Foolish Choices

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Everything belongs to Jane Austen.

Chapter 1

Nothing happens at it should. When one is young and silly, one often tends to make the most mistakes. In some cases the mistakes are small and insignificant; in others, the errors can have an impact on the person's life. A young person can be easily persuaded unlike a wiser and older person, who may be more determined to keep their own opinions and not be influenced to think differently.

Such mistakes can have an impact on a person's life, even long after the event took place. In some instances, it can impact others who were not known when the blunders were made. For this reason, the wise always try to advice the young; but how many listen? And even if they do listen, they do not realize that one is being swayed against one's own judgment. Too late do the young realize their choices led them a path that is not to their liking. Too late do they realize that they should have kept to their scruples and not be persuaded by pretty words. Such was the case of Mrs. Elizabeth Harrington née Bennet.

In a crowded ballroom - one much too hot for respectable people – were two sisters who stood near a window fanning themselves. One sister - who was eldest and was single - was very beautiful. Her features were classical: she had beautiful eyes and pink lips that any woman would envy. An artist would give anything to be able to take her likeness. That night, she looked very well in her new gown and with her hair done elaborately. Her younger sister was very pretty and also looked well. She also had beautiful eyes that were always bright. Her lips were a similar color to her sister's, but where the eldest sister's were thin, the younger's lips were full; and though the younger's figure was thinner than her sister's, it was still pleasing.

"My dear, what are you doing here? I want you to befriend Mrs. Wellington, as I have already told you. I need an introduction to her husband," said a young man that had just approached the ladies. He was a handsome man; he was tall and his figure showed that he was once athletic. His countenance was handsome, though it was constantly in a sneer, which only made him look sinister.

"Yes, Mr. Harrington. I first need to be introduced to the lady and then I may introduce you," said the younger sister.

"I expect an introduction by the third set, Mrs. Harrington."

"Of course, my dear," Mrs. Harrington replied with a smile. To the sisters' relief, Mr. Harrington walked away from them. Once he was out of hearing, the elder sister looked around to ensure that they were not being listened to.

"Lizzy, why do you have to introduce your husband to Mr. Wellington?" The beautiful sister asked Mrs. Harrington.

"My husband wants to invest with Mr. Wellington's business and he thought the best way to gain favor was through me. He believes by becoming his friend, he will have a better chance than most do by going directly to his office," said Mrs. Harrington to her sister.

"Well, I am sure that you will make a favorable impression Lizzy, since I have yet to meet anyone who can resist your charming ways." The sister smiled widely to Mrs. Harrington.

"Oh dear Jane! You tease me," laughed Mrs. Harrington. Before Jane could reply, the musicians signaled the first dance. At this, Mr. Harrington claimed his wife for the first dance and a young man claimed Mrs. Harrington's sister for the first set.

During the first set, a party of three men and two women walked in the doors of the ballroom. One of the young men, from the party of five, noticed Mrs. Harrington's beautiful sister and immediately requested to be introduced to the sisters. When the first set was over, Mrs. Harrington and her sister were standing on the other side of the ballroom, so the young gentleman and the host made their way towards them. The sisters acted as if they did not notice the men until they were in standing in front of them.

After requesting permission from the ladies to introduce the young man, Mr. Walsh said, "Mrs. Harrington, Miss Bennet; allow me to present to you Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bingley, this is Mrs. Harrington and her elder sister Miss Jane Bennet," the ladies curtsied and the young man bowed.

"It is nice to make your acquaintance, Mr. Bingley," Mrs. Harrington smiled at the young man.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Harrington," replied Mr. Bingley. "Miss Bennet, if you are not otherwise engaged would you do me the honor of dancing the next set with me?"

"I am not engaged for the next set, sir. I am happy to dance the next with you," Miss Bennet said with a shy smile to the young man.

Mrs. Harrington smiled and started a conversation about the usual pleasantries shared with a new acquaintance. When the time came, Mr. Bingley led Jane to the floor. Mrs. Harrington being a married woman now, had to sit out many dances. She was used to this, since she had been married for seven months. Married women were not thought of much as single young ladies were. So being free, she used this time to find Mrs. Wellington and secure an introduction.

Once Mrs. Harrington was introduced to Mrs. Wellington, she made polite conversation; and since Mrs. Elizabeth Harrington had a happy disposition, she was quick to recommend herself to Mrs. Wellington. Soon after, Elizabeth was being introduced to Mr. Wellington. He wasted no time in asking her for the next set. On seeing Mr. Wellington with his wife, Mr. Harrington made his way over to Mrs. Harrington.

"Mr. Wellington, allow me the honor of introducing my husband Mr. John Harrington. My dear, this is Mr. Wellington of Wellington's Incorporated."

"A pleasure to meet you, sir," Mr. Harrington bowed to Mr. Wellington.

"Likewise, sir; I have just asked your lovely wife for the next set, sir, and she has agreed," Mr. Wellington informed Mr. Harrington.

Mr. Harrington smiled at his wife and said to the Wellingtons, "You will find that my wife is one of the best dancers I have seen. It may be that I am a little biased, but I know you will enjoy this set, sir."

When they entered the ballroom, the tall young man exhaled loudly. He did not enjoy balls as much as other young men do, but he was here at his friend's insistence.

"Mr. Darcy, are you feeling well?" asked the lady standing next to him. She smiled demurely at the handsome gentleman. When he looked in her direction, she fluttered her eyes, and then looked down.

