Pride and Prejudice (Hazbin Hotel ver.)

Chapter 4: Opening up about Mr. Bingley

When Vagatha and Charlotte were alone, Vagatha finally felt comfortable enough to express to her sister just how much she had admired Anthony.

"I didn't expect to enjoy spending time with him as much as I did," she said while undoing her hair, "he was good-humored and lively. I usually don't enjoy balls that much, but when I was with him I forgot my worries. I felt at ease with him."

"He is also handsome," Charlotte replied cheekily, "his character is thereby complete."

"I was very much flattered by him asking me to dance a second time. I didn't expect such a compliment."

"I knew he would. What could be more natural than him asking you again? He couldn't help but see that you were about five times as pretty as any other woman in the room. He certainly is very agreeable and I'm glad you like him. I was beginning to think that you would never find a man you like."

"Charlie!" cried blushing Vagatha.

"I'm sorry Vaggie, but you know it's true," Charlotte continued, "you are incredibly kind and nursing to ones you love, but your temper sometimes gets the better of you. Frankly, today is the first time I saw you not get angry at a man. Poor boys of Longbourn would give anything to see that side of you."

"Oh Charlie, how can you see the good in people that don't deserve it? Those Longbourn men you speak of don't deserve attention from me or you. And when it comes to my temper I will always speak what I think."

"I know you do Vaggie," Charlotte said smiling, "My heart will be at ease knowing that you will always stand up for yourself."

Vagatha smiled back at Charlotte and then turned back to her vanity.

"Even though I certainly liked Mr. Bingley," Vagatha continued while brushing out her locks, "I can't say the same about his sister and cousin. Their manners weren't equal to his."

"I didn't have a chance to chat with them. Were their manners really that different from Mr. Bingley's?"

Charlotte listened as Vagatha began to vent.

Mr. Bingley's twin sister Mrs. Molly and cousin Miss Mimzy were in fact very fine ladies; having good humor when they were pleased and agreeable when they felt like it, but proud and conceited at heart. They were rather pretty, had been educated in one of the first private schools in England, had a fortune of twenty thousand pounds (which they spent healthily) and associated with many people of the rank. They were therefore in every respect entitled to think well of themselves and be mean to others underneath them.

Mr. Anthony Bingley inherited property worth nearly a hundred thousand pounds from his father, who had intended to purchase an estate, but did not live to do it. Anthony intended to purchase an estate as well, but then he was provided with a good house and the liberty of a manor. People who knew him and his easy going nature doubted that he would ever purchase an estate that even his father sought to buy and would probably spend the remainder of his days at Netherfield. Bingley's female entourage were quite anxious of him having a place of his own, even though he was now only established as a tenant. But Miss Mimzy was by no means unwilling to live with her cousin- nor was Mrs. Molly Hurst, who had married a man for his looks rather than his fortune.

Between Anthony Bingley and Alastor Darcy was a steady friendship, in spite of great opposition of character. Anthony saw Alastor almost like a big brother who gave him advice on business, investments, associates etc. Though no personality would offer a greater contrast to his own, Anthony held Alastors judgment in highest regard, understanding that Alastor was the superior even though Anthony was by no means deficient, but Alastor was clever. Alastor was at the same time proud, reserved, and meticulous, and his manners, though well-bred, tended to repel people than please them. In that respect his friend had the advantage. Anthony was found pleasant and agreeable wherever he appeared, Alastor was continually giving offense.

The manner in which they spoke at the ball was very characteristic of them. Anthony had never met more pleasant people or prettier girls in his life; everybody had been very kind and attentive to him; there had been no formality, no stiffness; he was soon acquainted with all the room; and when it comes to Miss Vagatha, he couldn't imagine an angel more beautiful. Alastor, on the contrary, had seen a collection of people in whom there was little beauty and good breeding, for none of whom he had felt the smallest interest. Miss Charlotte he acknowledged to be pretty, but he saw her pet Miss Cherris lapdog earlier. Alastor despises dogs.

Mrs. Molly and Miss Mimzy saw their brother taking a liking to the Vagatha girl. After a bit of conversing with said girl and some up and down looks they pronounced her to be a worthy girl, and one whom they wouldn't object to knowing more of. It's not known if they actually felt that way or they were intimidated by her gaze. After all, Vagatha could scratch both of their eyes out if she needed to.

Mr. Bingley felt authorized by such praise from his entourage to invite Vagatha over for dinner.