Chapter 7

Lydia and Georgiana visited Elizabeth in her apartments sometime in the later part of the next day, and Elizabeth declared that Mr Steven's behaviour had been disgraceful. She understood now why Lord W_____ had rushed his guest out the door after supper. She assured Lydia that just because he was a business partner did not mean they must host him in their home again, and she could ensure that other hostesses seated him far away from all their family at dinners.

The knocker was kept down until the family left for Netherfield. Charlotte had travelled ahead some weeks ago, to interview new staff for Longbourn, for the previous housekeeper had left to assist a relative. New maids and two manservants were also needed. She was grateful that the Bennet's cook, whom she knew well, had remained over the years. She left instructions for the official opening of the house, then then returned for Elizabeth's ball.

When the Pemberley household moved to Hertfordshire, Charlotte would officially move to Longbourn with her son William, and Fanny Price, whose family had moved on to Manchester. Fanny had so far been a quiet observer of the nursery, regarding the other children like visitors from strange foreign lands, but Diane was a kind girl, and the two had made friends quickly. Charlotte believed the girl would fit in with the family very well once they removed to Longbourn and everything was not quite so grand.

Charlotte confided to Elizabeth that her mother had refused her calls, and had not visited her nor invited her for dinner whilst she was at Netherfield, though Sir William had been a daily visitor. Lady Lucas was still nursing a grudge that Charlotte had defied her desire to see her remarried, and had robbed her of the right to lord over Fanny Bertelli-then-Bennet.

She was still determined that Charlotte would wed, immediately, and if Charlotte would not obey, then her mother would not see her. Lady Lucas believed she was perfectly entitled to be obeyed, the very Bible said so, and if Charlotte refused to "be respectable and provide a father for her son," then Lady Lucas would refuse an acquaintance between Charlotte and Lucas Lodge.

Charlotte's mother had made it clear that Charlotte's "wilfulness" was no longer to be tolerated by the family. Lady Lucas did not even know yet about Fanny living at Longbourn, but Elizabeth could see that the visit to Hertfordshire would be eventful.

Pemberley House was closed, and the trip was made to Hertfordshire. The Darcy carriages followed Charlotte to Longbourn just for the joy of watching out of their carriage windows as Charlotte, young Master William, and Fanny were received for the first time by their household. The family cheered and waved as the carriages turned about and continued to Netherfield.

*****

Charlotte climbed the stairs to enter her son's house, holding the hands of the two children as she did so. Elizabeth had been generous indeed to give them half the income of the estate while the property was in trust. Considering that William was so young, the trustees could let the property until the boy reached his majority, and give only a tiny allowance for his support. The rest of the funds could be held up in trust until his twenty-first birthday.

Charlotte's lady's maid came to Longbourn a few days ahead of her, as her one great extravagance. Mrs Dutton would take a leaf from Mrs Hill's book, and serve as both housekeeper and lady's maid to Charlotte. The household had one strapping footman, a downstairs manservant, a hall boy, a cook, a kitchen maid, an upstairs maid, and the nurse, as well as a groom, and a man who came thrice a week for the gardening. The laundry maids came twice a week.

Charlotte knew she could do quite well with fewer servants if she needed to, but it was in his future interests that William's estate demonstrate his position to the county, regardless of his age, and to provide what employment and trade they could to the village. Elizabeth had insisted that Charlotte not only keep the carriage that she had assigned for her use when she was in mourning, she actually took that carriage back, insisted it was insufficient, and gifted her a larger and newer one, ignoring Charlotte's objections, and insisting that since it must serve her until William reached his majority, it might as well be as new and comfortable as possible.

Elizabeth also insisted that because the income of the estate was far larger, and earned more than double the amount of Mr Bennet's time, that Charlotte must have adequate horses. Darcy and Richard were sent out to purchase more horses for the home farm, so Charlotte could have her carriage horses whenever necessary. Mr Roberts had suggested that riding might be a good exercise for Fanny once she removed to the country. Some ladies were more suited to that exercise than walking, and so a riding mare was purchased for Charlotte, and ponies were procured for William and Fanny. To the delight of the children, lessons were promised for all by Richard and Charlotte's brother John.

Charlotte's brother John and his wife Edwina were present to receive her, and as they entered the drawing room, Edwina drew her attention to a stunningly beautiful porcelain tea set of obvious incomparable quality. Charlotte sat and opened the note that accompanied the tea.

