Fangs and Prejudice

Chapter 3

Mr. Bennet arose exceptionally early that morning, for he knew all-too-well that his wife and some daughters would make haste to continue pestering him with questions only God himself would know. As long as he had some time to read his book, he had no objection with their questions despite finding them of a rather ridiculous nature. He thought perhaps it was not the smartest idea to encourage such behavior, but upon further reflection, decided that to be the simplest option. He had no intention to indulge them for too long though.

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As food was being brought to the table, so was conversation of Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bennet believed that surely after a day or two, it must become rather tiresome to talk of the same subject over and over again, but apparently Mr. Bingley was a special case.

"If I hear the name Mr. Bingley once again, I believe my ears will bleed." Elizabeth said with sarcasm. She had no issues with so much talk over the new stranger, but she could not help but comment on the matter. Mr. Bennet smiled at his daughter.

"What a horrid thing to say, Lizzy! None of us want to imagine blood pouring out of your ears. Especially while eating breakfast all together!" The statement from Lizzy had caused Mrs. Bennet to look upon her with shock and disgust.

"Well I suppose it's quite fortunate that only words of Mr. Bingley have filled your stomachs up until this point and the food remains untouched. Perhaps it will ruin your appetite of Mr. Bingley instead." She chuckled when her mother shook her head with disapproval.

"A statement I could not wish more upon. Cheers." Mr. Bennet grabbed his cup and clinked it against his daughter's. His wife scowled at both of them before continuing talk of the rich gentleman. When Mr. Bennet had finished eating, he excused himself to his study while the rest of his family continued their morning ritual of chatter.

A loud, playful knock signalled the arrival of a guest at the entrance of Longbourne. While the Bennet daughters were still busy with breakfast, Mr. Bennet greeted his guest upon the announcement of his arrival and motioned him to join him in his study where they could speak more freely.

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"Does it really displease you that we talk so oft of Mr. Bingley, Lizzy?" Jane and Elizabeth were now privately talking amongst each other. Lizzy smiled at Jane.

"Of course not. I enjoy hearing about him just as much as the rest of you. You know how much I enjoy teasing our dear mother." They laughed together.

"It is quite entertaining to watch you two." Jane smiled. "Do you think he will show an interest in any of us? You always seem to have a sense about people."

"I-," before Elizabeth could elaborate, Kitty spoke loudly, once again drawing the conversation of everyone in the room all together.

"Did anyone else hear that?" Kitty asked, stopping all further conversation.

"And what exactly were we supposed to have heard?" All of the girls became silent around the large table and listened intently with their ears.

"I believe father is at the door talking to someone." Kitty said. The stranger's voice, although muffled, could be heard and he sounded rather young.

Within a matter of seconds, all of the Bennet girls had shot out of their chairs and darted towards the door. Lydia was the first to arrive and wasted no time to pull it open to better hear the conversation. None of them dared to go downstairs, in fear of making too much noise and revealing their eager presences. A servant walked by and Mrs. Bennet snapped her fingers and motioned with a sharp nod for her to come closer.

"Yes, Mrs. Bennet?" The servant asked with a small curtsey.

"Psst psst psst! Keep your voice down!" Mrs. Bennet attempted to stick her head out past the door frame, but was unable to due to the tall wall that her daughters had formed. She tried to look above them, but her short stature was of no benefit to her in that moment.