Fangs and Prejudice

Chapter 1

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.

As the sunlight slowly began to seep into Longbourn House, so did the noise. Beginning with the faint chirps in the distance to the much louder rooster in the garden, the household began to wake. And that meant Mr. Bennet was already very much awake, soaking in as much literature as he could while his library was still yet a peaceful, quiet place until Mrs. Bennet would later return from her daily quest of seeking new gossip from anyone and everyone, as if her life depended on it. Mr. Bennet was almost positive it did. He genuinely feared what would happen to his wife if there was no more hearsay for her to learn of.

Hurried footsteps anxiously pattered against the footpath until reaching the front door, which was pushed open quite forcefully. Mrs. Bennet did not waste a second, immediately struggling as she attempted to unbutton her coat. A maid quickly arrived and helped her, departing just as quickly with the coat and hat. Her shortness of breath began to finally dissipate as she walked rather enthusiastically to her husband's study.

"Mr. Bennet. The news this morning has turned out to be absolutely splendid!" Mrs. Bennet shouted as soon as she opened the doors. She allowed herself to dramatically slide into the sofa with one arm over the side. A large grin had taken over her entire face as she looked up at the ceiling, almost as if it was adorned with a masterful painting that she then began to study. She waited for her husband to respond, but when not even the sound of his breathing could be heard, she returned her gaze upon him and coughed ever so slightly. His nose remained in his book as he continued to scan the page with his eyes. Mrs. Bennet let out an irritated sigh.

"Mr. Bennet? Now is not the time for your games!" She then sat up straight with both arms in her lap, looking intently at her husband. Without as much as a blink, he turned to the next page.

"Well," Mrs. Bennet stood up and smoothed the skirt of her dress. " I shall simply continue speaking. And whether you decide to listen to that of most importance," she paused and glared at her husband, "that involves your very own daughters, is your decision. I shall not repeat it to you again." Mrs. Bennet said quite sternly before sitting once again in the sofa. Before she could catch her breath to speak her next words, Mr. Bennet beat her to it.

"What a joyous statement from my lovely wife."

He finally set his eyes upon his beloved, looking directly over his reading spectacles while the position with which his head was, stayed fixed. Mrs. Bennet smiled at him, having finally gained his attention.

"If," he paused and couldn't help but lift the corner of his mouth, "it were true." he chuckled before returning his gaze to his book. A scowl appeared on Mrs. Bennet's face.

"I should have known. Over three-and-twenty years together and I still fall for your little tricks, Mr. Bennet. And heaven forbid you grace me with one honest compliment in my life." She glared at him, and while he had not looked up, they both knew that he was well aware of receiving such a look.

"Very well. Shall I continue? Of course, only if it pleases you?" she spoke the last sentence with a dramatic emphasis as she gracefully fanned her hand in the air toward her husband, as if in the presence of royalty. Mr. Bennet grunted in compliance.

"Netherfield Park is let at last! Mrs. Long had informed me that she has just been there." She waited for her husband to respond, to which he did not, except with the turn of a page.