Dower Cottage

Shannon View

Sanditon

Dear Charlotte,

On this most special day, it gives me great happiness to know that it is you who will take up my place at Longbourn, and that your son will be master.

Now with my little Michael, as you can expect, it may be some time before I travel again, but when I do visit Meryton one day, I can think of nothing that would give me greater pleasure than to take tea in your drawing room.

Always Your Friend,

Frances Bertelli

Charlotte shed a few tears, wishing to see Fanny Bertelli again one day with all her heart, though she had just seen her months ago, in March. She was certain they would see each other again in a year or two, although everyone had agreed that few of the family intended to do much travelling for some time. She and William might take Fanny north to Manchester to see her family, and visit at Pemberley next summer. She now sat with Fanny, William, and her brother John and his wife, as she poured tea for the first time in her new drawing room. Mrs Dutton and Edwina had ensured there were sandwiches and cakes, this would serve as a light luncheon, after which the little family could go upstairs and settle themselves in.

John was gratified indeed to have his sister take up her place close by, and to be in a position to assist her and her son. Having his children grow up with their cousin as a neighbouring landowner gave him great satisfaction. That the Bennet ladies were all so well settled, and no guilt was required on that front, he was grateful. He had not been informed about the specific details of Fanny Price, only that she was his sister's ward, and appeared a quiet and polite, if not exceedingly shy child.

The adults made small talk until they heard from the hall a loud voice, "Do not ask me questions woman, where is my daughter? I have waited long enough to see her take her rightful place as mistress of this house, and I will wait no longer!"

Lady Lucas swept into the drawing room wearing an ancient gown fit only for court, followed by Sir William and Charlotte's sister Maria. Charlotte had no idea what airs her mother was planning to put on, but her own plans did not include court gowns in the drawing room in summer.

"Charlotte, it does not surprise me that you have taken up residence but do not see fit to send your card round, nor even inform your parents, your closest titled neighbours, of your arrival," Lady Lucas said, her nose high in the air.

"Actually, Lady Darcy is the closest at Netherfield, which is only three miles, I believe, while Lucas Lodge is nearer four, is it not, John?" Her brother agreed that he could not argue with her logic when Charlotte continued. "I have been in residence less than half an hour, it would not be expected for me to send my cards sooner than tomorrow, and I would not expect the well-bred ladies of Meryton to call upon me before the third day," Charlotte said primly. "Won't you both sit down? May I pour you some tea? You must look upon the lovely tea service sent to me as a gift by Mrs Bertelli. It is quite exquisite."

"Well whatever arrangements you have now will serve for the nonce, I am sure," Lady Lucas said in a superior manner as she took a chair. "We will take the rest in hand, and once you have been properly instructed, everything will be set to rights."

Charlotte was just about to say something about her mother's intentions to take over her house when suddenly her mother shrieked, quite loudly, and quite rudely, "What in heaven's name is THAT!" The woman jumped out of her seat, pointing at Fanny, who shrunk back in fear at having been so unpleasantly noticed.

"Mother, for heaven's sake, how could you be so unkind? That quite obviously is not a what, she is a who. She is just a little girl. Her name is Fanny Price, and she is a cousin of the Bennets, whom I have invited-"

"You dare! You dare to bring an ORPHAN CHILD to live with my grandson ? Charlotte, how could you even consider it! I will take care of this. Eliza Bennet, throwing her rank around, thinking she can force others to take on HER relatives!" Lady Lucas was nearly incoherent with her raving. She continued on as Charlotte looked at her father and asked how long had her mother been acting mad? To which he answered that she had become exceedingly demanding and difficult since the news of Thomas Bennet's death.

"And I suppose you've done nothing? What about Maria's betrothed? Will you allow him to think our family is mad, and go away because Mama wants to rule the world? EXCUSE ME, MADAM!" Charlotte demanded her mother's attention, effectively silencing her, finally. "You will listen to me immediately, and without interruption! Fanny Price is not an orphan! Her parents both live! Why she is here is not your business, and you will henceforth treat her with kindness and respect, or you will not be received at Longbourn. You will not be taking any part of my household in hand. Go home and see to your own affairs!"

