From talk with the neighbors they learned Mr Bingley was young handsome and pleasant Also he was fond of dancing Oh to be fond of dancing is a certain step toward falling in love Mrs Bennet cried Now everyone in the village looked forward to the next ball Mr Bingley attended with his two sisters his brother-in-law and his best friend Upon their entrance whispers slipped through the crowd like a breeze Mr Bingley is very handsome Kitty Bennet noticed as she gripped her younger sister’s arm And look at his sisters Lydia the youngest Bennet agreed with a giggle They’re so fashionable Mary the middle Bennet merely peered at them without speaking She was far more interested in books than fashion Mr Bingley looks cheerful Elizabeth said to her older sister Jane Though his friend Mr Darcy is rather grim 6
But he’s very tall and quite noble Jane replied She always seemed to ferret out the kindest comment to say about anyone Mr Darcy barely glanced at any of the young ladies in the room He danced one time with each of Mr Bingley’s sisters and no one else Mr Bingley danced all evening and seemed to pay particular note of Jane When Elizabeth sat to catch her breath between dances she heard Bingley chatting with Darcy You must dance Darcy Bingley said I won’t have you standing by yourself I shall not dance I detest dancing with anyone I do not know well Your sisters are engaged and there is not another woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with I am glad I do not feel that way Bingley said laughing at his friend You have been dancing with the only handsome girl in the room Darcy said 8
She is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen Her sister is very attractive and I see she is not dancing Let me introduce you Bingley pulled Darcy slightly closer to Lizzy What do you mean Darcy turned and looked Elizabeth Bennet full in the face Then he shook off Bingley’s hand She is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me Bingley shook his head and walked away to dance again with Jane Darcy walked off And Elizabeth Bennet shook her head and laughed at Darcy’s rudeness After the ball Mrs Bennet declared her approval of Bingley and her dislike for Darcy I am glad he had no interest in any of my daughters I did like Mr Bingley though Lizzy said turning to Jane Didn’t you Jane blushed slightly He is as lively and well mannered as a young man ought to be He is also handsome Elizabeth teased Which a young man ought to be if he can 9
