm to walk down for "The Ashgrove."

When she was gone Mrs. Bennet turned and hugged Elizabeth, praising her profusely, "My dearest, dearest, wonderful child! I knew you could not be so clever for nothing. Such a brilliant plan, better than any I could think of! Did you see his face? He is enamored! He could hardly take his eyes off her! Such a triumph! My eldest daughter living at Netherfield with five thousand a year!" She floated away in her happiness to tell her sister Phillips what had happened, leaving a bemused Elizabeth to wonder at the state of her mothers mental health, (though not for the first time.)

Chapter 1, Part B

Posted on Wednesday, 29 November 2000

Mr. Bingley had confused his dancing order during his transfixed meeting with the beautiful stranger, and realised with a blush of impatience that it was for the fourth that he and Maria Lucas were engaged and not the second. He turned about the room hoping to find the company of Darcy or his sisters when he was met by Sir William Lucas and the very woman who had rendered him unable to think straight.

"Mr. Bingley! How do you do sir? Are you enjoying this fine assembly?" asked Sir William whom Bingley's earlier conversation and good nature had delighted. Mr. Bingley found himself unable to reply, staring at the man's exquisite companion who smiled sweetly. Uttering gibberish nonsense, he attempted a reply, "I, that is, it is...I think, well rather I hope that...." He trailed off knowing he must sound like a fool, but he could not construct one proper sentence while that...angel...looked at him with those eyes.

Sir William laughed, not insensible to the obvious effect Miss Bennet was having on his new neighbour, and decided to take pity on the couple, "Allow me to introduce you to Miss Jane Bennet, Mr. Bingley. She is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bennet of Longbourn. Miss Bennet, Mr. Charles Bingley, who has recently leased Netherfield." Mr. Bingley bowed to Jane's graceful curtsey, and Sir William continued on hoping to further his good intentions, "I see you have no partner Mr. Bingley for the next set. Let me offer Miss Bennet who is as pleasant a partner as you could wish for. Miss Bennet, you will have no objections I am sure for here is a much more energetic and lively dancer!" Bingley was extremely pleased but wondered at the feelings of Miss Bennet who looked unsure. He offered her his arm and she took it shyly, turning to assure Sir William that she would dance with him later. Together they went down the dance as Sir William looked on delightedly, "Capital, capital!"

Now alone with Jane, Bingley was at a loss. This was particularly strange, as he was never normally struck for words, in fact usually he was the most talkative man in a room. Jane was scarcely any better, feeling an awkwardness that was not altogether unpleasant.

"How do you find Meryton so far Mr. Bingley?" she asked hesitantly, hoping not to appear too forward. Bingley was ecstatic-she speaks!! Quick man think of an answer!

"I... I am tremendously pleased with it, Miss Bennet. Netherfield is a delightfully situated house, with spacious grounds, and many of the local inhabitants have already made me feel most welcome by visiting and extending invitations. Indeed I could not imagine a more pleasant community!"

He found himself unable to drag his eyes away from her, hoping she approved of his answer. "I am glad you find the village to your liking, sir. We are blessed with such affable agreeable neighbours," she replied looking about the warm assembly room as if to echo her meaning.

"I believe I had the very great fortune of meeting your father a few days ago," Bingley continued, "And I understand you have four sisters. Are all of them present here tonight?"

Jane searched and caught a glimpse of Lydia and Kitty with the officers, and answered, "Yes indeed sir. My two youngest sisters are at the end with those two officers. Mary, my middle sister is sitting by the piano, and my other sister Elizabeth is dancing with Mr. Robinson, the tall gentleman in the blue coat." Bingley noted the warmth in her voice when she mentioned her closest sister. He looked to where Jane indicated and saw a very pretty young girl dressed in green, dancing gracefully with an admiring partner.

"It was told to me that she has a very lively wit as well as being handsome," reported he turning around to his fair partner.

Jane was surprised with this commendation of her sister, and was quick to add to her praises, "Indeed Lizzy is the brightest and cleverest in our family, and we all love her dearly for it. She is the only one who has the ability to make me laugh at myself, as she sees humour in most things."

"That is a recommendation indeed," replied Bingley. Then the thought occurred to him, "She would suit my friend Darcy very well, as I am forever trying to make him less serious and laugh at himself." He showed Jane his friend who was standing in the corner with a scowl on his face. When Jane saw the man whom she had previously assumed to be Mr. Bingley, she blushed and told her partner, who thought it exceedingly funny. She admitted to him that she had found Darcy very intimidating at first, but on closer inspection realised that he was only unsure and uneasy in the new social location.

"It is very admirable to look further into my best friend's character: most people accept him as proud and uncivil, when he is merely shy and awkward in an impersonal environment. He does not talk much unless with intimate company such as myself, or his relations; with us he is always agreeable and witty. Beneath that proud mask lies a loyal and gentle friend, I assure you." Jane glanced at Mr. Darcy again and was inclined to believe his friend, especially when he fixed those dark brown eyes on hers so earnestly.