"Well do not think of having that person in the same house with my grandson! I am the wife of a knight, and I will carry my point! Young William has the right to grow up comfortably as he deserves, not to give up his comforts to impoverished brats! You have younger brothers and a sister of your own to concern yourself with, and instead ignore them in favour of poor Bennet brats! She will be gone before the wedding, or your invitation shall be revoked forthwith!" Lady Lucas raved. Poor Fanny began to cry and wish to go back to her mother.

Finally, Maria Lucas entered the fray, "My sister Charlotte will be invited, because I am leaving Lucas Lodge! I shall marry from Longbourn, and you are the one who shall not be invited! Charlotte, you won't mind, will you? Mr Chandler has not much family, only his mother, and we do not need a large breakfast. Mama has done nothing but create problems since we returned to Meryton, and it is quite mortifying."

"Do not worry, Maria. Of course you may stay, and we shall talk about the wedding. Of course I should be glad to host it here, but let us not make such hasty decisions. Perhaps upon further reflection Papa might prevail upon Mama to be more reasonable."

Charlotte turned back to her mother. "I have had enough of this. I care not how many years you looked forward to watching me take up your friend's place, your behaviour is shocking and unacceptable. I am the mistress of Longbourn, and at no time will you have any say who I invite to my home, who resides here, or any other consideration. I have not waited for years to take up my own establishment at the right time for myself and my son, just to turn over my chatelaine and all the decisions to another. Not even my own mother. You have enjoyed your own way in your own establishment for many years, and now I shall do the same. I am taking nothing from you. You will go now. You will go, and you will not return until you are ready to apologise to my young cousin, and until you are ready to afford me the respect that I am due in my own home."

John and his father bundled Charlotte's screaming mother out the front door, and when she was returned to her carriage, John returned. "We shall take her to the dower house for now, and Edwina will do what she can to calm her," John informed his sister. "That will give father time to invite Mrs Chandler to remove here without her seeing Mama's fit, although Mama has been increasingly difficult since they arrived. Mr Chandler is staying at the inn, with two of his friends."

Charlotte sent a note to Mrs Chandler, inviting her to join Maria in staying with her at Longbourn, and sent it with Maria in her carriage, so her sister could get her things. Then she sent a note to Eliza at Netherfield, asking her to invite Mr Chandler to stay with Mr Radcliffe at Lilac Cottage. Mr Radcliffe went to the inn himself to fetch the young solicitor and his friends, who were good natured fellows, grateful to be invited to stay anywhere more comfortable than the inn, and Mr Chandler glad there was to be another bachelor to keep company with.

Mrs Penelope Chandler was a friendly and affable woman, industrious, and with well-bred manners. Her father, brother, and husband had all been lawyers, and Maria got on with the lady exceedingly well. Charlotte cringed to think of what poor manners she might have observed in their mother, but determined to make a better impression. Elizabeth sent a note to Charlotte saying that she would call upon Lucas Lodge, and then Longbourn in the morning. Charlotte and Maria decided to wait to make an announcement about the wedding until then, depending on whether Lady Lucas could be reasoned with.

Fanny was too old at age ten, Charlotte felt, to be sleeping in the nursery with naught but a six-year-old boy for company, so the young girl was given a lovely, feminine room in the new family wing, near Charlotte's apartment, which for now, was the mistress's suite. She would still take her lessons with William, and spend much of her day with him, but since she was nearly a young lady, Charlotte gave her a young lady's bedroom.

*****

Fanny could hardly believe she was to stay in such a room, by herself no less, but she vowed to write about it to her mother and sisters. She had not heard from Mama nor Susan since her family left for Manchester, but she hoped they had settled in well, and that the house Mama so looked forward to, was pleasant and comfortable. Her older brother William had written to her from Portsmouth. Elizabeth and Darcy ensured that he did not lack for writing supplies and funds to keep in touch with his family.

The house in Manchester had not even existed until Mr Price had agreed to take the job, and then Elizabeth dispatched Wilson with all haste to Manchester to select a house and furnish it before the Price's arrival. He was able to visit young Edmund while he was there, the boy having been at Manchester Grammar for the last two years. He visited Pemberley or wherever Wilson happened to be during his holidays, and Wilson could not be prouder of his son, who had distinguished himself at the estate school, and earned the right to a higher education. There was another boy from Pemberley there as well, the son of a tenant farmer who had the makings of a scholar. Wilson asked Edmund to look out for the Price boys if he could when they began their day classes, and the headmaster allowed Edmund to miss a few days of lessons to visit with his father.