"Yes, thank you Miss Bingley, I am quite well," replied Mr. Darcy. He frowned when he saw her batting her eyes again; he disliked when she tried to flirt with him.

"I know what you are thinking, sir: it is insupportable to have to spend a night with such company. If there was at least one person of distinction present, then this ball would be more pleasant," said Miss Bingley. Her expression showed she was displeased with the small crowd of people in the ballroom.

Mr. Darcy nodded towards Miss Bingley, but did not reply; he knew she would continue in the same style if he allowed it. He was already upset about arriving late because of Miss Bingley and her sister, Mrs. Hurst. He hoped that the host of the ball would forgive them. Darcy was certain that it would not be too difficult to obtain forgiveness, since he was most likely the highest ranked person in the room.

As soon as the first set was over, Mr. Bingley and the host walked over to a pair of beautiful ladies. They were introduced and when the next dance started, his friend walked the beautiful one to the floor. This was very typical of Mr. Bingley: he always found the most beautiful lady and asked her to dance.

Mr. Darcy wasted no time in asking Mrs. Hurst for the set. The next, he danced with Miss Bingley. He wanted to get the dancing done early in the night. When he was done, he walked to the nearest wall, and almost leaned on it. He liked to watch others; their flirtations, fights, and gossips: he believed all young ladies only thought of marrying and would do anything to achieve it.

He saw that Bingley danced with the other lady that was standing next to his first partner. He then led her back to her beautiful friend. After conversing a while, the ladies were asked to dance by other gentlemen. Mr. Bingley found Mr. Darcy almost hiding in the back of the room.

"Darcy, do not tell me you are done for the evening! I know you too well to doubt that your excuse for not dancing is that you have a pebble in your shoe," Mr. Bingley laughed at his friend.

"Of course Bingley, you know my most used excuse too well. You know that I do not enjoy balls, especially one so small and with no one of consequence present. There is no informed conversation to be had. I am only here for you, Bingley," replied the tall young man.

"Yes, yes! I know it too well. I hate to you inform you, sir, that you are wrong in one account."

"Really? Which would that be?" Darcy lifted an eyebrow as he looked at his friend.

"Of there being no informed conversation. Mrs. Harrington, the lady who is sister to the angel, Miss Bennet, is a very informed woman. Half of what she said I did not understand! Perhaps it did not help that I was only looking at her sister, Miss Bennet, the entire time," Bingley smiled as the watched his angel dance.

"This Mrs. Harrington is the pretty one dancing with the man in the blue vest? She is pretty, but I doubt she is that informed. You only think that, Bingley, because you were not paying attention." Mr. Darcy frowned. He was accustomed to Mr. Bingley's tendency of selecting an angel; however, he did not like that Bingley did it.

"Perhaps, I am not certain, but let me introduce you when the set is over. I want you to meet the sisters."

"Why? I do not feel up to making small talk with strangers," Mr. Darcy replied with a small grimace on his face.

"Come, they are being escorted back to their places. Do not be like that Darcy. What will it hurt? If you cannot stand the conversation, make an excuse about needing air."

The young men walked over to the ladies who did not see them approach. Once Mr. Bingley was acknowledged, he introduced his friend from Derbyshire. The ladies smiled and welcomed them to their conversation. As Mr. Bingley began to talk more to Miss Bennet, Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Harrington were left to each other.

"Have you been enjoying the evening so far, Mr. Darcy?" Mrs. Harrington asked.

"I have been enjoying myself. I have been observing others. I prefer this to dancing."

"Indeed? I do enjoying observing others as well, but I also enjoying dancing. I prefer observing in parlors and during small parties, but not at a ball." She smiled at her companion.

"I always observe. The most interesting parts of people's characters come out during a ball. The jealousies, silliness, and flirtations are most prominent during a ball. You will find a person's true character will be shown in a ball," Mr. Darcy stated.

"Really? I thought that if one observes closely, these tendencies are shown anytime if they are part of a person's character, sir. It may show more in a ball, but the astute observer would see it anytime," Mrs. Harrington looked incredibly at Mr. Darcy. She thought him too severe!

Mr. Darcy almost glared at the lady when he replied, "I try to avoid being out in company with those who have these traits, and so the only time I am in company with those people are in balls. It is impossible to avoid such people, especially at a ball, thus that is why I only see these tendencies in such a gathering."

Mrs. Harrington smiled at her new acquaintance. She did not know how to reply without giving offence, so she only nodded. Mr. Darcy only thought this woman was too young to be so decided in her opinions, but nonetheless returned her smile.

Mrs. Harrington having a lively disposition could not help but start another conversation with the reserved, handsome man. She made an effort to keep the topics neutral so that she would not upset Mr. Darcy. As they discussed many subjects, Mr. Darcy now saw how well educated Mrs. Harrington was. He started to enjoy her conversation. He asked her opinion in a few subjects (as much as a ball would allow such conversation) and was intrigued with her depth of knowledge in many subjects. When she disagreed with him, she argued well for her side. He wondered if her husband was just as intelligent.

Before long, Mr. Harrington made his appearance. Smelling strong of spirits and tobacco, he was introduced to Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. The men all looked at each other, feeling that they knew each other. After talking, it was discovered that they attended Cambridge around the same time. Mr. Harrington being much older than them was done with his studies by the time Mr. Bingley was finishing his first year.

Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet danced the last dance. Mrs. Harrington watched happily, while Mr. Harrington talked to Mr. Darcy. Shortly after, the carriage was ordered, and the Harringtons and Miss Bennet left the ball.