There was a pause until Bingley remembered, "Miss Lucas and I danced for the first two dances, I understand she is a close neighbour to Longbourn."

Jane smiled in assent. "Charlotte is a particular friend of my sister, but a dear friend of mine as well. We grew up together as children and she is held in very high esteem in our neighbourhood for her sweet manner and amiability."

Bingley was struck by Miss Bennet's goodness throughout the rest of the conversation. Of no acquaintance did she speak ill, and seemed to be of the opinion that everyone around her was sweet and agreeable. It was a refreshing change from the London madams who considered everything and everyone their inferior. She was so genuine...so sincere in all her praises and kind words that it made him see her, for the first time since his coming of age, as someone whom he should very much like to get to know. As the dance drew to an end, he studied her closely, reluctant to look away. Should she be engaged to someone else or in some way out of his reach, he wished to have an image to preserve in his memory. The candlelight of the lamps glowed brightly beside her, reflecting her flawless and angelic complexion. Her dark blue eyes shone with a hidden serenity and her beautiful rosebud mouth was curved upwards, giving the impression that she had a perpetual inclination to smile. The pink gown that she wore showed her slender figure to its greatest advantage. All of these qualities made their possessor lovely indeed, but it was the general air of gentleness and kindness that seemed to radiate from her that rendered Jane uncommonly exquisite in Bingley's eyes.

Before the song ended he took her hand and said, "I have noticed one very singular thing about you Miss Bennet. The whole time we have been dancing, we have discussed all of your neighbours and relations and you have not said one ungracious thing about any of them."

Jane laughed and looked up at him, for he was a whole head taller than she, "That is because they are all such lovely people, so kind and so agreeable."

A thought occurred to him and he looked around to where his sister Caroline was dancing with Mr. Hurst. "Might I be allowed to introduce you to my sisters, Miss Bennet when this dance is over?" Jane agreed and after the last bars of the song were played, they walked together off the dance floor in the direction of Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. Before they could reach them however Mrs. Bennet came up to the pair, quivering with delight.

"Mama," said Jane hoping her mother would refrain from being too effusive, "this is Mr. Bingley, of Netherfield. Mr. Bingley, my mother."

"Mrs. Bennet," bowed Bingley with a wide grin, "Delighted ma'am."

"Sir," she curtseyed, "I cannot tell you how glad we are to have a tenant for Netherfield at last: how very glad indeed! It seemed such a forlorn building, so empty! Like an oyster shell without an oyster."

"Well ma'am, here is your oyster. However may I say that it is you who have the pearl," he said, staring at Jane who could not mistake his meaning. She blushed prettily as her mother giggled, "That is very charming, very charming altogether sir, and do you like it here in Hertfordshire?"

Still holding Jane's gaze he replied, "I am beginning to find that I like it prodigiously." The introduction of the next dance tune began and he bowed, "Forgive me, I am engaged to dance the next two with Miss King. Miss Bennet, I would very much like to introduce you to my sisters. Perhaps if you are not engaged for the two fifth I could claim your hand for the dance, and make the introduction afterwards? They would be sorely disappointed not to make your acquaintance, I'm sure." Jane looked at him inquisitively and finding something so tender in his request, agreed readily. He let go of her arm and took her hand to kiss it slowly before walking away.

Jane was left standing there with a mix of emotions. Her aunt came over to tell her how pretty she looked, and how well she matched Mr. Bingley when they were dancing. "The handsomest couple in the room!" Her mother agreed heartily, telling her sister of his compliments.

"And to that he added, "you have the pearl!" Is not that charming sister? I dare say she will be engaged within the month; for he did say how "prodigiously" he liked the neighbourhood with a special nod to Jane."

"That is proof of his inclination indeed. But then I always did say that Jane was the prettiest girl in the neighbourhood; with none to match her! And to think Lady Lucas was bragging insolently that it was her Charlotte who had caught his attention! I wonder if he has made any compliments to her? For I would hardly call Charlotte a pearl would you?" Her mother tittered, nodding in agreement.

Jane reddened slightly at her mother and aunts unkindness and felt she ought to defend Charlotte in some way. "Charlotte is a very agreeable young lady mama, you have often said so yourself."

"Yes, yes Jane," said her mama impatiently, "But I do not see Mr. Bingley rushing to her side to ask for the two fifth, nor did he introduce his sisters to her? You have definitely caught his attention, my dear, ad you must do your best to keep it!"

Jane escaped their attention by going over to talk to Elizabeth and Charlotte Lucas who because of the shortage of male dancers, were required to sit the two out. The two were discussing how elegant the Bingley sisters looked.

"I am afraid they must feel quite out of place at our humble country assembly," commented Charlotte after noting Caroline Bingley give a disdainful sniff while watching the dancing.

"Perhaps they would do better to act like their brother. I think him the most agreeable man in the room. What a pity his attractive friend does not share his easy manners," replied Elizabeth who had been quite taken with Mr. Darcy; his exaggerated pride rousing her curiosity and delight in the ridiculous. She saw Mr. Darcy as a playful object, one to be laughed and wondered at, and the fact he was wonderfully handsome with a great fortune did little to harm his impression.