As Darcy had promised, the house was not at all grand, but it was certainly grand to Mrs Price, who had not lived in such comfort in years. Three rooms upstairs and three rooms downstairs, allowed for a front parlour for company only, a large, combined kitchen and family room, and a bedroom on the ground floor for Mr and Mrs Price. Of the three rooms upstairs, one was taken by the very youngest children, while the other two would be shared by the older girl and boy children.

Wilson visited an estate sale from a small but respectable farm, and furnished the house in a genteel manner, even finding, at Elizabeth's request, a small upright pianoforte for the parlour, enabling Mrs Price to teach Susan and her younger daughters how to play. Elizabeth had insisted a tiny water closet be built attached to the kitchen, a tub was installed in a corner of the kitchen, and a boiler also installed.

Fanny had been educated, but being a sickly child, and her parents having not worried overmuch about learning beyond reading, writing, and sums, was behind in all her subjects. Charlotte had engaged a sweet and kind-hearted governess, Miss Templeton, who was waiting for them when they arrived at Longbourn, and took over the supervision of William and Fanny when they arrived.

*****

Elizabeth did indeed call upon Lucas Lodge the next day. She was soundly berated by Lady Lucas for discarding her unwanted relatives at Longbourn onto her grandson's charity. Elizabeth assured Lady Lucas that the child was not remotely orphaned. She was just a distant relation whose health did not fare well in London, like many children, and had been invited to the country to see if it would improve her constitution. Her parents had recently moved to Manchester, and her father was respectably employed. Elizabeth certainly would have done something for the girl, but Charlotte had declared she wished to invite her, and it was not Elizabeth's place to forbid it.

Lady Lucas declared that Charlotte needed to be worried about finding herself a husband, and as Elizabeth stepped outside while Lady Lucas continued to ramble, she asked Sir William why he had not contained his wife before she began displaying her altered mental capacities to the neighbourhood. The older man agreed that it was necessary, and promised to see to it. Elizabeth spoke to Charlotte privately in the front hall at Longbourn for a moment before joining the ladies in the drawing room, whereupon she announced that Sir William's fears from the day before were well founded, Lady Lucas had fallen quite ill. Mrs Chandler clucked and tutted, and offered nursing services, but was quickly distracted by talk of the wedding.

Charlotte and Maria's mother had not been enthused about hosting a wedding breakfast for her daughter "only to wed a solicitor." But considering that Longbourn was so much more generously situated, Charlotte could easily host all their friends and neighbours from the village. Mr Chandler, or Martin as Maria called him, had no other family besides his mother, but he did have a number of friends from university to invite, although thanks to the efforts of the Bennet sisters, there were far fewer single ladies in Meryton of late to benefit.

Elizabeth offered to house any bachelors at Lilac Cottage, and to host a private ball a week before the wedding, assuring Maria and Mrs Chandler that she had intended to host a large entertainment in any case. After a while, Lydia and Georgiana arrived with Diane and a nursemaid in Darcy's carriage, Diane hoping to play with Fanny and William. Elizabeth and the younger ladies took luncheon at Longbourn, and in a single afternoon, the ladies planned the entire wedding. Thankfully, the invitations had not been sent from Lucas Lodge, because as Maria said, her mother had been "distracted."

Jane turned up in Meryton quite unexpectedly, saying to all that it was not so very surprising that she would wish to see their dear friend Maria married before she was to be confined in Derbyshire for so many months. Louisa and Hurst were at his family's estate in the north, but Caroline accompanied them, having finally begun to enjoy simple society, as long as it was not that of London. The ladies of Meryton girded their loins against her acerbic tongue, but were pleasantly surprised to learn that Caroline's manners had improved dramatically, and found her friendly and engaging. Kitty sent a lovely gift with Jane, along with a note for Maria, explaining that due to her being farther along than her sister, she was more uncomfortable in a carriage, and it was becoming less appropriate for her to be seen in public, though she sent her very best wishes to her friend.

Mary and Fitzwilliam were to visit Netherfield for the whole of the Darcys' stay, then they would go with the Darcys to Pemberley until some months after the birth of their child. Elizabeth, Kitty, and Jane were all expecting as well. Mary wanted to be near her sisters as she entered her first confinement, and Richard did not object to having the support of Darcy and his family in Derbyshire when his wife's time arrived. When Mary and Richard arrived at Netherfield, and learned Lady Denham was coming with her niece and nephew and Clara Brereton, Mary pestered Elizabeth and Darcy to issue an invitation to Lord Rutherford to join what was quickly turning into a summer house party. Elizabeth had no idea what the fuss was about, but she did as she was asked.

