Hi and hello every Jane Austin fan out there. Thank you for clicking on this story, my fourth. Less contentious than the last one I hope, although I cannot guarantee no surprises.

this story is based on the what if... Mr Bingley brought more friends to Netherfield with him.

a little insight in to my strange mind. I have always thought it strange when the pemberley housekeeper informs Elizabeth that Mr Darcy will be bringing "a large party of friends" and he turns up with his sister, his one friend and his friends sisters. Doesn't seem like "a large party" to me. Now I know that this is a line from pemberley but it got me thinking on bingley, new house, and how friendly he was. Wasn't it reasonable for him to invite more friends? I have completely made up everyone else in his party. If their characters resemble other stories I am sorry. Unintentional.

disclaimer the original story and characters belong to Jane Austin.

feel free to provide constructive criticism. Apologies for grammatical or regency errors, I endeavour to correct as I proof read but it was never my strong suit at school.

... An invitation to dine at Longborn was dispatched but Mr Bingley was obliged to be in town. Mrs Bennet was quite disconcerted. She could not imagine what business he could have in town after having so lately arrived in Hertfordshire. Lady Lucas quieted her fears a little by starting the idea of his being gone to London to get a large party of friends.

A report soon followed that Mr Bingley was to bring twelve ladies and seven gentlemen with him to the assembly. The girls grieved over such a number of ladies, but were comforted by the day before the ball on hearing, that instead of twelve he brought only six with him from London...

"His five sisters and a cousin, my dear Charlotte are you certain? And there are seven gentlemen?"

"My dear Mrs Bennet, I am only reporting what has come by way of servant gossip, it is said that six ladies arrived and they were his sisters and a cousin. The number of gentlemen was less certain, and I know nothing of their relationship to the principal."

Mrs Bennet promptly turned to Lady Lucas and they exchanged suppositions and conjectures.

Elizabeth and Charlotte listened to the exchange of their mothers, as they began to discuss such news, and sighed. Both young women were wearing equal expressions of compassion and acceptance. As long as these women were within a short walk of each other they would gossip. Elizabeth was just glad that her friend was happy to come and keep her company and they did not spend more time speculating on Mr Bingley and his party of friends than necessary.

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When the party entered the assembly room the group became the object of much attention. Due to the large number of unknown ladies and gentlemen it took a long time for reports of the individuals to circulate. It was widely believed that two or three of the ladies were sisters to the famed Mr Bingley and perhaps a cousin or two. But there were definitely some unrelated members of his party and all were eager to be told any hint of gossip.

Elizabeth was laughing with Charlotte about the absurdity of the local gentry as she watched all of the matrons of the area flutter their fans and pass information amongst each other. It was not long until Elizabeth noticed her mother waving her over and she dutifully headed to her mothers side after rolling her eyes at Charlotte.

"My dears" Mrs Bennet began "Mr Bingley is on his way over with Sir William."

"Mrs Bennet, Mr Bingley has expressed a desire to be acquainted with you and your daughters"

"How kind sir. This is my eldest, Jane, and Elizabeth. My next is there, Mary. And Kitty and Lydia you see there dancing"

"A pleasure to meet you all"

"Do you like to dance yourself sir?" Mrs Bennet was determined

"There is nothing I love better. And if you are not otherwise engaged I would ask for your hand, Miss Bennet, for the next two dances?"

"I am not engaged sir" Jane smiled beautifully at the handsome gentleman before her.

"You have brought a large party with you sir, it would suggest you have many good friends and does you credit I am sure"

At these words one of the party, a tall dark haired man stalked away. Elizabeth watched in amusement as the gentleman evidently wished to avoid an introduction.

"Yes Mrs Bennet. I am blessed with many friends and family who are visiting me. I have three sisters, you see over there" he pointed in the direction of a group of newcomers "they are stood with one of their husbands, Mr Hurst and my cousin Mr and Mrs Howson and their daughter Miss Howson." A group made their way towards Mr Bingley as he was stood conversing "And allow me to introduce some gentlemen friends of mine Mr Megash and his wife Lady Anna-Maria Megash"

Mrs Bennets eyes widened at the mention of the title, she must be the daughter of a peer of the realm. The couple greeted everyone then moved away to allow for more introductions.

"And some of my friends from Cambridge, Mr Chetham and Mr Hervey"

Murmured greetings all round as the ladies were introduced in turn.

"Miss Bennet" Mr Chetham spoke up, "might I ask for the next two dances?"

Mrs Bennet looked like she might burst with happiness with another request for Jane's hand. Jane looked embarrassed and gently spoke up

"I am sorry sir but I am already engaged for the next set"

Mr Chetham looked crestfallen but recovered and secured her hand for the two next.

Darcy had moved away from the loud woman that Bingley was being introduced to, he had agreed to accompany his friend but hadn't realised that there would be so many in attendance. He knew he had the most experience with the biggest estate but there was more than enough to people to help Bingley. He was still in agony over the events of the summer and socialising was the last thing he wanted to do. He would have stayed at Netherfield if not for the hints Miss Bingley dropped of staying with him.

He walked the room and then joined Mr and Mrs Megash who were good friends, when he saw Lady Anna-Maria smile in the direction of Bingley. He may not have done if his friend hadn't drew his attention but as it was he looked back at the group of gentlemen still stood with the Bennet ladies. Bingley was smiling, as he always did, and the blonde lady seemed to be his object, yes she would be just Mr Bingley's type. As he cast his eyes over the other ladies he noticed the look of happiness on the younger brunette Bennet lady. Darcy was struck by the direction of her gaze. She seemed to be happy for her sister. A rare look, most ladies of the ton would be jealous or calculating but she just seemed happy.

The whole group laughed at something said and he saw Mr Bingley lead the eldest Miss Bennet to the dance floor. The younger looked up in surprise as Mr Chetham obviously asked for her hand and she smiled at him before being led to the floor. Mr Darcy was struck by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes which rendered her face uncommonly intelligent.