"Mr. Bingley told me that Mr. Darcy is very agreeable in smaller circles of known acquaintances," added Jane who was inclined to like any friend of Mr. Bingley's, "But that he becomes nervous and reclusive in larger more public parties."

"That is no excuse," reasoned Elizabeth, "As a gentleman of means and property, he must often be in society in London and in the country. London especially where there exists people of consequence, fortune and title and he would not be allowed to feebly excuse himself as nervous. With us however he makes no effort, as he knows we are beneath him and our opinion is of little significance. Nervousness and awkwardness in the company of strangers I will excuse, because I see how much of an effort it is for Mary to come out with us in society, but our sister is always polite in conversation and address if somewhat reserved in behaviour. However with Mr. Darcy, the line between reservation and rudeness has been crossed. See how he looks at Mrs. Long who is attempting conversation with him! No Jane, I will not accept his friend's explanation though you may be apt to. Let me believe that he is merely proud and arrogant; it is far easier to make sport of such evident faults in a person."

"It is interesting to see how you have managed to turn the conversation to the subject of your interest Lizzy," remarked Charlotte with an arched eyebrow, "But I think that you are interested him despite his faults, that you are so eager to point out. Should he not be so grand and noble, I dare say that you would not even bother making sport of him."

Elizabeth owned that she did think him quite pleasant looking, but could never grow to love a proud person. "After all he may spend more time peering into the looking glass than I do!"

"Lizzy," protested Jane though she felt disposed to laugh at her sister's audacious comments, "You are confusing his somewhat doubtful pride for vanity, of which I have seen no evidence. Mr. Darcy is not vain, at least not in my opinion. He seems a quiet, reserved gentleman and you ought not abuse him so."

Charlotte acquiesced with Jane's gentle censure, adding mischievously, "Especially when his friend has taken such an eager interest in your sister. You would ruin her wedding by attacking the best man." The pair laughed at Jane's embarrassment and then continued to laugh further as she attempted an irate expression. "I do think it amazing how everyone in this room would see me married to Mr. Bingley after one dance. First mama and Aunt Phillips, now you. I perceived no particular regard or attention in his behaviour with me. This speculation is unjustifiable and may injure Mr. Bingley's reputation. Perhaps he is engaged in London, or has his sights set on another young lady. How could he proceed in his courtship with the populace expecting him to propose to me?"

Elizabeth looked to Charlotte and Charlotte looked to Elizabeth and they both sighed indulgently.

"Ah, dear Jane," began Elizabeth.

"Dear sweet Jane," added Charlotte helping her friend in their playfulness.

"She is so good..."

"So very, very good..."

"Defends and thinks the best of people..."

"Always defending them and seeing the best, on every occasion..."

"Never an evil or ill word..."

"Not one single insult has ever left her mouth..."

"And the only time she dares reproach us and is angry..."

"The first and last and only instance..."

"Is when a new acquaintance, a previously unknown gentleman..."

"A gentleman she has only met this very night..."

"Is being speculated about."

"Indeed." They hung their heads and both pretended to be sorrowful.

"Does she defend herself?" asked Charlotte looking at Jane who was unable to prevent the smile spreading across her face. Really those two were ridiculous!

"No."

"Does she say that perhaps she may not be inclined to like him?"

"No."

"Does she say that it is her choice who she marries?"

"No."

"Does she tell us to leave her alone and not to mention his name?"

"Not at all. I ask you, dear Charlotte, in complete seriousness," continued Lizzy clutching her friend's hands in mock earnestness, "Does this seem like the normal behaviour of my sister to you?"

"Again, I must repeat: Not at all."

"Therefore we must conclude, after intense thought and deliberation, that the very man who calls her a pearl..."

"And such a lovely pearly she is too," cooed Charlotte pinching Jane's cheek as one would an infant's.

"A man who says that he likes this neighbourhood "prodigiously"..."

"Prodigiously after meeting Miss Bennet of course! A man who could not form one single sentence in their first meeting, so struck at the sight of her was he..."

"Was he? How sweet!" asked Elizabeth, momentarily abandoning the game, having not heard this piece of information, then continuing, "A man who excuses her with the utmost civility after she is pushed into him..."

"This very splendiferous and wonderful man..."

"Has made her fall in love with him, being in love with her himself."

"Exactly."

"Oh you two are impossible! There is nothing between us," cried Jane hotly, feeling unusually cross.

"Methinks the lady doth protest too much Charlotte," came her sister's reply. Charlotte nodded, preoccupied with watching as a young gentleman walked towards their group.

"Here comes Mr. Robinson to claim me for this dance, though it is half way through," she whispered Elizabeth as she rose to greet him, "still an uninterested partner is better than none at all, I suppose. He was not so late in claiming your two dances, Lizzy." She walked off with a smile in Jane's direction, who returned it easily, showing she had taken no offense to their nonsense.

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