Netherfield

Meryton

Dear Lord Rutherford,

Our family is gathered at our property Netherfield, in Hertfordshire. My sister Mrs Fitzwilliam, and my husband Lord Darcy, insist that you would enjoy the company hereabouts greatly, and they bid me to write to you that they insist you join our party. Miss Maria Lucas, who was with our family when you called on us in Brighton, is to be married soon. There is a ball, a wedding, and other entertainments to be had in the coming weeks. All activities which I am certain ought to send you fleeing for your estate, and yet, Darcy, Mary, and even Fitzwilliam insist upon your attendance. You shall be very comfortable with the bachelors in the dower house. Do send your reply with the post.

Lady Darcy

Lord Rutherford arrived less than a week after Elizabeth sent her invitation, just one day after Lady Denham and her retinue. Lydia had surprised Elizabeth by asking to stay at Longbourn to visit Charlotte while the Denhams were in residence, even though Sir Edward would stay in the dower house. Elizabeth asked if she should be concerned in having him on the property at all one evening alone with Darcy in his study when Lydia made her request.

"Not on my account, Lizzy," insisted Lydia, "I do not fear him in that manner, although he seems to look upon poor Miss Brereton in a predatory way that I cannot like. He is just an idiot, and if I reside at Longbourn, I can avoid most of his conversation. Sir Edward insists on discussing poetry and literature at length, but I cannot bear to hear him butcher it. I struggle to make heads or tails of his conversation, and Lizzy, one might be better off discussing poetry with Mama."

Elizabeth observed ironically, "But Lyddie, Mama does not read poetry."

Lydia replied, "Yes." with a completely straight face, and Darcy lost his composure and laughed out loud. Lydia and Elizabeth could not help but join him.

Lady Denham was in high dudgeon when she arrived to learn that Georgie was in a courtship and Lydia was in residence at an entirely different house. What was proposed as a rest of a few days during a long journey turned into a prolonged stay, but Elizabeth made no objection. These were her sister's neighbours in Sanditon, and so Elizabeth would be nothing less than inviting and gracious. Charlotte ensured that Sir Denham's calls to Longbourn lasted no longer than the prescribed fifteen to thirty minutes, Lydia wisely allowed him to waste nearly all of those minutes on bad poetry and senseless declarations, and though the gentleman never took the hint, Lydia declined all of his invitations to walk or drive out.

Mary managed to successfully draw Lord Rutherford's notice to the ever-pious Miss Brereton immediately upon his arrival by asking the lady her thoughts on a particular clergyman who was famous for an elegant and very popular book of prayers. Mary had already heard Miss Brereton speaking of this writer during the family's spring visit to Sanditon, and therefore was expecting the enthusiasm for which Miss Brereton eagerly discussed theology.

Lord Rutherford's attention was immediately absorbed by the angelically fair-haired Miss Brereton, who, in the candlelight, looked as if she had a halo round her head. Her sweet and gentle disposition made her welcome anywhere she went, and Lord Rutherford immediately discerned her apprehension of Sir Edward, who looked at Rutherford's attention of one he had marked for himself with irritation.

Denham might be attempting to court Lydia, but an alliance with Miss Brereton was not out of the question if it looked as if his aunt might favour her in the will, and for that reason, he preferred to see her isolated from the attentions of men. He also had not given up the idea of offering her carte blanche if his aunt died and left her destitute, and he managed to marry a dowry.

Lady Denham looked upon all of this with vexation. None of the young people were doing as they should. Her niece Esther was supposed to be attracting Lord Rutherford. Clara was supposed to be attending to her needs. And heaven knew young Denham ought to have become immediately engaged to the Bennet chit by now, but none of them did as they were told.

Lord Berkeley immediately sought out the company of Lady Whitman when she arrived. The gentleman had always had a weakness for women with red or auburn hair, and Caroline had always been an incredibly handsome woman. After several visits to Madame Clarisse, she had finally learned to order colours that she looked well in, rather than whatever was the newest and most expensive fashion, and with the right clothes, she was a very pretty woman who the gentlemen could not help noticing, though she did not invite their attentions.

Indeed, Lady Whitman abused the gentleman's confidence quite thoroughly in her attempt to shake his interest, but it seemed her temper only interested the gentleman more, though after a talk with Darcy and Bingley, he tempered his own behaviour, considering the poor lady's previous experience in marriage, and obvious distress at his attention. He did not withdraw his interest, however. Lord Berkeley had waited many years to meet a woman who made him wish to court her, and would not withdraw easily.

Miss Denham was the new resident Miss Bingley, following Lord Berkeley about, clutching his arm, and constantly attempting to redirect his interest, but the man was singularly focused upon Caroline, and paid Miss Esther Denham not the slightest attention.

*****

A few days after they arrived in Meryton, the Darcys were briefly escaping the circus that was Netherfield to visit Longbourn. Mrs Phillips was also paying a call, and Charlotte was pouring tea when Mrs Dutton entered the drawing room and announced a Mr Edmund Bertram. An exceedingly young man of no more than sixteen, he related to Lord and Lady Darcy that he understood that they were cousins, and then explained why he was there.

"I received a letter from my father, and another from my Aunt Norris, telling me that they had offered for my young cousin Fanny to live with us at Mansfield Park. My aunt did say that their invitation had gone unanswered, but I was bid to go to the home of my Aunt Price to fetch my cousin on my way home from school.

"When I arrived at their home, it has been let to new occupants, but the neighbour told me when I inquired, that the two eldest children did not go with my aunt and uncle to Manchester. I was told that the boy has gone into training for the navy, and the girl is at Longbourn in Hertfordshire. We have sent expresses back and forth from home. My Aunt Norris maintains that my Aunt Price wishes for my cousin to come to Mansfield Park with her family, and insists I am to come here and fetch her. I admit I am unsure what my Aunt Price's wishes are, having never met that lady. But I am here, at my aunt and father's request, to fetch my young cousin Fanny home," explained an incredibly young and nervous Edmund Bertram.

"We are exceedingly sorry that you have had a wasted trip. But as your aunt's neighbours must have informed you, your Uncle Price has taken a better job in Manchester, which comes with a more comfortable house and better pay. It is also true that their eldest son has gone to Portsmouth to train for the navy, and Miss Price has come by her cousin's invitation to reside for a time at Longbourn, to determine if country living might better agree with her constitution. Her father has signed papers declaring Mrs Collins as Miss Price's primary guardian en loco parentis, and myself and my wife as secondary guardians.

"So, I am afraid that as of this time, Miss Price is quite unavailable to accompany you," Darcy explained to the nervous young man. He advised him to have his father write to Mr Price in Manchester if he required more information, and wrote down that man's direction. The young man thanked them nervously, then made to take his leave, however the Darcys and Charlotte were kind to him, and offered him dinner and lodging for the night at Netherfield's dower house with the bachelors. Elizabeth was not a fan of his mother, nor his aunt, but this young man was still her cousin, and also underage. She would never be ungracious to him because of those people.

Elizabeth told Darcy that she thought Mrs Norris might make trouble, simply because it was in the woman's nature to do so. Darcy said that he could apply some pressure to Sir Bertram if the people became a problem. Within a week, Charlotte and Elizabeth received scathing letters from Mrs Norris for their interference, which they fed to the fireplace.

Of course, Mrs Phillips would not be Mrs Phillips if she did not share the story of the young man's visit across the entire village. And thus, everyone in the village knew of it, insignificant tidbit that it was, by dinnertime. Everyone included Lady Lucas, who had it from the upstairs maid. The maid even remembered the locale of Mansfield Park, and Lady Lucas decided to write a letter to this Mrs Norris, who obviously wanted the child. Certainly, she could persuade the woman to send someone to take her away properly. A day later, Lady Lucas managed a moment alone with her younger boy, twelve-year-old Henry, where she promised him a shilling if he secretly posted a letter for her in the village. The transaction was successful, and the day after the ball at Netherfield turned out to be a most eventful one.

The ball was a ball. It was a special event for the residents of Meryton, who did not often get invited to private balls, unless Elizabeth was in residence, and there was something to celebrate. As far as private balls went, this one passed without much to comment on. Maria Lucas was in her element, and the young ladies of Longbourn and Netherfield, along with those of the village, enjoyed more than their share of dancing and merriment with the young gentlemen and solicitors that had been educated alongside Mr Chandler. One barrister accepted an invitation to visit Mr William Goulding at Haye Park so that he might court Miss Mary King.